Writing a research proposal

For most of our research degrees, you will need to submit a research proposal as part of your application, unless you have been advised otherwise.

What a research proposal is

A research proposal is a piece of writing that describes the research you are looking to do. It should make clear: 

  • the importance of your topic
  • the scope of your research
  • how you plan to conduct the research

What a research proposal is used for

A research proposal helps us assess both your suitability for a research degree and whether we can offer supervision.  

If applying for external funding, you will also need to explain your research in your funding application. Your proposal can help with this, but be aware that funders will have their own preferred format, so you may need to rewrite your proposal to fit their requirements.

How to write your research proposal

Guidelines 

When writing a research proposal: 

  • be clear, objective, succinct and realistic in your objectives
  • show that you have identified a clear research gap (in other words, that you are proposing an original research project that will make a significant contribution to knowledge)
  • explain why this research should be funded and is important and/or timely
  • state and justify your objectives clearly
  • answer the question: how will the research benefit wider society or contribute to the research community? 

In terms of style, be sure to: 

  • provide a clear project title
  • structure your text with section headings
  • write in short paragraphs and short sentences
  • provide images, charts or diagrams if allowed and relevant to your discipline to help break up the text 

Structure 

Some schools or deaneries will have a template for how they want proposals structured, while others will not. 

Our guide on how to write a good proposal provides a template you can use, as well as tips for what to include in each section of a proposal. 

When to write a proposal

You may or may not need to write your proposal first before contacting potential supervisors. Our degree finder will tell you what the correct process is for each programme.

Find out how to contact supervisors

Supervisors may also be able to help you refine and improve your proposal, even if they cannot offer you supervision. 

At the same time as writing a proposal and looking for a supervisor, you should also be looking for funding (if needed). 

Funding your research degree

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