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
Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:
See an example
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.
? or ? , , or research design? | |
, )? ? | |
, , , )? | |
? |
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. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/
Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, what is your plagiarism score.
Dissertations 1: getting started: planning.
The dissertation is a large project, so it needs careful planning. To organise your time, you can try the following:
Break down the dissertation into smaller stages to complete (e.g., literature search, read materials, data collection, write literature review section…).
Create a schedule. Working backwards from your deadline, decide when you will complete each stage.
Set aside time to regularly work on the dissertation.
Consider what times of day you are most alert and what makes a suitable space to study.
Identify a specific task to work on.
If overwhelmed, try to identify one task that needs doing rather than focusing on the larger project.
Leave time to redraft, proof-read, format, and complete the reference list.
As the dissertation project involves certain processes to take place simultaneously, rather than in a sequence, you can use a Gantt chart to organise your time.
A Gantt chart is a bar chart which shows the schedule for a project. The project is broken down into key tasks/elements to be completed. A start and finish date for each task/element of the project is given. Some tasks are scheduled at the same time or may overlap. Others will start when a task has been completed.
To produce a Gantt chart, you can use Word, Excel (see example in the attachment) or an online planner.
This video helps you to understand the importance of research data management and how you can plan, organise, store, preserve, and share your data.
Dissertation timeline, developing a realistic timeline.
Upon confirmation of a Dissertation Chair and successful completion of the Comprehensive Assessment defense, development of a realistic timeline for completing the tasks that culminate in a successful Dissertation should be established between the candidate and the faculty member Chair. Components of this process include (all steps in consultation with the Chair):
Anticipated dates will likely need to be revised along the way. The candidate must maintain a realistic schedule that allows sufficient time for each step in the process, including the project Chair’s reading of, and feedback on, drafts of the Prospectus, Proposal, and final manuscript. Sufficient time must be allotted for the committee members’ reading of those documents as well. Candidates and Chairs should recognize that each committee member may need up to 14 days to review each draft of the manuscript. During the break between semesters, committee members are responsible for syllabi preparation, course construction, and comprehensive assessment and other defenses, therefore, the customary 14-day time frame for reviewing dissertation drafts does not apply during the intersession. Committee members will return to the standard 14-day review guidelines on the first day of the semester. These factors should be considered when scheduling committee meetings and the final defense.
The Learning and Leadership doctoral degree requires a minimum of 66 total graduate credit hours (Ed.D.) / 75 total graduate credit hours (Ph.D.). Each candidate is required to successfully complete a minimum of 12 Dissertation credit hours (Ed.D.) / 15 Dissertation credit hours (Ph.D.) and defend the Dissertation. Candidates who do not complete the Dissertation hours within the 12 credit hour timeframe (Ed.D.) or 15 credit hour time frame (Ph.D.) must take an additional 2 Dissertation credit hours each semester through graduation. The candidate must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 Dissertation credits (LEAD 7999) during the semester in which the Final Dissertation Defense is held.
It is also the responsibility of the Chair and candidate to consider deadlines for particular graduation dates. University graduation deadlines are published on the Graduate School website (links: Thesis and Dissertation ). Since deadlines may change from one year to the next, candidates are advised to refer to the current deadlines when approaching the final stages of the Dissertation process. Candidates and Chairs should also consider program minimum review requirements when considering a potential graduation semester. F or doctoral candidates, the graduation application should not be completed until the Pre-Defense stage of the dissertation process is approved (link: Pre-Defense Process ).
Lead programs.
Treseder Lab
Fungi, Ecosystems, and Global Change
April 25, 2015 by Kathleen K. Treseder
Read broadly and deeply in area of interest
Apply for fellowships and student-oriented grants
Develop plan for summer project (by April)
Perform field or lab project in summer
Develop idea for dissertation research and begin writing dissertation proposal (by December)
Complete formal literature review, meta-analysis, proof-of-method, or proof-of concept related to dissertation idea (by end of Spring Quarter)
Submit manuscript from above study (by end of summer)
Submit dissertation proposal to committee (by end of September)
Advance to Candidacy (by end of October)
Submit NSF DDIG proposal (October)
Perform field or lab research
Submit manuscript for completed lab or field work (by end of summer)
Complete remaining field and lab work
Apply for postdoctoral positions and funding
Finish writing dissertation
Defend dissertation and submit final version to UCI (by end of Spring Quarter)
Submit manuscript for completed lab or field work
Research is an exciting and impactful endeavour, but getting started can be overwhelming. This guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical advice to navigate the process successfully. We will explore the key considerations in selecting a research topic that aligns with your interests and goals , and then delve into the art of formulating effective research questions . By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to embark on a research journey that is both meaningful and rewarding. Let's dive in and unlock the secrets to selecting the perfect research topic and crafting insightful research questions!
Selection: Selecting a topic can be the most difficult part of doing research. Defining and refining your topic is an ongoing process. Be prepared to change the focus of your topic as you gather more information. Interest: Select a subject you can get interested in . Since you will be spending a considerable amount of time researching your topic, you will want it to be something that holds your interest and that of the reader. Focus: Make sure that your topic isn't too narrow or too broad . If the topic is too broad, you will be overwhelmed with information. If the topic is too narrow, you may not be able to find enough information on your research.
Here are some ways to find inspiration:
To narrow down your research topic, you can follow these steps:
When choosing a research topic, it's important to be aware of common errors that researchers often make. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
By avoiding these common errors, you can choose a research topic that is focused, relevant, feasible, and aligned with your interests and goals, setting the foundation for a successful research journey.
Before you start writing your research proposal, you need to find and define your research topic. The following four steps will help you to identify and refine your topic:
Step 1: Identify areas of interest within your subject area
Step 2: Identify possible themes
Step 3: Consider the context of your research
Step 4: Decide on a topic
The Journal of Suffolk Student Research is an online academic journal, dedicated to the publication of high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate student research undertaken by University of Suffolk students. The journal will showcase the most outstanding student research undertaken at the University of Suffolk. It aims to promote and recognise this outstanding student research by offering valuable early experience of academic publishing and the peer review process.
Find out more here
➔ About the Library
➔ Meet the Team
➔ Customer Service Charter
➔ Library Policies & Regulations
➔ Privacy & Data Protection
➔ A-Z of eResources
➔ Frequently Asked Questions
➔Discover the Library
➔Referencing Help
➔ Print & Copy Services
➔ Service Updates
Library & Learning Services, University of Suffolk, Library Building, Long Street, Ipswich, IP4 1QJ
✉ Email Us: [email protected]
✆ Call Us: +44 (0)1473 3 38700
If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .
The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.
The dissertation template covers the following core sections:
Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.
The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.
What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).
The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.
The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.
Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.
A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .
This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.
This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.
If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .
We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .
We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.
We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.
Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.
Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .
Tasks to complete project | Approximate time period and considerations |
---|---|
Field work (Sampling of the pit feature and stratigraphy) (Does not include traveling time to the site) | 7/4/16-8/13/16 Will be completed during the summer over 6-7 weeks |
Laboratory preparation of samples for analysis | 8/15/16-11/5/16 Approximate and based on certain physical characteristics of the sample such as carbonate content and organic content |
Laboratory analysis | 11/5/16-12/15/2016 |
Preparation of results and materials for publishing | Ongoing 8/15/16 through 4/15/17 |
June-August 2016 | Data collection: OA effects on GRS to sucrose
September-December 2016 | Data collection: OA effects on learning and memory
January-February 2017 | Analysis of data and interpretation of results: potential follow-up experiment on how OA affects pollen-based learning
March 2017 | Analysis of data and interpretation of results: begin writing
April-May 2017 | Continued writing; presentation of thesis
The initial matings for this experiment will be completed by early November. Data on survival, developmental time, and adult morphological traits will be collected as nymphs reach adulthood, predicted to finish by the end of December. January through mid - March will be devoted to assessing male and female reproductive traits and analyzing the data. March through April will be used to complete data analyses and create the poster for the Nevada Undergraduate Research Symposium.
We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use our site. And we'd like to serve you some cookies set by other services to show you relevant content.
This timetable will help you plan your project. Aside from the rows with dates (projects database opening, deadline for supervisors, poster presentation and dissertation hand-in) the rest is for advice only. You should discuss and agree appropriate activities and milestones with your supervisor.
The timetable is based on the principle of working towards the dissertation, rather than undertaking a project that you will write up at the end. As the dissertation is the thing that's marked, anything you don't include cannot be taken into consideration. Therefore, plan and draft the dissertation at an early stage. It is better to have a draft that you can change than nothing - and don't be afraid to change your mind, especially if an unrealistic plan is preventing progress.
16 February 2024 | Find potential supervisors and discuss topics that you want to work on. The opens on ; it contains suggestions for topics from supervisors, but student proposals are welcome too. Think carefully about a subject area for your project – it’s hard to get a good mark if you aren't interested in the topic! Approach several potential supervisors and discuss your ideas. This will give you an opportunity to get a good idea of the Spring term’s modules and to discuss your interests with lecturers. If you do have an idea about what your project might be on, then feel free to discuss it with your lecturers whenever you like. |
10 March 2024 | All students should have contacted a supervisor by this date. If your potential supervisor has informally accepted you for a project via emails, you will need to ask your supervisor to accept you formally on the Database; otherwise, the system will show you without a project. ALL students should be accepted on the database with a supervisor by |
18 April 2024 | Submit a project proposal (1-2 A4 pages) to your supervisor by email, describing your project topic and aims. You should also draw up a schedule for meetings with your supervisor. (You might want to review this schedule from time to time, as the project progresses.) |
23 May 2024 | Produce a draft survey of relevant work and requirements specification (or equivalent). Draw up a draft table of contents for the dissertation. |
Mid June | Expand on your project proposal to produce a rough draft of the thesis. Produce a design and scenarios (or equivalent). |
Mid July | Submit a draft of the dissertation to your supervisor for feedback. This will also give you a chance to reflect upon what you have achieved so far. |
End July | Finish testing and evaluations. |
Early August | Revise dissertation. |
Before 16.00 | Submit dissertation online.
|
Date | Activity |
---|---|
Autumn Term | module. The work here is not required to lead to a dissertation, but it: - gives a sample of likely supervisors' interests - gives you an opportunity to practice the skills for the literature review and planning stages - may lead into your dissertation. |
School Office: School of Engineering and Informatics, University of Sussex, Chichester 1 Room 002, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QJ [email protected] T 01273 (67) 8195 School Office opening hours: School Office open Monday – Friday 09:00-15:00, phone lines open Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00 School Office location [PDF 1.74MB]
Copyright © 2024, University of Sussex
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Inclusion in a Dissertation Timeline. When constructing your dissertation timeline, include every element of the dissertation from the abstract to the conclusion. Keep in mind that you may not be writing your chapters in chronological order. For instance, after completing their first round of research and writing their research question, most ...
Writing a proposal or prospectus can be a challenge, but we've compiled some examples for you to get your started. Example #1: "Geographic Representations of the Planet Mars, 1867-1907" by Maria Lane. Example #2: "Individuals and the State in Late Bronze Age Greece: Messenian Perspectives on Mycenaean Society" by Dimitri Nakassis.
Conclusion. Following these three steps will help you draft a timeline to steer the course of your dissertation work: research and record all requirements and deadlines; work backward from your dissertation deadline and assemble your task lists; and organize your tasks into a timeline. Don't forget to include ample time for editing and ...
Search for dissertation funding, e.g., Prof. Raimondi's grant writing course : Remaining course work, e.g., independent studies for dissertation parts (if any) Schedule Proposal Defense (check with advisor's schedule first) Dissertation Proposal Defense (announcement) Submit GSE Dissertation Proposal Form w/Abstract & Timeline to chair's secretary
The dissertation proposal is a comprehensive statement on the extent and nature of the student's dissertation research interests. Students submit a draft of the proposal to their dissertation advisor between the end of the seventh and middle of the ninth quarters. The student must provide a written copy of the proposal to the faculty ...
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.
Dissertation Planner: step-by-step. This planner is designed to help you through all the stages of your dissertation, from starting to think about your question through to final submission. At each stage there are useful prompts to help you plan your work and manage your time.
Table of contents. Step 1: Coming up with an idea. Step 2: Presenting your idea in the introduction. Step 3: Exploring related research in the literature review. Step 4: Describing your methodology. Step 5: Outlining the potential implications of your research. Step 6: Creating a reference list or bibliography.
A dissertation proposal should include: An introduction to your dissertation topic. Aims and objectives of your dissertation. A literature review of the current research undertaken in your field. Proposed methodology to be used. Implications of your research. Limitations of your research.
The proposal, sometimes called the prospectus, is composed mainly of the Introduction, Research Questions, Literature Review, Research Significance and Methodology. It may also include a dissertation/thesis outline and a timeline for your proposed research. You will be able to reuse the proposal when you actually write the entire dissertation ...
Write a brief executive summary or an abstract of your proposal if you have been asked to do so in the structural guidelines. Generally, the abstract is included in the final dissertation paper with a length of around 300-400 words. If you have to write an abstract for your proposal, here are the key points that it must cover;
Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management" Example research proposal #2: "Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use" Title page. Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes: The proposed title of your project; Your name
To organise your time, you can try the following: Break down the dissertation into smaller stages to complete (e.g., literature search, read materials, data collection, write literature review section…). Create a schedule. Working backwards from your deadline, decide when you will complete each stage. Set aside time to regularly work on the ...
Sample Dissertation Timetable (2-year plan) This schedule is for a candidate who will submit each chapter initially to the chair and wait until all ... March 24, Wednesday Deadline for filing dissertation and original . signature pages, the Graduate School March 18-April 28 Make final revisions to dissertation and ensure
From Progress Report 2 to mid April. From mid April to early June (Project conference) From early June to the end of June. From early July to mid July. From mid July to mid August (submission date) Output for Module A34575: Final dissertation of 10,000 words ready for submission and assessment in August of your final year.
Prepare research proposal Research proposal/ethical approval submission Literature review Search, capture and synthesise relevant literature Notes and other output from the review process Prepare draft literature review Draft literature review section for final report Data collection Finalise sampling plan Sampling plan Develop data collection
Candidates who do not complete the Dissertation hours within the 12 credit hour timeframe (Ed.D.) or 15 credit hour time frame (Ph.D.) must take an additional 2 Dissertation credit hours each semester through graduation. The candidate must be enrolled in a minimum of 2 Dissertation credits (LEAD 7999) during the semester in which the Final ...
Develop idea for dissertation research and begin writing dissertation proposal (by December) Complete formal literature review, meta-analysis, proof-of-method, or proof-of concept related to dissertation idea (by end of Spring Quarter) Submit manuscript from above study (by end of summer) Perform field or lab project in summer. Year 3
Before you start writing your research proposal, you need to find and define your research topic. The following four steps will help you to identify and refine your topic: Step 1: Identify areas of interest within your subject area. Step 2: Identify possible themes . Step 3: Consider the context of your research. Step 4: Decide on a topic
The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX. Download The Dissertation Template. Download Grad Coach's comprehensive dissertation and thesis template for free. Fully editable - includes detailed instructions and examples.
7/4/16-8/13/16. Will be completed during the summer over 6-7 weeks. Laboratory preparation of samples for analysis. 8/15/16-11/5/16. Approximate and based on certain physical characteristics of the sample such as carbonate content and organic content. Laboratory analysis.
Dissertation timetable. This timetable will help you plan your project. Aside from the rows with dates (projects database opening, deadline for supervisors, poster presentation and dissertation hand-in) the rest is for advice only. ... Submit a project proposal (1-2 A4 pages) to your supervisor by email, describing your project topic and aims ...
The document discusses writing a dissertation proposal timetable and provides guidance. It states that writing a dissertation proposal requires meticulous planning, extensive research, and time management skills. Without proper support, students often feel overwhelmed. The document then offers assistance from an expert writing service to help students develop a feasible timetable and achieve ...