how write phd research proposal

How to Write a PhD Research Proposal

• Applying to a PhD
• A research proposal summarises your intended research.
• Your research proposal is used to confirm you understand the topic, and that the university has the expertise to support your study.
• The length of a research proposal varies. It is usually specified by either the programme requirements or the supervisor upon request. 1500 to 3500 words is common.
• The typical research proposal structure consists of: Title, Abstract, Background and Rationale, Research Aims and Objectives, Research Design and Methodology, Timetable, and a Bibliography.

What is a Research Proposal?

A research proposal is a supporting document that may be required when applying to a research degree. It summarises your intended research by outlining what your research questions are, why they’re important to your field and what knowledge gaps surround your topic. It also outlines your research in terms of your aims, methods and proposed timetable .

What Is It Used for and Why Is It Important?

A research proposal will be used to:

• Confirm whether you understand the topic and can communicate complex ideas.
• Confirm whether the university has adequate expertise to support you in your research topic.
• Apply for funding or research grants to external bodies.

How Long Should a PhD Research Proposal Be?

Some universities will specify a word count all students will need to adhere to. You will typically find these in the description of the PhD listing. If they haven’t stated a word count limit, you should contact the potential supervisor to clarify whether there are any requirements. If not, aim for 1500 to 3500 words (3 to 7 pages).

Your title should indicate clearly what your research question is. It needs to be simple and to the point; if the reader needs to read further into your proposal to understand your question, your working title isn’t clear enough.

Directly below your title, state the topic your research question relates to. Whether you include this information at the top of your proposal or insert a dedicated title page is your choice and will come down to personal preference.

2. Abstract

If your research proposal is over 2000 words, consider providing an abstract. Your abstract should summarise your question, why it’s important to your field and how you intend to answer it; in other words, explain your research context.

Only include crucial information in this section – 250 words should be sufficient to get across your main points.

3. Background & Rationale

First, specify which subject area your research problem falls in. This will help set the context of your study and will help the reader anticipate the direction of your proposed research.

Following this, include a literature review . A literature review summarises the existing knowledge which surrounds your research topic. This should include a discussion of the theories, models and bodies of text which directly relate to your research problem. As well as discussing the information available, discuss those which aren’t. In other words, identify what the current gaps in knowledge are and discuss how this will influence your research. Your aim here is to convince the potential supervisor and funding providers of why your intended research is worth investing time and money into.

Last, discuss the key debates and developments currently at the centre of your research area.

4. Research Aims & Objectives

Identify the aims and objectives of your research. The aims are the problems your project intends to solve; the objectives are the measurable steps and outcomes required to achieve the aim.

In outlining your aims and objectives, you will need to explain why your proposed research is worth exploring. Consider these aspects:

• Will your research solve a problem?
• Will your research address a current gap in knowledge?
• Will your research have any social or practical benefits?

If you fail to address the above questions, it’s unlikely they will accept your proposal – all PhD research projects must show originality and value to be considered.

5. Research Design and Methodology

The following structure is recommended when discussing your research design:

• Sample/Population – Discuss your sample size, target populations, specimen types etc.
• Methods – What research methods have you considered, how did you evaluate them and how did you decide on your chosen one?
• Data Collection – How are you going to collect and validate your data? Are there any limitations?
• Data Analysis – How are you going to interpret your results and obtain a meaningful conclusion from them?
• Ethical Considerations – Are there any potential implications associated with your research approach? This could either be to research participants or to your field as a whole on the outcome of your findings (i.e. if you’re researching a particularly controversial area). How are you going to monitor for these implications and what types of preventive steps will you need to put into place?

6. Timetable

We’ve outlined the various stages of a PhD and the approximate duration of a PhD programme which you can refer to when designing your own research study.

7. Bibliography

Plagiarism is taken seriously across all academic levels, but even more so for doctorates. Therefore, ensure you reference the existing literature you have used in writing your PhD proposal. Besides this, try to adopt the same referencing style as the University you’re applying to uses. You can easily find this information in the PhD Thesis formatting guidelines published on the University’s website.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Questions & Answers

Here are answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked about the Research Proposal:

Can You Change a Research Proposal?

Yes, your PhD research proposal outlines the start of your project only. It’s well accepted that the direction of your research will develop with time, therefore, you can revise it at later dates.

Can the Potential Supervisor Review My Draft Proposal?

Whether the potential supervisor will review your draft will depend on the individual. However, it is highly advisable that you at least attempt to discuss your draft with them. Even if they can’t review it, they may provide you with useful information regarding their department’s expertise which could help shape your PhD proposal. For example, you may amend your methodology should you come to learn that their laboratory is better equipped for an alternative method.

How Should I Structure and Format My Proposal?

Ensure you follow the same order as the headings given above. This is the most logical structure and will be the order your proposed supervisor will expect.

Most universities don’t provide formatting requirements for research proposals on the basis that they are a supporting document only, however, we recommend that you follow the same format they require for their PhD thesis submissions. This will give your reader familiarity and their guidelines should be readily available on their website.

Last, try to have someone within the same academic field or discipline area to review your proposal. The key is to confirm that they understand the importance of your work and how you intend to execute it. If they don’t, it’s likely a sign you need to rewrite some of your sections to be more coherent.

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How to write a research proposal

What is a research proposal.

A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition – the what.

It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline – the why. 

What it shouldn't do is answer the question – that's what your research will do.

Why is it important?

Research proposals are significant because Another reason why it formally outlines your intended research. Which means you need to provide details on how you will go about your research, including:

• your approach and methodology
• timeline and feasibility
• all other considerations needed to progress your research, such as resources.

Think of it as a tool that will help you clarify your idea and make conducting your research easier.

How long should it be?

Usually no more than 2000 words, but check the requirements of your degree, and your supervisor or research coordinator.

Presenting your idea clearly and concisely demonstrates that you can write this way – an attribute of a potential research candidate that is valued by assessors.

What should it include?

Project title.

Your title should clearly indicate what your proposed research is about.

Research supervisor

State the name, department and faculty or school of the academic who has agreed to supervise you. Rest assured, your research supervisor will work with you to refine your research proposal ahead of submission to ensure it meets the needs of your discipline.

Proposed mode of research

Describe your proposed mode of research. Which may be closely linked to your discipline, and is where you will describe the style or format of your research, e.g. data, field research, composition, written work, social performance and mixed media etc. 

This is not required for research in the sciences, but your research supervisor will be able to guide you on discipline-specific requirements.

Aims and objectives

What are you trying to achieve with your research? What is the purpose? This section should reference why you're applying for a research degree. Are you addressing a gap in the current research? Do you want to look at a theory more closely and test it out? Is there something you're trying to prove or disprove? To help you clarify this, think about the potential outcome of your research if you were successful – that is your aim. Make sure that this is a focused statement.

Your objectives will be your aim broken down – the steps to achieving the intended outcome. They are the smaller proof points that will underpin your research's purpose. Be logical in the order of how you present these so that each succeeds the previous, i.e. if you need to achieve 'a' before 'b' before 'c', then make sure you order your objectives a, b, c.

A concise summary of what your research is about. It outlines the key aspects of what you will investigate as well as the expected outcomes. It briefly covers the what, why and how of your research. 

A good way to evaluate if you have written a strong synopsis, is to get somebody to read it without reading the rest of your research proposal. Would they know what your research is about?

Now that you have your question clarified, it is time to explain the why. Here, you need to demonstrate an understanding of the current research climate in your area of interest.

Providing context around your research topic through a literature review will show the assessor that you understand current dialogue around your research, and what is published.

Demonstrate you have a strong understanding of the key topics, significant studies and notable researchers in your area of research and how these have contributed to the current landscape.

Expected research contribution

In this section, you should consider the following:

• Why is your research question or hypothesis worth asking?
• How is the current research lacking or falling short?
• What impact will your research have on the discipline?
• Will you be extending an area of knowledge, applying it to new contexts, solving a problem, testing a theory, or challenging an existing one?
• Establish why your research is important by convincing your audience there is a gap.
• What will be the outcome of your research contribution?
• Demonstrate both your current level of knowledge and how the pursuit of your question or hypothesis will create a new understanding and generate new information.
• Show how your research is innovative and original.

Draw links between your research and the faculty or school you are applying at, and explain why you have chosen your supervisor, and what research have they or their school done to reinforce and support your own work. Cite these reasons to demonstrate how your research will benefit and contribute to the current body of knowledge.

Proposed methodology

Provide an overview of the methodology and techniques you will use to conduct your research. Cover what materials and equipment you will use, what theoretical frameworks will you draw on, and how will you collect data.

Highlight why you have chosen this particular methodology, but also why others may not have been as suitable. You need to demonstrate that you have put thought into your approach and why it's the most appropriate way to carry out your research. 

It should also highlight potential limitations you anticipate, feasibility within time and other constraints, ethical considerations and how you will address these, as well as general resources.

A work plan is a critical component of your research proposal because it indicates the feasibility of completion within the timeframe and supports you in achieving your objectives throughout your degree.

Consider the milestones you aim to achieve at each stage of your research. A PhD or master's degree by research can take two to four years of full-time study to complete. It might be helpful to offer year one in detail and the following years in broader terms. Ultimately you have to show that your research is likely to be both original and finished – and that you understand the time involved.

Provide details of the resources you will need to carry out your research project. Consider equipment, fieldwork expenses, travel and a proposed budget, to indicate how realistic your research proposal is in terms of financial requirements and whether any adjustments are needed.

Bibliography

Provide a list of references that you've made throughout your research proposal. 

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How to write a successful research proposal

As the competition for PhD places is incredibly fierce, your research proposal can have a strong bearing on the success of your application - so discover how to make the best impression

What is a research proposal?

Research proposals are used to persuade potential supervisors and funders that your work is worthy of their support. These documents set out your proposed research that will result in a Doctoral thesis. They are typically between 1,500 and 3,000 words.

Your PhD research proposal must passionately articulate what you want to research and why, convey your understanding of existing literature, and clearly define at least one research question that could lead to new or original knowledge and how you propose to answer it.

Professor Leigh Wilson, head of the graduate school at the University of Westminster , explains that while the research proposal is about work that hasn't been done yet, what prospective supervisors and funders are focusing on just as strongly is evidence of what you've done.

This includes how well you know existing literature in the area, including very recent publications and debates, and how clearly you've seen what's missing from this and so what your research can do that's new. Giving a strong sense of this background or frame for the proposed work is crucial.

'Although it's tempting to make large claims and propose research that sweeps across time and space, narrower, more focused research is much more convincing,' she adds. 'To be thorough and rigorous in the way that academic work needs to be, even something as long as a PhD thesis can only cover a fairly narrow topic. Depth not breadth is called for.'

The structure of your research proposal is therefore important to achieving this goal, yet it should still retain sufficient flexibility to comfortably accommodate any changes you need to make as your PhD progresses.

Layout and formats vary, so it's advisable to consult your potential PhD supervisor before you begin. Here's what to bear in mind when writing a research proposal.

Your provisional title should be around ten words in length, and clearly and accurately indicate your area of study and/or proposed approach. It should be catchy, informative and interesting.

The title page should also include personal information, such as:

• academic title
• date of birth
• nationality
• contact details.

Aims and objectives

This is a summary of your project. Your aims should be two or three broad statements that emphasise what you want to achieve, complemented by several focused, feasible and measurable objectives - the steps that you'll take to answer each of your research questions.

You'll need to clearly and briefly outline:

• how your research addresses a gap in, or builds upon, existing knowledge
• how your research links to the department that you're applying to
• the academic, cultural, political and/or social significance of your research questions.

Literature review

This section of your PhD proposal discusses the most important theories, models and texts that surround and influence your research questions, conveying your understanding and awareness of the key issues and debates.

It should focus on the theoretical and practical knowledge gaps that your work aims to address, as this ultimately justifies and provides the motivation for your project.

Methodology

Here, you're expected to outline how you'll answer each of your research questions. A strong, well-written methodology is crucial, but especially so if your project involves extensive collection and significant analysis of primary data.

In disciplines such as humanities, the research proposal methodology identifies the data collection and analytical techniques available to you, before justifying the ones you'll use in greater detail. You'll also define the population that you're intending to examine.

You should also show that you're aware of the limitations of your research, qualifying the parameters you plan to introduce. Remember, it's more impressive to do a fantastic job of exploring a narrower topic than a decent job of exploring a wider one.

Concluding or following on from your methodology, your timetable should identify how long you'll need to complete each step - perhaps using bi-weekly or monthly timeslots. This helps the reader to evaluate the feasibility of your project and shows that you've considered how you'll go about putting the PhD proposal into practice.

Bibliography

Finally, you'll provide a list of the most significant texts, plus any attachments such as your academic CV .

Demonstrate your skills in critical reflection by selecting only those resources that are most appropriate.

Final checks

Before submitting this document along with your PhD application, you'll need to ensure that you've adhered to the research proposal format. This means that:

• every page is numbered
• it's professional, interesting and informative
• the research proposal has been proofread by both an experienced academic (to confirm that it conforms to academic standards) and a layperson (to correct any grammatical or spelling errors)
• it has a contents page
• you've used a clear and easy-to-read structure, with appropriate headings.

Research proposal examples

To get a better idea of how your PhD proposal may look, some universities have provided examples of research proposals for specific subjects, including:

• The Open University - Social Policy and Criminology
• Queen's University Belfast - Nursing and Midwifery
• University of Sheffield - Sociological Studies
• University of Sussex
• University of York - Politics
• York St John University

Find out more

• Explore PhD studentships .
• For tips on writing a thesis, see 7 steps to writing a dissertation .
• Consider your PhD, what next?

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School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies

How to write a phd research proposal.

In order to help you with your application, the information below aims to give some guidance on how a typical research proposal might look.

Your research proposal is a concise statement (up to 3,000 words) of the rationale for your research proposal, the research questions to be answered and how you propose to address them. We know that during the early stages of your PhD you are likely to refine your thinking and methodology in discussion with your supervisors.

However, we want to see that you can construct a fairly rigorous, high quality research proposal.

We use your research proposal to help us decide whether you would be a suitable candidate to study at PhD level. We therefore assess your proposal on its quality, originality, and coherence. It also helps us to decide if your research interests match those of academics in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS) and whether they would be able to provide suitably qualified supervision for your proposed research.

Format of the research proposal

Your proposal should include the following:

Title. A short, indicative title is best.

Abstract. This is a succinct summary of your research proposal (approximately 200-300 words) that will present a condensed outline, enabling the reader to get a very quick overview of your proposed project, lines of inquiry and possible outcomes. An abstract is often written last, after you have written the proposal and are able to summarise it effectively.

Rationale for the research project. This might include a description of the question/debate/phenomenon of interest; an explanation of why the topic is of interest to you; and an outline of the reasons why the topic should be of interest to research and/ or practice (the 'so what?' question).

Aims and initial research question. What are the aims and objectives of the research? State clearly the puzzle you are addressing, and the research question that you intend to pursue. It is acceptable to have multiple research questions, but it is a good idea to clarify which is the main research question. If you have hypotheses, discuss them here. A research proposal can and should make a positive and persuasive first impression and demonstrate your potential to become a good researcher. In particular, you need to demonstrate that you can think critically and analytically as well as communicate your ideas clearly.

Research context for your proposed project. Provide a short introduction to your area of interest with a succinct, selective and critical review of the relevant literature. Demonstrate that you understand the theoretical underpinnings and main debates and issues in your research area and how your proposed research will make an original and necessary contribution to this. You need to demonstrate how your proposed research will fill a gap in existing knowledge.

Intended methodology. Outline how you plan to conduct the research and the data sources that you will use. We do not expect you to have planned a very detailed methodology at this stage, but you need to provide an overview of how you will conduct your research (qualitative and/or quantitative methods) and why this methodology is suited for your proposed study. You need to be convincing about the appropriateness and feasibility of the approaches you are suggesting, and reflective about problems you might encounter (including ethical and data protection issues) in collecting and analysing your data.

Expected outcomes and impact. How do you think the research might add to existing knowledge; what might it enable organisations or interested parties to do differently? Increasingly in academia (and this is particularly so for ESRC-funded studentships), PhD students are being asked to consider how their research might contribute to both academic impact and/or economic and societal impact. (This is well explained on the ESRC website if you would like to find out more.) Please consider broader collaborations and partnerships (academic and non-academic) that will support your research. Collaborative activity can lead to a better understanding of the ways in which academic research can translate into practice and it can help to inform and improve the quality of your research and its impact.

Timetable. What is your initial estimation of the timetable of the dissertation? When will each of the key stages start and finish (refining proposal; literature review; developing research methods; fieldwork; analysis; writing the draft; final submission). There are likely to overlaps between the stages.

Why Bristol? Why – specifically – do you want to study for your PhD at Bristol ? How would you fit into the School's  research themes and research culture . You do not need to identify supervisors at the application stage although it can be helpful if you do.

Bibliography. Do make sure that you cite what you see as the key readings in the field. This does not have to be comprehensive but you are illustrating the range of sources you might use in your research.

We expect your research proposal to be clear, concise and grammatically correct. Prior to submitting your research proposal, please make sure that you have addressed the following issues:

• Have you included a clear summary of what the proposed research is about and why it is significant?
• Have you clearly identified what your proposed research will add to our understanding of theory, knowledge or research design?
• Does it state what contributions it will make to policy and/or practice?
• Does the proposal clearly explain how you will do the research?
• Is the language clear and easy to understand by someone who is not an expert in the field?
• Is the grammar and spelling correct?

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How to write a good PhD proposal

Study tips Published 3 Mar, 2022  ·  5-minute read

Want to make sure your research degree starts smoothly? We spoke with 2 PhD candidates about overcoming this initial hurdle. Here’s their advice for how to write a good PhD proposal.

Writing your research proposal is an integral part of commencing a PhD with many schools and institutes, so it can feel rather intimidating. After all, how you come up with your PhD proposal could be the difference between your supervisor getting on board or giving your project a miss.

Let’s explore how to make a PhD research proposal with UQ candidates Chelsea Janke and Sarah Kendall. 

Look at PhD proposal examples

Look at other PhD proposals that have been successful. Ask current students if you can look at theirs.

Nobody’s asking you to reinvent the wheel when it comes to writing your PhD proposal – leave that for your actual thesis. For now, while you’re just working out how to write a PhD proposal, examples are a great starting point.

Chelsea knows this step is easier if you’ve got a friend who is already doing a PhD, but there are other ways to find a good example or template.

“Look at other PhD proposals that have been successful,” she says.

“Ask current students if you can look at theirs.”

“If you don’t know anyone doing their PhD, look online to get an idea of how they should be structured.”

What makes this tricky is that proposals can vary greatly by field and disciplinary norms, so you should check with your proposed supervisor to see if they have a specific format or list of criteria to follow. Part of writing a good PhD proposal is submitting it in a style that's familiar to the people who will read and (hopefully) become excited by it and want to bring you into their research area.

Here are some of the key factors to consider when structuring your proposal:

• meeting the expected word count (this can range from a 1-page maximum to a 3,000-word minimum depending on your supervisor and research area)
• making your bibliography as detailed as necessary
• outlining the research questions you’ll be trying to solve/answer
• discussing the impact your research could have on your field
• conducting preliminary analysis of existing research on the topic
• documenting details of the methods and data sources you’ll use in your research
• introducing your supervisor(s)  and how their experience relates to your project.

Please note this isn't a universal list of things you need in your PhD research proposal. Depending on your supervisor's requirements, some of these items may be unnecessary or there may be other inclusions not listed here.

Ask your planned supervisor for advice

Alright, here’s the thing. If sending your research proposal is your first point of contact with your prospective supervisor, you’ve jumped the gun a little.

You should have at least one researcher partially on board with your project before delving too deep into your proposal. This ensures you’re not potentially spending time and effort on an idea that no one has any appetite for. Plus, it unlocks a helpful guide who can assist with your proposal.

PhD research isn’t like Shark Tank – you’re allowed to confer with academics and secure their support before you pitch your thesis to them. Discover how to choose the right PhD supervisor for you.

For a time-efficient strategy, Chelsea recommends you approach your potential supervisor(s) and find out if:

• they have time to supervise you
• they have any funds to help pay for your research (even with a stipend scholarship , your research activities may require extra money)
• their research interests align with yours (you’ll ideally discover a mutual ground where you both benefit from the project).

“The best way to approach would be to send an email briefly outlining who you are, your background, and what your research interests are,” says Chelsea.

“Once you’ve spoken to a potential supervisor, then you can start drafting a proposal and you can even ask for their input.”

Chelsea's approach here works well with some academics, but keep in mind that other supervisors will want to see a research proposal straight away. If you're not sure of your proposed supervisor's preferences, you may like to cover both bases with an introductory email that has a draft of your research proposal attached.

Sarah agrees that your prospective supervisor is your most valuable resource for understanding how to write a research proposal for a PhD application.

“My biggest tip for writing a research proposal is to ask your proposed supervisor for help,” says Sarah.

“Or if this isn’t possible, ask another academic who has had experience writing research proposals.”

“They’ll be able to tell you what to include or what you need to improve on.”

Find the 'why' and focus on it

One of the key aspects of your research proposal is emphasising why your project is important and should be funded.

Your PhD proposal should include your major question, your planned methods, the sources you’ll cite, and plenty of other nitty gritty details. But perhaps the most important element of your proposal is its purpose – the reason you want to do this research and why the results will be meaningful.

In Sarah’s opinion, highlighting the 'why' of your project is vital for your research proposal.

“From my perspective, one of the key aspects of your research proposal is emphasising why your project is important and should be funded,” she says.

“Not only does this impact whether your application is likely to be successful, but it could also impact your likelihood of getting a scholarship .”

Imagine you only had 60 seconds to explain your planned research to someone. Would you prefer they remember how your project could change the world, or the statistical models you’ll be using to do it? (Of course, you’ve got 2,000 words rather than 60 seconds, so do make sure to include those little details as well – just put the why stuff first.)

Proofread your proposal, then proof it again

As a PhD candidate, your attention to detail is going to be integral to your success. Start practising it now by making sure your research proposal is perfect.

Chelsea and Sarah both acknowledge that clarity and writing quality should never be overlooked in a PhD proposal. This starts with double-checking that the questions of your thesis are obvious and unambiguous, followed by revising the rest of your proposal.

“Make sure your research questions are really clear,” says Sarah.

“Ensure all the writing is clear and grammatically correct,” adds Chelsea.

“A supervisor is not going to be overly keen on a prospective student if their writing is poor.”

It might sound harsh, but it’s fair. So, proofread your proposal multiple times – including after you get it back from your supervisor with any feedback and notes. When you think you’ve got the final, FINAL draft saved, sleep on it and read it one more time the next morning.

Still feeling a little overwhelmed by your research proposal? Stay motivated with these reasons why a PhD is worth the effort .

Want to learn more from Chelsea and Sarah? Easy:

• Read about Chelsea’s award-winning PhD thesis on keeping crops healthy.
• Read Sarah’s series on becoming a law academic .

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Research Proposal Example/Sample

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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• Postgraduate Research

How to write a PhD research proposal

Creating a focused and well-written research proposal - a concise and coherent summary of your proposed research - is an essential part of a successful PhD application.

A research proposal is normally required for self-funded PhDs (where you develop your own idea for a thesis), but isn't usually needed for funded studentships or pre-defined research projects.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal sets out the central issues or questions that you intend to address. It outlines the general area of study within which your research falls, referring to the current state of knowledge and any recent debates on the topic. It should also demonstrate the originality of your proposed research.

What it should include

As a guide, research proposals should be around 2,000-3,000 words and contain:

• A title – this is just tentative and can be revised over the course of your research
• An abstract – a concise statement of your intended research
• Context - a brief overview of the general area of study within which your proposed research falls, summarising the current state of knowledge and recent debates on the topic
• Research questions - central aims and questions that will guide your research
• Research methods - outline of how you are going to conduct your research, for example, visiting particular libraries or archives, field work or interviews
• Research significance - demonstrate the originality of your intended research
• A bibliography.

Crucially, it is also an opportunity for you to communicate your passion for the subject area and to make a persuasive argument about the impact your project can achieve.

Your research proposal will be assessed by our academic schools to assess the quality of your proposed research and  to establish whether they have the expertise to support your proposed area of PhD study.

Thesis writing classes and support for international research students

The University’s English Language Centre (ELC)  provides thesis writing support for international PhD students. Classes run throughout semesters one and two and are designed to help develop the academic writing skills needed to write up research effectively.

The sessions are taught by tutors with their own research experience. They have PhDs themselves and have many years of experience in analysing writing in different disciplines.

The course also provides an opportunity for students to receive individual feedback on samples of their own writing.

The following classes are available:

• Thesis Writing for Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine
• Thesis Writing for Humanities and Social Sciences

In addition to these thesis writing classes, the ELC also provides a 1:1 Academic Writing Consultation service.

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How to write a research proposal

Drafting your first research proposal can be intimidating if you’ve never written (or seen) one before. Our grad students and admissions staff have some advice on making a start.

Before you make a start

Is it a requirement for your course.

For some research courses in sciences you’ll join an existing research group so you don’t need to write a full research proposal, just a list of the groups and/or supervisors you want to work with. You might be asked to write a personal statement instead, giving your research interests and experience.

Still, for many of our research courses — especially in humanities and social sciences — your research proposal is one of the most significant parts of your application. Grades and other evidence of your academic ability and potential are important, but even if you’re academically outstanding you’ll need to show you’re a good match for the department’s staff expertise and research interests. Every course page on the University website has detailed information on what you’ll need to send with your application, so make sure that’s your first step before you continue:

There are many ways to start, I’ve heard stories about people approaching it totally differently. Yannis (DPhil in Computer Science)

How to begin?

There isn’t one right way to start writing a research proposal. First of all, make sure you’ve read your course page - it’ll have instructions for what to include in your research proposal (as well as anything to avoid), how your department will assess it, and the required word count.

Start small, think big

A research degree is a big undertaking, and it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at first. One way to start writing is to look back at the work you’ve already done. How does your proposed research build on this, and the other research in the area? One of the most important things you’ll be showing through your research project is that your project is achievable in the time available for your course, and that you’ve got (or know how you’ll get) the right skills and experience to pull off your plan.

They don’t expect you to be the expert, you just have to have good ideas. Be willing to challenge things and do something new. Rebecca (DPhil in Medieval and Modern Languages)

However, you don’t have to know everything - after all, you haven’t started yet! When reading your proposal, your department will be looking at the potential and originality of your research, and whether you have a solid understanding of the topic you’ve chosen.

But why Oxford?

An Admissions Officer at one of our colleges says that it’s important to explain why you’re applying to Oxford, and to your department in particular:

“Really, this is all dependent on a department. Look at the department in depth, and look at what they offer — how is it in line with your interests?”

Think about what you need to successfully execute your research plans and explain how Oxford’s academic facilities and community will support your work. Should I email a potential supervisor? Got an idea? If your course page says it’s alright to contact a supervisor (check the top of the How to apply section), it’s a good idea to get in touch with potential supervisors when you come to write your proposal.

You’re allowed to reach out to academics that you might be interested in supervising you. They can tell you if your research is something that we can support here, and how, and give you ideas. Admissions Officer 

You’ll find more information about the academics working in your area on your department’s website (follow the department links on your course page ). John (DPhil in Earth Sciences) emailed a professor who had the same research interests as he did.

“Luckily enough, he replied the next day and was keen to support me in the application.”

These discussions might help you to refine your ideas and your research proposal.

Layal says, “I discussed ideas with my supervisor — what’s feasible, what would be interesting. He supported me a lot with that, and I went away and wrote it.”

It’s also an opportunity to find out more about the programme and the department:

“Getting in touch with people who are here is a really good way to ask questions.”

Not sure how to find a potential supervisor for your research? Visit our How-to guide on finding a supervisor .

Asking for help

My supervisors helped me with my research proposal, which is great. You don’t expect that, but they were really helpful prior to my application. Nyree (DPhil in Archaeological Science)

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and feedback as you go. For example, you could reach out to a supervisor from your current or previous degree, or to friends who are also studying and could give you some honest feedback.

More help with your application

You can find instructions for the supporting documents you’ll need to include in your application on your course page and in the Application Guide.

Applicant advice hub

This content was previously available through our  Applicant advice hub . The hub contained links to articles hosted on our  Graduate Study at Oxford Medium channel . We've moved the articles that support the application process into this new section of our website.

• Application Guide: Research proposal

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How to write a PhD thesis: a step-by-step guide

A draft isn’t a perfect, finished product; it is your opportunity to start getting words down on paper, writes Kelly Louise Preece

Kelly Louise Preece

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Congratulations; you’ve finished your research! Time to write your PhD thesis. This resource will take you through an eight-step plan for drafting your chapters and your thesis as a whole. 

Organise your material

Before you start, it’s important to get organised. Take a step back and look at the data you have, then reorganise your research. Which parts of it are central to your thesis and which bits need putting to one side? Label and organise everything using logical folders – make it easy for yourself! Academic and blogger Pat Thomson calls this  “Clean up to get clearer” . Thomson suggests these questions to ask yourself before you start writing:

• What data do you have? You might find it useful to write out a list of types of data (your supervisor will find this list useful too.) This list is also an audit document that can go in your thesis. Do you have any for the “cutting room floor”? Take a deep breath and put it in a separate non-thesis file. You can easily retrieve it if it turns out you need it.
• What do you have already written? What chunks of material have you written so far that could form the basis of pieces of the thesis text? They will most likely need to be revised but they are useful starting points. Do you have any holding text? That is material you already know has to be rewritten but contains information that will be the basis of a new piece of text.
• What have you read and what do you still need to read? Are there new texts that you need to consult now after your analysis? What readings can you now put to one side, knowing that they aren’t useful for this thesis – although they might be useful at another time?
• What goes with what? Can you create chunks or themes of materials that are going to form the basis of some chunks of your text, perhaps even chapters?

Once you have assessed and sorted what you have collected and generated you will be in much better shape to approach the big task of composing the dissertation. 

Decide on a key message

A key message is a summary of new information communicated in your thesis. You should have started to map this out already in the section on argument and contribution – an overarching argument with building blocks that you will flesh out in individual chapters.

You have already mapped your argument visually, now you need to begin writing it in prose. Following another of Pat Thomson’s exercises, write a “tiny text” thesis abstract. This doesn’t have to be elegant, or indeed the finished product, but it will help you articulate the argument you want your thesis to make. You create a tiny text using a five-paragraph structure:

• The first sentence addresses the broad context. This locates the study in a policy, practice or research field.
• The second sentence establishes a problem related to the broad context you have set out. It often starts with “But”, “Yet” or “However”.
• The third sentence says what specific research has been done. This often starts with “This research” or “I report…”
• The fourth sentence reports the results. Don’t try to be too tricky here, just start with something like: “This study shows,” or “Analysis of the data suggests that…”
• The fifth and final sentence addresses the “So What?” question and makes clear the claim to contribution.

Here’s an example that Thomson provides:

Secondary school arts are in trouble, as the fall in enrolments in arts subjects dramatically attests. However, there is patchy evidence about the benefits of studying arts subjects at school and this makes it hard to argue why the drop in arts enrolments matters. This thesis reports on research which attempts to provide some answers to this problem – a longitudinal study which followed two groups of senior secondary students, one group enrolled in arts subjects and the other not, for three years. The results of the study demonstrate the benefits of young people’s engagement in arts activities, both in and out of school, as well as the connections between the two. The study not only adds to what is known about the benefits of both formal and informal arts education but also provides robust evidence for policymakers and practitioners arguing for the benefits of the arts. You can  find out more about tiny texts and thesis abstracts on Thomson’s blog.

• Writing tips for higher education professionals
• Resource collection on academic writing
• What is your academic writing temperament?

Write a plan

You might not be a planner when it comes to writing. You might prefer to sit, type and think through ideas as you go. That’s OK. Everybody works differently. But one of the benefits of planning your writing is that your plan can help you when you get stuck. It can help with writer’s block (more on this shortly!) but also maintain clarity of intention and purpose in your writing.

You can do this by creating a  thesis skeleton or storyboard , planning the order of your chapters, thinking of potential titles (which may change at a later stage), noting down what each chapter/section will cover and considering how many words you will dedicate to each chapter (make sure the total doesn’t exceed the maximum word limit allowed).

Use your plan to help prompt your writing when you get stuck and to develop clarity in your writing.

Some starting points include:

• This chapter will argue that…
• This section illustrates that…
• This paragraph provides evidence that…

Of course, we wish it werethat easy. But you need to approach your first draft as exactly that: a draft. It isn’t a perfect, finished product; it is your opportunity to start getting words down on paper. Start with whichever chapter you feel you want to write first; you don’t necessarily have to write the introduction first. Depending on your research, you may find it easier to begin with your empirical/data chapters.

Vitae advocates for the “three draft approach” to help with this and to stop you from focusing on finding exactly the right word or transition as part of your first draft.

This resource originally appeared on Researcher Development .

Kelly Louse Preece is head of educator development at the University of Exeter.

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter .

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• How to Write Research Proposal for PhD in European Universities

Meridean Overseas

Updated On 25 May 2024 & Read Time 9 minutes

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Have you ever thought about the role of a research proposal for a PhD or any other degree? As a student, you must have written it for the sake of your grades. Well, here we intend to tell you what a research proposal actually means.

A research proposal is an essential instrument that academics and college students may use to finish their dissertations, get financing for projects, or finish prerequisites for their courses. It highlights the significance of your investigation and provides an overview of your research problem-solving strategy. It's generally helpful to have some basic knowledge about this kind of document and the most effective ways to arrange it before beginning work on a project.

Therefore, today’s blog elaborates on the meaning and importance of a research proposal and describes how to write research proposal for PhD . So, without any more delays, let’s begin!  

Table of Contents

What is Research Proposal?

What is the purpose of the research proposal, how to write research proposal for phd, tips for research proposal for phd.

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A research proposal is a well-organised document that outlines the subject of your study and the methodology you will use to explore and evaluate a certain question. It usually thoroughly examines the ideas that back up your hypothesis, which is an anticipated response to this question.

It also demonstrates the research approaches, significance, data collection tools you intend to employ, and the useful actions you will take to carry out your research. In addition to introducing readers to your topic, a research proposal goes over the main goals of your study and how it could advance knowledge in an academic discipline or add value to the existing field of study. 

To get help with a research proposal for admission to European universities, you can contact our counsellors at Meridean Overseas

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There are various reasons for a person to write a research proposal; some of the reasons are-

Applying to work for a firm or research organisation.

Persuading a university or research supervisor that your work may fulfil the criteria for a degree program.

Demonstrating to institutions that might provide financial support for the significance of your study.

Proving your expertise in a topic of study and your capacity for research.

Outline the main ideas and aims of your research.

Claiming that the subject of your study has applications in the neighbourhood or in larger society.

Recognising potential obstacles in your research approach.

Bringing your project's topic closer to the readers' attention so they may comprehend your thoughts and methods.

Also, read: How to Write a Letter of Motivation? A Complete Guide with Example

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The section sheds light on the structure and formatting required for writing a research proposal for PhD; here is the guide for research proposals for PhD in European Universities and the essentials:

Research Proposal Guide for PhD in European Universities

The essential components of a strong research proposal are as follows. Below are the items that fit perfectly for a research proposal format for a Ph.D.:

Although this is subject to change, be careful to include crucial "keywords" that will connect your submission to funding opportunities, suitable supervisors, and other relevant details.

Project Summary

A reader who is not an expert in this topic should be able to understand the purpose, importance, and anticipated results of the study in this part.

Project Details

In this area, make sure to create a strong and engaging base for your study. The further subsections that need to be included in this are as follows:

Research Questions

This section should include the hypothesis or problem to be addressed along with an explanation of the research question(s) (1-3 should be sufficient).

Your main strategy and justification (conceptual, theoretical, empirical, and normative, where applicable);

Importance of the study (both in academic and, if applicable, extracurricular domains).

Aims/Objectives of the Project

What information, evidence, example, analysis, testing, investigation, or examination are you seeking? Set up your objectives logically, for example.

This project's objective is to:

Give a study project synopsis.

Make it possible for a potential student to draft a research project.

Significance/ Contribution to the Discipline

This section should provide justification for the project on the basis of a review of the relevant academic sources or literature. You should also explain which texts you think are most crucial to the project, show that you understand the research questions, and point out any gaps in the body of knowledge that the study aims to fill. 

Your Research Capabilities

Please provide proof of your suitability for the proposed research project (past academic work, experiences, completed projects, etc.).

References Cited/Bibliography of Planned Reading (no word limit applies)

The reader should be able to tell from your references how well-versed in the literature you are and how you can add to it. In addition to the readings you have scheduled, make sure to cite any texts and other sources that you believe will be important to your analysis.

NOTE: Research Proposals vary in length according to university requirements, and the word limit varies from university to university. 

Also, read: Study PhD in Europe

The following tips will help you draft a research proposal that most closely adheres to the requirements of the institution:

Make sure your remarks are brief and to the point. A typical study proposal is four to seven pages long, or 2,500 to 3,500 words. When writing, remember that you should utilise exact terminology and precise words to stay within this length.

Concentrate solely on important research topics. Try concentrating on important topics and broad questions in your study project. These can help readers, particularly those who are not knowledgeable about the subject, understand the goal of your project and its general emphasis.

Edit and proofread your work. To ensure you're correctly expressing the facts, proofread each section of your research proposal for spelling and grammar mistakes. To find these mistakes in a digital file, think about employing a proofreading service or program from a reputable source.

Make use of an extensive vocabulary. Institutions frequently favour research proposals with academic language and formal terminology. Examining any publications your university has released could be beneficial if you want to know about its writing requirements and what your readership expects.

Make sure your research project has a distinct title. It is imperative that your project title utilises common language to ensure that readers grasp it right away. This strategy may help you obtain financing from an outside source.

Give credit to the authors of any works that are cited. It's critical to credit the writers of all books and articles you use in your work to prevent plagiarism concerns. Consider putting cited material in quotation marks or paraphrasing it in your own words, depending on the style you choose.

Do not send the same research proposal to several universities; this tends to affect the authenticity of the research.

Do not make the mistake of using online templates. As tempting as it sounds, evaluate the online research proposal templates and choose wisely.

Be very clear while writing your research proposal, as you are writing it for your PhD. If you wish to pursue your PhD and present a research proposal, in that case, you can exclude research findings, in-depth analysis and a comprehensive literature review.

Also, read: Upcoming Intakes in Europe

Get free IELTS Sample Papers to learn the type of questions asked in the IELTS (Speaking, writing, reading, and listening) section.

To sum up, a research proposal is an important document you should carefully draft. There are various kinds of research proposals, and they need a proper format and an in-depth study so that they remain authentic, accurate and reliable. Keep all the details in mind while drafting your research proposal for PhD in European universities , as your admission to the PhD degree depends mainly on the effectiveness of your research proposal.

We hope this blog will help you make a great research proposal for PhD in European Universities. However, if you have doubts and want to study in Europe , contact our expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). You can also take free online counselling through our website. Our expert counsellors will provide you with the best support and guidance you need for admission and visa. In addition, they will help you shortlist the universities according to your profile. For more information or any queries, contact [email protected] or 1800-1230-00011 .

Question: Is a research proposal necessary for PhD?

Answer: Yes, it is an important document for anyone wanting to pursue a PhD or who is already pursuing a PhD.

Question: Is there a set format for writing a research proposal?

Answer: Yes, all universities follow a standard structure for writing a research proposal, but a few headings may change according to their requirements.

Question: Is there a word limit to follow while writing a research proposal?

Answer: The word limit for writing a research proposal varies depending on the university guidelines and requirements. In general, the word count can be between 1550 to 3000 words.

Question: What is the requirement of a research proposal?

Answer: The prime aim of writing a research proposal for a PhD is to show the investors that your topic and research are relevant for them to invest in, along with making the institute affirm that it is relevant to your area of study and will help the neighbourhood.

Question: What are certain tips for writing a good research proposal?

Answer: There are many good tips that you can follow while starting your research proposal; some of them are that the topic be concise, you edit it after completion, make it crisp and detail-oriented, and many more; for more details, you can refer to our blog on MOEC.

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The doctoral program in Community Research and Action prepares students for academic or policy-related careers as public scholars focused on addressing critical community issues. The curriculum draws from varied disciplines (e.g., anthropology, criminology, geography, sociology, and psychology) to research the dynamic interplay among individuals, the organizations serving them, and the communities (including schools and college campuses) in which they are embedded. Students entering the program typically have several years of practice experience in one or more fields, including education, counseling, human services, public administration, social work, and student affairs administration, as well as a commitment to social justice, health and well-being, human rights, public service, social welfare and/or community transformation.

Students are encouraged to collaborate with faculty to develop research studies that advance individual, organizational, and/or community health and wellness, build empowerment, and seek social justice. Working alongside faculty in schools and communities and on college campuses, students in the program research issues such as local food insecurity, college-student drinking, and mental health care for refugees. Graduates of the Community Research and Action doctoral program are trained for careers as researchers in various settings, including academia, research institutions, and policy institutes.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the doctoral program should have a master’s degree in counseling, human development, psychology, public administration, social work, sociology, political science, student affairs, education, or another related social science discipline or profession.

Students are admitted to the program once per year. Applications received by January 15 will be fully considered for admission and funding in the fall of the same calendar year. Applications received after this date will be given equal consideration, but support can only be given to the extent funds are available. Applications received after May 1 will be moved to the next application cycle. Completed applications for admission to the doctoral program must follow the guidelines outlined by the Graduate School at Binghamton University.

The Doctoral Program Committee evaluates applications. Competitive funding packages, including tuition, annual stipend, and comprehensive health insurance, are available for highly qualified candidates who intend to study full-time. Individuals who want to pursue the degree part-time may also apply, although some courses are only offered during the day.

Applications must include:

• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate level coursework.
• Curriculum vitae or resume.
• Written statement of approximately 2-3 (single-spaced) pages that describe: (a) the applicant’s training and professional background as well as interest in issues facing communities; (b) research interests and associated relationship(s) to social justice, health and well-being, human rights, public service, social welfare and/or community transformation; (c) career goals (academic, research or policy-related) associated with pursuing a research degree; and (d) two or three faculty members in the College of Community and Public Affairs who could be potential advisors and why.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic background and record that address the potential for advanced graduate study.
• If an international student, proof of English proficiency and immigration and financial documentation must be submitted. International students should visit the Graduate School website for additional details and specific requirements.

Selected applicants may interview with faculty. Applicants are typically notified in writing of final admissions decisions in March.

Program Requirements

Course requirements.

Students pursuing the PhD in Community Research and Action must complete a total of 33 post-master credits plus an additional 1-2 dissertation credits, as follows:

• CCPA 610 Positionality, Social Justice, and the Politics of Knowledge Production
• CCPA 611 Conceptualizing and Researching Community
• CCPA 612 Power and Policy for Social Change
• Five Research Methods Courses (15 credits)
• Three Elective Courses (9 credits)
• Dissertation Course (1-2 credits)

Selection of elective courses is carefully made to advance a minor area of study (e.g., health systems, social justice and education, qualitative research) defined by students in consultation with their advisors. Students may take a total of six credits of independent studies/directed research (CCPA 697 and 690) as electives and/or advanced research courses. Each independent study or directed research experience must be accompanied by a written proposal (template provided by the PhD director or administrative assistant).

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination will occur only after students complete their coursework. Students must pass the examination to advance to candidacy and proceed to the dissertation proposal. Administration of comprehensive exams may occur during any semester, depending on the student’s progression through the program and the availability of committee members. Committee membership must include the primary advisor and two (2) additional tenure or tenure-track faculty members, typically from CCPA. Funded students must sit for their examination before their third year to be eligible for the final year of funding. During coursework, the student and the primary advisor should work together to plan for completing the Comprehensive Examination. There are two options for completing the Comprehensive Examination. In the first option, the advisor (with feedback from committee members) develops three questions that address theory and research as well as the application of both to real-world practice and policy. These questions will be grounded in the learning from the program’s core and research classes and the student’s area of concentration. The questions should also assist the doctoral student with the initial stages of conceptualizing their dissertation through applying theory and research to their areas of interest. In the second option, doctoral students document their scholarship and progress toward their ability to engage in independent research activities by completing two important documents: (a) a comprehensive, systematic review of literature and (b) manuscript authorship. For both options, the questions must be grounded in the learning from the program’s core and research classes and the student’s area of concentration. Doctoral students and advisors should use the CRA Doctoral Student Handbook as a guide for meeting the expectations of either option. Committee members will evaluate the written comprehensive examination within two weeks (14 calendar days). Students will also schedule a two-hour oral examination with their committee members to receive feedback and respond to additional questions. This examination includes areas in which the student needs to demonstrate further proficiency beyond the level demonstrated in the written responses. Primary advisors should tell students which areas they might be before the meeting so they can adequately prepare. Committee members will evaluate the students’ responses (both written and oral) as high pass, pass or fail. Two-thirds of the committee must evaluate performance on the exam as pass and/or high pass for a student to advance to candidacy. All/or portions of the comprehensive examination may be repeated (using new questions) once. They will be scheduled no sooner than four weeks and no longer than 12 weeks from the previous oral examination date. Students must retake the comprehensive examination and be evaluated as passing by two-thirds of the committee members before proceeding with the dissertation proposal. Failure of a second comprehensive examination results in dismissal from the program.

Students have five years to complete the doctorate after passing the comprehensive examination.

Proposal Defense Meeting

After choosing a topic with feedback from the primary advisor and other committee members, the doctoral student prepares a detailed proposal for independent research activities. If choosing to complete a traditional dissertation, this typically includes preparing the first three (3) chapters. Doctoral students selecting the three-paper format should prepare the introductory chapter and details for the specific plans for completing the three articles. Additional details can be found in the CRA Doctoral Program Handbook. Once the primary advisor and committee members feel confident the doctoral student is prepared to propose their research, the student schedules a two-hour proposal defense meeting to obtain committee approval before the research is carried out. The proposal meeting is scheduled by students only after passing comprehensive examinations and receiving approval to do so from primary advisors (this typically occurs within three to six months after passing comprehensive exams).

Students initiate these arrangements through the doctoral program staff several weeks ahead of time. The student also drafts all Human Subjects forms (if required) for the research proposal. The written proposal should be given to the committee members at least two weeks before the meeting.

The dissertation proposal meeting should include a 15-20 minute presentation by the student on the aims and scope of the proposed project for the committee. After the presentation, the committee will ask specific questions about the project and offer recommendations to the proposed research. The committee must unanimously approve the dissertation proposal. After the meeting, the primary advisor and the student will meet to discuss the required revisions. Students must revise their dissertation proposals and send them to committee members for final approval within 30 days.

Dissertation Committee

When the student and primary advisor have agreed upon the focus for the dissertation research, committee membership will be reviewed and, if necessary, revised so that the most appropriate advisors and committee members will be available to support the student through the stages of designing and conducting the research, analyzing the data and writing the dissertation. The dissertation committee must have a minimum of three members and will also include an outside examiner.

Dissertation

Community Research and Action doctoral program students can complete a traditional dissertation or an alternative three-paper format. The traditional format includes at least five chapters, as outlined in the CRA doctoral student handbook.

The three-paper format includes sharply focused and thematically linked manuscripts representing the student’s original scholarship and sole authorship. These papers should be targeted to journals identified by students in consultation with their committee members. The three-paper dissertation also requires an introductory and closing chapter. More detailed information can be found in the CRA doctoral student handbook.

Completed dissertations typically range from 150-200 pages in length.

Dissertation Defense

Dissertations are submitted to the Graduate School electronically. Students must submit their final dissertation and contact the Graduate School for specific guidelines. When the student has completed the dissertation and has made revisions to the satisfaction of the primary advisor and committee members, the final oral defense of the dissertation is scheduled. Committee members should receive the dissertation at least a month before the defense and unanimously approve the draft before the defense is scheduled. A request to the Graduate School to add an outside examiner will be initiated by the PhD program director no later than one month before the defense.

The final oral defense will be two hours long, beginning with a 20-30 minute presentation of the research by the candidate.

The defense is open to anyone wishing to attend and will be advertised to the broader campus community. The defense is a public examination, and the primary advisor is responsible for ensuring that the examination is open and impartial, allowing reasonable opportunities for members of the committee and outside observers to question the candidate about the dissertation.

To pass, the student must receive the unanimous approval of the dissertation committee approved by the Graduate School. If, at the final examination, the examiners generally approve of the dissertation but require significant changes and are not yet prepared to sign the Recommendation for Award of Doctoral Degree Form, the primary advisor will coordinate with other members of the committee to compile all required changes and will inform the student of the scope and substance of those changes. The examining committee will establish how the changes will be reviewed and approved.

The vice provost and dean of the Graduate School may void any dissertation defense that is not carried out in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Graduate School. In addition, upon recommendation of the vice provost and dean’s appointed outside examiner, the vice provost and dean may declare a dissertation defense null and void.

Remote Participation in Dissertation Defenses

Dissertation defenses may take place on campus and require the attendance of the dissertation committee, including the outside examiner. Committee members or the outside examiner may participate in the defense via real-time video conferencing. In special cases, the student may also request to have the oral presentation of their dissertation via video-conferencing. In exceptional circumstances, when one dissertation committee member cannot be present (either physically or virtually), he or she may submit questions and comments in writing. Such arrangements must be approved in advance by the PhD program director and must have the unanimous consent of all other members of the dissertation committee and the student. In all instances, the primary advisor and the outside examiner must be physically or virtually present to observe the process. All video conferencing and other virtual media arrangements must meet the Graduate School’s expectations.

PhD Milestone Summary

Because individual circumstances may vary, students are strongly encouraged to consult with their primary advisor about their progress through the program. Students must be admitted to candidacy (i.e., successfully pass their comprehensive examination) within five years of admission to the Graduate School, and doctoral candidates must complete all requirements for the degree, including the dissertation, within five years after admission to doctoral candidacy. A student may petition for an extension of the time limit by submitting a request to the PhD program director. If s/he endorses the request, the director then forwards it to the Graduate School for final action by the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School.

• Program of Study Meeting - Semester 2 (FT), Semester 2 (PT)
• Complete Coursework - Semester 4 (FT), Semester 8 (PT)
• Comprehensive Examination - Semester 4 (FT), Semester 8 (PT)
• Dissertation Proposal - Semester 5 (FT), Semester 7-9 (PT)
• Dissertation Defense - Semester 6 (FT), Semester 9-11 (PT)

Additional Information about the Program

In addition to maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0, students must repeat any course required for the degree when they have earned a grade of C+ or lower.

Course Substitution or Waiver Requests Normally, no doctoral courses completed in another program or at another institution will be accepted in transfer. Substitutions or waivers for core and research courses are unusual. A written request for substitutions or waivers for core or research courses, including the academic justification, must be forwarded to the PhD program director. If approved, the course waiver or substitution will be clearly documented.

Academic Grievance If a student has a complaint about a grade or other academic grievances, they should first try to resolve any grievance with their instructor. If the student wishes to pursue further action after meeting with the course instructor, he or she should meet with their program director or department chair to discuss options. A copy of the CCPA Grievance Procedure is available from the CCPA Dean’s Office.

For more information on the Community Research and Action Ph.D. program, please refer to the Community and Public Affairs department website for more information. To apply to the Community Research and Action Ph.D. program please visit the University Admissions website .

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NSF 101: The Mentoring plan

The postdoctoral mentoring plan has been an NSF requirement since 2009, recognizing the important role that mentorship plays in the postdoctoral experience and their future career paths. As of 2024, the mentoring plan has been expanded to include postdoctoral researchers and graduate students. While you will find many templates online, NSF does not endorse a prescriptive format and encourages researchers to lead the way in creating unique strategies for supporting their mentees.

According to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide: "Examples of mentoring activities include, but are not limited to, career counseling; training in preparation of grant proposals, publications and presentations; guidance on ways to improve teaching and mentoring skills; guidance on how to effectively collaborate with researchers from diverse backgrounds and disciplinary areas; and training in responsible professional practices."

At the heart of mentoring are personal relationships that are unique to every mentor and mentee. In that spirit, consider the questions below as you create a mentoring plan to build the foundation for a fruitful working relationship between you and your mentee.

Set and communicate your expectations

• What are your expectations for your mentee, and how will you communicate these expectations for the mentoring relationship?
• How will you clearly communicate your mentoring philosophy, working environment and culture, policies and other important considerations to a mentee working with you and your team?

Convey your responsibilities as a mentor

• What can a mentee expect from you throughout the mentoring relationship?
• Can they expect timely feedback on their work, regularly scheduled meetings, assistance in making connections/networking or notifications about relevant opportunities?

Tailor your plan

• Can you personalize your mentoring plan if/when a mentee has been chosen?
• How will your plan be responsive to your mentee's needs, interests and goals?
• How does the plan recognize that there are multiple pathways to success and ensure the plan is tailored to what success would look like for the mentee?

Promote a supportive work environment  

• What steps can you take to promote a work culture where mentees feel valued and supported and to foster a sense of belonging as an authentic member of the team?
• How will you create an environment where mentees feel comfortable taking calculated risks?
• How will mentees be empowered to learn from mistakes?
• How will conflict be managed and communicated, particularly among trainees with different personal and cultural identities?
• How will the contributions of all team members be recognized?
• How are the research teams' values and priorities decided upon and conveyed?

Strengthen a broader ecosystem of support

• How will you identify opportunities for your mentee that lie outside of your strengths as an individual mentor?
• Can you form mentoring teams that can advise on different disciplines, career or life paths, connect postdocs/graduate students excluded due to their ethnicity or race with mentors that have similar identities, further develop your knowledge and skills as a mentor?

Assess progress

• How will progress towards goals and mentorship quality be evaluated? Individual development plans can provide one route to goal setting that work well in some environments, or you and your mentee may find another method that is better suited to your goals, values and working styles.
• How will you plan to co-create, revisit and revise your mentoring plan over time with your mentee?

Intentionality in designing a mentoring plan can provide a foundation for the success of postdoctoral and graduate student researchers who are vital to the scientific enterprise. Mentoring is key in enabling postdocs and graduate students to bring forth their innovative ideas and reach their full potential while overcoming numerous barriers, particularly for those who have been excluded due to their ethnicity or race. Mentees may also be facing additional common challenges, such as separation from support systems, immigration challenges, caregiver responsibilities or financial difficulties.

Mentoring is a powerful opportunity to broaden your impact on the scientific community. If you are interested in learning more about strategies to improve mentoring, you can find the latest NSF-funded research on the topic through the NSF award search !

About the Authors

Stephanie Gage AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow

Stephanie Gage is an interdisciplinary neurobiologist working in science and technology policy. She earned a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Arizona studying olfactory-guided behavior and applied this expertise at the USDA – ARS and at the Georgia Institute of Technology. As a AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow, Stephanie now works at the National Science Foundation in the Information and Intelligent Systems Division in the CISE directorate, and the Integrative  Organismal Systems Division in the BIO directorate.

Julia Gerson AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow

After completing her Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Julia completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan. Afterward, she joined the National Science Foundation as an American Association for the Advancement of Science Science and Technology Policy Fellow in the Advancing Informal STEM Learning Program within the Division for Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings in the Directorate for STEM Education.

Xoco Shinbrot AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow

Xoco Shinbrot is a conservation social scientist by training, now working in national and international policy spaces. She earned a PhD in Ecology investigating how individuals and communities adapt to climate change, how to improve participation in public science, and the socio-economic impact of forest carbon offset programs. Following her post-doc at Cornell University, she now works in the Arctic Sciences Section in the Office of Polar Programs at the National Science Foundation as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow.

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How to Write a Winning Event Proposal | Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

In the competitive world of event planning, securing new clients often hinges on the quality of your proposal. A well-crafted proposal not only showcases your expertise and creativity but also demonstrates your understanding of the client's vision and needs. It serves as your first impression and a crucial factor in winning the job.

The purpose of this article is to guide you through the process of preparing and extending a compelling event proposal that stands out from the competition. We will provide a step-by-step framework to help you effectively communicate your ideas, present your services, and highlight the value you bring to the table. By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of impressing potential clients and securing more event planning opportunities.

Whether you're a seasoned event planner or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create a winning proposal that resonates with clients and meets their expectations. Let's dive in and explore the essential components of a successful event proposal.

Understanding the Client's Needs

The foundation of a successful event proposal lies in understanding the client's needs and vision for the event. Before you start drafting your proposal, it is essential to gather as much information as possible about the client and their expectations. Here are some steps to help you achieve this:

Initial Research

Start by conducting thorough research on the client’s business, industry, and event history. Understanding their brand, mission, and previous events will provide valuable insights into their preferences and expectations. Look for the following information:

• Company Background: Learn about the client's history, values, and key products or services.
• Target Audience: Identify the primary audience for the event, including demographics, interests, and needs.
• Previous Events: Review past events organized by the client to understand their style, scale, and typical outcomes.

Client Communication

Effective communication with the client is crucial to grasp their specific needs and objectives. Schedule a meeting or call to discuss the event in detail. During this conversation, ask open-ended questions to gather information and clarify any ambiguities. Key areas to cover include:

• Event Goals and Objectives: What are the primary goals of the event? Is it to launch a new product, celebrate a milestone, foster team building, or something else?
• Event Theme and Vision: What is the client’s vision for the event? Are there any specific themes, colors, or styles they have in mind?
• Budget Constraints: What is the client’s budget for the event? Understanding their financial limitations will help you propose realistic and feasible solutions.
• Key Stakeholders: Who are the decision-makers and key stakeholders involved in the event planning process?
• Preferred Venues and Dates: Are there any specific venues or dates the client prefers or wants to avoid?

Aligning Expectations

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, summarize your understanding of the client's needs and confirm these details with them. This step ensures that both you and the client are on the same page and helps avoid any misunderstandings later in the planning process. Provide a brief outline of your proposed approach to demonstrate your alignment with their vision.

By thoroughly understanding the client's needs and expectations, you can tailor your proposal to address their specific requirements, making it more relevant and compelling. This client-centric approach is the first step towards creating a proposal that stands out and wins the job.

Structuring Your Event Proposal

A well-structured event proposal not only looks professional but also makes it easy for the client to understand your ideas and services. Here’s how to organize your proposal to ensure clarity and impact:

Your cover page is the first thing the client will see, so make it visually appealing and informative. Include:

• Event Name: The name of the proposed event.
• Your Company’s Name and Logo: To reinforce your brand.
• Proposal Date: The date you are submitting the proposal.
• Client’s Name and Logo (if applicable): Personalize the proposal by including the client's details.

Table of Contents

A table of contents helps the client navigate through your proposal with ease. List all the sections and sub-sections along with their page numbers for quick reference.

Executive Summary

The executive summary is a brief overview of your proposal. It should highlight the key points and benefits of your proposal, enticing the client to read further. Include:

• Event Overview: A short description of the event and its objectives.
• Your Approach: How you plan to meet the client's needs and ensure the event's success.
• Key Benefits: The unique advantages and value you bring to the table.

Detailed Proposal Content

Introduction and background.

• Your Company Overview: Provide a brief overview of your company, its history, mission, and expertise in event planning. Highlight any relevant experience or accolades that add credibility.
• Understanding the Client’s Vision: Show that you have a clear understanding of the client's goals and the significance of the event. Mention any specific details the client has shared with you.

Event Concept and Objectives

• Event Concept: Describe the proposed event concept and how it aligns with the client’s objectives. Use descriptive language and visuals if possible.
• Goals and Objectives: Clearly outline the goals and expected outcomes of the event, such as brand awareness, product launch, employee engagement, etc.

Event Details

• Event Plan: Provide a detailed plan including the date, time, and location of the event. Mention why the chosen venue and timing are ideal.
• Agenda: Outline the event schedule with specific activities and timings. Include any special sessions, keynote speakers, or entertainment planned.
• Theme and Design: Describe the event theme, design elements, and how they enhance the event experience. Use mood boards or sample designs if available.

Services Offered

• Logistics Management: Detail your approach to managing logistics such as venue setup, equipment, and transportation.
• Catering and Hospitality: Explain your catering services, menu options, and hospitality arrangements.
• Entertainment and Activities: Describe the entertainment options and activities you plan to include.
• Technology and AV Support: Highlight the technology and audiovisual support you will provide, such as sound systems, lighting, and presentation equipment.

Budget and Pricing

• Detailed Budget: Provide a comprehensive budget breakdown, including all costs and fees. Make it clear and transparent.
• Value Proposition: Explain the value and benefits of your services relative to the costs. Highlight any cost-saving measures or added value you offer.

Team and Responsibilities

• Team Introduction: Introduce the key team members who will be involved in planning and executing the event. Include their roles and relevant experience.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Outline the specific roles and responsibilities of each team member to show your organized approach.

Timeline and Milestones

• Project Timeline: Provide a timeline of key milestones and deadlines leading up to the event. Include preparation, execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Milestone Deliverables: Specify the deliverables at each milestone to ensure transparency and accountability.

Risk Management

• Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and challenges associated with the event. Mention how you plan to monitor and manage these risks.
• Contingency Plans: Outline your contingency plans to mitigate these risks. Show that you are prepared for unexpected situations.

Client Testimonials and Case Studies

• Testimonials: Include testimonials from past clients to build credibility and trust.
• Case Studies: Provide case studies of similar events you have successfully planned. Highlight the challenges faced and how you overcame them.

By structuring your event proposal in this way, you present a professional, thorough, and persuasive document that clearly communicates your capabilities and understanding of the client's needs. This approach significantly increases your chances of winning the job.

Proposal Presentation

A polished and professional presentation of your proposal can make a significant impact. Here are some tips to ensure your proposal is visually appealing and effectively communicates your ideas:

Design and Formatting

First impressions matter, so your proposal should look as good as it reads. Pay attention to the following aspects:

• Consistent Branding: Use your company’s colors, fonts, and logo throughout the proposal to maintain brand consistency.
• Professional Layout: Use a clean, professional layout with clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space to make the document easy to read.
• Visual Elements: Incorporate visuals such as images, charts, infographics, and mood boards to enhance the presentation and illustrate your ideas. High-quality images of past events can showcase your capabilities.
• Typography: Choose readable fonts and ensure that the font size is large enough for easy reading. Use bold and italics to highlight important points.

Customization

Customize the proposal to the client's specific needs and preferences. This shows that you have taken the time to understand their unique requirements:

• Personalization: Address the client by name and mention specific details about their business and event goals.
• Tailored Content: Modify the content to reflect the client’s vision, preferences, and budget. Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Follow-Up and Communication

After submitting your proposal, follow up with the client to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment. Effective follow-up can make a difference in securing the job:

Proposal Submission

• Submission Method: Depending on the client’s preference, submit the proposal digitally via email or through an online platform, or provide a printed copy in a professional binder.
• Submission Timing: Submit the proposal within the agreed timeline to show your reliability and punctuality.

Follow-Up Strategy

• Follow-Up Email: Send a follow-up email a few days after submitting the proposal to confirm receipt and express your continued interest. Offer to answer any questions they may have.
• Follow-Up Call: If appropriate, follow up with a phone call to discuss the proposal further and address any concerns. This personal touch can help build rapport.
• Be Persistent but Polite: If you don’t hear back immediately, follow up again after a reasonable period. Be persistent but always remain polite and professional.

In conclusion, preparing a winning event proposal requires a deep understanding of the client's needs, a well-structured document, and a professional presentation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a compelling proposal that showcases your expertise, aligns with the client’s vision, and significantly increases your chances of securing the job.

A strong event proposal not only sets you apart from the competition but also builds trust and confidence with potential clients. Remember to personalize each proposal, present it professionally, and follow up diligently. These practices will help you forge strong client relationships and grow your event planning business.

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