Writing a research proposal

A guide for writing a research proposal for all MScR, MPhil and PhD degrees in the School of GeoSciences. 

If you are applying with your own project, you need to include a research proposal with your application. The proposal should not exceed four (4) pages in length for PhDs and two (2) pages for MScR.

Your proposal should contain the following headings:

1. IntroductionGive an introductory statement explaining what your proposed research topic is and why it is important.
2. Outline of key theory and research on the topicOutline existing theoretical and/or empirical debate and state how your proposed research relates to this body of knowledge.
3. Main research questionWhat specific issue or question will your proposed research examine?
4. MethodologyWhat method, or methods, will you use to answer your research question?
5. Ethical IssuesNote any ethical issues arising from your research. (ethics can be interpreted in a broad sense as well as, for example, matters of consent and confidentiality).
6. TimetableProvide a timetable for your research and the period of writing up your thesis. If you intend to do fieldwork overseas, say what this will entail and how it fits into the timetable.
7. References/bibliographyReferences should fit within the 4 pages (or 2 for MScR) and should not exceed one page.

Format

Please upload a PDF document in A4, font size 11, Arial or another sans serif font equivalent in size. 

PLEASE NOTE: This is general guidance. When applying for a particular scholarship, make sure to check if there are specific format requirements for your research proposal. You should be able to check this in the relevant scholarship advert.

Further guidance

The University has provided a comprehensive guide on writing a proposal.  

You can view or download it as a PDF:

How to write a good research proposal (PDF) (1.44 MB PDF)

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