What is a Research Proposal?
The research proposal is an integral part to the PhD application process. It should provide an outline of your proposed topic and begin to develop the framework you will use to conduct your research. It will be the primary resource you are assessed by when you make your application, and thus, needs to make a powerful first impression.
There are three main things that you need to demonstrate in your proposal. These are:
1) You are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis.
2) You can communicate your ideas clearly.
3) You understand what a PhD involves.
How to Make It Better
Despite needing to demonstrate these things, it is important to remember that your proposal does not need to be perfect; you are not expected to be an expert before you begin your PhD. What is expected is that you have thought about your topic, identified a potential research area and have started to develop a plan of how you might undertake your research. None of these needs to be perfect. They just need to demonstrate that with a bit of guidance, you will be able to achieve a PhD.
There is no specific format to a PhD proposal and often the format will be dependent on the institute you apply to. However, a good proposal will most likely include the following:
1) A clear title / research question
2) Introduction What is the research question / problem? What is your hypothesis, research aims and objectives? Why is this research important? What difference will your research make?
3) Brief literature review / Background Put your research proposal into context with published literature. Identify any gap in the knowledge or questions which have to be answered. What will your research add to the research field?
4) Research timetable and methodology a Research timetable – what are the main stages of the project and what methods will you use to carry out your research? b. Explain what you expect from each year of your PhD. Openly discuss challenges you expect to face and how you might overcome them.
5) Summary and conclusions provide your readers with the main points and conclusion of your proposal.
6) Bibliography Include a list of key references, which demonstrate you have read around your subject area.
Tips
More doesn’t always mean better. The research proposal doesn’t have to be long; 1000-2000 words is a good guideline. However, what is more important is that it articulates clearly, coherently and concisely what you want to achieve during your PhD and how you will go about achieving it. The proposal should leave the readers interested, excited and keen to find out more about you and your ideas. Do this and you will have a great chance of submitting an impressive application!
