Writing a Research Proposal
Proposal template for writing a research proposal for a PhD programme within the School of GeoSciences. The following information applies for both Social Science and Physical Science PhD programmes.
1. Introduction
Give an introductory statement explaining what your proposed research topic is and why it is important.
2. Outline of key theory and research on the topic
Outline existing theoretical and/or empirical debate and state how your proposed research relates to this body of knowledge
3. Main Research Question
What specific issue or question will your proposed research examine?
4. Methodology
What method, or methods, will you use to answer your research question?
5. Ethical Issues
Note 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. Timetable
Provide 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.
Further guidance
Student Recruitment and Admissions have also written a guide on how to create a good research proposal, which is available as a PDF file.