If you are applying for a postgraduate PhD programme, you will need to submit a research proposal with your application.
What is a research proposal?
A postgraduate research proposal should:
- clearly define the topic that you are interested in studying at postgraduate level
- show that you have begun to identify and develop an interesting and original research question in relation to your chosen topic
Your proposal, should therefore demonstrate that you:
- understand your intended research area
- are able to identify an interesting and original research question
- have some understanding of how to conduct research, for example, by providing evidence of a Master’s degree, project work or relevant research experience
How long should a research proposal be?
In many cases a typical research proposal will be somewhere between 1,500 and 3,000 words. However, the requirements for individual schools can vary considerably so please consult the relevant school website to check whether their requirements differ from the above.
What should a research proposal contain?
While there is no definite format, the following guidelines should help in the preparation of a postgraduate research proposal.
Step one:
Introduce the proposal by identifying the subject for research in terms of:
- theoretical issues
- relevant empirical applications
Step two:
Briefly review relevant literature and theories relating to the research area. At this stage it is important to be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
- the major lines of argument that have been developed in your area
- the ideas and findings of key researchers working on your topic
Step three:
Give some indication of the research methods that will be used. Of the various research methods which are most suited to your area of research?
You should provide some indication of the form and location of any empirical work you plan to undertake, and where and for how long you might collect any relevant data.
For example:
- outline the sources of information you think you will need, including databases and archives
- comment on the geographical area in which the study will take place – if have made a particular choice, explain why, giving the advantages and disadvantages of this choice
- mention the subjects of the research – are you looking at individuals, groups, texts, companies, etc? Provide some justification for your choices
The actual empirical work eventually undertaken may be quite different to that outlined in the research proposal. However, at this stage you must provide an indication that you have an understanding of the issues associated with conducting research and the ability to design a research study to address a specific set of issues.
Step four:
Although you will not know what your research will find, it is often beneficial to conclude the research proposal by indicating how you envisage your research will contribute to debates and discussions in your particular subject area:
- How do you feel your research can make an original contribution?
- How might it fill gaps in existing work?
- How might it extend understanding of particular topics?
Proposal format
It is important to remember that the research proposal is judged not only on content, but also on form. It must:
- look professional
- be typed
- express your ideas in good, accurate English
- be well structured, using suitable section headings
- be clear and legible, not a poor quality photocopy
Bibliography
Always include a bibliography, in a standard format such as Harvard, listing the books, articles and web pages to which you refer in your discussion of the proposed research.
How important is the research proposal to my application?
Acceptance onto a postgraduate research programme will be based upon both your academic ability and the availability of interested and suitably qualified supervisors. The research proposal makes the difference when it comes to finding supervisors and this part of the application is therefore crucial.
Your research proposal will be read by academics who have an interest in a similar field in order to determine whether their expertise would enable them to act as your research supervisor during the course of your postgraduate study. Schools may not always have staff whose interests match your own, and this must be taken into consideration before making a decision on your application.
Your supervisor will be a key figure in your years as a postgraduate research student and it is important that you can be offered high quality guidance and supervision from an appropriate member of staff. It is therefore imperative that you think carefully about the content of your research proposal as it will be closely considered by potential supervisors.
Once I have been accepted for a research degree, can I change my proposal?
Potential supervisors will consider research proposals as preliminary indicators of your area of interest and will not necessarily assume that the proposal defines exactly the research that you will undertake.
However, you should avoid making any substantial changes to the broad direction of your research after acceptance onto the postgraduate research programme. Whilst it is natural for ideas to evolve and change, and you will not be forced to adhere to specifics of your proposal, you should remember that the proposal is the foundation of your working relationship with your supervisors so it cannot be radically altered without discussion and consultation with them.
For further information on submitting a research proposal, please contact your school of interest.