Writing a research degree proposal
Guidance for writing a proposal for a research degree application
The research proposal is a vital component of your application for a research degree at the University of Northampton. You are required to submit a detailed proposal ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 words in length. For the MRes in Sport and Exercise, the proposal should be 1,000 words, including references, and not exceed 1-2 pages.
This proposal is instrumental for the university to evaluate and distinguish among candidates, influencing their decision to extend offers for their research programmes. It is imperative that your proposal is comprehensible to a broad audience, not solely experts in your field. It should encapsulate all necessary details of your intended research and objectives, crafted in a manner that is easily understood by any university member. As a significant part of the application, it warrants considerable effort and attention in its preparation and composition.
This page will give you more information on how to write a research proposal, with a few suggestions on what to include and what to avoid.
What is a research proposal?
A research proposal serves as a brief yet comprehensive overview of your intended study. It’s an essential component of your application that informs potential supervisors about the feasibility and value of your research idea. Typically, a research proposal outlines the framework of your research initiative, detailing the primary questions you aim to address and the methodology you plan to employ. Additionally, it’s important to articulate the significance and potential contributions of your research, as well as its relevance to ongoing developments within your scholarly discipline.
An outline of your research proposal is designed to:
- Develop a concise and engaging research question, which could be a testable hypothesis or a broad enquiry.
- Demonstrate the importance and contribution of your research question within the sphere of contemporary scholarly debate, emphasising its novelty and impact.
- Design a straightforward and feasible methodological approach to address your research question, including a thorough assessment of the data or sources you intend to utilise.
- Predict the potential findings of your study and the subsequent fields of exploration it may unveil.
- Construct a tentative schedule for the progression of your research activities.
When selecting a topic for extended study, it’s crucial to pick a subject that sparks your curiosity and enthusiasm. Remember, this will be your academic focus for at least three years, so a deep-seated interest and dedication are essential. As you journey through your research, expect your project to grow and change shape; it’s a natural part of the learning process. Students often fine-tune their initial concepts, proposals, or titles, adapting to new insights as they delve deeper. Envision your proposal as a flexible framework that will guide the early stages of your research, rather than a fixed declaration of your project’s endgame. Embrace the evolution of your work as you uncover the many directions your topic can take you.
What is the purpose of the research proposal?
Your proposal succinctly outlines your intended area of study, providing a snapshot of the research you wish to undertake. It will illustrate the rationale behind your choice of topic, enabling the university to assess its suitability for a research degree.
This is an opportunity to highlight your academic acumen and familiarity with the subject, detailing not only your current understanding but also the insights you aim to contribute. It’s a platform for you to articulate the unique value your research will bring to the field.
The proposal reflects a well-considered perception of what a research degree entails. Moreover, it should convey your enthusiasm for the topic and construct a compelling case for the potential impact of your work. The University can assess that is has the expertise to support your research ambitions, ensuring the feasibility of your proposed study.
What are we not expecting?
At this point, it’s not anticipated that you’ve commenced your research or drafted your thesis. However, it’s crucial to approach a research degree with a clear and focused research question, rather than a broad, undefined interest in a subject area. Keep in mind, the goal of a research degree is not just to add to the body of knowledge but also to develop your research skills. Aim for clarity and conciseness in your documentation, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
In our experience, there are a number of common reasons why proposals from well qualified potential students are rejected. Some common problems are outlined below:
- Your research topic is inadequately specified. You must write to a very tight format stating what you plan to research, why and how. The format is clearly outlined within this webpage and relevant course pages.
- A study that merely aims to discover new empirical information or simply solve a current issue will probably not be accepted. Your proposal must engage new ideas/thought and demonstrate strong critical insight into one or more academic disciplines to succeed in your research.
What to include in your research proposal and how is it structured?
Your research proposal should encompass the following sections; however, it’s important to remember that this serves as a basic framework. Specific guidance may be provided by your potential supervisor. Generally, you’ll be expected to address the fundamental topics outlined, but be prepared to tailor your proposal with additional sections as requested.
Structuring your proposal
You may wish to use the following sub-headings in your proposal (although these are not prescriptive):
- Project title
- Overview
- Key research questions
- Relevant literature
- Methodology
- Outcomes
- Timescale