How to write a research proposal | UTS Masters by Research & PhD

Full Job Description

A research proposal outlines the research you want to conduct. It’s an important part of your PhD or Master's by Research application.

Your research proposal helps you communicate key parts of your research, including the topic, context, methodology and timeline. While there are many ways to write a research proposal, this is a guide to the main things we expect to see.

Remember, this is just the start. Your research, methodology and ideas are likely to evolve over time.

If you're planning to study in one of these faculties, download and use their template to prepare your research proposal:

• Science template

• Design, Architecture and Building template

• Health template

• Transdisciplinary School template

• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences template

If you're planning to study in another faculty, use our guide to develop and write your research proposal.

Contact us if you’re unsure which faculty aligns to your research.

Faculty Preferences

Before you start, look at your potential faculty’s pre-approval process. Some faculties prefer an expression of interest first, others prefer you approach a supervisor with a research proposal written.

Either way, you should discuss the requirements of your research proposal with your faculty and potential supervisor prior to applying.

How Long Should A Research Proposal Be?

There’s no set format or length for a research proposal although it should be at least two pages in length.

What Should Be Included In A Research Proposal?

Use the buttons to expand or collapse the section.

Title of project

A clear description of your proposed research project.

Background & context of project

A description of why your research is worth pursuing. What is the context of your proposed topic?

Explain the background for your proposed research, as well as the main contribution to knowledge that you believe your project will make.

Aims & objectives

Write three to four aims or objectives covering what you want your research project to achieve.

Literature review

Review the most important research that has already been carried out in your area.

You can address the following:

• What is the current state of your proposed field of study?

• What major arguments or theoretical approaches have scholars used to try to address your question or problem?

• Outline the most important research that has already been carried out in the field of study.

Research methodology

A research methodology outlines the way that you intend to carry out your research.

Outline the methodology you plan to use including:

• Approach: qualitative or quantitative

• Data: how data or information will be generated and gathered, and how you expect to analyse that data

• Theoretical framework: identify any broad theoretical frameworks

• Ethical considerations: if your research involves interaction with humans or animals, explain how consent would be obtained

Resources required

Outline the resources required for the project such as access to facilities, materials or rare databases.

Research plan & timetable

What steps do you plan to take? What is your timeframe?

Summarise your research project plan into six-month segments. Make sure you cover the research project from admission to submission.

If you’re studying a collaborative doctoral degree, your proposal should include a clear indication of milestones to be achieved at UTS and your overseas institution.

References

List all references or citations you've used in your proposal.

Title Of Project

A clear description of your proposed research project.

Background & Context Of Project

A description of why your research is worth pursuing. What is the context of your proposed topic?

Explain the background for your proposed research, as well as the main contribution to knowledge that you believe your project will make.

Aims & Objectives

Write three to four aims or objectives covering what you want your research project to achieve.

Literature Review

Review the most important research that has already been carried out in your area.

You can address the following:

• What is the current state of your proposed field of study?

• What major arguments or theoretical approaches have scholars used to try to address your question or problem?

• Outline the most important research that has already been carried out in the field of study.

Research Methodology

A research methodology outlines the way that you intend to carry out your research.

Outline the methodology you plan to use including:

• Approach: qualitative or quantitative

• Data: how data or information will be generated and gathered, and how you expect to analyse that data

• Theoretical framework: identify any broad theoretical frameworks

• Ethical considerations: if your research involves interaction with humans or animals, explain how consent would be obtained

Resources Required

Outline the resources required for the project such as access to facilities, materials or rare databases.

Research Plan & Timetable

What steps do you plan to take? What is your timeframe?

Summarise your research project plan into six-month segments. Make sure you cover the research project from admission to submission.

If you’re studying a collaborative doctoral degree, your proposal should include a clear indication of milestones to be achieved at UTS and your overseas institution.

References

List all references or citations you've used in your proposal.