Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
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
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.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
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:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
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:
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.
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To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
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
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
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:
To determine your budget, think about:
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Methodology
Statistics
Research bias
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.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2024, September 05). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
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A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)
By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)
Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage proposal. It’s a task that calls on you to win somebody over and persuade them that what you’re planning is a great idea. An idea they’re happy to say ‘yes’ to. This means that your dissertation proposal needs to be persuasive , attractive and well-planned. In this post, I’ll show you how to write a winning dissertation proposal, from scratch.
Before you start:
– Understand exactly what a research proposal is – Ask yourself these 4 questions
The 5 essential ingredients:
The research proposal is literally that: a written document that communicates what you propose to research, in a concise format. It’s where you put all that stuff that’s spinning around in your head down on to paper, in a logical, convincing fashion.
Convincing is the keyword here, as your research proposal needs to convince the assessor that your research is clearly articulated (i.e., a clear research question) , worth doing (i.e., is unique and valuable enough to justify the effort), and doable within the restrictions you’ll face (time limits, budget, skill limits, etc.). If your proposal does not address these three criteria, your research won’t be approved, no matter how “exciting” the research idea might be.
PS – if you’re completely new to proposal writing, we’ve got a detailed walkthrough video covering two successful research proposals here .
Before starting the writing process, you need to ask yourself 4 important questions . If you can’t answer them succinctly and confidently, you’re not ready – you need to go back and think more deeply about your dissertation topic .
You should be able to answer the following 4 questions before starting your dissertation or thesis research proposal:
If you can’t answer these questions clearly and concisely, you’re not yet ready to write your research proposal – revisit our post on choosing a topic .
If you can, that’s great – it’s time to start writing up your dissertation proposal. Next, I’ll discuss what needs to go into your research proposal, and how to structure it all into an intuitive, convincing document with a linear narrative.
Research proposals can vary in style between institutions and disciplines, but here I’ll share with you a handy 5-section structure you can use. These 5 sections directly address the core questions we spoke about earlier, ensuring that you present a convincing proposal. If your institution already provides a proposal template, there will likely be substantial overlap with this, so you’ll still get value from reading on.
For each section discussed below, make sure you use headers and sub-headers (ideally, numbered headers) to help the reader navigate through your document, and to support them when they need to revisit a previous section. Don’t just present an endless wall of text, paragraph after paragraph after paragraph…
Top Tip: Use MS Word Styles to format headings. This will allow you to be clear about whether a sub-heading is level 2, 3, or 4. Additionally, you can view your document in ‘outline view’ which will show you only your headings. This makes it much easier to check your structure, shift things around and make decisions about where a section needs to sit. You can also generate a 100% accurate table of contents using Word’s automatic functionality.
Your research proposal’s title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example:
“Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the ‘reasonable adjustments’ made in three London care homes”
As you can see, this title provides a clear indication of what the research is about, in broad terms. It paints a high-level picture for the first-time reader, which gives them a taste of what to expect. Always aim for a clear, concise title . Don’t feel the need to capture every detail of your research in your title – your proposal will fill in the gaps.
In this section of your research proposal, you’ll expand on what you’ve communicated in the title, by providing a few paragraphs which offer more detail about your research topic. Importantly, the focus here is the topic – what will you research and why is that worth researching? This is not the place to discuss methodology, practicalities, etc. – you’ll do that later.
You should cover the following:
Importantly, you should aim to use short sentences and plain language – don’t babble on with extensive jargon, acronyms and complex language. Assume that the reader is an intelligent layman – not a subject area specialist (even if they are). Remember that the best writing is writing that can be easily understood and digested. Keep it simple.
Note that some universities may want some extra bits and pieces in your introduction section. For example, personal development objectives, a structural outline, etc. Check your brief to see if there are any other details they expect in your proposal, and make sure you find a place for these.
Next, you’ll need to specify what the scope of your research will be – this is also known as the delimitations . In other words, you need to make it clear what you will be covering and, more importantly, what you won’t be covering in your research. Simply put, this is about ring fencing your research topic so that you have a laser-sharp focus.
All too often, students feel the need to go broad and try to address as many issues as possible, in the interest of producing comprehensive research. Whilst this is admirable, it’s a mistake. By tightly refining your scope, you’ll enable yourself to go deep with your research, which is what you need to earn good marks. If your scope is too broad, you’re likely going to land up with superficial research (which won’t earn marks), so don’t be afraid to narrow things down.
In this section of your research proposal, you need to provide a (relatively) brief discussion of the existing literature. Naturally, this will not be as comprehensive as the literature review in your actual dissertation, but it will lay the foundation for that. In fact, if you put in the effort at this stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when it’s time to write your actual literature review chapter.
There are a few things you need to achieve in this section:
When you write up your literature review, keep these three objectives front of mind, especially number two (revealing the gap in the literature), so that your literature review has a clear purpose and direction . Everything you write should be contributing towards one (or more) of these objectives in some way. If it doesn’t, you need to ask yourself whether it’s truly needed.
Top Tip: Don’t fall into the trap of just describing the main pieces of literature, for example, “A says this, B says that, C also says that…” and so on. Merely describing the literature provides no value. Instead, you need to synthesise it, and use it to address the three objectives above.
Now that you’ve clearly explained both your intended research topic (in the introduction) and the existing research it will draw on (in the literature review section), it’s time to get practical and explain exactly how you’ll be carrying out your own research. In other words, your research methodology.
In this section, you’ll need to answer two critical questions :
In other words, this is not just about explaining WHAT you’ll be doing, it’s also about explaining WHY. In fact, the justification is the most important part , because that justification is how you demonstrate a good understanding of research design (which is what assessors want to see).
Some essential design choices you need to cover in your research proposal include:
This list is not exhaustive – these are just some core attributes of research design. Check with your institution what level of detail they expect. The “ research onion ” by Saunders et al (2009) provides a good summary of the various design choices you ultimately need to make – you can read more about that here .
In addition to the technical aspects, you will need to address the practical side of the project. In other words, you need to explain what resources you’ll need (e.g., time, money, access to equipment or software, etc.) and how you intend to secure these resources. You need to show that your project is feasible, so any “make or break” type resources need to already be secured. The success or failure of your project cannot depend on some resource which you’re not yet sure you have access to.
Another part of the practicalities discussion is project and risk management . In other words, you need to show that you have a clear project plan to tackle your research with. Some key questions to address:
A good way to demonstrate that you’ve thought this through is to include a Gantt chart and a risk register (in the appendix if word count is a problem). With these two tools, you can show that you’ve got a clear, feasible plan, and you’ve thought about and accounted for the potential risks.
Tip – Be honest about the potential difficulties – but show that you are anticipating solutions and workarounds. This is much more impressive to an assessor than an unrealistically optimistic proposal which does not anticipate any challenges whatsoever.
The final step is to edit and proofread your proposal – very carefully. It sounds obvious, but all too often poor editing and proofreading ruin a good proposal. Nothing is more off-putting for an assessor than a poorly edited, typo-strewn document. It sends the message that you either do not pay attention to detail, or just don’t care. Neither of these are good messages. Put the effort into editing and proofreading your proposal (or pay someone to do it for you) – it will pay dividends.
When you’re editing, watch out for ‘academese’. Many students can speak simply, passionately and clearly about their dissertation topic – but become incomprehensible the moment they turn the laptop on. You are not required to write in any kind of special, formal, complex language when you write academic work. Sure, there may be technical terms, jargon specific to your discipline, shorthand terms and so on. But, apart from those, keep your written language very close to natural spoken language – just as you would speak in the classroom. Imagine that you are explaining your project plans to your classmates or a family member. Remember, write for the intelligent layman, not the subject matter experts. Plain-language, concise writing is what wins hearts and minds – and marks!
And there you have it – how to write your dissertation or thesis research proposal, from the title page to the final proof. Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:
Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand how to write up a winning research proposal. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog . If your university doesn’t provide any template for your proposal, you might want to try out our free research proposal template .
This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .
Thank you so much for the valuable insight that you have given, especially on the research proposal. That is what I have managed to cover. I still need to go back to the other parts as I got disturbed while still listening to Derek’s audio on you-tube. I am inspired. I will definitely continue with Grad-coach guidance on You-tube.
Thanks for the kind words :). All the best with your proposal.
First of all, thanks a lot for making such a wonderful presentation. The video was really useful and gave me a very clear insight of how a research proposal has to be written. I shall try implementing these ideas in my RP.
Once again, I thank you for this content.
I found reading your outline on writing research proposal very beneficial. I wish there was a way of submitting my draft proposal to you guys for critiquing before I submit to the institution.
Hi Bonginkosi
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we do provide a review service. The best starting point is to have a chat with one of our coaches here: https://gradcoach.com/book/new/ .
Hello team GRADCOACH, may God bless you so much. I was totally green in research. Am so happy for your free superb tutorials and resources. Once again thank you so much Derek and his team.
You’re welcome, Erick. Good luck with your research proposal 🙂
thank you for the information. its precise and on point.
Really a remarkable piece of writing and great source of guidance for the researchers. GOD BLESS YOU for your guidance. Regards
Thanks so much for your guidance. It is easy and comprehensive the way you explain the steps for a winning research proposal.
Thank you guys so much for the rich post. I enjoyed and learn from every word in it. My problem now is how to get into your platform wherein I can always seek help on things related to my research work ? Secondly, I wish to find out if there is a way I can send my tentative proposal to you guys for examination before I take to my supervisor Once again thanks very much for the insights
Thanks for your kind words, Desire.
If you are based in a country where Grad Coach’s paid services are available, you can book a consultation by clicking the “Book” button in the top right.
Best of luck with your studies.
May God bless you team for the wonderful work you are doing,
If I have a topic, Can I submit it to you so that you can draft a proposal for me?? As I am expecting to go for masters degree in the near future.
Thanks for your comment. We definitely cannot draft a proposal for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct. The proposal needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process, but it needs to be your own work and your own writing.
Best of luck with your research!
I found a lot of many essential concepts from your material. it is real a road map to write a research proposal. so thanks a lot. If there is any update material on your hand on MBA please forward to me.
GradCoach is a professional website that presents support and helps for MBA student like me through the useful online information on the page and with my 1-on-1 online coaching with the amazing and professional PhD Kerryen.
Thank you Kerryen so much for the support and help 🙂
I really recommend dealing with such a reliable services provider like Gradcoah and a coach like Kerryen.
Hi, Am happy for your service and effort to help students and researchers, Please, i have been given an assignment on research for strategic development, the task one is to formulate a research proposal to support the strategic development of a business area, my issue here is how to go about it, especially the topic or title and introduction. Please, i would like to know if you could help me and how much is the charge.
This content is practical, valuable, and just great!
Thank you very much!
Hi Derek, Thank you for the valuable presentation. It is very helpful especially for beginners like me. I am just starting my PhD.
This is quite instructive and research proposal made simple. Can I have a research proposal template?
Great! Thanks for rescuing me, because I had no former knowledge in this topic. But with this piece of information, I am now secured. Thank you once more.
I enjoyed listening to your video on how to write a proposal. I think I will be able to write a winning proposal with your advice. I wish you were to be my supervisor.
Dear Derek Jansen,
Thank you for your great content. I couldn’t learn these topics in MBA, but now I learned from GradCoach. Really appreciate your efforts….
From Afghanistan!
I have got very essential inputs for startup of my dissertation proposal. Well organized properly communicated with video presentation. Thank you for the presentation.
Wow, this is absolutely amazing guys. Thank you so much for the fruitful presentation, you’ve made my research much easier.
this helps me a lot. thank you all so much for impacting in us. may god richly bless you all
How I wish I’d learn about Grad Coach earlier. I’ve been stumbling around writing and rewriting! Now I have concise clear directions on how to put this thing together. Thank you!
Fantastic!! Thank You for this very concise yet comprehensive guidance.
Even if I am poor in English I would like to thank you very much.
Thank you very much, this is very insightful.
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Princeton Correspondents on Undergraduate Research
Turning a research paper into a visual presentation is difficult; there are pitfalls, and navigating the path to a brief, informative presentation takes time and practice. As a TA for GEO/WRI 201: Methods in Data Analysis & Scientific Writing this past fall, I saw how this process works from an instructor’s standpoint. I’ve presented my own research before, but helping others present theirs taught me a bit more about the process. Here are some tips I learned that may help you with your next research presentation:
More is more
In general, your presentation will always benefit from more practice, more feedback, and more revision. By practicing in front of friends, you can get comfortable with presenting your work while receiving feedback. It is hard to know how to revise your presentation if you never practice. If you are presenting to a general audience, getting feedback from someone outside of your discipline is crucial. Terms and ideas that seem intuitive to you may be completely foreign to someone else, and your well-crafted presentation could fall flat.
Less is more
Limit the scope of your presentation, the number of slides, and the text on each slide. In my experience, text works well for organizing slides, orienting the audience to key terms, and annotating important figures–not for explaining complex ideas. Having fewer slides is usually better as well. In general, about one slide per minute of presentation is an appropriate budget. Too many slides is usually a sign that your topic is too broad.
Limit the scope of your presentation
Don’t present your paper. Presentations are usually around 10 min long. You will not have time to explain all of the research you did in a semester (or a year!) in such a short span of time. Instead, focus on the highlight(s). Identify a single compelling research question which your work addressed, and craft a succinct but complete narrative around it.
You will not have time to explain all of the research you did. Instead, focus on the highlights. Identify a single compelling research question which your work addressed, and craft a succinct but complete narrative around it.
Craft a compelling research narrative
After identifying the focused research question, walk your audience through your research as if it were a story. Presentations with strong narrative arcs are clear, captivating, and compelling.
Orient the audience and draw them in by demonstrating the relevance and importance of your research story with strong global motive. Provide them with the necessary vocabulary and background knowledge to understand the plot of your story. Introduce the key studies (characters) relevant in your story and build tension and conflict with scholarly and data motive. By the end of your introduction, your audience should clearly understand your research question and be dying to know how you resolve the tension built through motive.
The methods section should transition smoothly and logically from the introduction. Beware of presenting your methods in a boring, arc-killing, ‘this is what I did.’ Focus on the details that set your story apart from the stories other people have already told. Keep the audience interested by clearly motivating your decisions based on your original research question or the tension built in your introduction.
Less is usually more here. Only present results which are clearly related to the focused research question you are presenting. Make sure you explain the results clearly so that your audience understands what your research found. This is the peak of tension in your narrative arc, so don’t undercut it by quickly clicking through to your discussion.
By now your audience should be dying for a satisfying resolution. Here is where you contextualize your results and begin resolving the tension between past research. Be thorough. If you have too many conflicts left unresolved, or you don’t have enough time to present all of the resolutions, you probably need to further narrow the scope of your presentation.
Return back to your initial research question and motive, resolving any final conflicts and tying up loose ends. Leave the audience with a clear resolution of your focus research question, and use unresolved tension to set up potential sequels (i.e. further research).
Use your medium to enhance the narrative
Visual presentations should be dominated by clear, intentional graphics. Subtle animation in key moments (usually during the results or discussion) can add drama to the narrative arc and make conflict resolutions more satisfying. You are narrating a story written in images, videos, cartoons, and graphs. While your paper is mostly text, with graphics to highlight crucial points, your slides should be the opposite. Adapting to the new medium may require you to create or acquire far more graphics than you included in your paper, but it is necessary to create an engaging presentation.
The most important thing you can do for your presentation is to practice and revise. Bother your friends, your roommates, TAs–anybody who will sit down and listen to your work. Beyond that, think about presentations you have found compelling and try to incorporate some of those elements into your own. Remember you want your work to be comprehensible; you aren’t creating experts in 10 minutes. Above all, try to stay passionate about what you did and why. You put the time in, so show your audience that it’s worth it.
For more insight into research presentations, check out these past PCUR posts written by Emma and Ellie .
— Alec Getraer, Natural Sciences Correspondent
A research proposal is a supporting document that may be required when applying to a research degree. It summarises your intended research by outlining what your research questions are, why they’re important to your field and what knowledge gaps surround your topic. It also outlines your research in terms of your aims, methods and proposed timetable .
A research proposal will be used to:
Some universities will specify a word count all students will need to adhere to. You will typically find these in the description of the PhD listing. If they haven’t stated a word count limit, you should contact the potential supervisor to clarify whether there are any requirements. If not, aim for 1500 to 3500 words (3 to 7 pages).
Your title should indicate clearly what your research question is. It needs to be simple and to the point; if the reader needs to read further into your proposal to understand your question, your working title isn’t clear enough.
Directly below your title, state the topic your research question relates to. Whether you include this information at the top of your proposal or insert a dedicated title page is your choice and will come down to personal preference.
If your research proposal is over 2000 words, consider providing an abstract. Your abstract should summarise your question, why it’s important to your field and how you intend to answer it; in other words, explain your research context.
Only include crucial information in this section – 250 words should be sufficient to get across your main points.
First, specify which subject area your research problem falls in. This will help set the context of your study and will help the reader anticipate the direction of your proposed research.
Following this, include a literature review . A literature review summarises the existing knowledge which surrounds your research topic. This should include a discussion of the theories, models and bodies of text which directly relate to your research problem. As well as discussing the information available, discuss those which aren’t. In other words, identify what the current gaps in knowledge are and discuss how this will influence your research. Your aim here is to convince the potential supervisor and funding providers of why your intended research is worth investing time and money into.
Last, discuss the key debates and developments currently at the centre of your research area.
Identify the aims and objectives of your research. The aims are the problems your project intends to solve; the objectives are the measurable steps and outcomes required to achieve the aim.
In outlining your aims and objectives, you will need to explain why your proposed research is worth exploring. Consider these aspects:
If you fail to address the above questions, it’s unlikely they will accept your proposal – all PhD research projects must show originality and value to be considered.
The following structure is recommended when discussing your research design:
We’ve outlined the various stages of a PhD and the approximate duration of a PhD programme which you can refer to when designing your own research study.
Plagiarism is taken seriously across all academic levels, but even more so for doctorates. Therefore, ensure you reference the existing literature you have used in writing your PhD proposal. Besides this, try to adopt the same referencing style as the University you’re applying to uses. You can easily find this information in the PhD Thesis formatting guidelines published on the University’s website.
Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about the Research Proposal:
Yes, your PhD research proposal outlines the start of your project only. It’s well accepted that the direction of your research will develop with time, therefore, you can revise it at later dates.
Whether the potential supervisor will review your draft will depend on the individual. However, it is highly advisable that you at least attempt to discuss your draft with them. Even if they can’t review it, they may provide you with useful information regarding their department’s expertise which could help shape your PhD proposal. For example, you may amend your methodology should you come to learn that their laboratory is better equipped for an alternative method.
Ensure you follow the same order as the headings given above. This is the most logical structure and will be the order your proposed supervisor will expect.
Most universities don’t provide formatting requirements for research proposals on the basis that they are a supporting document only, however, we recommend that you follow the same format they require for their PhD thesis submissions. This will give your reader familiarity and their guidelines should be readily available on their website.
Last, try to have someone within the same academic field or discipline area to review your proposal. The key is to confirm that they understand the importance of your work and how you intend to execute it. If they don’t, it’s likely a sign you need to rewrite some of your sections to be more coherent.
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A good PhD research proposal may be the deciding factor between acceptance and approval into your desired program or finding yourself back at the drawing board. Being accepted for a PhD placement is no easy task, and this is why your PhD proposal needs to truly stand out among a sea of submissions.
That’s why a PhD research proposal is important: It formally outlines the intended research, including methodology, timeline, feasibility, and many other factors that need to be taken into consideration.
Here is a closer look at the PhD proposal process and what it should look like.
→DOWNLOAD NOW: FREE PHD PROPOSAL TEMPLATE
In short, a PhD research proposal is a summary of the project you intend to undertake as part of your PhD program.
It should pose a specific question or idea, make a case for the research, and explain the predicted outcomes of that research.
However, while your PhD proposal may predict expected outcomes, it won’t fully answer your questions for the reader.
Your research into the topic will provide that answer.
Usually, a PhD proposal contains the following elements:
In terms of length when writing a PhD proposal, there isn’t a universal answer.
Some institutions will require a short, concise proposal (1000 words), while others allow for a greater amount of flexibility in the length and format of the proposal.
Fortunately, most institutions will provide some guidelines regarding the format and length of your research proposal, so you should have a strong idea of your requirements before you begin.
While the most obvious benefit of having a strong PhD application is being accepted to the PhD program , there are other reasons to build the strongest PhD application you can:
Many PhD programs offer funding to students , which can be used to cover tuition fees and may provide a stipend for living expenses.
The stronger your PhD application, the better your chances of being offered funding opportunities that can alleviate financial burdens and allow you to focus on your research.
A strong PhD application, particularly in hot-button areas of study, can lead to better career opportunities in academics or across a variety of industries.
Research proposals that are very well grounded can provide footholds to networking opportunities and mentorships that would not be otherwise available.
However, creating an incredible proposal isn’t always easy.
In fact, it’s easy to get confused by the process since it requires a lot of procedural information.
Many institutions also place a heavy emphasis on using the correct proposal structure.
That doesn’t have to be the issue, though.
Often, pre-designed templates, like the PandaDoc research proposal templates or PhD proposal templates provided by the institution of your choice, can do most of the heavy lifting for you.
Research Proposal Template
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We know that the prospect of writing a research proposal for PhD admission may appear the stuff of nightmares. Even more so if you are new to producing a piece such as this.
But, when you get down to the nitty gritty of what it is, it really isn’t so intimidating. When writing your PhD proposal you need to show that your PhD is worth it, achievable, and that you have the ability to do it at your chosen university.
With all of that in mind, let’s take a closer look at each section of a standard PhD research proposal and the overall structure.
The first pages of your PhD proposal should outline the basic information about the project. That will include each of the following:
Typically placed on the first page, your title should be engaging enough to attract attention and clear enough that readers will understand what you’re trying to achieve.
Many proposals also include a secondary headline to further (concisely) clarify the main concept.
Depending on the instructions provided by your institution, you may need to include your basic contact information with your proposal.
Some institutions may ask for blind submissions and ask that you omit identifying information, so check the program guidelines to be sure.
If you already have a supervisor for the project, you’ll typically want to list that information.
Someone who is established in the field can add credibility to your proposal, particularly if your project requires extensive funding or has special considerations.
The guidelines from your PhD program should provide some guidance regarding any other auxiliary information that you should add to the front of your proposal.
Be sure to check all documentation to ensure that everything fits into the designated format.
Once you’ve added the basic information to your document, you’ll need to get into the meat of your PhD proposal.
Depending on your institution, your research proposal may need to follow a rigid format or you may have the flexibility to add various sections and fully explain your concepts.
These sections will primarily be focused on providing high-level overviews surrounding your PhD proposal, including most of the following:
In these sections, you’ll need to state plainly what you aim to accomplish with your PhD research.
If awarded funding, what questions will your PHd proposal seek to answer? What theories will you test? What concepts will you explore in your research?
Briefly, how would you summarize your approach to this project?
Provide high-level summaries detailing how you mean to achieve your answers, what the predicted outcomes of your PhD research might be, and precisely what you intend to test or discover.
Why does your research matter? Unlike with many other forms of academic study (such as a master’s thesis ), doctorate-level research often pushes the bounds of specific fields or contributes to a given body of work in some unique way.
How will your proposed PhD research do those things?
Because PhD research is about pushing boundaries, adding background context regarding the current state of affairs in your given field can help readers better understand why you want to pursue this research and how you arrived at this specific point of interest.
While the information here may (or may not) be broken into multiple sections, the content here is largely designed to provide a high-level overview of your PhD proposal and entice readers to dig deeper into the methodologies and angles of approach in future sections.
Because so much of this section relies on the remainder of your document, it’s sometimes better to skip this portion of the PhD proposal until the later sections are complete and then circle back to it.
That way, you can provide concise summaries that refer to fully defined research methods that you’ve already explained in subsequent areas.
Unlike a master’s thesis or a similar academic document, PhD research is designed to push the boundaries of its subject matter in some way.
The idea behind doctoral research is to expand the field with new insights and viewpoints that are the culmination of years of research and study, combined with a deep familiarity of the topic at hand.
The methodologies and work plans you provide will give advisors some insights into how you plan to conduct your research.
While there is no one right way to develop this section, you’ll need to include a few key details:
Are there specific research methods you plan to use to conduct your PhD research?
Are you conducting experiments? Conducting qualitative research? Surveying specific individuals in a given environment?
Regardless of your approach to your topic, there will be upsides and downsides to that methodology.
Explain what you feel are the primary benefits to your research method, where there are potential flaws, and how you plan to account for those shortfalls.
Why did you choose a given methodology?
What makes it the best method (or collection of methods) for your research and/or specific use case?
What work is required for PhD research to be complete?
What steps will you need to take in order to capture the appropriate information? How will you complete those steps?
How long will it take you to complete each stage or step of your project?
If your PhDproject will take several years, you may need to provide specifics for more immediate timelines up front while future deadlines may be flexible or estimated.
There is some flexibility here.
It’s unlikely that your advisors will expect you to have the answer for every question regarding how you plan to approach your body of research.
When trying to push the boundaries of any given topic, it’s expected that some things may not go to plan.
However, you should do your best to make timelines and schedules of work that are consistent with your listed goals.
Remember : At the end of your work, you are expected to have a body of original research that is complete within the scope and limitations of the PhD proposal you set forth.
If your advisors feel that your subject matter is too broad, they may encourage you to narrow the scope to better fit into more standardized expectations.
No PhD research proposal is complete without a full list of the resources required to carry out the project and references to help prove and validate the research.
Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to submit in order to explain costs and prove the validity of your proposal:
Most doctoral programs offer some level of funding for these projects.
To take advantage of those funds, you’ll need to submit a budget of estimated costs so that assessors can better understand the financial requirements.
This might include equipment, expenses for fieldwork or travel, and more.
No matter your field of study, doctoral research is built on the data and observations provided by past contributors.
Because of this, you’ll need to provide citations and sources referenced in your PhD proposal documentation.
Particularly when it comes to finances and funding, it might be tempting to downplay the cost of the project.
However, it’s best to provide a realistic estimate in terms of costs so that you have enough of a budget to cover the PhD research.
Adjustments can be made at a later date, particularly as you conduct more research and dive further into the project.
Resources are often presented in the form of a table to make things easier to track and identify.
Item | Qty. | Cost | Subtotal | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Project Allowance | ||||
Translator | 3 months | $500 | $1,500 | |
Transportation within state | 3 months | $400 | $1,200 | |
Interview software | 1 month | $30 | $30 | |
Recording equipment | 1 | $2,400 | $2,400 | |
Rent (Nigeria) | 3 months | $400 | $1,200 | |
Groceries (Nigeria) | 3 months | $500 | $1,500 | |
$8,100 | ||||
Jet Travel | ||||
San Diego – Nigeria (roundtrip) | 6 | $600 | $3,600 | $3,600 |
Total Project Allowance | $11,700 | |||
Administrative fees | $240 | |||
Total Resources | $11,940 |
Aside from any guidelines set forth by your institution, there are no particularly strict rules when it comes to the format of PhD proposals.
Your supervisor will be more than capable of guiding you through the process.
However, since everything is so structured and formal, you might want to use a PhD proposal template to help you get started.
Templates can help you stay on track and make sure your research proposal follows a certain logic.
A lot of proposal software solutions offer templates for different types of proposals, including PhD proposals.
But, should you use Phd proposal templates? Here are some pros and cons to help you make a decision.
In our PhD research proposal template , we give you just enough direction to help you follow through but we don’t limit your creativity to a point that you can’t express yourself and all the nuances of your research.
For almost all sections, you get a few useful PhD research proposal examples to point you in the right direction.
The template provides you with a typical PhD proposal structure that’s perfect for almost all disciplines.
It can come in quite handy when you have everything planned out in your head but you’re just having trouble putting it onto the page!
Writing and completing a PhD proposal might be confusing at first.
You need to follow a certain logic and share all the required information without going too long or sharing too much about the project.
And, while your supervisor will certainly be there to guide you, the brunt of the work will still fall on your shoulders.
That’s why you need to stay informed, do your research, and don’t give up until you feel comfortable with what you’ve created.
If you want to get a head start, you might want to consider our research proposal template .
It will offer you a structure to follow when writing a PhD proposal and give you an idea on what to write in each section.
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One of the most important tips for any piece of writing is to know your audience. The staff reviewing your PhD proposal are going through a pile of them, so you need to make sure yours stands within a few seconds of opening it.
The way to do this is by demonstrating value and impact. Academic work is often written for a niche community of researchers in one field, so you need to demonstrate why your work would be valuable to people in that area.
The people reviewing your proposal will likely be in that field. So your proposal should be a little like a sales pitch: you need to write something engaging that identifies with the “customer”, speaks to a problem they’re having, and shows them a solution.
Taking some inspiration from the former University of Chicago professor Larry McEnerney , here are some ideas to keep in mind…
But how can you apply that advice? If you’re following something like our research proposal template , here are some actionable ways to get started.
How long should a phd proposal be.
There really isn’t a specific rule when it comes to the length of a PhD proposal. However, it’s generally accepted that it should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words.
It’s difficult to elaborate on such a serious project in less than 1,000 words but going over 2,000 is often overkill. You’ll lose people’s attention and water down your points.
There seems to be some confusion over the terms “dissertation” and “PhD” and how you write proposals for each one. However, “dissertation” is just another name for your PhD research so the proposal for a dissertation would be the same since it’s quite literally the same thing.
Yes, as mentioned, you need to demonstrate the feasibility of your project within the given time frame and with the resources you need, including budgets. You don’t need to be exact, but you need to have accurate estimates for everything.
This will change from one institution to another but these things will generally have a big impact on the reviewers:
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Originally published June 9, 2023, updated February 6, 2024
Proposals 24 min
Sales 5 min
Document templates 13 min
Research Voyage
Research Tips and Infromation
A Ph.D. proposal presentation template is a pre-designed set of slides that can be used as a starting point for creating a presentation for your Ph.D. proposal Registration. It includes a series of suggested slides, which you can customize to your specific needs. This template can be used by Ph.D. candidates from various fields who are preparing for their Ph.D. registration.
Slide 13: Questions
Remember to keep your presentation simple, well-structured, and effective. Use clear and concise language, and make sure your presentation is visually engaging. Good luck with your PhD proposal presentation!
In this slide, you have to include the title of your work, your name and affiliation as the PhD candidate, and your supervisor’s name and affiliation. The title should be concise and descriptive, conveying the essence of your research.
In this slide, you have to provide an introduction to your research topic, explaining its importance and relevance in the field. The introduction should set the context for your research and explain why it matters.
In this slide, you have to summarize the key findings of relevant literature in your research area, identify gaps and limitations in the existing research, and explain how your work will contribute to filling these gaps.
Slide 3: Literature Review |
---|
– Deep learning techniques (e.g. CNNs, RNNs) have achieved state-of-the-art results in various image recognition tasks, including medical image recognition. |
– Performance can be affected by factors such as dataset size and complexity, hyperparameter selection, and architecture choice. |
– Lack of research comparing and evaluating deep learning techniques specifically in medical imaging. |
– Need for investigation of transfer learning, data augmentation, and other techniques for improving deep learning model performance in medical image recognition tasks. |
– Conduct a comparative study of various deep learning techniques for image recognition in medical imaging. |
– Investigate the effectiveness of transfer learning, data augmentation, and other techniques for improving deep learning model performance in medical image recognition tasks. |
– Provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of different deep learning techniques in medical imaging, and help inform the development of more accurate and efficient algorithms in the future. |
In this format, the information is organized into three sections: key findings, gaps and limitations, and contribution of proposed work. Each section is presented as a bullet point, with the main idea in bold, followed by a brief explanation. This format can be useful for presenting information in a clear and concise manner, while still providing enough detail to convey the main points.
Slide 4: Motivation and Research Problem |
---|
– Medical image recognition is an important application with significant potential for improving patient outcomes. |
– Deep learning techniques have shown promise in this area, but their effectiveness depends on various factors, and there is still room for improvement. |
– A comprehensive study of deep learning techniques for medical image recognition could help identify the most effective approaches and guide future research. |
– The goal of this research is to conduct a comparative study of deep learning techniques for image recognition in medical imaging and investigate the effectiveness of transfer learning, data augmentation, and other techniques for improving model performance. |
– Specifically, we aim to address the following research questions: |
– What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of different deep-learning techniques for medical image recognition? |
– How can transfer learning and data augmentation be used to improve model performance? |
– What are the key factors affecting model performance, and how can they be optimized? |
In this format, the motivation and research problem are presented as two separate sections, with each section consisting of bullet points. The motivation section explains why the topic is important and why the proposed research is needed, while the research problem section clearly states the specific questions that the research will address. This format can help ensure that the motivation and research problem are clearly articulated and easy to understand.
Slide 5: Research Question and Objectives |
---|
– What are the most effective deep-learning techniques for medical image recognition, and how can they be optimized for improved performance? |
– To conduct a comparative study of deep learning techniques for image recognition in medical imaging, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and hybrid models. |
– To investigate the effectiveness of transfer learning, data augmentation, and other techniques for improving model performance. |
– To identify the key factors affecting model performance, including dataset size, complexity, and quality, and optimize these factors for improved accuracy and efficiency. |
– To develop a comprehensive set of guidelines for using deep learning techniques in medical image recognition, based on the results of the study. |
In this format, the research question and research objectives are presented as two separate sections, with each section consisting of bullet points. The research question clearly states the specific problem that the research will address, while the research objectives explain the specific goals that the research aims to achieve in order to answer the research question. This format can help ensure that the research question and objectives are clearly articulated and easy to understand.
Slide 6: Study Design and Methods |
---|
– Comparative study of deep learning techniques for medical image recognition. |
– Experimental design with three groups: one using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), one using recurrent neural networks (RNNs), and one using hybrid models. |
– Randomized assignment of datasets to groups to control for confounding factors. |
– Datasets: Publicly available medical image datasets, including the MURA, ChestX-ray8, and DeepLesion datasets. |
– Measures: Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for image recognition. |
– Methods: Each group will train and test their models on the same datasets, with performance measures recorded for each model. |
In this format, the study design and data collection methods are presented as two separate sections, with each section consisting of bullet points. The study design section provides an overview of the design of the study, including the specific groups being compared and the methods used to control for confounding factors. The data collection methods section describes the datasets and measures being used, as well as the specific methods being employed to train and test the deep learning models. This format can help ensure that the study design and methods are clearly explained and easy to understand.
Slide 7: Predicted Outcomes |
---|
– The CNN group is predicted to achieve the highest accuracy and AUC scores for medical image recognition. |
– The hybrid model group is predicted to achieve high sensitivity and specificity scores, making it well-suited for certain medical applications. |
– The RNN group is predicted to perform well on image sequences, such as those in medical videos or time-lapse images. |
– This study will provide a comparative analysis of deep learning techniques for medical image recognition, helping to identify which techniques are most effective for different applications. |
– The study will contribute to the development of improved medical image recognition models, which can have a significant impact on patient care and treatment outcomes. |
In this format, the predicted outcomes are presented as bullet points, along with an explanation of how they will contribute to the field. The predicted outcomes are based on the study design and methods described in previous slides and can help to demonstrate the potential impact of the proposed research.
Slide 8: Resources |
---|
– Access to medical image databases with labeled images for model training and testing. |
– Powerful computing resources, such as GPUs, for running deep learning algorithms. |
– Software tools for image pre-processing, deep learning model training, and model evaluation. |
– Technical support for troubleshooting and optimizing software and hardware issues. |
– Medical image databases will be obtained through collaborations with healthcare institutions and research organizations. |
– Computing resources will be obtained through the university’s high-performance computing center. |
– Software tools will be obtained through open-source repositories and commercial licenses as needed. |
– Technical support will be provided by the university’s IT department and by contacting software vendors and community forums as needed. |
This slide presents the resources needed to complete the work, along with an explanation of how these resources will be obtained. This can help to demonstrate that the necessary resources have been identified and that a plan is in place to obtain them.
Slide 9: Societal Impact |
---|
– Improving the accuracy and efficiency of medical image analysis can lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses, which can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. |
– Developing robust and interpretable deep learning models can help to build trust in these technologies and enable their widespread adoption in clinical practice. |
– Generating new insights into brain tumor growth and progression can help to guide treatment decisions and lead to more personalized and effective therapies. |
– By improving medical image analysis, our work can help to reduce the time and cost of diagnosis, increase the accuracy of treatment planning, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. |
– By developing more interpretable and trustworthy deep learning models, our work can help to facilitate their integration into clinical practice and improve patient care. |
– By providing new insights into brain tumor growth and progression, our work can help to guide the development of more targeted and effective treatments. |
This slide presents the potential societal impact of the work and how it will benefit society. This can help to demonstrate the broader implications and significance of the research.
Gnatt chart representing the timetable of the activities planned
You have to create a Gantt chart to represent the activities that are planned for completing this research work within the given time frame. The time frame can change depending on the Univesity’s stipulated guidelines for full-time and part-time Ph.D. programs.
The chart is divided into five different stages, which are:
You have to allocate appropriate time for each stage to complete the work on schedule. You have to keep track of the progress regularly and make necessary adjustments to the plan to ensure the timely completion of the research work.
In this section, you have to discuss some potential challenges which you may encounter during your research and how you plan to address them.
Potential Challenges:
Addressing the Challenges:
By identifying potential challenges and having a plan in place to address them, you can ensure that your research progresses smoothly and efficiently.
In conclusion, this presentation has outlined a research proposal for a comparative study of deep learning techniques for image recognition in medical imaging. The key points covered in this presentation are:
Overall, this research proposal has the potential to contribute to the field of medical imaging by providing valuable insights into the performance of different deep-learning techniques for image recognition. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of image recognition in medical imaging, this research could ultimately benefit patients and healthcare providers.
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In the realm of academia, a well-crafted research proposal is your passport to the fascinating domain of advanced knowledge. The journey to earning a Ph.D. requires rigorous research and deep inquiry. As you prepare to take on this academic feat, one critical element stands as a gateway between your dreams and your degree: the research proposal for your Ph.D. interview. This document holds the power to shape your future as an academic and researcher.
However, crafting a research paper proposal that shines requires structure, clarity, and precision. A research paper proposal for a Ph.D. interview serves as the blueprint for your doctoral journey. It summarizes the research you plan to undertake and presents your ideas, data collection, questions, and expected outcomes with clarity and definition. This document isn't just a formality; it's the key to unlocking the doors to advanced research, Ph.D. Thesis , and a Ph.D. degree.
This is where SlideTeam's PPT collection of research proposals for PhD interview PPT templates enters the stage. In this blog, we'll explore why a research proposal is crucial for a Ph.D. interview and present the must-have research proposal templates designed to assist you in your Ph.D. interview preparations. Before we dive into the templates, let's grasp the significance of a research proposal in the context of a PhD interview. Alongside this, discover indispensable marketing research proposal templates to boost your research.
Here, the research proposal presentations come as a guiding light. It saves you time, energy, and potential confusion. These slides are content-ready and 100% editable, providing you with a strong foundation for your PhD interview preparations. Instead of starting from scratch, you can use these templates to streamline your research proposal, making the path to your PhD less strenuous. Similarly, get your research proposal off to a strong start with these introduction templates.
Now, let's delve into the ten must-have research proposal templates designed to simplify your PhD interview journey:
This comprehensive template is the gateway to your research proposal, including the introductory slide, an abstract summarizing the entire study, and a table of contents. The abstract summary defines different sections of the thesis. It offers a brief description of the subject of the study in one or two lines, giving your interviewers a snapshot of your research. Download this cornerstone of your research proposal, offering a structured overview of your research.
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The PPT Template introduces your thesis research paper proposal , including the abstract and an introduction to the study. It's your first impression in your interview preparations. It includes crucial information such as the dissertation proposal , a brief summary of the research paper proposal (Scope, research, and conclusion), and a table of contents. Download this comprehensive template that aids in crafting a captivating cover letter to introduce your study and research intentions.
A step-by-step approach is a must for your research proposal. This slide helps you break down your research paper proposal into manageable sections, including your Ph.D. thesis topic, abstract, introduction, and thesis statement. Download this introductory will help you present your research clearly and concisely, setting the stage for your entire proposal.
A solid research dissertation methodology is vital. This PPT Template outlines the methodology you intend to employ in your research. The slide guides you through the process, ensuring you establish the right approaches for your research like:
Download this slide that clarifies your data collection and analysis methods, offering an essential framework for your study.
Every research project has its challenges. It's crucial to have a plan for addressing these challenges. This slide helps you identify and outline the constraints you may encounter during your research. Some of the possible challenges include:
Download this layout that helps you identify and address potential constraints and limitations, demonstrating your awareness and readiness to overcome them.
Critical questions and hypotheses fuel your research paper proposal . This slide helps you articulate them clearly, laying the foundation for your entire study. It includes critical research questions, a primary hypothesis statement, and the expected impact. Download this slide that aids in formulating your research questions or hypotheses, a fundamental aspect of your proposal.
A solid literature review is vital in positioning your research within the existing body of knowledge. This preset assists in constructing a comprehensive literature review, which includes the following:
Download this presentation that helps you outline and organize the relevant literature.
Your research methods are the backbone of your study. This slide offers an overview of the research methods you'll employ, providing clarity on your approach. It includes all the crucial steps that will be adopted in the research methodology:
Download this slide that provides an overview to ensure your approach is well-defined.
When it comes to conducting thorough research, it's crucial to have a unique and detailed approach. This layout helps you outline your research approach or methods you will adopt, like surveys, questionnaires, interviews, case studies, and observations. By downloading this template, you can ensure that your research is comprehensive, accurate, and tailored to your specific needs and objectives.
The preliminary discussion and results section is vital. After conducting thorough research and testing your hypothesis (if applicable), it is now time to present your findings and draw conclusions from them. Here, you will present the results that you have come up with and draw conclusions relating to the research that you have done. It is based solely on the evidence gathered during the research and presented in a way that is easy for the reader to understand and interpret. This factual report should provide an objective account of both the positive and negative results that were obtained. Overall, this section of the report should provide a comprehensive overview of the research conducted and the insights gained from it.
The path to a Ph.D. can be challenging and arduous, with numerous pain points along the way. A well-crafted research proposal provides clarity, direction, and organization to your research ideas. But, many students face the daunting task of creating an impactful research proposal that meets the expectations of academic committees. Crafting a research proposal from scratch is time-consuming and can leave you grappling for the proper structure and content. Here, SlideTeam's collection of research proposal presentation templates becomes your solution. By leveraging them, you can streamline your interview preparations and embark on your PhD journey with confidence. Likewise, explore essential psychology research proposal templates that will assist you in streamlining your work.
Explore these templates and take the first step toward a successful PhD interview. Best of luck in your academic pursuit!
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What is a research proposal paper, why write a research proposal paper.
Research proposal examples, help & additional resources, this resource page will help you:.
A research proposal paper:
Your instructor will provide you with assignment details that can help you determine how much information to include in your research proposal, so you should carefully check your course outline and assignment instructions.
Writing a research proposal allows you to
learn how to identify a research problem that can contribute to advancing knowledge in your field of interest;
further develop skills in finding foundational and relevant literature related to your topic;
critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem;
see yourself as an active participant in conducting research in your field of study.
Writing a research proposal paper can help clarify questions you may have before designing your research study. It is helpful to get feedback on your research proposal and edit your work to be able to see what you may need to change in your proposal. The more diverse opinions you receive on your proposal, the better prepared you will be to design a comprehensive research study.
Before starting your research proposal, you should clarify your ideas and make a plan. Ask yourself these questions and take notes:
What do I want to study?
Why is the topic important? Why is it important to me?
How is the topic significant within the subject areas covered in my class?
What problems will it help solve?
How does it build on research already conducted on the topic?
What exactly should I plan to do to conduct a study on the topic?
It may be helpful to write down your answers to these questions and use them to tell a story about your chosen topic to your classmates or instructor. As you tell your story, write down comments or questions from your listeners. This will help you refine your proposal and research questions.
This is an example of how to start planning and thinking about your research proposal assignment. You will find a student’s notes and ideas about their research proposal topic - "Perspectives on Textual Production, Student Collaboration, and Social Networking Sites”. This example is hyperlinked in the following Resource Page:
A research proposal paper typically includes:
Start your introduction by giving the reader an overview of your study. Include:
Conclude your introduction by giving your reader a roadmap of your proposal.
To learn more about paper introductions, check How to write Introductions .
A theoretical framework refers to the theories that you will use to interpret both your own data and the literature that has come before. Think about theories as lenses that help you look at your data from different perspectives, beyond just your own personal perspective. Think about the theories that you have come across in your courses or readings that could apply to your research topic. When writing the theoretical framework, include
The literature review section should help you identify topics or issues that will help contextualize what the research has/hasn’t found and discussed on the topic so far and convince your reader that your proposed study is important. This is where you can go into more detail on the gap that your study hopes to fill. Ultimately, a good literature review helps your reader learn more about the topic that you have chosen to study and what still needs to be researched
To learn more about literature reviews check What is a Literature Review .
The methods section should briefly explain how you plan to conduct your study and why you have chosen a particular method. You may also include
You should cite relevant literature on research methods to support your choices.
The conclusion section should include a short summary about the implications and significance of your proposed study by explaining how the possible findings may change the ways educators and/or stakeholders address the issues identified in your introduction.
Depending on the assignment instructions, the conclusion can also highlight next steps and a timeline for the research process.
To learn more about paper conclusions, check How to write Conclusions .
List all references you used and format them according to APA style. Make sure that everything in your reference list is cited in the paper, and every citation in your paper is in your reference list.
To learn more about writing citations and references, check Citations & APA .
These are detailed guidelines on how to prepare a quantitative research proposal. Adapted from the course APD2293 “Interpretation of Educational Research”. These guidelines are hyperlinked in the following Resource Page:
What is a research proposal.
A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition – the what.
It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline – the why.
What it shouldn't do is answer the question – that's what your research will do.
Research proposals are significant because Another reason why it formally outlines your intended research. Which means you need to provide details on how you will go about your research, including:
Think of it as a tool that will help you clarify your idea and make conducting your research easier.
Usually no more than 2000 words, but check the requirements of your degree, and your supervisor or research coordinator.
Presenting your idea clearly and concisely demonstrates that you can write this way – an attribute of a potential research candidate that is valued by assessors.
Project title.
Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.
State the name, department and faculty or school of the academic who has agreed to supervise you. Rest assured, your research supervisor will work with you to refine your research proposal ahead of submission to ensure it meets the needs of your discipline.
Describe your proposed mode of research. Which may be closely linked to your discipline, and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, e.g. data, field research, composition, written work, social performance and mixed media etc.
This is not required for research in the sciences, but your research supervisor will be able to guide you on discipline-specific requirements.
What are you trying to achieve with your research? What is the purpose? This section should reference why you're applying for a research degree. Are you addressing a gap in the current research? Do you want to look at a theory more closely and test it out? Is there something you're trying to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, think about the potential outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your aim. Make sure that this is a focused statement.
Your objectives will be your aim broken down – the steps to achieving the intended outcome. They are the smaller proof points that will underpin your research's purpose. Be logical in the order of how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve 'a' before 'b' before 'c', then make sure you order your objectives a, b, c.
A concise summary of what your research is about. It outlines the key aspects of what you will investigate as well as the expected outcomes. It briefly covers the what, why and how of your research.
A good way to evaluate if you have written a strong synopsis, is to get somebody to read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they know what your research is about?
Now that you have your question clarified, it is time to explain the why. Here, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the current research climate in your area of interest.
Providing context around your research topic through a literature review will show the assessor that you understand current dialogue around your research, and what is published.
Demonstrate you have a strong understanding of the key topics, significant studies and notable researchers in your area of research and how these have contributed to the current landscape.
In this section, you should consider the following:
Draw links between your research and the faculty or school you are applying at, and explain why you have chosen your supervisor, and what research have they or their school done to reinforce and support your own work. Cite these reasons to demonstrate how your research will benefit and contribute to the current body of knowledge.
Provide an overview of the methodology and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Cover what materials and equipment you will use, what theoretical frameworks will you draw on, and how will you collect data.
Highlight why you have chosen this particular methodology, but also why others may not have been as suitable. You need to demonstrate that you have put thought into your approach and why it's the most appropriate way to carry out your research.
It should also highlight potential limitations you anticipate, feasibility within time and other constraints, ethical considerations and how you will address these, as well as general resources.
A work plan is a critical component of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and supports you in achieving your objectives throughout your degree.
Consider the milestones you aim to achieve at each stage of your research. A PhD or master's degree by research can take two to four years of full-time study to complete. It might be helpful to offer year one in detail and the following years in broader terms. Ultimately you have to show that your research is likely to be both original and finished – and that you understand the time involved.
Provide details of the resources you will need to carry out your research project. Consider equipment, fieldwork expenses, travel and a proposed budget, to indicate how realistic your research proposal is in terms of financial requirements and whether any adjustments are needed.
Provide a list of references that you've made throughout your research proposal.
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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.
A research proposal is the beginning of your doctoral project. The proposal outlines the intended focus of your research and the possibilities. It will also include your research question, which is the question your project will explore and aim to answer. A good research question will guide your process and should be feasible, specific and relevant to your topic.
Doctoral research should be an original contribution to an academic field, and your proposal should demonstrate that.
A 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 research proposal structure includes these elements:
Your 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When you’ve thought about your proposal, the next step is to submit your application. Read our guide on how to apply.
Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]
Table of Contents
Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:
4. Literature Review:
The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:
1. Title Page:
2. Abstract:
3. Introduction:
5. Research Objectives:
6. Methodology:
7. Timeline:
8. Resources:
9. Ethical Considerations:
10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:
11. References:
12. Appendices:
Here’s a template for a research proposal:
1. Introduction:
2. Literature Review:
3. Research Objectives:
4. Methodology:
5. Timeline:
6. Resources:
7. Ethical Considerations:
8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:
9. References:
10. Appendices:
Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study
1. Introduction
Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.
2. Objectives
The main objectives of this research are as follows:
3. Methodology
3.1 Study Design
This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:
3.2 Participants
The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.
3.3 Data Collection
The research will employ the following data collection methods:
3.4 Data Analysis
Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.
4. Ethical Considerations
The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.
5. Significance and Expected Outcomes
This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.
6. Timeline
The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.
The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.
8. Conclusion
This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.
Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer
Correct research proposal presentation is essential in getting your research approved.
A presentation is an essential component that will help you showcase your research from the best angle. It is a roadmap that shows your central research question, how you will find the solution, and what awarenesses and issues stand in your way. A way to present research proposal writing in the form of a paper is essential, but it sets limits on your abilities to demonstrate the content to the audience.
Having a set of slides is good because it is more understandable than writing. Showcasing your future project using graphics and tables is even better because the information becomes more convincing and coherent. Sometimes, the presentation allows individuals to say more than they could do when writing a research plan. Let’s move on and discover how to make research proposal presentation.
When you present your project, you literally sell it to the officials, proving its value and importance within the whole field. That’s why it’s essential to consider valuable points when working on the project. So, below are points to follow when preparing research proposal presentation.
Research proposal PowerPoint format allows you to be more creative using tools to compose and deliver the information. Start working beforehand to select the proper background, fonts, and visuals to ensure your slides look great. Still, if you find it difficult to complete the task, asking someone for assistance is a good decision. Consider getting professional help writing research proposal from our experienced pros.
When presenting the concept of your study, you should understand what it consists of and what is the purpose of each part. You will understand how to write a presentation proposal. Stick to this plan. Use it like a template, and make sure you include all the needed information. Another great idea is to use dissertation proposal guidelines provided by your institution. Besides, you can look for samples and check how others handle such a task.
The concept you create should be impressive and informative. Everything should be focused on your study, showcasing the topic, highlighting its importance, and saying what you expect to achieve. That’s why you should make your thesis proposal presentation a visual aid that helps the audience to understand you. Below are some tips to help you.
To ensure the final version looks good, show it to someone who hasn’t seen it before. With feedback from an independent viewer, you will understand whether everything looks good or not.
Simply switching the slides and repeating all the information is not enough. The purpose of the proposal defense is to convince the audience that your research is significant, fundamental, and worth investing in. Those who will listen to you won’t be very interested in research projects. So, how to present a research proposal in a way that makes them listen?
You have to be confident and stick to your agenda. Make notes about what you will say at each stage of the defense. Left the most significant information on the slides, supplementing it with additional abstracts during the demonstration. Keep the pace and show one slide per minute. Rushing is not what’s needed since you aim to show the research project’s significance.
The ability to answer audience questions is another essential of how to make a proposal presentation. Be ready for this because the committee may want to test how well you know your research topic. An unclear answer or a typical “I don’t know” can negatively impact their decision. Practice before the official demonstration and ensure you are confident enough to defend a presentation without notes.
Creating a proposal presentation is a responsible task because you are showcasing your future research, explaining why it’s important and how it will close the existing gaps in the field. It requires a deep analysis, which takes lots of time and effort and may be challenging for some individuals.
However, it’s not a problem for our specialists. As well as providing professional thesis writing services , we assist customers with presentation creation. Our experts carefully investigate the topic, do in-depth research, and find relevant data. Moreover, they can help you select research topics, offering unique niches that match your interests.
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Are you a scientist who wishes to create a research proposal presentation in the best manner? If you do, then this excellent list of Research Proposal PowerPoint Templates is truly a demand!
The research proposal is a document that a researcher needs to write, It outlines the details of a research project and gives team members or readers a summary of the information in a project.
In order to allow readers to understand the project information more clearly, a research proposal presentation will be a better way to present the information of a research project.
A research proposal PPT should include the following:
Note: this PDF file made by Australian National University provides more information about the research proposal presentation.
In this collection, you’ll find numerous and diverse styles of research proposals ppt templates that you can pick as part of your inspiration.
Free research proposal powerpoint templates, premium research proposal powerpoint templates, 1. rea thesis presentation template.
You can create a professional research proposal with Rea in a matter of minutes. Why? Because you don’t need any design knowledge or sophisticated design software like Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, the Rea ppt template gives you everything you need to create a research proposal, it provides a complete pre-built slide set. What you need to do is focus on your study.
To assist you in presenting your research proposal in a structured way, the Rea template divides your research proposal into seven sections: introduction, literature review, research, results, discussion, conclusion, reference list. The majority of research proposals can follow this structure.
The Rea ppt template features a modern, creative design, the alternation of light slides and dark slides will attract the viewer’s attention well.
Unique slides: 33
The Master Thesis Defense PowerPoint Template is a thesis PowerPoint presentation for students. It features a clean, sophisticated design, the unified layout allows you to easily adjust or add slides in your presentation. This template is perfect for a master’s thesis.
Unique slides: 21
This PPT template is made for thesis defense presentations, such as bachelors thesis, PhD thesis, masters thesis, or doctoral thesis. It comes with a blue background cover slide and a lot of useful infographic slides.
This research proposal PowerPoint template uses a striking red as the main color, features 21 editable slides. The table of contents slide and break slide will help you organize your content.
Green Dissertation defense presentation template comes with 21 unique slides and a clean layout, suited for chemistry thesis or biology thesis.
PhD Dissertation Defense Presentation Template features a clean, minimal design. It’s well organized and easy to use. The only thing you need to focus on is your research.
Blue Medical is a free multipurpose PowerPoint template for medical presentations. This template is also perfect for medical research proposals, chemical project research proposals.
Unique slides: 41
Master’s Thesis Defense Free PowerPoint Template is one of the best research proposal templates. You don’t need to build anything from scratch, it’s more or less just a matter of dragging and dropping, editing text and charts.
Unique slides: 28
This PPT template is a simple alternative that helps you create a research slide. It includes 5 steps to guide you through the research process. If you want a simplest PowerPoint template, this will be the right one.
Unique slides: 9
Minerva is a free minimalist master’s thesis defense presentation template. It has 34 comprehensive and unique slides. Use this template to present your research now!
Unique slides: 34
Professional Thesis Project Proposal PowerPoint Template is a free research paper ppt template. It comes with 21 easy-to-use slides that include every aspect of your thesis, from the purpose of your study to method, data analysis, results, and discussion.
This presentation template is one of the best free research proposal ppt templates that help you stand out. It features 20 pre-built research slides with modern, minimal layouts.
This cool presentation template is designed for students to present their school projects. It includes many illustrations and graphs.
This beautiful PPT template is for anyone who needs a quick but professional thesis defense template. Utilize professionally designed slides for your introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion. The template includes 22 animated slides.
A free research proposal presentation template for PowerPoint and Google Slides, contains 29 unique slides.
The template comes with a simple, minimal, and modern design. It would be perfect for any type of research proposal.
Another thesis proposal powerpoint template with aesthetic glassmorphism design. It comes with 27 unique slides for thesis defense or thesis proposal presentation.
Thesis Science Powerpoint Template offers 20 unique slides. All slides have been organized and categorized to adhere to the guidelines stipulated by the thesis defense format.
SOLOZ PPT template contains 30 unique slides with a dark background. The unified color scheme and master slides make it easy to customize and quickly build an impressive presentation.
This thesis defense PowerPoint template uses a design interior theme as a preview. It comes with 30 unique slides, dark and light backgrounds, and widescreen & standard ratio.
The Research Proposal PowerPoint Template offers over 50 slide designs with a modern and professional look. This template is available in three various formats: PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote.
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The goal of the Ph.D. proposal presentation and approval process is to receive constructive feedback on the proposal and ensure that the Ph.D. proposal is feasible and appropriate for Ph.D. work. The panel also can look into the timeline of the proposed work to ensure its feasibility within the given time frame.
How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal
Considering a UK PhD: Your Next Steps
Budget. Same principles as plan: Be specific, orderly, logical. •Follow rules carefully of what items/amounts permitted •Include quotes of exact amounts and how you got them. •Put items in categories; subtotals and totals •Give this part the same attention as the plan - not an afterthought.
Making a presentation from your research proposal
PhD Dissertation Defense Slides Design: Start - CMU LibGuides
How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & ...
Guidance for PhD applicants Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. The 1,500 word research proposal is an important element of your application to doctoral study, whether full-time or part-time. It offers you the opportunity to outline the research you intend to conduct, including how you plan to go about it, and how your research might ...
Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research before you put pen to paper. Your research proposal should include (at least) 5 essential components: Title - provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms. Introduction - explains what you'll be researching in more detail.
How to Make a Successful Research Presentation
How to Write a PhD Research Proposal
When writing your PhD proposal you need to show that your PhD is worth it, achievable, and that you have the ability to do it at your chosen university. With all of that in mind, let's take a closer look at each section of a standard PhD research proposal and the overall structure. 1. Front matter.
This template can be used by Ph.D. candidates from various fields who are preparing for their Ph.D. registration. Slide 1: Title Slide. Title of the work. Candidate's name and affiliation. Supervisor's name and affiliation. Slide 2: Introduction. Briefly introduce the topic. Explain why the topic is important and relevant.
Template 1: Research Proposal for Thesis Template. This comprehensive template is the gateway to your research proposal, including the introductory slide, an abstract summarizing the entire study, and a table of contents. The abstract summary defines different sections of the thesis.
Writing a research proposal paper can help clarify questions you may have before designing your research study. It is helpful to get feedback on your research proposal and edit your work to be able to see what you may need to change in your proposal. The more diverse opinions you receive on your proposal, the better prepared you will be to ...
How to write a research proposal for a strong PhD application
he spine of your proposal and later, in your thesis. The following fe. t. ps may help you to write your research questions:1. C. oose a topic that interests you and your readers.2. Make an investigation on your topic by going through scholarly jour. als and see what questions are raised by your peers. Take note of.
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.
Here is an explanation of each step: 1. Title and Abstract. Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research. Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal. 2.
Research Proposal Presentation Guide for Effective Defense
Minimalist PhD Dissertation Slides
The research proposal is a document that a researcher needs to write, It outlines the details of a research project and gives team members or readers a summary of the information in a project. In order to allow readers to understand the project information more clearly, a research proposal presentation will be a better way to present the ...