Guidelines for Writing a Research Proposal for assessment

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

  • It forms part of the assessment of your application
  • It is used to establish whether there is expertise to support your proposed area of research

* Please note: Your research proposal topic may not necessarily be your PhD research topic.

How long should my research proposal be?

It should be 1,000-2,000 words (2-4 pages) long.

What should be included in the research proposal?

Your proposal should include the following:

1. Title

Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.

2. Abstract

It is a brief summary of approximately 250 words. It should include the main research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any) and the method. It should stand on its own, and not refer the reader to points in the project description.

3. Introduction

You should include:

  • The background and rationale of your proposed research
  • A short literature review
  • A summary of key debates and developments in the field
  • A gap in the knowledge
  • Significance

4. Hypothesis

A hypothesis can be defined as a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. In other words, the hypothesis translates the problem statement into a precise, unambiguous prediction of expected outcomes.

5. Research Objectives

Research objectives are the goals to be achieved by conducting the research. They may be stated as ‘general’ and ‘specific’.

6. Research Methodology

You should provide an outline of:

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

7. Plan of Work & Time Schedule

  • You should include an outline of the various stages and corresponding timelines for developing and implementing the research, including writing up your thesis.
  • For full-time study, your research with write-up should be completed within three years of registration.

8. Bibliography

You should include:

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