Research Proposals are often a compulsory part of a postgraduate degree, and a requirement in order for students to continue in their studies. The supervisor, faculty or department's acceptance of the Research Proposal is required before students can go on to complete their research and write their thesis.

Writing a Research Proposal performs an important function, which is why they are required by universities. A Research Proposal allows students to focus, define and narrow their research plans in preparation for writing their thesis.

Your Research Proposal will:

Demonstrate that you will undertake significant research in your field

Provide a context and background for your research

Allow you to develop the depth and breadth of your understanding of your topic

Allow you to establish your theoretical framework

Allow you to decide which methodological approach you will use

Each Research Proposal will be different, depending on the topic you are studying, your discipline, the university you are studying at, and your supervisor's preferences. It is important that you check with your supervisor about what components your Research Proposal must contain. Below is a guide to the components that are normally included in a Research Proposal.

Cover page

Table of contents

Abstract

Lists of figures, tables and abbreviations

Introduction

Chapters that include:

Background and need for the study

Purpose and aims

Review of the literature

Research design

Timetable or plan

Proposed thesis structure

The significance or expected outcomes

Conclusion

Appendices

References

Make sure you avoid these common mistakes:

Failing to provide the correct context for the research question

Failing to provide scope and limitations for the research

Failing to refer to the most important studies (in the Literature Review)

Failing to present the contributions of other researchers accurately (in the Literature Review)

Failing to remain focused on the research question

Failing to develop and maintain a convincing and coherent argument

Providing an inappropriate amount of attention to certain aspects (i.e. too much detail on unimportant things and too little detail on important things)

Writing a Research Proposal that is not well structured and organised, and that consequently does not flow well

Lack of or incorrect referencing

Failing to follow the correct formatting and style guidelines

Failing to stick to the word limit (i.e. the proposal is too long or too short)

Submitting a Research Proposal that contains grammatical and other errors that could have been corrected by a professional thesis editor!

Once you have completed writing your Research Proposal, it is strongly recommended that you have it professionally edited prior to submitting it to your university. It is vital that your Research Proposal is presented in the best possible way, since its acceptance is required in order for you to go on to complete your degree.