Preparing a Research Proposal
PREPARING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Research students at the University are expected to present a research proposal within three semesters after commencement. The proposal is presented at a seminar attended by fellow students, supervisors and other assessors. Assessors are selected by the Faculty for their understanding of the field and the research involved.
The purpose of a research proposal is to set out a plan for conducting the research and writing the thesis within the available time. It should take account of the availability and guidance of the supervisor.
The starting point for a research proposal is the topic, which is the field of interest in which the research is to be carried out. In introducing the topic, the proposal should clarify the field that it falls into, and the specific part of that field which the research will explore. It should clarify why the topic area is of interest and importance, and how the proposed research will contribute to the area.
The proposal should clarify the research questions, ensuring that these are specific and answerable. It is important to show how these questions relate to the topic area, and how they will advance the student's contribution.
The proposal should detail the research to be carried out, and clarify the research methods, the timeframe and the reasons for selecting particular methods. Where a period of literature review should precede any empirical research, this should be factored in as part of the research. The research activity must usually be approved by the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) in advance.
The research proposal consists of an oral presentation and a written document, covering the above points. At least three copies will be required by the Faculty, one for each of the assessors.
The oral presentation will be approximately 20-30 minutes in duration, followed by questions and discussion. You are encouraged to use visual aids in the form of overhead transparencies, hand-outs photocopied onto
Research students at the University are expected to present a research proposal within three semesters after commencement. The proposal is presented at a seminar attended by fellow students, supervisors and other assessors. Assessors are selected by the Faculty for their understanding of the field and the research involved.
The purpose of a research proposal is to set out a plan for conducting the research and writing the thesis within the available time. It should take account of the availability and guidance of the supervisor.
The starting point for a research proposal is the topic, which is the field of interest in which the research is to be carried out. In introducing the topic, the proposal should clarify the field that it falls into, and the specific part of that field which the research will explore. It should clarify why the topic area is of interest and importance, and how the proposed research will contribute to the area.
The proposal should clarify the research questions, ensuring that these are specific and answerable. It is important to show how these questions relate to the topic area, and how they will advance the student's contribution.
The proposal should detail the research to be carried out, and clarify the research methods, the timeframe and the reasons for selecting particular methods. Where a period of literature review should precede any empirical research, this should be factored in as part of the research. The research activity must usually be approved by the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) in advance.
The research proposal consists of an oral presentation and a written document, covering the above points. At least three copies will be required by the Faculty, one for each of the assessors.
The oral presentation will be approximately 20-30 minutes in duration, followed by questions and discussion. You are encouraged to use visual aids in the form of overhead transparencies, hand-outs photocopied onto