Do you proposal with these headings:
How to prepare a research proposal
A crucial part of a research application is the research proposal. This page provides some guidance on writing a research proposal and includes some suggestions on what to include and what to avoid.
Normally a proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words and will include the following:
- A working title of the topic area: This should do more than convey the key words associated with the proposed research.
- General overview of area: This should take the form of a brief abstract of the general area of study and identify the discipline(s) within which it falls. You might also refer to the way in which your own background gives you competences in your chosen area.
- Identification of the relevant literature: In this section you should develop your proposal to demonstrate that you are aware of the debates and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature. References to key articles and texts should be made to show that you appreciate their relevance to your research area. You should demonstrate that your proposed area has not been studied before, so you need to identify your niche which will lead on to the thesis preparation.
- Key research questions: Since you need to demonstrate that the topic can be completed within the normal time period allowed, you need to demonstrate that it is manageable, and so focus on key questions within your niche area.
- Aims and objectives: State specific objectives of the research to be undertaken.
- Methodology: You need to demonstrate an awareness of the methodological tools available to you and show some understanding of which would be suitable for your research. It may be that a qualitative method, including the analysis of interviews, is appropriate. Alternatively your approach may involve forecasting or statistical, financial or econometric modelling. In other cases you may be combining methodologies. You need to specify the approach you feel will be most appropriate.
- Timescale/research planning: You need to demonstrate an awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research. Please try to prepare a realistic timescale.
- Bibliography: You should include a short list of references to key articles and texts included in the application.
- Avoid
o Broad topic areas which would be unmanageable as research topics
o Vague descriptions of research areas
o Subject areas where your chosen school has no expertise.
o Plagiarism (PDF)
