How to write a research proposal
Writing a research proposal
For many subjects, writing a research proposal will be a key part of your postgraduate research degree application. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and how you want to contribute to the subject. We then use the proposal to match your interest with an appropriate supervisor to make sure you have the best support during your degree.
We’ve outlined some top tips below to help you stand out in your application.
Step 1: Identifying the specifics of your proposal
The first step is to decide on the research you are proposing to complete. You should:
- include a working title for your thesis in the proposal. Your title may change as you further your research but at this stage it is important to state what your research will cover
- briefly identify your idea i.e. what is your 'research question'? It could be the theory you want to test, or a more open question.
Top tip: Give examples to provide context
It would be useful to give examples, such as 3-5 research questions from recently completed PhDs in a relevant field. You should discuss the context around your research topic, such as current debates and issues. The important thing here is that you introduce your research project with clarity and in a way that stimulates your reader’s interest.
Step 2: Planning your research proposal
At this stage, you should consider the rationale and aims/objectives of your research project to demonstrate the significance of the project and what you are hoping to achieve with the research behind it.
To do this, explain why your research is important, what makes it original and how it will contribute to existing knowledge within its field. Then consider your project aims and try to produce four or five bullet points of objectives for each aim. Allow these to demonstrate your understanding of how to meet your research aims. You can use the SMART acronym to support you in creating objectives, which involves making your objectives; specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time specific.
You should also consider aligning your proposal topic with University research themes. Whilst it is important to choose a research topic that you are passionate about, your proposal will be assessed (in part) on its fit with our University research themes and topics of interests of the academic school you're hoping to work within. As such, you should make it clear how your project matches up with them.
Top tip: Get support from academic staff in drafting your research proposal
Your research proposal will be read by academics with an interest in your field of research. You are therefore encouraged to get in touch with academic researchers prior to submitting your application to discuss to your research proposal. This is a good opportunity to ask questions, firm up your ideas, further explore the topic and talk with others in your field.
This can also often speed up the applications process, as you can identify the member(s) of staff you have spoken to on your research degree application form.
Step 3: How to structure your proposal and what to include
Your research proposal should be a clear and concise document, usually between 1500 – 2000 words, maximum 4 x A4 pages. It should outline your research idea and its benefits to your chosen field of study, in a way that the reader can clearly understand. You should include the following in your proposal.
- A Literature Review: A literature review is a discussion and evaluation of academic literature or a relevant body of knowledge (for practice-based research). You should use this section of your proposal to demonstrate your knowledge and awareness of relevant work in your chosen topic field and that your research will contribute something new and/or meaningful to it.
- Your proposed methodology: The methodology section of your research proposal is where you explain how you plan to carry out your research. This should include the research techniques and methods you will use, why these are most appropriate and how you will implement them. You should also include a discussion of the research strategy (general approach) you will adopt, with appropriate justification, including the analytical approach. The section should also contain the range of research findings that will be gathered from the research and how you will analyse or evaluate this.
- Any references: You should reference all the materials you used in the preparation of your proposal. You may also list references that you didn't directly draw upon, to demonstrate your awareness of literature relating to your proposal material.
Top tip: Take your time in writing your proposal and proofread your work carefully
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to plan, draft, and edit your research proposal. Taking it step by step will make the process much easier, and we recommend being aware of deadlines relevant to when you wish to start your studies.
Once you've completed your proposal, we recommend you read through carefully to ensure it reads clearly and professionally and to catch any errors before you submit your application. You can use free tools like Grammarly to help pick up errors, or you can ask a trusted family member or friend to help in proofreading your work. You could ask them questions like, 'would they understand what your research is about?' or 'do they feel the aims and objectives you've identified are achievable?'.
Changing aspects of your research proposal
Your research proposal is your starting point for your degree, and we understand that as your idea develops, your proposed research is likely to change. As such, you will not be obliged to adhere to the specifics of your proposal if you are offered a place as a research degree student at Huddersfield.
However, as the proposal is the foundation of your working relationship with your supervisor(s), you will need to discuss any changes with them throughout your degree.
Other useful links
Browse our research degrees
If you are still considering your application, take time to browse our extensive range of research degrees and find the right choice for you.
Scholarships and funding
Explore our funding support options, including Doctoral Loans and research scholarships, as well as other external opportunities.
How to apply with us
Find our step-by-step guide that will help you to make the most out of your application for a research degree.