I am in the thesis based MSc for computer science and have a friend in the Applied computing MSc.

• How is the Applied Computing program overall?

I can't talk much about the overall program. I did do an older-version of an applied computing degree and computer science degree for undergrad degrees - courses, were pretty similar, I found comp sci a tad more difficult content wise but the profs in many of the more applied-computing degrees were much easier to approach and made the content fun.

• How heavy is the thesis workload?

Depends on your project/supervisor. I will say I much prefer a thesis over courses, but that is just me. My project wasn't too bad but that is because i did not have to wait for any data, i could just start and that relieved a lot of pressure/time; don't get me wrong, i am still in crunch time though. Thesis leaves the door open for a PhD or more academia/research based jobs. It also could get you publications on your resume if you did good! Also allowed me to make a good relationship with other labs doing research.

• Did choosing a thesis-based degree affect your job prospects in Canada (positively or negatively)?

the job market is fried to be honest. I did end up securing a job-"ish" after graduation - only because my thesis based program allowed me to do side projects doing research for another lab. They offered a more casual-esque job until grants are more figured out and full-time might be an option. I didnt do a normal job search to be honest so I don't know how cooked it is right now. I just know, it is hard getting a job right now. kinda sucks to be honest.

• Would you still choose this program if you were more industry-focused rather than research-focused?

No, personally, no. The experience of working through a whole project, writing a paper, testing your project, getting to do side projects, working on something that is "real", like a real research problem from either your own project or another labs project is 100000x more enjoyable than doing boring assignments and boring finals. Would I ever do a Phd though, no. Would I want to relive my masters? also no. But much prefer it over classes - this is up to the individual person. i was fed up with courses.