What Are The Best Way To Write A PhD Research Proposal

Introduction

A PhD research proposal is a structured and formal document that explains the research plan and the relevance of your study to the research subject. The document is submitted to your university before the commencement of your research, and you must demonstrate the originality of your research and your passion for the subject. The university approves your PhD study based on the research proposal, so it is important to present a well-written proposal.

Here are some of the best ways to write your research proposal:

1. Demonstrate original thinking.

A successful PhD project with original research findings contributes enormously to the research subject. Explain how your dissertation is original by pointing out some research gaps, addressing a conflict regarding the results of other researchers, or giving a new perspective with a different research methodology in your proposal.

2. Demonstrate that your PhD is significant.

Explain how your PhD dissertation is relevant to the current field and how it promotes future research. Keep in mind your target audience, who will benefit from your study.

3. Demonstrate that your PhD is feasible.

It is important to outline the research plan you will follow during your research and state the outcomes you will achieve from the research. Mention the sources you will refer to and the research methodology, data collection sources and techniques, the equipment you will use, and field trips you need to undertake. This shows how your study fits within the scope of a PhD dissertation.

4. Demonstrate that you can complete it at this university.

Describe how the university facilitates your PhD study with their resources and supervisors. This helps the university understand your interests in the subject matter and your commitment to your study. Mention the skills you will acquire during your research and how the university will help you complete it.

5. Take time to write your proposal.

Your dissertation heavily depends on your proposal, so ensure to take time to research and write it. Have a deadline and plan to complete your research proposal on time.

6. Be clear, concise, and coherent.

PhD researchers need to develop skills to communicate their academic work effectively. Be clear about your PhD dissertation to avoid any room for ambiguity and confusion. Ask your friend to read your proposal. Make sure your proposal is concise and includes the best ideas. Also, follow a good structure while writing your proposal.

7. Follow the university's guidelines.

Your university will have guidelines regarding the contents and format of the research proposal. Make sure to follow them when submitting to avoid rejection of your proposal. Seek help if you need clarity about the guidelines.

8. Develop your PhD research proposal structure.

As the PhD research proposal covers the contents of the dissertation, you can follow the same structure you present for the final dissertation. The structure includes:

• Title

Keep the title simple and descriptive so that your prospective supervisor can understand what the research is about.

• Overview

Start by defining your research question and explaining how your study contributes to the endeavours of the chosen research subject. This is also an excellent place to include one or two references. This shows your understanding of the subject and your interest in choosing it.

• Methodology

Make sure your reader understands the theoretical or practical approaches you take for the research. Refer to some research methods and models to present in the proposal. You can provide a road map of your research plan, which may change during your study.

• Outcomes and Impact

Discuss the outcomes and impact of your PhD project amongst the readers, researchers, and current research subjects. Mention how your PhD dissertation fills the research gap, adds new knowledge, and increases your work prospects.

9. Refer to online research proposal templates.

You can refer to some research proposal templates online for ideas about the proposal structure. Choose and modify the template that suits your PhD dissertation best.

Conclusion

Writing a research proposal for your PhD dissertation is important to start your research. The above points can help you write the best research proposal.

Reference

Denscombe, Martyn. Research proposals: A practical guide: A practical guide. McGraw-Hill Education (UK), 2012.