How to Write a Research Proposal | Guide and Template
A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will do the research. The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals should contain at least these elements:
There may be some variation in how the sections are named or divided, but the overall goals are always the same. This article takes you through a basic research proposal template and explains what you need to include in each part.
Table of contents
Purpose of a research proposal
Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application, or you might need to submit one before you start writing your thesis or dissertation.
All research proposals are designed to persuade someone—such as a funding body, educational institution, or supervisor—that your project is worthwhile.
Relevance
Convince the reader that your project is interesting, original and important
Context
Show that you are familiar with the field, you understand the current state of research on the topic, and your ideas
have a strong academic basis
Approach
Make a case for your methodology, showing that you have carefully thought about the data, tools and procedures you
will need to conduct the research
Feasibility
Confirm that the project is possible within the practical constraints of the program, institution or funding
How long is a research proposal?
The length of a research proposal varies dramatically. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations and research funding are often very long and detailed.
Although you write it before you begin the research, the proposal’s structure usually looks like a shorter version of a thesis or dissertation (but without the results and discussion sections).
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
Your supervisor’s name
The institution and department
Check with the department or funding body to see if there are any specific formatting requirements.
Abstract and table of contents
If your proposal is very long, you might also have to include an abstract and a table of contents to help the reader navigate the document.
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