What is the proposed methodology for a beginner in the field to master the science of Hadith and manuscript verification within two years or less, enabling him to prepare a Master's thesis?

A student of Hadith should familiarize himself with the codification of the Sunnah and its compilations, and with books on Hadith terminology such as "Al-Ba'ith Al-Hathith" and "Nukhbat Al-Fikar." He should also learn how to authenticate Hadiths, identify narrators, and understand Jarh and Ta'deel (discrediting and accrediting narrators), and refer to books such as "Ilm Ar-Rijal" (Science of Narrators) and "Dhawabit Al-Jarh wa At-Ta'deel" (Rules of Discrediting and Accrediting). Furthermore, he should study comprehensive works like "Tahreer Uloom Al-Hadith" and "Uloom Al-Hadith" by Ibn As-Salah, and frequently read books on narrators. Finally, he should devote special attention to the Six Books (Al-Kutub As-Sittah) and their commentaries.