how to write a phd proposal australia

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Guide for Writing Research Proposals

This guide is for candidates who are enrolled in a higher degree research program (PhD, Masters by Research or Master of Philosophy) and who have been asked to submit a research proposal as part of their Research Progress Review or Confirmation of Candidature.

The aim of the research proposal is to convince your school that:

there is a need for the research; it is significant and important.
you are contributing something original to the field.
the topic is feasible in terms of availability of funding, equipment, supervisors, and data.
the research can be completed in the expected time period(3-4 years full time for a PhD or 1.5 – 2 years full time for a research Masters).
ethical issues have been considered and approval has been given for the research by the University Ethics Committee.
the topic matches your interests and capabilities.

What is the difference between a Masters and a Doctoral research proposal?

As research Masters degrees are shorter than PhDs, the main goals and complexity of your proposed research should align with this shorter timeframe. If you are unsure of what is required, you should seek advice from your supervisor or your School’s Postgraduate Coordinator.

Who is my audience?

Your research proposal is normally assessed during your Research Progress Review by the Review Panel. If you are a PhD candidate, your research proposal will normally be submitted as part of your Confirmation of Candidature Review. Most candidates need to submit a written report and present their proposal during their Review. If you are not sure of the requirements within your School or Faculty, contact your supervisor or your School’s Postgraduate Coordinator.

The research proposal helps you focus your research aims, clarify its importance and the need, describe the methods, predict problems and outcomes, and plan alternatives and interventions.

Getting it done

Preparing your proposal will be an iterative process. You will most likely need to prepare a number of drafts, improving each one with feedback from your supervisors. You should be writing regularly to have your proposal completed by the due date.

Demonstrating originality

Your work will make a worthwhile contribution to your field if it fulfils one or more of the following:

it provides evidence to support or disprove a concept, theory, or model;
it contributes new data/information, new or improved solution, analysis procedure or a new improved research methodology;
it results in a new or improved concept, theory or model.

See next: Structuring the proposal

Postgrad research.

Academic skills support
Structuring the proposal
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Research proposals

If you are applying to undertake a research degree or a degree with a research component at ANU, or are in the first year of your research degree, you may be expected to produce a research proposal that demonstrates that you understand the process of scholarly inquiry. In particular, that 'good' research starts with you identifying an important problem or 'gap' in knowledge in your field and/or discipline that you can address or fill.

These pages provide strategies to help you to establish your credibility as a scholar by developing a persuasive research proposal. A persuasive research proposal sets out what you intend to conduct research on, why and how you plan to go about operationalising it, and how you make a contribution to knowledge. More specifically, these pages detail the various stages involved in designing a research project from understanding the purpose of a research proposal to what to consider in writing one.

Purpose>>

Useful resources

Agee, J. (2009). Developing qualitative research questions: A reflective process. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, 22 (4), 431-447. doi:10.1080/09518390902736512
Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (2007). Thesis and dissertation writing in a second language: A handbook for supervisors . London: Routledge.
Punch, K.F. (2006). Developing effective research proposals (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Structuring

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How to get a PhD

Study tips Published 5 Apr, 2022 · 4-minute read

Trying to wrap your head around how PhD programs work? We don’t blame you. Sometimes it feels like you need a PhD just to figure out how to get a PhD.

So, with a little help from our academics and some UQ PhD candidates, we’ve broken down the application and preparation process into 10 manageable steps:

Make sure you’re eligible
Choose your topic
Find your PhD supervisors
Write your PhD proposal
Look for PhD scholarships
Plan your study schedule
Determine if you'll continue working during your PhD
Gather required documents and apply online
Get accepted
Prepare yourself for success

Let’s discuss how to get a PhD in Australia – from choosing your topic to submitting your application. Just keep in mind that some of this information is specifically about how to apply for a PhD at UQ. It’s still a useful guide in general, but the PhD application process may vary at other Australian universities.

1. Make sure you're eligible

To be considered for a PhD program, you’ll need at least one of these:

a bachelor’s degree with honours or standalone honours degree, achieving IIA (second class, A division) honours or higher; or
a research master’s degree (like the Master of Philosophy ) or a coursework master’s degree that includes relevant research experience; or
an approved degree, plus evidence of at least 2 years of relevant research experience .

If you don’t currently meet any of these criteria, consider how you might accrue some research experience prior to applying for your PhD. For example, you might be able to start with a Master of Philosophy and then progress into a PhD. Or perhaps you could complete an independent research project for your business, industry or government to build your research portfolio.

Check all our PhD entry requirements or explore how you can get a PhD without honours

2. Choose your topic

Whether you’re diving deeper into a familiar subject or branching out into a new area of interest, you’ll want to settle on your PhD topic sooner rather than later. Finding a niche that sparks your curiosity is important for ensuring you’ll stay inspired during the 3+ years ahead.

Keep in mind that you generally have 2 options here. You can complete a PhD by:

joining a proposed/advertised research project in an area that interests you
proposing your own project that aligns with your specific goals.

Get tips for choosing your PhD topic or explore available research projects at UQ

3. Find your PhD supervisors

Choosing the right people to guide you through your PhD might just be the most crucial step in the process. This is also where things can go quite differently depending on whether you’re a current student at the university where you want to do your PhD.

If you’re a current student, there’s a fair chance you’ve already met or even studied under the academic who will become your primary supervisor. You’ve got the inside scoop on who teaches which courses at the uni, and you may already have an idea of whose personality and teaching style would suit you well.

If you’re approaching your PhD from outside the uni, you’ve got a bit of extra research to do. But as an aspiring PhD candidate, a little extra research is unlikely to deter you. By shortlisting and contacting prospective supervisors based on their areas of interest and existing projects, you can narrow down your options and find the best match.

Learn how to find the right PhD supervisor

4. Write your PhD proposal

Check with your supervisor to see if they require a formal PhD proposal (most will, but not all). If so, with their guidance, it’s time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

Even if your supervisor doesn't explicitly ask for one, a PhD proposal is a valuable document for outlining the scope of your research and giving your project its initial momentum – so it might be worth writing one either way.

Learn how to write a good PhD proposal

5. Look for PhD scholarships

Dedicating yourself to research sometimes means sacrificing your income in the short term, though it can lead to more financial security in the long term . To help support yourself during your studies, you can apply for PhD scholarships and funding.

These scholarships sometimes have specific deadlines, so make sure to take note of these and adjust your projected study plan accordingly.

Learn how to get a PhD scholarship

6. Plan your study schedule

To complete your PhD within the standard 3.5-year* timeframe, you'll need to be organised with a clear project plan.

*In special cases, you may be able to request an extension of your tuition for up to 4 years, but that is the maximum time allowed for a PhD.

Part of this planning phase will be determining how soon you can start your research. At UQ, you’ll be commenced from the start of one of our 4 research quarters:

January – March
April – June
July – September
October – December.

Expect to begin your research as soon as you have completed your onboarding activities.

You should submit your application at least 12 weeks prior to the research quarter when you’re hoping to start your PhD or in the scholarship round aligned with your proposed commencing research quarter (this may be even earlier than 12 weeks prior).

Explore how long it takes to get a PhD

7. Determine if you'll continue working during your PhD

Some PhD candidates continue doing part-time or casual work while completing their research. However, this isn't easy and may not be feasible in most cases; it takes serious time-management skills to juggle any kind of job alongside a full-time PhD.

So, carefully consider whether you’d like to keep working in some capacity or commit your attention fully to your research. It may help to weigh up how much your PhD will cost, as well as your expected living expenses while you study, against how much you’ll receive from your scholarship.

Learn more about working while doing a PhD or explore how much a PhD costs

8. Gather required documents and apply

It’s time to jump online and do the official application process. Aside from your research proposal, you should also prepare to provide your:

academic CV
academic transcript
degree certificate(s)
English language documents (if needed)
ID (such as a passport)
two references / letters of recommendation from people who can comment on your research experience.

Check which documents you’ll need to provide

9. Get accepted 🤞

It can take up to 12 weeks to get a response to your application, but hopefully the anxious wait will all be worth it. Either way, you’ll get a notification from the application portal to let you know the outcome.

When you receive your offer letter, make sure to read it carefully and follow the instructions provided to accept your offer and get your research started. You should also contact your supervisor to let them know you’ve gotten the offer – they’ve likely been just as anxious as you have!

Upon acceptance into the PhD program, you’ll be expected to start in the research quarter noted on your offer letter. If your circumstances have changed, you can notify us and you may be able to delay commencement and start in the following research quarter instead, but you won’t be able to defer more than once.

What if my application isn’t approved?

It can be disappointing to have your PhD application rejected, and due to the large number of applications, you may not receive detailed feedback. We suggest speaking with your nominated supervisor. They may be able to provide ideas to enhance your CV and help you decide whether it’s worthwhile reapplying. After all, you may have just been part of a particularly competitive application period – and there are only so many PhD scholarships that can be awarded.

10. Prepare yourself for success

We know you’ve already got what it takes, but there are some skills and attributes you could cultivate or practise to make your upcoming journey a little smoother. While you’re waiting for the outcome of your application, you could set some time aside to work on developing the traits and habits that will help you succeed as a PhD candidate.

Discover what makes a good PhD student

Once all these pieces come together, you’ll be on your way to starting your research journey. We can’t wait to see the discoveries you’ll uncover, the results you’ll achieve and the impact you’ll make with your PhD.

Submit your PhD application

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How to decide on a PhD topic

4-minute read

How to find a PhD supervisor

5-minute read

How to write a good PhD proposal

How to get a PhD scholarship or funding

3-minute read

Preparing a research proposal

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The proposal is a key part of the process where applicants must demonstrate the value of their research and their suitability for program selection.

All applicants for a postgraduate research program at RMIT University should have a proposed research topic that is aligned with at least one of RMIT's identified research strengths . Your discussion with the academic staff in your proposed school will assist you to identify whether your research proposal will be an appropriate fit for RMIT's research strengths.

Your proposal should be a two to five page overview of your research divided under the following headings:

Title and topic
Research questions you plan to investigate in the context of existing research/literature in the area
Significance and impact of the research
Methodology/research tasks required to undertake the research
Any particular needs, if applicable (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program).

A good way to start your proposal is to think about your potential audience.

Who is your academic audience and how might this work affect their understanding of the field?
Is there an audience beyond academics, such as practitioners or the general public, who might care about your work? Why should they care?

In most cases it is sufficient to demonstrate that there is academic interest, but identifying the potential broader interest in your findings can be a way to help you find the most relevant and pressing problems.

Unsuccessful proposals tend to suffer from a number of common problems. The most common is that the researcher is not really asking a genuine research question, but seeking supporting evidence for a preconceived idea. Ask yourself: are you seeking new knowledge or trying to prove something you think you know?

Sometimes, especially in creative practice based research questions do not easily present themselves. Some research is ’iterative’: the researcher must test their assumptions through field work or creative project work before the questions come into focus. In these cases it is important to focus on what your research has to offer others beyond your own personal and professional development.

The research proposal can be a difficult document to write. If you are already in contact with potential supervisors they may read over early drafts and provide advice.

These books might also be helpful in understanding research degrees and how to write a research proposal:

Evans and Gruba (2002), How to write a better thesis , Melbourne University Press.
Denholm and Evans (ed) (2006), Doctorates Downunder , ACER Press.
Booth, Colomb and Williams (2003), The craft of research , University of Chicago Press.
Dunleavy, P (2003), Authoring a PhD , Palgrave Macmillan.
Rugg and Petre (2004), The unwritten rules of PhD research , Open University Press.

Some programs require more lengthy proposals with additional elements or additional selection tasks, such as the presentation of a portfolio. These are detailed in Program Overviews .

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How to write a research proposal

Your research proposal is a key component when applying to study a research degree at Western Sydney University. These guidelines are designed to help you prepare your research proposal.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is an outline of your research project that:

Defines a potential research question and your approach to answering it.
Highlights the originality or significance of the research area.
Explains how the research will add to, develop, or challenge existing literature and knowledge.
Describes the importance of the research.
Describes why you are the right person to undertake the research.

Different disciplines have different requirements and expectations for the research proposal. We recommend that you discuss your research proposal with your proposed supervisor prior to submitting your application.

What is the purpose of the research proposal?

We will use your research proposal to assess the quality and originality of your ideas, your expertise and understanding of the research area, and the overall feasibility of your research project. We will also consider how the project will contribute to the field of research.

Your research proposal provides you with an opportunity to capture the attention of your audience, convince them of the importance of the research, and express your enthusiasm and ability to successfully undertake the project.

Who can help me develop my research proposal?

You will need to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal. When you have found a researcher that has a mutual interest or experience in the research area, they will be able to provide input into the design, scope and feasibility of your research project.

You will need to provide a letter of support from your proposed supervisor as part of your application.

How do I structure my research proposal?

1. project title.

There is no set format or length for a research proposal and the content will depend on your experience in the field, the requirements of your discipline and the type of project. It should cover the main headings listed below (unless your discipline recommends otherwise) and be approximately two to five pages in length (excluding references).

2. PROPOSED SUPERVISORS

You should provide the details of a supervisor who you have had a discussion with and that has provided you with a letter of support . Provide a brief description of any initial discussions you have had with the potential supervisor and outline why you would like them to join your supervisory panel. You may choose to list additional supervisors that are interested in joining your supervision panel.

3. BACKGROUND

You should justify your project based on a review of the current literature on the topic. You should discuss the most important books or journal articles, demonstrate your understanding of the issues that need further research, and identify the gaps that your research is intended to address.

4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

You should put forward some questions or problems that you would like to answer in your research project. You should be able to summarise the questions in one or two sentences.

5. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Provide a clear description of the aims and objectives of your research project. It should explain how the questions or problems are to be addressed by your project.

6. METHODOLOGY AND DATA ANALYSIS

Provide an outline of how you plan to undertake the project. You may consider describing a qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods or practice-led approach, how the data or information will be generated, how you expect to analyse the data and indicate any broad theoretical framework you may use in the project.

If your project may involve interacting with humans or animals, you may also choose to address potential ethical considerations or implications.

7. RESEARCH PLAN AND TIMELINE

Summarise the steps that will be required to undertake your research project. You might find it best to establish a set of action items, such as complete a literature review, apply for ethics approval, conduct experiments, analyse results, etc. and estimate how long each step will take to complete. You can use this to provide an approximate timeline of your project from beginning to end, within the confines of the maximum allowable time for your degree.

Your timeline can be based on a monthly or quarterly schedule and the exact dates for the completion of tasks are not required at this stage. Your aim is to demonstrate that the proposed project is feasible in the available candidature time.

8. RESOURCES

Provide an outline of any specialist equipment, access to facilities, travel for fieldwork or other resources that may be required to successfully undertake the project.

9. REFERENCES

You should include a list of all the references that have been used in the proposal.

What are some tips for writing a strong research proposal?

Your research proposal has a direct impact on the overall strength of your application to study a research degree. The following tips and advice may help you to strengthen the quality of your research proposal.

Clearly articulate your project title, research idea, research questions or problems to be addressed in your proposal. You should write succinctly and persuasively to engage your audience.
Ensure that you are able to clearly demonstrate a gap in the existing literature or the knowledge in your area of interest.
You should only approach potential supervisors when you have enough experience or have completed enough background research in your area of interest to have a robust discussion about a potential research project.
Use your research proposal to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of your area of research interest, that you can indicate an understanding of the method(s) you will use, and that your approach will be suitable and appropriate to the discipline.
The scope of your project must be reasonable and achievable. There are limits to the size and complexity of the type of project that can be successfully completed during a research candidature. Your research proposal will be assessed for both intellectual contribution and significance, as well as the potential that it can be completed on-time.
Demonstrate that you have a passion for the topic. You must be enthusiastic about the area of research and be ready to commit to completing a challenging project within the available candidature time. You will need to be dedicated, focussed and prepared to work hard to achieve the aims and objectives of the project.

Graduate Research School programs

How to apply for a higher research degree, acknowledgement of country.

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Your research proposal

Your research proposal is a key requirement of your research study – your enrolment and candidature depend on it.

Your proposal needs to be:

prepared in a certain format
submitted to the Graduate Research School office

From your start date you must submit your research proposal within:

full-time master's by research – four months
part-time master's by research – eight months
full-time PhD – six months
part-time PhD – nine months

Special requirements

You need to submit your research proposal with your application for candidature if you are:

applying on the basis of a completed higher degree preliminary course
applying to upgrade from a master's degree to a PhD
a new PhD applicant who has partially completed a PhD program at another institution

For more information, refer to regulations governing research higher degrees .

Proposal coversheet

Your research proposal also needs a coversheet:

Research Proposal Coversheet [PDF, 357.4 KB] | Research Proposal Coversheet [RTF, 7.4 MB]

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How to Write a Research Proposal

What is the aim of a research proposal.

When you apply for a PhD or a master’s research degree, you will be required to write a research proposal. You will propose a topic area for research, explain the main elements of this research, and communicate a feasible plan for completing the stages of the research. A research proposal will achieve two main aims:

Identify a research area that will make a significant contribution to knowledge
Demonstrate that the expected outcomes can be achieved in a timely manner

What are the elements of a research proposal?

When you write a research proposal, you are communicating the value of your research to your discipline, as well as articulating your plan for achieving the requirements of the degree.

The main elements of a research proposal are:

A valuable research topic

A clear methodology, a feasible timeline, subject knowledge and research, awareness of all expectations related to the degree.

click on each arrow to find out more.

This is the ‘what’ of your research proposal. A valuable research topic is one that will make a significant contribution to knowledge. Often this topic will stem from your own interest – the questions you have in a particular discipline that are, as yet, unanswered. However, sometimes your research around a topic will reveal an aspect of this discipline which requires further research, and you will come to your research question this way. Regardless of how you arrive at your research question, you need to make a case for your topic being one which is worthy of research – that is, you need to make a case that your research into this topic will make a significant contribution to knowledge.

This is the ‘how’ of your research proposal. You will need to articulate the methodology or techniques you will use to conduct your research. These techniques may be based on techniques that are frequently used during research processes in your discipline. You will need to articulate any theoretical frameworks you will use, and any resources or tools you will need to conduct your research or collect data.

This is the ‘when’ of your research proposal. You will only have a set amount of time in which to undertake research, and you need to prove that the outcomes of the project are achievable.

The research proposal is an opportunity to demonstrate you have significant knowledge in the research area. You are not meant to prove you already know the answer to your question – otherwise, what would be the point of your research? Instead, you need to show that you understand the research area and discipline.

Depending on the nature of what you are researching, there will be a range of expectations you will be required to meet, to achieve your degree. These may include, but are not limited to: fieldwork, travel, conference participation, completion of training or additional study units, and ethics considerations. Your research proposal will be strengthened if you can articulate your awareness of all aspects of the research process, and if you can identify any potential challenges you might face throughout the process.

How do I write a strong research proposal?

An effective research proposal will be clear and focused. The precise structural requirements of a proposal in your area will be specific to your discipline, and you need to be clear on these before setting out.

The following can be used as a guide to structuring and writing a compelling research proposal.

Project title

Supervisor details, proposed mode of research, research question, aims and objectives, anticipated research contribution, methodology, ethical considerations, bibliography.

This should indicate the breadth and scope of your project. The project title is often refined throughout the research process.

Include the full names, departments and faculties of both your primary and auxiliary supervisor.

Describe the mode of your research and the form your research will take. This may include, but is not limited to, data, written work, field research, creative work, social performance and mixed media.

Questions to ask yourself:

What will my research look like?
What form will my research take?
How many parts will there be to my research?
How is my proposed research different/similar to existing works?

For many research proposals, you will be required to formulate the objectives of the research into a clear research question. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the components of a strong research question in your field. Your research supervisor should be able to help you with this. It is also a good idea to look at the research questions of students who have successfully completed a similar project.

These should be focused statements articulating the output of your research – what you want to achieve. The aims and objectives should be written in a logical way. You should also indicate the scope of your research and include its limitations.

What am I trying to achieve with this research?
What do I want the end result of the research to be?
What will be excluded from my research?
What are the gaps that my research is addressing?

This is a brief summary of what your research is about. While it is similar to your aims and objectives, it also incorporates how you will achieve your aims and gives an overall idea of what your project will involve.

This is the ‘why’ of your research proposal. Once you’re clear on what you want to research, you’ll need to give a clear idea of the area you’ll be researching. This will involve writing a literature review, which is an overview of the relevant literature in this area. The review doesn’t need to cover everything around your topic – but needs to give a clear and accurate picture of the field you are researching so that you can show how your research fits in.

What is the context around this research topic?
What has led to the development of this research?
What is the current discourse around this topic?
What questions are scholars asking?
What are the major problems in this area of study?
What are the most recent developments in this area of study?

This should give your reader a strong sense of the conclusions you expect to reach, as well as an idea of how they will add to the body of knowledge in your field. While these will likely change over time, it is important that you have a firm idea at the beginning of the project about the ways in which (you hope) your research will contribute to current thinking. This also indicates to your reader that you are thinking about the implications of your research beyond the scope of your project.

What is the significance of my project in the field?
What impact will my findings have in the problem area?
How will my research contribute to current debates?
What impact might my research have on how research is conducted in future?

This is the part of your project where you explain how you will achieve the results. It is important when describing the methodology that you make a case to show that carrying out your research in this way is the best approach. It is a good idea to consider the theories and methods which were used for similar research projects, so you have an idea about how scholars have approached similar problems. You need to be specific about how you are going to approach the research and show how these steps will move you towards achieving the research outcomes.

What tasks am I going to carry out?
Will your methodology be qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method?
How am I going to collect my data?
What theories have other researchers used?
What methods have other researchers used?
Why is the method I am proposing the best approach?
Are there any limitations of this methodology I need to be aware of?
Are there any ethical considerations I need to be aware of?

This is a specific plan which communicates your strategy to complete the research over a specified period. It is important to be as clear as possible, and to allocate clear outcomes or performance indicators at each stage. It is a good idea to include key meetings and performance reviews in this plan, so check with your faculty about what is expected. Completing this will also give you a clear idea of the overall process and can help you manage your time effectively.

This is a complete list of the tools you will need to carry out your research. This will differ depending on the type of research proposes, but may include laboratory equipment, computer software, or any other equipment required to conduct the research effectively.

It is important to be aware of all ethical considerations related to your research. If you are unsure whether aspects of your project require ethics approval, check with your supervisor or faculty. The ethics approval process is often lengthy and time-consuming, and you will need to be aware of all the stages involved in this.

This is a complete list of sources you have referred to in your proposal, referenced according to the style of referencing you are required to use.

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

Develop a research proposal

Graduate Research Academy
Level 2, 16 Wally’s Walk
Macquarie University NSW 2109
T: +61 (2) 9850 4741
E: [email protected]

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Learn how to develop a research proposal

All applicants will be asked to supply a research proposal when submitting an application for a research degree.

Research proposal requirements vary according to the discipline, department or degree. Check with your proposed supervisor and department about their specific requirements.

Further information and advice is available by contacting the relevant faculty .

Requirements by course

Applications for the Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) and first year of the Master of Research (MRes) require only 1-2 sentences outlining what research area they are interested in. Applications for the second year of the Master of Research should include a brief research proposal (approximately one page). This will help the department to identify potential supervisors for you.

As a guide, your research proposal should include:

the proposed project area of research and the issue being addressed
an indication you have done a preliminary literature review
the objectives of the research
a description of a possible methodology that may be relevant to the topic
a draft completion timeline or plan for the project (aim for a three-year timeframe).

Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) should provide a research proposal that:

defines the chosen area of study
details the aims of the proposed research project
provides an indication of the approach to the research you wish to take.

Enough detail is required so the department can determine if it has the resources, including suitably experienced supervisors, to support you as a research candidate.

It may take several weeks or months to prepare a good research proposal so start the process early.

Other considerations

Approvals or permits.

Your research proposal should also include information about any approvals or permits you may need for the project to proceed.

These may include approvals for research involving:

human participants
biosafety or biohazards.

You may also need to consider approvals for the intangible transfer and publication of controlled goods and technology.

Your supervisor will be able to assist you with this process.

Learn more about research ethics and integrity .

Acknowledgement of source material

All source material in your research proposal must be appropriately acknowledged. This includes references to:

written outputs.

During assessment of your application the University may submit written components of your application to plagiarism detection software (such as Turnitin). The detection of plagiarism in written submissions will result in the rejection of your application.

Ensure you have met all the requirements

How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com

How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal

Written by Mark Bennett

You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it.

It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains your ability to do a PhD, the proposal demonstrates the actual PhD you plan to do. Of course, being able to effectively plan and explain a research project is one of the key qualifications for being able to complete one, which is why the proposal is such an important part of the PhD application process.

Thankfully, the secret to writing a good research proposal isn't complicated. It's simply a case of understanding what the proposal is for, what it needs to do and how it needs to be put together.

If your PhD is advertised by a university, you probably won't need to submit a research proposal for it. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be defined: you just need to prove you're the right person to do it.
But, if you're proposing your own research topic to research within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal for it (the clue is in the word "proposing")

As a rule, advertised PhDs are very common in STEM subjects, whereas Arts, Humanities and Social Science students are more likely to propose their own PhDs.

Some PhD programmes actually wait and ask students to develop their research proposal during the degree (usually after they've completed some initial training). This is normal in the USA , but it's becoming more common for some UKRI-funded UK PhDs.

For the purposes of this guide we're going to assume that you do need to write a good research proposal for your PhD application. So let's explore what's involved in that.

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What should a research proposal for PhD admission include?

It's natural to be a little intimidated at the thought of structuring a PhD proposal, particularly if you've never written anything like this before.

But here's the thing: a research proposal isn't a fiendish test designed to catch you out and stop you ever doing a PhD. It's actually much more boring than that.

All a research proposal really is is a document that demonstrates three things:

Your PhD is worthwhile
Your PhD is feasible
You are capable of completing it at this university

Or to put it even more simply: the PhD is worth doing, it's doable and you can do it.

Demonstrate your PhD is worthwhile (the what and the why)

A successful PhD project has to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. If it doesn't, it won't meet the criteria for a doctoral degree and will probably fail the viva exam .

Your PhD proposal itself doesn't have to meet those criteria (or pass a viva!) but it does need to indicate that your PhD project eventually will.

It does that by first demonstrating that your research topic is original. That means nobody else has studied this same topic (or one very similar) before.

There are all sorts of ways a PhD can be original. You might examine new data or primary sources, to look at existing material from a fresh perspective, or deal with the impact of new events. It doesn't matter how your project is original, so long as your proposal is really specific about what makes it original.

You also need to explain why your proposed research will be academically significant. To do this properly, you'll need to acknowledge relevant existing scholarship and explain how your research will relate to it. You don't need to be exhaustive at this point, but you should be able to show how your PhD will contribute to its field and – ideally – indicate some of the gaps in knowledge it will aim to fill.

The final step in demonstrating your PhD is worthwhile is to suggest what will become possible as a result of your research. How could other researchers use or build upon your results? What might closing those gaps in academic knowledge mean for audiences outside the unviversity?

Demonstrate your PhD is feasible (the how)

It isn't enough just to show that your research is worth doing; it also needs to actually be doable.

The length of a full-time PhD is around three to four years in most countries (it's longer in for a PhD in the USA , but you don't spend all that time doing research).

Three years may seem like a long time, but researching a PhD is a lot of work and you'll probably spend at least some of your time on other activities like teaching, conference presentations or even publication.

So, one of the things your proposal needs to do is demonstrate that your project is feasible: that it fits within the scope of a PhD.

The most important criteria for this is to be clear about what you plan to do. It should be obvious from your proposal what the scope of your project is – what is and isn't included within it.

You also need to outline how you plan to go about your research. Where will you start and what order do you expect to proceed in? Is the logic for that obvious? If not, it's probably a good idea to explain it.

Finally, you need to explain the methodology you plan to use. This could include techniques for collecting data and sources, theoretical perspectives for analysing them – or both. You may also need to detail specific equipment you expect to use or fieldwork you'll need to undertake (including trips to archives or other external resources).

None of this needs to be exact or completely final. The key word here is 'plan' – but you do need to have one.

Demonstrate that you can complete it at this university (the who and the where)

So far we've thought about the project itself: what makes it worth doing and how it's going to get done. But your proposal also needs to address the who and the where: why are you the right person to carry out this research, and why do you want to do it at this particular university?

The first part of this is easier than it probably looks. Writing a good research proposal demonstrates enthusiasm for your project much more convincingly than simply saying you're very interested in it (a classic case of 'show, don't tell').

You also don't need to repeat your grades and academic achievements (other parts of your PhD application will cover those). Instead, try to underline experiences that relate to this project. Has a particular module or Masters dissertation topic prepared you with useful subject knowledge or methodological skills? If so, highlight it.

It's also fine, within reason, to be honest about the skills you don't have and to identify your training needs. This shows you're being practical about your project and thinking seriously about what it will require. Just make sure you can realistically acquire the skills and training you need within the time available (this goes back to the feasibility).

Showing your project is a good fit for the university is also relatively simple. There should already be some reasons why you've chosen this university for your PhD so make sure you explain what they are. Perhaps there's a particular supervisor you'd like to work with , or facilities and resources your research could use. The key is to emphasise the fit between the project and the university – so don't just say you want to research there because it's highly ranked .

PhD research proposal structure

Hopefully the above sections have given you a few ideas for the things your proposal needs to include. Let's be honest though, the scariest thing about a proposal isn't deciding what to include: it's actually writing it.

But, if we flip that on its head, we remember that all a research proposal really is is a piece of writing that follows a pretty standard format. And that's a lot less scary.

Research proposal structure

Because proposals for PhD all have to do the same things, they mostly follow a similar structure. Yours will probably go something like this:

Title – Keep it simple and descriptive: the clever alliteration and quotes can come later when you write up your thesis. For now, you just want the person reading this to know exactly what your research is about and, perhaps, which prospective supervisor to send it to.
Overview – Start by defining your research question (the what) and explaining how it contributes to current work in your field (the why). This is also a good place to reference one or two pieces of scholarship: the full literature review can wait until your PhD begins, but you should show that you have some understanding of relevant academic research.
Methodology – Make sure the reader understands the practical and / or theoretical approaches you'll take to your research. What data will you collect, how will you collect it and how will you analyse it? Ideally refer to relevant research methods and models. It's also a good idea to provide some sort of roadmap for how you'll go about things. Don't worry, you can change it later (and you will).
Outcomes and impact – What will exist as a result of your research (other than just another PhD on a library shelf) and what will it make possible? You don't need to identify every specific outcome from your project (blue sky research is fine) but you should think about what some potential outcomes might be.

You probably won't need to include a specific conclusion - it should be obvious, by now, what your project is doing, how you're going to do it and why that matters. A quick summary sentence is fine though, if you think it will help.

Writing tips

Being able to effectively communicate academic concepts, ideas and results is a key skill for PhD research in all subjects . Think of your proposal as a chance to demonstrate this.

The good news is that the key principles of good proposal writing aren't that different from other work you've probably done as a Bachelors or Masters student:

Be clear – The person reading your research proposal should know exactly what it is you're proposing to research, with no room for ambiguity and confusion. This is important on a practical level (they need to know where to send it) but it's also important to the success of your application: a confusing proposal suggests a confused project. Try having a friend read it and ask them "do you know what it is I'm proposing to do here?" (even if they don't understand the details).
Be concise – You will have more ideas than you can include in your proposal. That's fine. Choose the best ones and leave the others for your interview .
be coherent – Follow something like the structure above. Don't start with your methodology, then say what it is you want to research.

How long should a PhD research proposal be?

Honestly? As long as the university asks for it to be. Most will have guidelines and you should follow them closely if so.

If you honestly can't find a suggested word count for your proposal, then consider asking a prospective supervisor . If you still aren't sure, aim for somewhere between 1,000-2,000 words .

As a very general rule, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are a bit longer than STEM proposals (and a lot of STEM students don't have to write one anyway, as we've explained).

Research proposal for PhD admission - dos and don'ts

Research proposals are a popular topic over on the FindAPhD blog , where we've shared stories of how students wrote theirs , along with mistakes to avoid and a counter-intuitive look at the things a PhD proposal doesn't actually need to do .

Here are a few general tips and mistakes to avoid:

#1 Give yourself enough time to do a good job

Preparing to write a PhD proposal takes time and effort. None of this is wasted as the process of evaluating and framing your ideas for a proposal will improve your project plan immensely. So will the need to decide which ideas to include.

But you need time and space to do that, so make sure you get it. How long it will take to write your PhD proposal is heavily dependent on your personal working style, but you'll likely need to give yourself at least a few weeks to do a good job.

#2 Set out to impress

A good proposal isn't a begging letter. You're approaching the university with a great idea that's going to contribute to and enhance their research. Be honest, be realistic, but don't be unnecessarily humble. They should want you and your project.

#3 Demonstrate original thinking!

You may not need to present original research findings yet, but your proposal does need to present original ideas – and it should be clear why and how those ideas are original.

Make sure you indicate how your project is going to expand, enhance or even correct existing work in your field. Remember that making an "original contribution to knowledge" is a key part of what a PhD is .

#1 Send the same proposal to several universities

A good proposal needs to explain why you want to do your research at a particular university. That's a big part of the feasibility (the fit between project, person and place) and methodology (how are you going to use this university's equipment and archives; when and where will you need to travel).

It's OK to apply to more than one university in parallel, but, in that case, you're writing research proposals .

#2 Use online proposal templates (without evaluating them first!)

It can be tempting to search for PhD proposal samples on the internet, but make sure you evaluate what you find. Some websites may host old proposals from previous PhD students, but there's no way of knowing how relevant these are to your subject and university – or if they were even successful! More 'generic' research proposal examples can offer guidance, but they won't be tailored to your specific project.

The best place to look for a PhD proposal sample is your university. Consider asking your supervisor if they can share a good proposal from a previous student in your subject – or put you in touch with a current student you can ask.

#3 Confuse the proposal with the PhD

We've covered this on the blog , but it's simple enough to include here too.

You're setting out to do a PhD, but you (probably!) haven't done one yet. So you don't need to include research findings, in-depth analysis or a comprehesive literature review. You need to make a case for the research and analysis you want to do.

#4 Ignore your university's help and guidance

The advice on this page is necessarily quite general. We're considering adding guides to writing PhD proposals in specific subjects in future but, for now, the best place to get specific advice for your academic field is probably the university you're applying to.

See if you can get some subject-specific tips by contacting a supervisor , or just checking with the admissions team for your department.

And remember: if they give you a structure and a word count, stick to it.

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How to apply for postgraduate research

A degree in research is called a ‘higher degree by research’ (HDR) and includes the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a Joint PhD and Master's by research/Master of Philosophy (MPhil).

Follow the below steps to apply for a research degree as a domestic or international research student.

Please note, this applies unless you are interested in the  Sydney Law School  or the  Business School , in which case you apply for your course first and if successful are allocated a supervisor.

Please note, this applies unless you are interested in the Sydney Law School or the Business School , in which case you apply for your course first and if successful are allocated a supervisor.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

To apply for a PhD, you need to demonstrate sufficient prior research experience and capability. In most cases, you will have either:

a bachelor's degree with first or upper second-class honours, or
a master's degree performed at a high academic standard, which includes a substantial component of research, or
an equivalent qualification that demonstrates research experience, excellence and capability.

Master’s by research/Master of Philosophy

In most cases, to apply for a master’s by research or a Master of Philosophy, you need to have one of the following:

a bachelor’s degree with first or second-class honours from the University of Sydney or another approved institution
an equivalent qualification that demonstrates sufficient research experience and capability.

If you’re interested in a Joint PhD program, you need to follow the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) application steps 1-3. In addition, your proposed supervisor will need to complete a proposal to negotiate a student agreement form. If accepted, you will also be required to sign an individual student agreement. After your student agreement is finalised, you will then be sent an application form for the Joint PhD program.

Please refer to the University's  Dual and Joint Degree Policy  for full policy details.

Please refer to the University's Dual and Joint Degree Policy for full policy details.

Joint PhD Programs Factsheet

Carefully consider the subject of your research project and start to develop a research proposal to provide to potential academic supervisors. Your initial proposal will likely evolve, however, it is important to clearly explain your ideas about your research, show why your research is noteworthy and how it aligns with your proposed supervisor’s own research. \n

Before you submit your application, you must first secure a supervisor. This applies unless you are interested in the  Sydney Law School  or the  Business School , in which case you apply for your course first and if successful are allocated a supervisor.

You can search for supervisors’ contact details via their academic profile, or you can  search for supervisors and projects  by discipline, keywords, and research themes. Our  faculty  and  research centre websites  are also good places to start. \r\n

To support your enquiry, send an email describing your academic background and research experience, the topic you'd like to research and how your research project aligns with the work of your proposed supervisor. You must include your resume/CV, academic transcripts for all degrees and your initial research proposal. Please check your Higher Degree by Research course page on  Sydney Courses  for specific faculty requirements.

Before you submit your application, you must first secure a supervisor. This applies unless you are interested in the Sydney Law School or the Business School , in which case you apply for your course first and if successful are allocated a supervisor.

You can search for supervisors’ contact details via their academic profile, or you can search for supervisors and projects by discipline, keywords, and research themes. Our faculty and research centre websites are also good places to start.

Postgraduate research degree applications are open all year round, with most  research intakes  starting in Research Period 2 (March) and Research Period 3 (July).

However, to be considered for the RTP stipend you will need to submit your application by  these dates . You can still submit your course application past the RTP deadline but you will not receive a stipend outcome until the next round of RTP rankings.

Please check your course page on  Sydney Courses  for the research periods your faculty offers. We recommend applying as early as possible prior to your intended start date, and you will also need to discuss your start date with your supervisor.

International students are recommended to factor in the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times when considering a likely start date for their HDR course.

Postgraduate research degree applications are open all year round, with most research intakes starting in Research Period 2 (March) and Research Period 3 (July).

However, to be considered for the RTP stipend you will need to submit your application by these dates . You can still submit your course application past the RTP deadline but you will not receive a stipend outcome until the next round of RTP rankings.

Please check your course page on Sydney Courses for the research periods your faculty offers. We recommend applying as early as possible prior to your intended start date, and you will also need to discuss your start date with your supervisor.

When you have secured a supervisor, you will discuss and refine the project together. Once your research proposal is finalised, gather all the essential documents that you will need to submit with your application: \n

Final research proposal. In conjunction with your supervisor, you’ll finalise your research proposal of up to 2000 words, covering the objectives and significance of your research. Refer to our  Research Proposal Guidelines .
Official academic transcripts in the original language and English translation.
Proof of English language proficiency if English is not your first language.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
Evidence that a primary supervisor has agreed to supervise you. This could be a copy of the email correspondence showing the staff member’s agreement to supervise you. Sydney College of the Arts doesn’t require evidence of supervision, however, you must submit a portfolio with your application. The Sydney Conservatorium of Music may require you to attend an interview.
Proof of identity: a valid passport (biodata page), an Australian birth certificate or an Australian or New Zealand citizenship certificate for domestic students.
you’ll have sufficient time available to carry out the research under the supervision of the University and complete the course within the maximum period allowed for a part-time PhD enrolment
a declaration from your employer (if relevant) confirming that you will be permitted to take the time required to effectively pursue your studies.
Two referee reports (pdf, 113.7KB)
Any other documents, such as a portfolio of work or audition, specified in the course listing for your degree.

Final research proposal. In conjunction with your supervisor, you’ll finalise your research proposal of up to 2000 words, covering the objectives and significance of your research. Refer to our Research Proposal Guidelines .
Official academic transcripts in the original language and English translation.

Additional requirements for International students

If you are an international student, you will also need: \n

To apply for your student visa, after you have received an offer of admission or an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for an HDR course at the University.
To pay a non-refundable  application processing fee . This fee is waived if you’re a sponsored student, or if you are granted an exemption by a University staff member during an office interview or recruitment event.
If you would like to apply through an authorised University of Sydney agent, we have partnered with a range of  authorised agents  who can apply to the University and make arrangements on your behalf.

If you are an international student, you will also need:

To apply for your student visa, after you have received an offer of admission or an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) for an HDR course at the University.
To pay a non-refundable application processing fee . This fee is waived if you’re a sponsored student, or if you are granted an exemption by a University staff member during an office interview or recruitment event.
If you would like to apply through an authorised University of Sydney agent, we have partnered with a range of authorised agents who can apply to the University and make arrangements on your behalf.

We have one of the largest  research scholarship  schemes in Australia. Scholarships can be a big help in funding your research or helping you with living costs while you do your research. Some scholarships are specific to a research project or discipline, and many are assessed on academic merit and research potential.

We have one of the largest research scholarship schemes in Australia. Scholarships can be a big help in funding your research or helping you with living costs while you do your research. Some scholarships are specific to a research project or discipline, and many are assessed on academic merit and research potential.

When you submit your course application, you can elect to be automatically considered for the Research Training Program (RTP) stipend. The stipend is competitively awarded and is based on academic merit and research potential. \n

Domestic students

Domestic student do not pay tuition fees as this is covered by the government Research Training Program fee offset.

International students

International students pay tuition fees. If you are an international student and are awarded RTP, this will cover your tuition fees and provide a stipend. Please note: there are limited places available in the Research Training Program for international students, and these are highly competitive.

Please refer to your course page on  Sydney Courses  for information about the fees you will need to pay, and also read our general information on  fees and financial support .

Depending on your research project, many PhD students also work part-time to fund their study, similar to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.

Please refer to your course page on Sydney Courses for information about the fees you will need to pay, and also read our general information on fees and financial support .

Our  frequently asked questions  provide further information on our HDR courses and the application process.

You will need to pass  health and security checks  if your research involves fieldwork in the New South Wales hospital and education systems. The  course page  details explain what admission criteria you need to satisfy to get into the course.  \n

You may also need to apply for approval from the  Animal Ethics and/or Human Research Ethics Committee .

Please also refer to your faculty for additional admission requirements, or variations in the application process, which may apply.

\n\n\n

\n \n \n \n\n

Our frequently asked questions provide further information on our HDR courses and the application process.

You will need to pass health and security checks if your research involves fieldwork in the New South Wales hospital and education systems. The course page details explain what admission criteria you need to satisfy to get into the course.

You may also need to apply for approval from the Animal Ethics and/or Human Research Ethics Committee .

Writing Clear Science

Learn to write clearly and succinctly, without sacrificing the accuracy of your topic..

10 stages of the PhD journey: advice from many experts

Designing, executing and writing up a PhD study takes a large chunk of your time and energy. Here is an overview of each stage of the PhD journey, along with links to excellent articles that will help you along the way. Some of the advice offered here may be specific to a discipline, country or university, or may be heavily dependent upon some author’s experience and background. Nevertheless, you are likely to find most of this advice and instruction helpful.

It is important to seriously consider why you are undertaking a PhD and what you hope to achieve by completing a PhD. Completing a PhD can be extremely useful even for those who may not continue doing research later on.

2. Write a research proposal

You might be offered a PhD project where the research proposal is already planned or you might need to devise a research proposal yourself, either before or after you have chosen a supervisor. This proposal and confirmation of candidature will need to be approved by your university’s research committee.

3. Choose a PhD supervisor

Some students have one key supervisor with one or two additional supervisors, while it is not unusual for some students to have three or four. It is important to remember that your supervisor may have many students under their direction, so their time may be strictly limited. At Monash University, research supervisors receive accreditation training .

4. Design your project budget

An essential project management skill when conducting research is the ability to effectively design and manage research budgets. If you need to request finances through a grant application, ensure you thoroughly investigate the necessary guidelines.

5. Start writing in the early stages of your project

Don’t wait until you have collected and analysed your data before you start writing. Most universities encourage students to write about their project while they are conducting their research. Project proposals can be rewritten and methods sections developed as data is collected and analysed. Literature reviews can be updated and conference talks and posters can be prepared even before you have started to collect data.

6. Consider the structure and the format of your thesis

Exactly how to structure and format your thesis will vary greatly depending upon your project, your discipline, your department and your university and your discipline. Always refer to your university’s guidelines for thesis format requirements. For example:

How to find completed PhD theses

It is always a good idea to check other PhD theses that are similar to your topic, have been completed recently and have been produced by your university department. You can gain a wealth of ideas about structure, size and overall thesis design.

And on this page, there are other useful inks:

* Australian & New Zealand Universities – Institutional Repository Contacts

How to write a literature review

Reviewing the literature is important to assist your knowledge and understanding of your topic and integral to establishing your position in the academic landscape. Writing good literature reviews is crucial to show your examiners how well you know the literature and how well you are able to explain the importance of your project. It is a common requirement that you write a separate chapter as a stand-alone literature review. However, for those theses that are predominantly composed of complete published papers, there might not be a requirement for a separate review section.

7. Get feedback on your writing

In addition to your supervisor, seek feedback on different aspects of your writing from appropriate advisors: accuracy, clarity and brevity. Increasingly, projects are written for a variety of aim to get academic audiences so ensure that your writing is clear and succinct.

* Getting Feedback – University of North Carolina (USA)

8. Learn how to publish peer-review papers

Increasingly, students are expected to submit a large proportion of their thesis as published papers. Not every PhD project can be easily prepared as separate papers; however, remember to look at recently submitted theses within your discipline and within your department to see how people have completed their thesis.

9. Submit your thesis

The process of submitting your thesis may include preparing additional tasks and preparation of paperwork (i.e. the Originality Statement).

10. Understand the examination process

Usually there are three examiners. However, the process of thesis examination will vary widely according to discipline and university. Broadly speaking, your examiners will recommend that your thesis be accepted without alteration, accepted with minor alteration, accepted providing major changes are made or rejected. Usually your supervisor will choose who your examiners are and you may have the opportunity to choose one of your examiners.

If there are any problems...

Most problems with your project are surmountable and remember that your supervisors and your university are there to help you. If things go drastically wrong at any time, it is essential that you seek assistance as early as possible. There are people within your university administration who are there to help you. To help dealing with problems, document any issues as they arise. It is essential for you to have excellent time-management and record-keeping skills.

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Creative Writing research proposals

Some guidelines to assist you in developing a proposal for a research higher degree in Creative Writing at the University of Melbourne (MA or PhD).

The creative PhD at the University of Melbourne is developed and marked as a single thesis, with two major elements: a dissertation and a creative work.

Each part usually contributes 50% to the overall word count. It is possible to increase the dissertation above 50%, but the creative work cannot be more than 50%.

One way to understand the unity of the creative PhD thesis is to consider that there is one overarching research question or hypothesis, which is approached within the thesis in two different manners, a scholarly one and a creative one.

The dissertation is not an exegesis. The dissertation does not offer a commentary on the creative processes or the intentions of the writer. The dissertation is intended to stand independently as a scholarly work making an original contribution to its field or discipline. In creative writing, this field is often interdisciplinary, but it can be characterised as a discipline interested in writerly questions, that is questions that take into account creativity, creative processes, the decision-making that goes into a creative text, cultural and technological influences on writing, questions of genre boundaries (including emerging genres, hybrid genres), and questions that address issues in conceiving of writing as a craft. This is a broad description and it is not exhaustive, but it does indicate that most dissertations are investigating aspects of the act of writing.

In your proposal you should make it clear what your research question is, and how this question fits with or responds to an ongoing critical discourse. You should identify the fields or disciplines you will draw upon, what models of analysis you will adopt, and what critical and creative texts you wish to discuss in your dissertation.

The creative work will need to be articulated in your proposal with some detail, understanding that as with all creative works there will be room for re-considerations and re-drafting. You should show how your creative work addresses or arises from your research question.

Your proposal should include an indicative list of the texts you will consult.

For more information please see the Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) web page.

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How to Write a Successful PhD Proposal for Australian Universities?

Are you struggling with writing a successful PhD proposal for an Australian university? If so, don't worry, you're not alone. In this post, we'll provide you with tips and examples to help you write a successful PhD proposal and take the next step in your academic journey.

Understand the Requirements: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the requirements for your PhD proposal, including the length, format, and content.

Identify a Research Gap: Identify a gap in the existing research that you can address in your proposal. This will help you make a strong case for the significance of your research.

Develop a Clear Research Question: Develop a clear and concise research question that your proposal will answer. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your proposal is coherent and relevant.

Choose a Methodology: Choose a methodology that is appropriate for your research question and will enable you to answer it effectively.

Provide Evidence of Feasibility: Provide evidence that your research is feasible, including a timeline and resources needed.

Use Examples: Use examples of successful PhD proposals from Australian universities to guide you in writing your own proposal.

Seek Feedback: Seek feedback from your peers, advisors, or a trusted editor to get an outside perspective on your proposal and identify areas for improvement.

By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can write a successful PhD proposal for an Australian university and take the next step in your academic journey. To learn more, check out this comprehensive blog article, ' How to Write a Successful PhD Proposal for Australian Universities: Learn with Examples ,' for more in-depth guidance and advice.

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FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process. Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy. Keeping American Families Together

Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.
This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers.

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Trump Eyes Bigger Trade War in Second Term

The former president’s past tariffs raised prices for consumers and businesses, economists say. His next plan could tax 10 times as many imports.

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Former President Donald J. Trump, wearing a blue suit and red tie and standing next to American flags.

By Ana Swanson and Alan Rappeport

Ana Swanson and Alan Rappeport covered tariffs and retaliation during the Trump administration.

In March 2018, a day after announcing sweeping tariffs on metals imported from America’s allies and adversaries alike, President Donald J. Trump took to social media to share one of his central economic philosophies: “Trade wars are good, and easy to win.”

As president, Mr. Trump presided over the biggest increase in U.S. tariffs since the Great Depression, hitting China, Canada, the European Union, Mexico, India and other governments with stiff levies. They hit back, imposing tariffs on American soybeans, whiskey, orange juice and motorcycles. U.S. agricultural exports plummeted , prompting Mr. Trump to send $23 billion to farmers to help offset losses.

Now, as he runs for president again, Mr. Trump is promising to ratchet up his trade war to a much greater degree. He has proposed “universal baseline tariffs on most foreign products,” including higher levies on certain countries that devalue their currency. In interviews, he has floated plans for a 10 percent tariff on most imports and a tariff of 60 percent or more on Chinese goods. He has also posited cutting the federal income tax and relying on tariffs for revenue instead.

Mr. Trump, who once proclaimed himself “Tariff Man,” has long argued that tariffs would boost American factories, end the gap between what America imported and what it exported and increase American jobs.

His first round of levies hit more than $400 billion worth of imports, including steel, solar panels, washing machines and Chinese goods like smart watches, chemicals, bicycle helmets and motors. His rationale was that import taxes would revive American manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign goods and allow U.S. companies to better compete against cheap products from China and other countries.

Economists say the tariffs did reduce imports and encouraged U.S. factory production for certain industries, including steel, semiconductors and computer equipment. But that came at a very high cost, one that most likely offset any overall gains. Studies show that the tariffs resulted in higher prices for American consumers and factories that depend on foreign inputs, and reduced U.S. exports for certain goods that were subject to retaliation.

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June 25, 2024

AHA Members Co-author Article on SCOTUS and Gun Control

AHA members Holly Brewer (Univ. of Maryland) and Laura F. Edwards (Princeton Univ.) have co-authored an article for Washington Monthly…

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How to write a research proposal for a strong PhD application
A research proposal should present your idea or question and expected outcomes with clarity and definition - the what. It should also make a case for why your question is significant and what value it will bring to your discipline - the why. What it shouldn't do is answer the question - that's what your research will do.
How to write a good PhD proposal
This starts with double-checking that the questions of your thesis are obvious and unambiguous, followed by revising the rest of your proposal. "Make sure your research questions are really clear," says Sarah. "Ensure all the writing is clear and grammatically correct," adds Chelsea. "A supervisor is not going to be overly keen on a ...
Guide for Writing Research Proposals
Guide for Writing Research Proposals. Student. Support. Postgrad Research. This guide is for candidates who are enrolled in a higher degree research program (PhD, Masters by Research or Master of Philosophy) and who have been asked to submit a research proposal as part of their Research Progress Review or Confirmation of Candidature.
Write a research proposal
FASS Research Proposal template; Students intending to study in all other faculties should use the information below to develop and write their research proposal. How to write a research proposal. There is no set format or length for a research proposal although it should cover the main headings listed below and be at least two pages in length.
Research proposals
Research proposals. If you are applying to undertake a research degree or a degree with a research component at ANU, or are in the first year of your research degree, you may be expected to produce a research proposal that demonstrates that you understand the process of scholarly inquiry. In particular, that 'good' research starts with you ...
How to get a PhD in Australia
So, with a little help from our academics and some UQ PhD candidates, we've broken down the application and preparation process into 10 manageable steps: Make sure you're eligible. Choose your topic. Find your PhD supervisors. Write your PhD proposal. Look for PhD scholarships. Plan your study schedule.
Preparing a research proposal
Your proposal should be a two to five page overview of your research divided under the following headings: Title and topic. Research questions you plan to investigate in the context of existing research/literature in the area. Significance and impact of the research. Methodology/research tasks required to undertake the research.
How to write a research proposal
A research proposal is an outline of your research project that: Defines a potential research question and your approach to answering it. Highlights the originality or significance of the research area. Explains how the research will add to, develop, or challenge existing literature and knowledge. Describes the importance of the research.
Preparing a research proposal
The statement of your research proposal should be: 1. a short descriptive title of the project. (This does not have to be exactly the same as the title eventually given to the thesis.) 2. a statement of the broad goal or goals of the project (ie. the general ideas) to be explored/discussed.
Your research proposal : The University of Western Australia
Your proposal needs to be: prepared in a certain format; submitted to the Graduate Research School office; Due dates. From your start date you must submit your research proposal within: full-time master's by research - four months ; part-time master's by research - eight months ; full-time PhD - six months ; part-time PhD - nine months
PDF Writing a Research Proposal
Writing a Research Proposal . Writing an effective research proposal is an essential step in defining, articulating and promoting your research interests. The proposal is limited to 300 words, so each sentence and paragraph must be concise and relevant. The proposal should also have a succinct title which accurately reflects its content.
How to Write a Research Proposal
You will propose a topic area for research, explain the main elements of this research, and communicate a feasible plan for completing the stages of the research. A research proposal will achieve two main aims: Identify a research area that will make a significant contribution to knowledge. Demonstrate that the expected outcomes can be achieved ...
PDF Annotated Sample Research Proposal: Process and Product
The basic purposes of all research proposals are to. convince. the reader that: (a) the research project has clear objectives; (b) the research project is worth doing (it is significant. / important in some sense and will make an original. contribution to knowledge / understanding in the. field)
PDF A&D Writing a Research Proposal Guidelines
In your research proposal you need to provide a preliminary indication of how you will undertake your research. Two key questions to consider are: How you will gather or generate data and/or information (e.g. archives, interviews, fieldwork, literature, experimentation, etc.) What conceptual lenses you will employ to assess this data and/or ...
PDF How to write an effective research proposal
Ensure your research design will enable you to answer your research questions - link them explicitly. Matters to address in proposal: Target population. How sampled -qualitative study or quantitative. Sample size. Potential confounding factors. What variables- types, factors, response. Assumptions.
Develop a research proposal
As a guide, your research proposal should include: the proposed project area of research and the issue being addressed. an indication you have done a preliminary literature review. the objectives of the research. a description of a possible methodology that may be relevant to the topic. a draft completion timeline or plan for the project (aim ...
How do I prepare a research proposal to apply for admission to a higher
Your proposal should not be longer than two to three pages. Remember, your research question will provide the key research focus for the full duration of your degree, so it is important that you consult a wide variety of resources and select a topic you feel highly motivated to investigate.
How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal
Written by Mark Bennett. You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it. It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains ...
PDF Writing a thesis proposal
In the most general sense, a thesis proposal is "a document that presents a case for an idea and the action one proposes with respect to it." (Krathwohl, 1988:12, emphasis added) Its purpose is "to justify what you plan to do in order to gain approval for it." (Thornquist, 1986:3, emphasis added)
How to apply for postgraduate research
Step 1: Determine eligibility and suitable course. To be eligible to pursue postgraduate research study you will need previous research experience and a high academic record. You need to have undertaken a significant research project or thesis in your previous university-level studies. This could be the equivalent of: an Australian honours degree.
10 stages of the PhD journey: advice from many experts
5. Start writing in the early stages of your project. Don't wait until you have collected and analysed your data before you start writing. Most universities encourage students to write about their project while they are conducting their research. Project proposals can be rewritten and methods sections developed as data is collected and analysed.
Creative Writing research proposals
The creative PhD at the University of Melbourne is developed and marked as a single thesis, with two major elements: a dissertation and a creative work. Each part usually contributes 50% to the overall word count. It is possible to increase the dissertation above 50%, but the creative work cannot be more than 50%. One way to understand the ...
How to Write a Successful PhD Proposal for Australian Universities?
Understand the Requirements: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the requirements for your PhD proposal, including the length, format, and content. Identify a Research Gap: Identify a gap in the existing research that you can address in your proposal. This will help you make a strong case for the significance of your research.
FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families
We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build ...
Trump Eyes Bigger Trade War in Second Term
"We believe that a second Trump term would have a negative impact on the U.S.'s economic standing in the world and a destabilizing effect on the U.S.'s domestic economy," they wrote.
News & Publications
Stay up-to-date with the AHA View All News The American Historical Review is the flagship journal of the AHA and the journal of record for the historical discipline in the United States, bringing together scholarship from every major field of historical study. Learn More Perspectives on History is the newsmagazine…