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How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on 13 June 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organised and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

Example research proposal #1: ‘A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management’
Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

The proposed title of your project
Your supervisor’s name
Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

Introduce your topic
Give necessary background and context
Outline your problem statement and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
How much is already known about the topic
What is missing from this current knowledge
What new insights your research will contribute
Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesise prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

Improving best practices
Informing policymaking decisions
Strengthening a theory or model
Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, June 13). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 20 March 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/

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How to write a successful research proposal

As the competition for PhD places is incredibly fierce, your research proposal can have a strong bearing on the success of your application - so discover how to make the best impression

What is a research proposal?

Research proposals are used to persuade potential supervisors and funders that your work is worthy of their support. These documents setting out your proposed research that will result in a Doctoral thesis are typically between 1,500 and 3,000 words in length.

Your PhD research proposal must passionately articulate what you want to research and why, convey your understanding of existing literature, and clearly define at least one research question that could lead to new or original knowledge and how you propose to answer it.

Professor Leigh Wilson, director of the graduate school at the University of Westminster, explains that while the research proposal is about work that hasn't been done yet, what prospective supervisors and funders are focusing on just as strongly is evidence of what you've done - how well you know existing literature in the area, including very recent publications and debates, and how clearly you've seen what's missing from this and so what your research can do that's new. Giving a strong sense of this background or frame for the proposed work is crucial.

'Although it's tempting to make large claims and propose research that sweeps across time and space, narrower, more focused research is much more convincing,' she adds. 'To be thorough and rigorous in the way that academic work needs to be, even something as long as a PhD thesis can only cover a fairly narrow topic. Depth not breadth is called for.'

The structure of your research proposal is therefore important to achieving this goal, yet it should still retain sufficient flexibility to comfortably accommodate any changes you need to make as your PhD progresses.

Layout and formats vary, so it's advisable to consult your potential PhD supervisor before you begin. Here's what to bear in mind when writing a research proposal.

Your provisional title should be around ten words in length, and clearly and accurately indicate your area of study and/or proposed approach. It should be catchy, informative and interesting.

The title page should also include personal information, such as your name, academic title, date of birth, nationality and contact details.

Aims and objectives

This is a short summary of your project. Your aims should be two or three broad statements that emphasise what you ultimately want to achieve, complemented by several focused, feasible and measurable objectives - the steps that you'll take to answer each of your research questions. This involves clearly and briefly outlining:

how your research addresses a gap in, or builds upon, existing knowledge
how your research links to the department that you're applying to
the academic, cultural, political and/or social significance of your research questions.

Literature review

This section of your PhD proposal discusses the most important theories, models and texts that surround and influence your research questions, conveying your understanding and awareness of the key issues and debates.

It should focus on the theoretical and practical knowledge gaps that your work aims to address, as this ultimately justifies and provides the motivation for your project.

Methodology

Here, you're expected to outline how you'll answer each of your research questions. A strong, well-written methodology is crucial, but especially so if your project involves extensive collection and significant analysis of primary data.

In disciplines such as humanities the research proposal methodology identifies the data collection and analytical techniques available to you, before justifying the ones you'll use in greater detail. You'll also define the population that you're intending to examine.

You should also show that you're aware of the limitations of your research, qualifying the parameters that you plan to introduce. Remember, it's more impressive to do a fantastic job of exploring a narrower topic than a decent job of exploring a wider one.

Concluding or following on from your methodology, your timetable should identify how long you'll need to complete each step - perhaps using bi-weekly or monthly timeslots. This helps the reader to evaluate the feasibility of your project and shows that you've considered how you'll go about putting the PhD proposal into practice.

Bibliography

Finally, you'll provide a list of the most significant texts, plus any attachments such as your academic CV . Demonstrate your skills in critical reflection by selecting only those resources that are most appropriate.

Final checks

Before submitting this document along with your PhD application, you'll need to ensure that you've adhered to the research proposal format. This means that:

every page is numbered
it's professional, interesting and informative
the research proposal has been proofread by both an experienced academic (to confirm that it conforms to academic standards) and a layman (to correct any grammatical or spelling errors)
it has a contents page
you've used a clear and easy-to-read structure, with appropriate headings.

Research proposal examples

To get a better idea of how your PhD proposal may look, some universities have provided examples of research proposals for specific subjects:

The Open University - Social Policy and Criminology
University of Sheffield - Sociological Studies
University of Sussex
University of York - Politics

Find out more

Explore PhD studentships .
For tips on writing a thesis, see 7 steps to writing a dissertation .
Read more about PhD study .

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How to write your research proposal

A key part of your application is your research proposal. Whether you are applying for a self-funded or studentship you should follow the guidance below.

If you are looking specifically for advice on writing your PhD by published work research proposal, read our guide .

You are encouraged to contact us to discuss the availability of supervision in your area of research before you make a formal application, by visiting our areas of research .

What is your research proposal used for and why is it important?

It is used to establish whether there is expertise to support your proposed area of research
It forms part of the assessment of your application
The research proposal you submit as part of your application is just the starting point, as your ideas evolve your proposed research is likely to change

How long should my research proposal be?

It should be 2,000–3,500 words (4-7 pages) long.

What should be included in my research proposal?

Your proposal should include the following:

your title should give a clear indication of your proposed research approach or key question

2. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

You should include:

the background and issues of your proposed research
identify your discipline
a short literature review
a summary of key debates and developments in the field

3. RESEARCH QUESTION(S)

You should formulate these clearly, giving an explanation as to what problems and issues are to be explored and why they are worth exploring

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

You should provide an outline of:

the theoretical resources to be drawn on
the research approach (theoretical framework)
the research methods appropriate for the proposed research
a discussion of advantages as well as limits of particular approaches and methods

5. PLAN OF WORK & TIME SCHEDULE

You should include an outline of the various stages and corresponding time lines for developing and implementing the research, including writing up your thesis.

For full-time study your research should be completed within three years, with writing up completed in the fourth year of registration.

For part-time study your research should be completed within six years, with writing up completed by the eighth year.

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY

a list of references to key articles and texts discussed within your research proposal
a selection of sources appropriate to the proposed research

Fees and funding.

How much will it cost to study a research degree?

Research degrees

Find out if you can apply for a Research Degree at the University of Westminster.

Research degree by distance learning

Find out about Research Degree distance learning options at the University of Westminster.

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Research projects & dissertations

Developing a research proposal.

The following guide has been created for you by the Student Learning Advisory Service . For more detailed guidance and to speak to one of our advisers, please book an appointment or join one of our workshops . Alternatively, have a look at our SkillBuilder skills videos.

What is a research proposal

A research proposal outlines a case for undertaking a piece of research and how it will be carried out. Research proposals are an important first step in any research project. The process of drafting a proposal, negotiating a way forward with your supervisor/tutor and then redrafting, can be lengthy. However, it is important to remember that your supervisor/tutor is responsible for ensuring that your proposal:

has a specific research question or enquiry.
meets the academic requirements of your course.
is feasible in the available time and with the available resources.

Departmental procedures for Research Proposals vary across the university. ALWAYS check your course documentation for precise information about the forms to be completed and deadlines for submission. If in doubt, check with your supervisor.

Components of a research proposal

Word counts and structure vary, but on average they are usually between 1500 to 2000 words and include the following:

Research context and rationale for research

Research issue and questions

Proposed research methodology, use of research findings.

Initial bibliography

Time plan/schedule

Before you submit a research proposal check whether there is a prescribed format for the application and, if there is, follow it, even if it differs from what is described in this guide.

Key components of a research proposal explained:

Sum up the objective of the research and the proposed methodology concisely.

Research context and rationale

Explain (supported with research) the situation that has led to the need for the research (e.g. when, what, who, why) and the reasons why this research is necessary. Also consider your own background and clarify how you are particularly well-placed or qualified to undertake this research.

Explain the key issues or gaps in knowledge that your research will address. Indicate what core questions your research will be answering.

Explain your research design using research to justify your decisions. Typical areas of discussion:

How research questions relate to approaches to research design in the field
Sample group and sample methods, supported with research
Measurement instruments or data collection procedures to be used, supported with research on why, how and when these instruments/approaches are generally used, consider strengths and weaknesses
Data analysis techniques to be used, supported with research on why, how and when these techniques are generally used, consider strengths and weaknesses

Explain how your research will be used. For example, it may resolve theoretical issues in your field, or lead to the development of new theoretical models; it may affect the ways in which people working in the field operate in future, or influence politicians and other decision makers. Back up your arguments with details in order to build up a case for supporting the research. Give brief details of any immediate applications of your research, including any further research that may be done to build on your findings.

A bibliography

As in any piece of academic writing, you should list the articles and texts to which you have referred to in your proposal.

Draw up a schedule that reflects a realistic appreciation of the time your research will take to complete. Do not be over-optimistic when working out time frames.

Postgraduate
PhD and Professional Doctorates
How to apply

Writing a research proposal

Your research proposal is the most important part of your doctoral application. Find out how to write a proposal for your own research, for advertised PhD projects, and for Professional Doctorates.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is the beginning of your doctoral project. The proposal outlines the intended focus of your research, the question you intend to explore, and the possibilities.

Doctoral research should be an original contribution to an academic field, and the research proposal should demonstrate that.

Receive guidance on perfecting your proposal and about the application process at our PhD application workshop on Monday 22 April 2024, 4pm - 6pm.

Research proposal structure

A research proposal should be concise and direct - the panel won’t be expecting you to know all the answers yet, but they need to see the need for the project, your planned approach or methodology, and its potential impact. Make sure your proposal includes these elements:

a relevant title for the project - the first step in writing your proposal is to decide on a title that clearly indicates the focus of your research.
an outline of your chosen research question or focus - this should be outlined at the beginning of your proposal, clearly stating any factors that make the project unique.
a brief overview of existing academic work on or connected to your topic - all proposals should include this, and a clear reason as to why your project will differ or add something new.
details of the methodology you intend to use - your proposal should also include your plan for the research over the course of your degree and what's called your 'research impact' - the effect your research will have beyond academia.

Your research proposal should be no more than 1500 words (not including references). Once you’ve drafted your proposal, ask your potential supervisor for feedback and work on any edits alongside them. Once both you and your supervisor are happy with the proposal, you can submit your application.

Top three tips for your research proposal

1. be distinct.

Amplify the originality of your research, particularly if your work will spotlight an underrepresented area of research or offer a new perspective on a major issue. Outline the need for your research and any elements that might facilitate real-world change.

2. Maximise the potential

How will your project contribute to the research community? Will it have potential for public engagement or be of benefit to a certain community? What could the outcomes be?

Demonstrate your project's scope in your proposal to help it stand out to a decision panel, and to highlight your potential as a researcher.

3. Show your skill

Use your proposal to demonstrate your knowledge of the field, your grasp of methodologies and key concepts, and your abilities as a researcher. Make sure your research plan is feasible and shows your understanding of research practice. The panel will be looking out for good planning and project management.

Research proposals for named PhD projects

Make sure you state which of the projects you are choosing to apply for. Your statement should be concise, with your key points clearly emphasised and detailed. This will help you make a strong impression on the application panel.

Your proposal should provide an outline that demonstrates your understanding of the research project you are applying for, its goals and potential impact, and the approach that you would take as a doctoral candidate. Demonstrate your knowledge of the field and current academic work on the topic and outline what sort of methodology you would choose.

For example, what do you think would be the best way to collect data for the project, and why? Include any potential avenues you would pursue, sharing the project’s research outcomes and possible long-term impacts you could facilitate. Make sure that your proposal has a clear plan for undertaking the research in the proposed timeframe. Your potential supervisor may be able to offer guidance on this.

The statement should be 1500 words, not including any references or appendices.

Personal statements for Professional Doctorates

The researcher is at the heart of any research project - what is about this research that inspires you? Does your personal or professional background give you a unique insight?

Your personal statement should be a snapshot of you as an individual, your professional identity and your experience. The purpose is to demonstrate to the panel that you have the potential to be an excellent researcher and that you are the right person for your proposed project.

Ready to apply?

When you’ve thought about your proposal, the next step is to submit your application. Read our guide on how to apply.

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Writing a research proposal

How to write a research proposal.

For many subjects, writing a research proposal is a key part of your postgraduate research degree application. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and how you want to contribute to the subject.

We use the proposal to match your interest with an appropriate supervisor to make sure you have the best support during your degree. We are looking for originality and relevance when assessing the overall quality of your application, including your suitability for this level of study.

We highly recommend that you explore which academic researchers are working in your subject area and contact them first with any questions, this is a good opportunity to firm up your ideas, further explore the topic and talk with others in your field.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is a concise and coherent document, usually between 1500 – 2000 words, maximum 4 x A4 pages. You should outline your proposed research project, why it is of relevance (rationale), what research questions are you going to ask, what you hope to achieve (aims and objectives) and how you plan to carry out your research (methodology).

Step-by-step

This page is your comprehensive guide to writing a research proposal and will cover seven key elements of a proposal:

Working title

You should include a title for your thesis in the proposal.

Your title may change as you further your research, but at this stage it's important to state succinctly what your research will cover.

Introduction

Briefly identify your idea, what is your ‘research question’?

It could be the theory you want to test, or a more open question. It would be useful to give examples, 3-5 research questions from recently completed PhDs in a relevant field. You should discuss the context around your research topic, such as current debates and issues. The important thing here is that you introduce your research project with clarity and in a way that stimulates your reader’s interest.

Demonstrate the significance of your research project.

To do this, explain why your research is important, what makes it original and how it will contribute to existing knowledge within its field.

Aims and objectives

What are you hoping to achieve with your research?

Try and produce four or five bullet points of objectives for each aim, which demonstrate your understanding of how to meet your research aims. You can use the SMART acronym to support you in creating objectives, which involves making your objectives: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time specific.

Literature Review

Demonstrate your knowledge and awareness of relevant literature

A literature review is a discussion and evaluation of academic literature or a relevant body of knowledge (for practice-based research). You should use this section of your proposal to show that you are familiar with work in your chosen topic area and that your research will contribute something new and/or meaningful to it.

Methodology

Explain how you plan to carry out your research

The methodology section of your research proposal is where you explain how you plan to carry out your research. This should include the research techniques and methods you will use, why these are most appropriate and how you will implement them. You should also include a discussion of the research strategy (general approach) you will adopt, with appropriate justification, including the analytical approach. The section should also contain the range of research findings that will be gathered from the research and how you will analyse or evaluate this. For practice based research, include how will your portfolio of artefacts, code, software, compositions, computer games etc. articulate the originality of your research?

Reference all the materials you used in the preparation your proposal

You may also list references that you didn't directly draw upon, to demonstrate awareness of literature relating to your proposed material.

Support from academic staff in drafting your research proposal

Your research proposal will be read by academics with an interest in your field of research. You are therefore encouraged to contact members of academic staff informally prior to submitting your application to discuss to your research proposal. This can often speed up the applications process, as you can identify the member(s) of staff you have spoken to on your research degree application form.

Use the Huddersfield Research Portal to browse academic staff profiles and search using key words to find staff members who share your research interests.

Changing aspects of your research proposal after gaining a place as a research student

Your research proposal is your starting point, and we understand that as your idea develop s , your proposed research is likely to change. As such, you will not be obliged to adhere to the specifics of your proposal if you are offered a place as a research degree candidate at Huddersfield. However, as the proposal is the foundation of your working relationship with your supervisor(s), you will need to discuss any changes with them first.

Useful tips for writing a research proposal

Maintain a focus in your proposal: Your research proposal should be clear and concise, outlining your research idea and its benefits to your chosen field of study, in a way that the reader can clearly understand. Remember, your proposal is just the starting point and an outline and does not need to be overly complicated.
Share your proposal: Ask someone you trust (a friend, family member, tutor) to read your proposal and provide some feedback. Do they understand what your research is about? Do they think your aims and objectives are achievable? Does your research engage them?
Align your proposal topic with University research themes: Whilst it is important to choose a research topic that you are passionate about, your proposal will be assessed (in part) on its fit with our University research themes. You therefore need to choose a topic which aligns with topics of interest to the University or academic school you hoping to work within and make it clear how your project matches up with them.
Be realistic in your proposal: Your proposal is assessed not only on its quality, originality and fit with our research themes but also the likelihood of completion, so make sure that the scope of your research project is reasonable and realistic .
Take your time when writing your proposal: There are a lot of elements to a high-quality research proposal, so take the time to ensure that you meet them all. At the University of Huddersfield, there are three opportunities for enrolling onto a research degree programme during the academic year (October, January, and April), meaning less time pressure when working on your proposal and application.

Once you have written your proposal, what next?

Once you have written your research proposal you will need to complete an application form. Look at our how to apply webpage for more information.

How to apply for a research degree

Our step-by-step guide will help you to make the most out of your application for a research degree

Scholarships and funding

Explore our funding options, including scholarships and Doctoral Loans.

Imperial College London Imperial College London

Writing a research proposal

If your supervisor asks you to formalise your idea as a research proposal (this is not always a requirement) this needs to define a clear research question.

You should also be prepared to explain how this contributes to and develops (or challenges) any existing theories in the field.

It’s important to tailor your proposal to the department you’re applying to.

Different departments may also have different format requirements (e.g. word limit, content) so it’s important to discuss these with your potential supervisor in advance.

For more general advice on how to write a good proposal, see FindaPhd.com .

Department of Sociological Studies

Writing a research proposal

Guidelines on preparing a thesis proposal to support your application.

These guidelines are intended to assist you in developing and writing a thesis proposal. Applications for admission to a research degree cannot be dealt with unless they contain a proposal.

Your proposal will help us to make sure that:

The topic is viable
That the department can provide appropriate supervision and other necessary support
You have thought through your interest in and commitment to a piece of research
You are a suitable candidate for admission

The process of producing a proposal is usually also essential if you need to apply for funding to pay your fees or support yourself whilst doing your research. Funding bodies will often need to be reassured that you are committed to a viable project at a suitable university.

The research proposal – an outline

Your proposal should be typed double-spaced, if possible, and be between 1,000 and 2,000 words. Your PhD proposal can be added under the 'Supporting Documents' section of the Postgraduate Applications Online System .

Your proposal should contain at least the following elements:

A provisional title
A key question, hypothesis or the broad topic for investigation
An outline of the key aims of the research
A brief outline of key literature in the area [what we already know]
A description of the topic and an explanation of why further research in the area is important [the gap in the literature - what we need to know]
Details of how the research will be carried out, including any special facilities / resources etc. which would be required and any necessary skills which you either have already or would need to acquire [the tools that will enable us to fill the gap you have identified]
A plan and timetable of the work you will carry out

For more detailed information on each element of your research proposal, see our extended guidance document .

Three additional points:

Try to be concise. Do not write too much – be as specific as you can but not wordy. It is a difficult balance to strike.
Bear in mind that the proposal is a starting point. If you are registered to read for a PhD you will be able to work the proposal through with your supervisor in more detail in the early months.
Take a look at the Department’s staff profiles, research centres, and research clusters. Can you identify possible supervisors and intellectual support networks within the Department?

Examples of Successful PhD Proposals

PhD sample proposal 1
PhD sample proposal 2
PhD sample proposal 3
PhD sample proposal 4
PhD sample proposal 5
PhD sample proposal 6
PhD sample proposal 7
PhD sample proposal 8

Related information

Applying for a PhD

Our Research Themes

Our Research Areas

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

Writing your research proposal

The purpose of the research proposal is to demonstrate that the research you wish to undertake is significant, necessary and feasible, that you will be able to make an original contribution to the field, and that the project can be completed within the normal time period. Some general guidelines and advice on structuring your proposal are provided below. Research proposals should be between 1,000 and 3,000 words depending on the programme (excluding the reference list/bibliography).

Title sheet

Topic statement, research aims, review of the literature, study design / theoretical orientation, research methods, tentative chapter outline, references/bibliography.

Applying for a research degree

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How to Write a Research Proposal

As part of the application for admission onto our MJur, MPhil and PhD programmes, you must prepare a research proposal outlining your proposed area of study.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research. It sets out the central issues or questions that you intend to address. It outlines the general area of study within which your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on the topic. It also demonstrates the originality of your proposed research.

The proposal is the most important document that you submit as part of the application process. It gives you an opportunity to demonstrate that you have the aptitude for graduate level research, for example, by demonstrating that you have the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely and critically. The proposal also helps us to match your research interest with an appropriate supervisor.

What should you include in the proposal?

Regardless of whether you are applying for the MJur, MPhil or PhD programmes, your research proposal should normally include the following information:

This is just a tentative title for your intended research. You will be able to revise your title during the course of your research if you are accepted for admission.

Examples of the thesis titles of some of our current and recent research students can be seen on our Current Projects page .

2. Abstract

The proposal should include a concise statement of your intended research of no more than 100 words. This may be a couple of sentences setting out the problem that you want to examine or the central question that you wish to address.

3. Research Context

You should explain the broad background against which you will conduct your research. You should include a brief overview of the general area of study within which your proposed research falls, summarising the current state of knowledge and recent debates on the topic. This will allow you to demonstrate a familiarity with the relevant field as well as the ability to communicate clearly and concisely.

4. Research Questions

The proposal should set out the central aims and questions that will guide your research. Before writing your proposal, you should take time to reflect on the key questions that you are seeking to answer. Many research proposals are too broad, so reflecting on your key research questions is a good way to make sure that your project is sufficiently narrow and feasible (i.e. one that is likely to be completed with the normal period for a MJur, MPhil or PhD degree).

You might find it helpful to prioritize one or two main questions, from which you can then derive a number of secondary research questions. The proposal should also explain your intended approach to answering the questions: will your approach be empirical, doctrinal or theoretical etc?

5. Research Methods

The proposal should outline your research methods, explaining how you are going to conduct your research. Your methods may include visiting particular libraries or archives, field work or interviews.

Most research is library-based. If your proposed research is library-based, you should explain where your key resources (e.g. law reports, journal articles) are located (in the Law School’s library, Westlaw etc). If you plan to conduct field work or collect empirical data, you should provide details about this (e.g. if you plan interviews, who will you interview? How many interviews will you conduct? Will there be problems of access?). This section should also explain how you are going to analyse your research findings.

6. Significance of Research

The proposal should demonstrate the originality of your intended research. You should therefore explain why your research is important (for example, by explaining how your research builds on and adds to the current state of knowledge in the field or by setting out reasons why it is timely to research your proposed topic).

7. Bibliography

The proposal should include a short bibliography identifying the most relevant works for your topic.

How long should the proposal be?

The proposal should usually be around 2,500 words. It is important to bear in mind that specific funding bodies might have different word limits.

Can the School comment on my draft proposal?

We recognise that you are likely still developing your research topic. We therefore recommend that you contact a member of our staff with appropriate expertise to discuss your proposed research. If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we will give you advice on a draft of your research proposal before you make a formal application. For details of our staff and there areas of expertise please visit our staff pages .

Read a sample proposal from a successful application

Learn more about Birmingham's doctoral research programmes in Law:

Birmingham Law School is home to a broad range of internationally excellent and world-leading legal academics, with a thriving postgraduate research community. The perfect place for your postgraduate study.

Law PhD / PhD by Distance Learning / MPhil / MJur

School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies

How to write a phd research proposal.

In order to help you with your application, the information below aims to give some guidance on how a typical research proposal might look.

Your research proposal is a concise statement (up to 3,000 words) of the rationale for your research proposal, the research questions to be answered and how you propose to address them. We know that during the early stages of your PhD you are likely to refine your thinking and methodology in discussion with your supervisors.

However, we want to see that you can construct a fairly rigorous, high quality research proposal.

We use your research proposal to help us decide whether you would be a suitable candidate to study at PhD level. We therefore assess your proposal on its quality, originality, and coherence. It also helps us to decide if your research interests match those of academics in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS) and whether they would be able to provide suitably qualified supervision for your proposed research.

Format of the research proposal

Your proposal should include the following:

Title. A short, indicative title is best.

Abstract. This is a succinct summary of your research proposal (approximately 200-300 words) that will present a condensed outline, enabling the reader to get a very quick overview of your proposed project, lines of inquiry and possible outcomes. An abstract is often written last, after you have written the proposal and are able to summarise it effectively.

Rationale for the research project. This might include a description of the question/debate/phenomenon of interest; an explanation of why the topic is of interest to you; and an outline of the reasons why the topic should be of interest to research and/ or practice (the 'so what?' question).

Aims and initial research question. What are the aims and objectives of the research? State clearly the puzzle you are addressing, and the research question that you intend to pursue. It is acceptable to have multiple research questions, but it is a good idea to clarify which is the main research question. If you have hypotheses, discuss them here. A research proposal can and should make a positive and persuasive first impression and demonstrate your potential to become a good researcher. In particular, you need to demonstrate that you can think critically and analytically as well as communicate your ideas clearly.

Research context for your proposed project. Provide a short introduction to your area of interest with a succinct, selective and critical review of the relevant literature. Demonstrate that you understand the theoretical underpinnings and main debates and issues in your research area and how your proposed research will make an original and necessary contribution to this. You need to demonstrate how your proposed research will fill a gap in existing knowledge.

Intended methodology. Outline how you plan to conduct the research and the data sources that you will use. We do not expect you to have planned a very detailed methodology at this stage, but you need to provide an overview of how you will conduct your research (qualitative and/or quantitative methods) and why this methodology is suited for your proposed study. You need to be convincing about the appropriateness and feasibility of the approaches you are suggesting, and reflective about problems you might encounter (including ethical and data protection issues) in collecting and analysing your data.

Expected outcomes and impact. How do you think the research might add to existing knowledge; what might it enable organisations or interested parties to do differently? Increasingly in academia (and this is particularly so for ESRC-funded studentships), PhD students are being asked to consider how their research might contribute to both academic impact and/or economic and societal impact. (This is well explained on the ESRC website if you would like to find out more.) Please consider broader collaborations and partnerships (academic and non-academic) that will support your research. Collaborative activity can lead to a better understanding of the ways in which academic research can translate into practice and it can help to inform and improve the quality of your research and its impact.

Timetable. What is your initial estimation of the timetable of the dissertation? When will each of the key stages start and finish (refining proposal; literature review; developing research methods; fieldwork; analysis; writing the draft; final submission). There are likely to overlaps between the stages.

Why Bristol? Why – specifically – do you want to study for your PhD at Bristol ? How would you fit into the School's research themes and research culture . You do not need to identify supervisors at the application stage although it can be helpful if you do.

Bibliography. Do make sure that you cite what you see as the key readings in the field. This does not have to be comprehensive but you are illustrating the range of sources you might use in your research.

We expect your research proposal to be clear, concise and grammatically correct. Prior to submitting your research proposal, please make sure that you have addressed the following issues:

Have you included a clear summary of what the proposed research is about and why it is significant?
Have you clearly identified what your proposed research will add to our understanding of theory, knowledge or research design?
Does it state what contributions it will make to policy and/or practice?
Does the proposal clearly explain how you will do the research?
Is the language clear and easy to understand by someone who is not an expert in the field?
Is the grammar and spelling correct?

Guidance on how to write a research proposal

This guide will help you to write an excellent postgraduate research proposal.

It will enable you to think about your proposed PhD research in a clear, structured and meaningful way. A successful research proposal will depend on many factors including:

the nature of your proposed research
the quality of your ideas
your ability to commit to and focus on an intensive period of research study
the effectiveness of your research proposal in communicating your ideas and the match between the proposed research and the potential supervisor.

Why a research proposal is important

The quality of your research proposal will play a significant role in your application, and thus a considerable factor in the university’s decision to accept you onto a PhD programme.

In short, the better your proposal, the better your chances of being accepted. So make it your finest work.

Help us get to know you

Your research proposal is a crucial part of the PhD application process, so it’s certainly worth investing your time and energy into it. A good proposal needs to outline the aims of your PhD study and give some indication of how you will conduct your proposed research.

Remember, a research proposal is about what you want to achieve; it immediately reflects your initial understanding of, and commitment to, PhD level learning. A research proposal can and should make a positive and powerful first impression about your potential to become a good researcher.

Your research proposal should demonstrate two key things:

that you are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis
that you are capable of communicating your ideas clearly

At this stage of the application process, your title will be first thing that will be read, so it is really important.Think about key words which describe your idea and how best to arrange them attractively; a clear title will make your proposal stand out. If you will be sponsored to undertake your PhD please indicate any requirements your sponsor has regarding your research topic and its title. This increases the likelihood of any offer we are able to make you which meets the needs of your sponsor.

Your proposal should include a concise summary of your intended research (max. 250 words). This should set out the central question which you wish to address. This summary will also be required on the online application form.

You should explain the broad background against which you will conduct your research. This section should include a brief overview of the area of study within which your proposed research would fall, summarising recent notable debates and publications on the topic and current knowledge in the field.

This section should explain the central aims and questions that will guide your research. Remember: it’s important to reflect on your key research question to make sure your research proposal is sufficiently focused and also possible to complete in the timeframe. For example, you could consider the main milestones for each year of your PhD, any challenges you might encounter and how you might overcome them.

The proposal should outline and justify your research methods. For many disciplines, the majority of research is desk based. If this is your case, you will need to articulate which online resources or books will help shape your project. If you plan to conduct field work or collect empirical data, you should provide details about this. This section should also explain how you hope to analyse your research findings.

Significance

PhDs are awarded for original research which adds to an existing body of knowledge. Therefore, a strong research proposal will demonstrate the originality of your intended research. You should therefore explain why your research is important and how it contributes to the existing knowledge in your field. It is in this section that you should be really trying to sell your idea and its value to the academic community, so be persuasive but also realistic.

Bibliography

Your proposal should include a short bibliography identifying the most relevant sources for your topic and any references that you have included in the proposal.

Before you submit your proposal

Refine and edit your proposal a number of times before it is submitted. It’s important to demonstrate that you have given your proposal a lot of individual attention and care.

Demonstrate a clear sense of the purpose and direction of your research project.

Double-check your spelling and grammar – your proposal should be well written.

Ensure you leave the reader interested, excited and wanting to find out more about your ideas... and about you!

Common mistakes: ignoring or neglecting the wider academic context.

Losing focus – remember to be persuasive and go into detail about your major arguments.

Poor proof-reading – ensure you have referenced or cited consistently and checked your spelling and grammar.

Remember that your research proposal should leave a positive first impression about your ability to complete a PhD with us. It is your project, so it is important to demonstrate leadership in this first stage of the application process. An excellent proposal should leave the reader feeling in no doubt that you are ready to tackle the challenges of a PhD.

School of Social Sciences

How to write a research proposal

You will need to submit a research proposal with your PhD application. This is crucial in the assessment of your application and it warrants plenty of time and energy.

Your proposal should outline your project and be around 1,500 words.

Your research proposal should include a working title for your project.

Overview of the research

In this section, you should provide a short overview of your research. You should also state how your research fits into the research priorities of your particular subject area.

Here you can refer to the research areas and priorities of a particular research grouping or supervisor.

You must also state precisely why you have chosen to apply to the discipline area and how your research links into our overall profile.

Positioning of the research

This should reference the most important texts related to the research, demonstrate your understanding of the research issues, and identify existing gaps (both theoretical and practical) that the research is intended to address.

Research design and methodology

This section should identify the information that is necessary to carry out the analysis and the possible research techniques that could deliver the information.

Ethical considerations

You should identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research. Please discuss your research with your proposed supervisor to see how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance, and ensure that your proposed supervisor is happy for you to proceed with your application.

Your research proposal will be used to assess the quality and originality of your ideas, whether you are able to think critically and whether you have a grasp of the relevant literature. It also gives us important information about the perspectives you intend to take on your research area, and how you fit into the department's research profile overall. This is helpful when assigning a supervisor.

If you are applying to study an Economics postgraduate research programme, our advice and requirements are slightly different:

How to write an economics proposal

Supervisors

We encourage you to discuss your proposal informally with a potential supervisor before making a formal application to ensure it is of mutual interest.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to allocate you to the supervisor you initially contact and that we may allocate you to another expert in the area.

Find a supervisor

Flexibility

You will not be forced to follow the proposal exactly once you have started to study. It is normal for students to refine their original proposal, in light of detailed literature review, further consideration of research approaches and comments received from your supervisors (and other academic staff).

Pitfalls to avoid

We sometimes have to reject students who meet the academic requirements but have not produced a satisfactory research proposal, therefore:

Make sure that your research idea, question or problem is very clearly stated and well-grounded in academic research.
Make sure that your proposal is well focused and conforms exactly to the submission requirements described here.
Poorly specified, jargon-filled or rambling proposals will not convince us that you have a clear idea of what you want to do.

The University uses electronic systems to detect plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for assessment. All Humanities PhD programmes require the submission of a research proposal as part of the application process. The Doctoral Academy upholds the principle that where a candidate approaches the University with a project of study, this should be original. While it is understandable that research may arise out of previous studies, it is vital that your research proposal is not the subject of plagiarism.

Example proposals

Philosophy - Example 1
Philosophy - Example 2
Politics - Example 1
Politics - Example 2
Social Anthropology - Example 1
Social Anthropology - Example 2
Social Statistics - Example 1
Social Statistics - Example 2
Sociology - Example 1
Sociology - Example 2

Further help

The following books may help you to prepare your research proposal (as well as in doing your research degree).

Bell, J. (1999): Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education & Social Science , (Oxford University Press, Oxford).
Baxter, L, Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2001): How to Research , (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
Cryer, P. (2000): The Research Student's Guide to Success , (Open University, Milton Keynes).
Delamont, S., Atkinson, P. and Parry, O. (1997): Supervising the PhD , (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
Philips, E. and Pugh, D. (2005): How to get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors , (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).

If you need help and advice about your application, contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.

Admissions contacts

University guidelines

You may also find it useful to read the advice and guidance on the University website about writing a proposal for your research degree application.

Visit the University website

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March 19th, 2024

Phd: navigating your research proposal.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Research is seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought.

One of my mentors told me this adage when I asked him for guidance on writing my research proposal. As I was making the leap between universities and areas of study, I found it especially clarifying. My research proposal needed to demonstrate that I was familiar with preceding scholarship in my field and that I could make my own unique contribution. Along the way, I found that writing the research proposal also had another crucial element: it established my relationship with my prospective supervisor. Ultimately, it is important to lean into these experiences, as they form the bridge from receiving knowledge to creating it.

Finding mentorship

Approaching the task of writing a research proposal can be daunting. It helps to find a mentor to provide advice on which preceding scholarship to examine, new directions in your field, or even just the practical concerns of structure and writing style. Be open to asking your professors or current research postgraduates for help. I found that my academic advisor for my master’s programme was happy to help in each of these respects, even though he specialised in a different field entirely. The support he offered was crucial in the first steps of this challenging task.

Know your field

Essentially, the primary purpose of a research proposal is to identify a gap in the preceding scholarship. Some fields are bigger than others, so the amount of reading you need to do will vary. Regardless, it’s important to set aside a lot of time to digest what’s been said, then take a critical lens to look for weak points. Maybe scholars have neglected a cutting-edge theoretical framework, or a trove of new primary sources have recently become available. Or you may want to look for gaps in data or a problem which has yet to be resolved. This is only possible if you know your field. My field of history is quite large, so I spent a lot of time reading preceding scholarship. I went into this process with a few ideas of the gaps which existed in the field, but as I read my perspective changed. Some of the gaps I’d expected had already been filled or were not important enough to engage with. However, I persevered and found my current PhD topic after a few months of research. The amount of time and consideration I gave to knowing my field paid off in the end, so I recommend others take a similar approach.

Articulate significance

It’s not enough to identify a gap, you must also articulate its significance. Sometimes scholars don’t engage with certain subjects because they do not see them as worthy of attention, or there may not be a clear source of data to engage with. The research proposal is a chance to create space for yourself within the field, so explain why the gap should be filled. You also need to explain how your research is feasible. What data or sources will you use? Do you have a unique language ability, or a special familiarity with the subject? Some topics have a clearer significance and feasibility than others. In writing my research proposal, I went to great lengths to describe how I would use new sources, take the field in an important direction, and why I was equipped as a scholar to do it. Articulating this clearly and confidently remains important even during my PhD programme.

Communicate with your supervisor

For many of you — myself included — the research proposal process may be the first time you engage with your prospective supervisor. Once you have a seed of an idea for your topic, it’s important to communicate openly. Your prospective supervisor will tell you if it’s feasible, if it’s within their expertise, and provide advice on how to improve it. As you adopt their suggestions and your ideas blossom into a full research proposal, your prospective supervisor may provide additional support. This can be a valuable time to establish a productive relationship and ensure that your ideas are sound.

Though the research proposal can be a challenging first step, it sets the stage for later success.

About the author

Jack is an MPhil/PhD student in the Department of International History, researching the history of diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States. Outside of his studies, he's currently trying to eat food from every country in the world while staying in London.

Developing your research proposal: writing the story

November 3rd, 2023.

Managing your PhD without burning out

May 21st, 2023.

What makes a “good” PhD student?

October 7th, 2022.

Master’s and PhD Students – How and Why You Should Publish Your Work

March 12th, 2022.

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Understanding assessment requirements

Learn to understand and meet assessment requirements.

Titles and instructions
Plan your assignment

Develop a research proposal

Titles and instructions .

You may be given essay or assignment titles which you will need to interpret. If you are setting your own title, you still need to make sure the writing matches the title. The title is not simply an invitation to write anything you like about the topic. It will be asking for something specific, and is often closely related to the module content and the module reading. 

What should I read for this assignment?

Reading is a very important part of any assignment. Start with the recommended reading lists for the module, and for the session(s) which relate to this title (if relevant). Although you will need to read more widely, do not try to 'start from scratch', or you will risk spending a lot of time searching through unrelated material. Start with your reading list, as the tutors have recommended these articles and books for a reason!

How can I analyse the title?

You can analyse your title using the following questions:

Which theory (or theories) is this question asking for?

Can you think of theories from the module which relate to this question?

What perspective(s) could you use to answer this question? Which perspective seems most suitable for you to use?

For example, a policy perspective, a critical race perspective, the perspective of the children, the perspective of a researcher.

What would you need to add to the question to be able to answer it? 

For example, you may need to add the particular perspective you will use, or any definitions of terms. 

Which terms would need to be defined for the purposes of your essay?

The "Definitions" section in Argument, voice and structure may help.

What position(s) could you take with relation to this question? 

How could you actually answer the question? Is it a question where you could say yes/ no/ to some extent? Is it a question asking for a solution, or is it simply asking whether something is a problem? This is another way of saying what is your main thesis, or your main point.

Which examples could you use to help illustrate, support or explain your claims? 

You may decide to use a combination of examples from your reading, examples from real-life experience, or even hypothetical examples. Remember that these examples will have different levels of importance within the essay.

These example title formats may help you to devise your own title. You can also analyse them using the questions above, to help understand what tutors might expect when they set a title.

"The model of how people make choices presented by Krishnamurthy and Nagpal (2010) is too rational to be useful".  Discuss.
To what extent might marketers be able to affect the decisions which consumers make?
Is there a solution to the problem of our insufficient understanding of how people make decisions?
What is the relationship between the order people view products, and their final choice of product?  Discuss the possible significance of this relationship.
With reference to at least TWO studies, compare approaches to the study of how people make decisions.
To what extent are you convinced by Bruce's (2011) position regarding approaches to decision making?

Plan your assigment

Follow the basic steps below to plan your assignment.

1. Check the assessment criteria

Check the current student handbook (you will need to download the pdf file from the Moodle page for your course). Search for the criteria in the handbook using the 'Search' function. Please look at these criteria before you start writing your assignment.

2. Address the question/assignment/instructions

It is important to address the question(s) or instructions as directly as possible. Follow these three steps:

Analyse the question/title

What type of question, title, or instruction is it? Is it a yes/no question? Is it a why question? Is it an open question? Is it asking you to critically discuss an issue? Are there two sides? (Are there more than two sides?) Is it asking for a comparison? Is it asking for an evaluation of evidence? Is it asking for a discussion of a causal relationship (a relationship of cause and effect/contributing factors)? Is it asking for a critical discussion of an article or book chapter?

Try to look past the details and identify what the simplest form of the question/ instruction is. In simple terms, what might the answer to this question be? What evidence would be needed to support this type of answer? ("Yes, because...")

Generally, assignment instructions are not invitations to discuss an issue in a roundabout way. They are asking for a direct response. Try to identify what type of response is required. You also need to pay attention to what type of information will be required when answering the question. Are there any particular theories which you will need to refer to?

Are there any terms in the title which need to be defined, for the purposes of your discussion? This might include terms which can have different meanings in different circumstances. You can probably find definitions of terms in one of the recommended books, by looking in the introduction or first chapter.

Gather information

Before you can write your answer to the question, you need to gather information. In an academic context, this means information from relevant textbooks, journal articles, or published research reports or government policies. If you have a reading list from the course tutor, look at the recommended books on the reading list, and identify which will be relevant to your question. If you are not provided with a reading list, you should try to identify a textbook which provides an overview of the field, such as an introductory textbook. 

Next, search in the content pages and index of the book to identify relevant sections. Read these sections, making notes about anything that might be connected to your question. Do not forget to record page numbers so that you can easily find the information again, and so that you can refer to it correctly in your essay. If you are being asked to review an article or book chapter, you will need to read this thoroughly several times. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to reading the text thoroughly. The more times you read it, the more you will be able to say about it.

"Read confidently" in Academic reading: Reading critically

Generate ideas

Look at the information you have gathered, and work out how this could fit into a direct response to the essay title or an answer to the question. Make sure that you have evidence to support your claims. The evidence needs to be taken from the reading you have done (and do not forget you will report it with references, as described below).

"Critical reading questions" in Academic reading: Reading critically

"Avoiding plagiarism for beginners" in Referencing and avoiding plagiarism

3. Plan the structure

Plan your organisation/structure.

The overall structure will be as follows: title, introduction, main body, conclusion. You will need an introduction and conclusion, but these do not add much to the content of your essay. Most of your planning needs to be how to organise the ideas in the main body. For the main body, make sure you plan how many sections you need to answer the question or address the title in the way you planned in step three above. You can experiment with planning different ways of organising the information. Choose an organisation that seems logical and that will be easy to read and follow.

What goes in the introduction?

A brief explanation of why the topic is important, and the perspective you will take.
If necessary, a definition of any terms from the title for the purposes of this essay.
An outline of the organisation/structure your essay will follow.
A brief statement or summary of your response/ your answer to the question (sometimes called your "conclusion" or "thesis statement").

A logical structure for the main body

In the main body, how can I persuade the reader that my structure is logical? Many different structures can work, but if you add linking sections at the beginning or end of your paragraphs, it will help the reader feel like there is a logical flow through the essay. Linking sections can include phrases such as "having discussed these two theories, the following section will provide an evaluation". You can see other examples of linking sections in many pieces of academic writing, and probably in the reports, articles or books you use to inform your own writing.

What goes in the conclusion?

Re-state your answer to the question (sometimes called your "conclusion" or "thesis statement").
A summary of your discussion.
Any implications, consequences, or suggestions for further research.

Editing (important) 

When I edit my essay, how can I check that I have persuaded the reader that I have answered the question directly? Read your essay again, and check that each paragraph is either connected to the next through a linking phrase, or that there is some link to the question. As mentioned above, you can see examples of this when you read other academic work or textbooks.

"Introductions", "Conclusions", "Organise, structure and edit", "Linking and transitions" in Argument, voice, structure
"Editing tips" in Reviewing, editing and responding to feedback

4. Combine your own ideas with the work of others

This is an important aspect of the essay, but many people find it challenging. The most important aspects are understanding how to include your own judgement in an acceptable way in an academic context, and how to make sure you are referring to information in an acceptable format. The section on avoiding plagiarism shows you some examples of this.

Can I give my own opinion?

In every case, you need to make sure that any claim you make is supported with suitable evidence. Usually, in a straightforward essay, the best evidence comes from published work. This means that when you give your own opinion, it will be based on what another author has said. In an academic context, your opinion usually seems more valid if it is based on published evidence, for example explaining how or why you are convinced (or not convinced) by what someone else has written. 

Sometimes people think the advice given above sounds strange, as they want to give their own view, but you need to remember the context in which you are writing. In an academic context, your opinion is much more "interesting" if it is an opinion about another piece of academic work or evidence from research, rather than something completely unsupported. Unfortunately, rather than seeing this as creative thinking, the academic community will be more likely to see it as lacking suitable evidence, examples or support. The safest way to give your own judgement in an academic situation, therefore, is to base your judgement on what someone else has written in a book or journal article, and reference that author.

How do I reference correctly?

Look at the section Referencing and avoiding plagiarism , and make sure you are referencing correctly.

The sections below provide guidance on developing a research proposal as part of postgraduate / doctoral studies or when applying for a research grant. Please note that the guidance below is generic and you should follow any additional specific guidance given by your department or funding body.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal provides a detailed plan of a research project before you undertake the research. A proposal is usually submitted before you undertake research for a final dissertation during postgraduate study, and before or during doctoral studies. A proposal may also be submitted as part of an application for a funding grant.

What to include in a research proposal

A research proposal will usually (but not always) include the following key elements:

an outline of the background and context of the research topic/issue
reasons why the specific topic / issue is important (rationale)
a review of key literature related to the topic/issue
an outline of the intended research methodology (including consideration of ethical issues)
a discussion of ethical issues
how the findings will be disseminated
a timescale for the research.

Getting started 

Start by choosing a topic or issue related to your course. A broader topic / issue will need to be narrowed down to a more specific focus that can be explored or investigated. Recommendations for further research at the end of published papers can be a useful source of ideas.

To help narrow down a topic/issue and plan your research project:

Start by re-reading some of the research papers which you read as part of your course. Conduct a preliminary review of the literature related to the topic/issue. This can include literature related to theoretical concepts as well as practical research.
Aim to identify what is currently known and whether there are any 'gaps' in existing knowledge. This will enable you to determine how your own research will contribute to and build on what is already known.
Identify how research on the topic/issue has previously been conducted in terms of, for example: approach, methods, analysis of data.
It will also be useful to refer to literature on research methods – check the recommended reading list for your dissertation module / Centre for Doctoral Education guidance.
For Master’s level research, the contribution to existing knowledge does not necessarily need to be something completely new that has never been explored before. Your research could contribute to existing knowledge by, for example: adopting a less commonly used research approach / research method or focusing on a particular context (such as a school or country) where a limited amount of research has been conducted.
For doctoral level research, there will usually be a need to demonstrate more originality.

Writing the Proposal

Below is an outline of the sections typically included in a research proposal. Specific guidance on how to structure the research proposal for a dissertation or doctoral research will usually be given by individual departments. If you are applying for doctoral research funding, specific guidelines will be stipulated by the funding body. It is important to follow specific guidance given by your department or funding body when writing your own research proposal for a dissertation or PhD application, but the following can be used as general guidance.

Title / working title of the research

An initial idea of the title should be given - this is likely to be revised as the research progresses and can therefore be a tentative suggestion at the proposal stage.

Introduction

The context and background of the research topic / issue, as well as the rationale for undertaking the research, should be outlined in the introduction section. Reference to key literature should be included to strengthen the rationale for conducting the research. This will enable the reader to understand what the research will be about and why it is important. At the end of the introduction, include an outline (or synopsis) of how the proposal is organised.

Literature review

This should expand on the key literature referred to in the introduction. The review of the literature will need to go further than listing individual studies or theories. You will need to demonstrate an awareness of the current state of knowledge and an understanding of key lines of argument and debates on the topic/issue. The literature will need to be critically analysed and evaluated rather than just described. This means demonstrating how studies, arguments and debates are linked and how the existing body of research links to your own research area/issue.

Research aims and questions

The research aims and research questions should be used to guide your research. The aims of the research relate to the purpose of conducting the research and what you specifically want to achieve. The research questions should be formulated to show how you will achieve the aims of the research and what you want to find out. The research aims and questions can either be stated at the end of the introduction (before the outline of the proposal) or after the literature review – guidance from your department / funding body may specify this.

Methodology

The methodology section of the proposal should outline how the research will be conducted. This should include a description and justification of: sample / participants, methods, data collection and analysis, and ethical considerations. To justify the chosen methodology, you can refer to recommended reading for research methods as well as previous studies conducted on your chosen topic.

Including a detailed discussion of the ethics of your research project can really strengthen the proposal. It forces you to think in very practical and detailed terms about what you are planning to do.

You may be required to include a schedule or plan of how you intend to conduct the research within a specified timeframe. This can be presented in a variety of ways but should generally include specific milestones (e.g. collection of data, analysis of findings) and intended completion dates.

Reference list

The reference list should include all sources cited in the research proposal. Departmental guidelines for referencing should be followed for in-text citations and the reference list.

The word count is a communication about the level of detail required. It would be possible to write a short statement of 80 words, or a thesis of 80 000 words, on the same topic. The word count lets you know information such as how much detail to give, how many main points and sub points to choose, and how detailed the examples should be.

What is included in the word count?

Please refer to your programme and module handbooks for guidance on word counts as requirements may differ slightly.

What does the word count mean?

At IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, you may be given the word count in one of the following ways:

2000 words: this means you need to write 2000 words, plus or minus 10% leeway. This means you need to write a minimum of 1800 words and a maximum of 2200 words. Generally, the more successful students will write more, rather than less, and will end up trying to reduce the word count to meet the limit. This is because they will have discussed the issues in more detail, given more examples and counter-examples, and used a significant amount of referencing and hedging language. 
1500-2000 words: here, you need to write within the word count stated. There is no 10% extra leeway.

Remember that in academic writing, once you start adding referencing, hedging, and critical commentary, you need many more words to say the same thing. The word count will probably start to seem short by the time you have got used to writing in this way.

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How to Write a Research Proposal
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: 'A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management'.
How to write a successful research proposal
These documents setting out your proposed research that will result in a Doctoral thesis are typically between 1,500 and 3,000 words in length. Your PhD research proposal must passionately articulate what you want to research and why, convey your understanding of existing literature, and clearly define at least one research question that could ...
How to write your research proposal
Your proposal should include the following: 1. TITLE. your title should give a clear indication of your proposed research approach or key question. 2. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE. You should include: the background and issues of your proposed research. identify your discipline.
Develop a Research Proposal
A research proposal provides a detailed plan of a research project before you undertake the research. A proposal is usually submitted before you undertake research for a final dissertation during postgraduate study, and before or during doctoral studies. A proposal may also be submitted as part of an application for a funding grant.
How to write a research proposal
Your research proposal aims should be centred on: Relevance - You want to convince the reader how and why your research is relevant and significant to your field and how it is original. This is typically done in parts of the introduction and the literature review. Context - You should demonstrate that you are familiar with the field, you ...
Developing a Research Proposal
What is a research proposal. A research proposal outlines a case for undertaking a piece of research and how it will be carried out. Research proposals are an important first step in any research project. The process of drafting a proposal, negotiating a way forward with your supervisor/tutor and then redrafting, can be lengthy.
How to write a research proposal
Top three tips for your research proposal. 1. Be distinct. Amplify the originality of your research, particularly if your work will spotlight an underrepresented area of research or offer a new perspective on a major issue. Outline the need for your research and any elements that might facilitate real-world change. 2.
Writing a research proposal
Useful tips for writing a research proposal. Maintain a focus in your proposal: Your research proposal should be clear and concise, outlining your research idea and its benefits to your chosen field of study, in a way that the reader can clearly understand. Remember, your proposal is just the starting point and an outline and does not need to ...
Writing a research proposal
Writing a research proposal. If your supervisor asks you to formalise your idea as a research proposal (this is not always a requirement) this needs to define a clear research question. You should also be prepared to explain how this contributes to and develops (or challenges) any existing theories in the field. It's important to tailor your ...
How to write a research proposal
1. Research topic. General subject area/explain domain on which you will focus. 2. Review of the literature. Demonstrate familiarity with relevant literature, show awareness of previous research and explain how your research aims to make an original contribution to knowledge. 3. Research objectives. Explain what you are intending to achieve.
Writing your PhD research proposal
All applicants for a PhD or MSc by Research are required to submit a research proposal as part of their application. Applicants must use the template form below for their research proposal. This research proposal should then be submitted online as part of your application. Please use Calibri size 11 font size and do not change the paragraph ...
PDF A Guide to Writing your PhD Proposal
Therefore, in a good research proposal you will need to demonstrate two main things: 1. that you are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis. 2. that you are capable of communicating your ideas clearly. Applying for a PhD is like applying for a job, you are not applying for a taught programme.
Writing a research proposal
Your proposal should be typed double-spaced, if possible, and be between 1,000 and 2,000 words. Your PhD proposal can be added under the 'Supporting Documents' section of the Postgraduate Applications Online System. Your proposal should contain at least the following elements: A provisional title. A key question, hypothesis or the broad topic ...
Writing your research proposal
Writing your research proposal. The purpose of the research proposal is to demonstrate that the research you wish to undertake is significant, necessary and feasible, that you will be able to make an original contribution to the field, and that the project can be completed within the normal time period. Some general guidelines and advice on ...
Writing a research proposal
Include relevant keywords that relate to your research and ensure your title goes beyond just describing the topic. It should give a clear indication of your approach and research questions. Step 2: Write your introduction . Explain your research problem and outline why the research is of value and where its originality lies.
How to Write a Research Proposal
2. Abstract. The proposal should include a concise statement of your intended research of no more than 100 words. This may be a couple of sentences setting out the problem that you want to examine or the central question that you wish to address. 3.
PDF How to Write a Good Postgraduate RESEARCH PROPOSAL
external funder, the rules about writing a good research proposal are the same. You want to stand out from the crowd and have the best chance of being selected. This guide highlights the "Golden Rules" and provides tips on how to write a good research application. Prospective research students may find it useful when asked to provide
PDF The essentials of writing a proposal
Guidance on how to write a Research Degree proposal (Masters By Research/PhD) 1 The essentials of writing a proposal As part of the application process, candidates are required to submit a research proposal with a maximum of 1000 words (Masters by Research) or 1000-2000 words (PhD). Assessors of research degree proposals pay a particular ...
How to write a PhD research proposal
In order to help you with your application, the information below aims to give some guidance on how a typical research proposal might look. Your research proposal is a concise statement (up to 3,000 words) of the rationale for your research proposal, the research questions to be answered and how you propose to address them.
Guidance on how to write a research proposal
This guide will help you to write an excellent postgraduate research proposal. It will enable you to think about your proposed PhD research in a clear, structured and meaningful way. A successful research proposal will depend on many factors including: the nature of your proposed research. the quality of your ideas.
PDF How to write a good research proposal
Before writing a proposal, students are strongly advised to speak with a prospective supervisor in order to discuss potential topics. Once a general topic has been identified, it is necessary to do some preliminary research on the existing scholarship before beginning to write. A good proposal then goes through several drafts and re-writings ...
How to write a research proposal
Make sure that your research idea, question or problem is very clearly stated and well-grounded in academic research. Make sure that your proposal is well focused and conforms exactly to the submission requirements described here. Poorly specified, jargon-filled or rambling proposals will not convince us that you have a clear idea of what you ...
PhD: Navigating your research proposal
Approaching the task of writing a research proposal can be daunting. It helps to find a mentor to provide advice on which preceding scholarship to examine, new directions in your field, or even just the practical concerns of structure and writing style. Be open to asking your professors or current research postgraduates for help.
Understanding assessment requirements
A research proposal provides a detailed plan of a research project before you undertake the research. A proposal is usually submitted before you undertake research for a final dissertation during postgraduate study, and before or during doctoral studies. A proposal may also be submitted as part of an application for a funding grant. What to ...

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What would you need to add to the question to be able to answer it? 

What position(s) could you take with relation to this question? 

Which examples could you use to help illustrate, support or explain your claims? 

What goes in the introduction?

What goes in the conclusion?

Editing (important) 

Getting started 