Research Proposal
How to Prepare
Thesis Proposal
A guide for MPhil and PhD students
Preface
To many students, it may be the first time that they write a research proposal. This booklet serves as a reference guide to highlight the process in preparing a research proposal and basic elements that should be included. Students should bear in mind that this booklet is in no way an exhaustive list of topics that need to be considered in preparing a thesis proposal. Different disciplines may have different expectations and requirements on the substance, format and length of a proposal. In this regard, students are strongly advised to consult their supervisor(s) and the department beforehand.
Graduate School
March 2006
Reprinted 2012
I. Introduction
Contents
I.
Introduction
1
II.
Preparation for a Thesis Proposal
2
III.
Basic Elements of a Thesis Proposal
4
IV.
Presentation and Language
V.
Further Readings
Appendices
9
All MPhil and PhD students in HKU are required to have their candidature confirmed by the end of the probationary period. By the end of the probationary period, every student is required to submit a thesis proposal for consideration by the Departmental Research
Postgraduate Committee (DRPC) and the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee (FHDC).
The thesis proposal is one of the most important documents that the University will consider in determining whether the candidature of a student should be confirmed or be terminated. It is also important to students as a plan for how the research should be implemented and to set a time schedule so that the thesis could be completed within the specified time frame.
Degree
MPhil
3-year PhD
4-year PhD
Full-time
Part-time
Probationary
Probationary
Study period
Study period period period
12 months
24 months
18 months
36 months
12 months
36 months
18 months
54 months
18 months
48 months
24 months
72 months
14
15
1
1
II. Preparation
Thesis Proposal
A guide for MPhil and PhD students
Preface
To many students, it may be the first time that they write a research proposal. This booklet serves as a reference guide to highlight the process in preparing a research proposal and basic elements that should be included. Students should bear in mind that this booklet is in no way an exhaustive list of topics that need to be considered in preparing a thesis proposal. Different disciplines may have different expectations and requirements on the substance, format and length of a proposal. In this regard, students are strongly advised to consult their supervisor(s) and the department beforehand.
Graduate School
March 2006
Reprinted 2012
I. Introduction
Contents
I.
Introduction
1
II.
Preparation for a Thesis Proposal
2
III.
Basic Elements of a Thesis Proposal
4
IV.
Presentation and Language
V.
Further Readings
Appendices
9
All MPhil and PhD students in HKU are required to have their candidature confirmed by the end of the probationary period. By the end of the probationary period, every student is required to submit a thesis proposal for consideration by the Departmental Research
Postgraduate Committee (DRPC) and the Faculty Higher Degrees Committee (FHDC).
The thesis proposal is one of the most important documents that the University will consider in determining whether the candidature of a student should be confirmed or be terminated. It is also important to students as a plan for how the research should be implemented and to set a time schedule so that the thesis could be completed within the specified time frame.
Degree
MPhil
3-year PhD
4-year PhD
Full-time
Part-time
Probationary
Probationary
Study period
Study period period period
12 months
24 months
18 months
36 months
12 months
36 months
18 months
54 months
18 months
48 months
24 months
72 months
14
15
1
1
II. Preparation
Citations: (i) Sentences * Where there is more than one author, the citation should read (Smith & Jones, 1994), or (Smith et al., 1994), in the case of multiple authors.