This is why I prefer PhD or research degrees to Masters as the "curriculum" is more modular (i.e. I can quickly change my focus if something wasn't working out

This is why I prefer PhD or research degrees to Masters as the "curriculum" is more modular (i.e. I can quickly change my focus if something wasn't working out or learn new things without needing permission). US/Europe govt should pay people to do research degrees for 12-15 months with some screening as to ability. Run it like a library and/or makespace and remove bloated universities out of the equation. This plus some sort of machine rental or access service (e.g. pay per use) for scientific/fab equipment and open methods for peer review publication would revolutionise adult education in the sciences and engineering.