Writing a Research Proposal
In just a few weeks time there are going to be thousands of new PhD students starting all over the UK. Some will already have a well defined project, others will only have a rough idea in which direction and area they will be working. It is this second group who will find this post the most useful as one of their first tasks will probably be a literature review followed by a proposal of what they intend to do for the next few years.
It can be argued that the thesis proposal is the single most important part of your PhD as it sets you up for the whole processes of your study. Whilst carrying out research you refer to your proposal; whilst writing up your thesis you refer to your proposal; whilst defending your thesis lots of people will refer to your proposal. Therefore ultimately it is your ticket into and out of your PhD.
A thesis proposal is there to be fulfilled during your PhD studies. It is often referred to as a ‘contract’, and if you fulfil that contract you will be granted a PhD. It should show that you have identified a significant problem, have an organised plan to carry out the research required and justify your analysis methods. Ultimately, if you write a good thesis proposal, you will probably have fewer problems in completing you research on target and successfully defending it at the end.
Before you begin
- Know your area inside out and read, read, read. If you have good background knowledge you can successfully put your research into context and define its purpose.
- Make sure that you are clear in your own mind about your research so far and what you want to finally achieve. If you are unsure yourself, this will come across in your proposal.
- Look at sample proposals to get an idea of what is really required.
Structure of the thesis proposal
Not all disciplines or universities require the same structure so check with your university. However, these are the basics that you should consider:
1. Introduction: This should be an overview of your project that captures the reader’s interest. This might be best written last because once you have completed the proposal the whole project is often much clearer.
2. Thesis statement: This should be a clear and defined statement that captures the essence of your project and covers your problem and its relevance. The statement should allow you to fend off unwanted questions about the feasibility and usefulness of your research during your defence.
3. Theoretical framework/background: Why is the problem you have chosen important and what is its significance? Why should we be interested in your particular research?
4. Previous work: Both by the student and by others to contextualise and further justify the project.
5. Approach/methodology: This is the main plan for your thesis project. It should be precise and to the point with specific targets and methods described and explained in full. If this section is vague then it leaves the project open to interpretation and ultimately, doubt from the committee. It should contain contingencies and an understanding of a possible failure of some parts. Limitations of the methods should also be discussed and challenges involved in the research.
6. Work plan/timetable: If you are clear about what you want to achieve and how you are going to do it in your proposal and it is approved then you can show that you have achieved this when the project is over. No committee member will be able to tell you to do more work if you have achieved all that was originally approved.
Writing tips
- Proposals are generally written in the present and future tense, as opposed to the thesis itself which may be written in the past tense.
- The proposal should be no longer than 15 pages as after this point the text will not be read or considered fully.
- Your bibliography should be comprehensive and show your broad and deep understanding of your field.
- Avoid complicated and obtuse words and phrases as they will only confuse those reading the proposal and may cloud their judgement.
Finally, if you think of the thesis proposal as a contract and be clear, concise and knowledgeable in every section this should allow you to write a successful proposal.
