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- How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates
How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates
Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.
A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.
The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:
Introduction
Literature review.
- Research design
Reference list
While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.
Table of contents
Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.
Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .
In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.
| Show your reader why your project is interesting, original, and important. | |
| Demonstrate your comfort and familiarity with your field. Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic. | |
| Make a case for your . Demonstrate that you have carefully thought about the data, tools, and procedures necessary to conduct your research. | |
| Confirm that your project is feasible within the timeline of your program or funding deadline. |
Research proposal length
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
Download our research proposal template
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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
- Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
- Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
- The proposed title of your project
- Your supervisor’s name
- Your institution and department
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
- Introduce your topic
- Give necessary background and context
- Outline your problem statement and research questions
To guide your introduction , include information about:
- Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
- How much is already known about the topic
- What is missing from this current knowledge
- What new insights your research will contribute
- Why you believe this research is worth doing
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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
- Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
- Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
- Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
| ? or ? , , or research design? | |
| , )? ? | |
| , , , )? | |
| ? |
To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
- Improving best practices
- Informing policymaking decisions
- Strengthening a theory or model
- Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
- Creating a basis for future research
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
| Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
| 2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
| 3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
| 4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
| 5. Writing | 17th June | |
| 6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
- Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
- Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
- Source : how did you calculate the amount?
To determine your budget, think about:
- Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
- Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
- Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?
If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Methodology
- Sampling methods
- Simple random sampling
- Stratified sampling
- Cluster sampling
- Likert scales
- Reproducibility
Statistics
- Null hypothesis
- Statistical power
- Probability distribution
- Effect size
- Poisson distribution
Research bias
- Optimism bias
- Cognitive bias
- Implicit bias
- Hawthorne effect
- Anchoring bias
- Explicit bias
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.
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Hence, let us introduce the latest UTM PowerPoint templates to ensure that the UTM brand is communicated with consistency and uniformity.
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- Academic & Financial Related Resources (Forms & Guidelines)
- Academic Policy & Guidelines
- Postgraduate Thesis Formatting
- Postgraduate Forms
- Submission Research Proposal Form
- UTM Academic Calendar
- Work Schedule for Postgraduate Programme
- Class Schedule for Research Methodology Course
Online Submission of Research Proposal For 1st Assessment (Proposal Evaluation)
Checklist & Procedure for Online Submission of Research Proposal For First Assessment (Proposal Evaluation) during movement control order / Covid-19 pandemic period.
Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU) will implement Online Proposal Evaluation for PhD and Master of Philosophy student during movement control order and COVID-19 pandemic. The research proposal/thesis can be submitted via online submission with these steps :
| 1. | Supervisor nominate the list of Panels to be endorsed by Faculty Meetings (JKA (PS)). | Supervisor |
| 2. | Notice of list of approval panels to Supervisor. Notice of submission period of research proposal report to student. | PG office |
| 3. | Proposal or thesis follows UTM thesis format.
| Student |
| 4. |
a. b. Student Consent Form for Conducting 1st Assessment Online & Guideline For Proposal Evaluation Session c. Turnitin Report verified by Supervisor | Student Supervisor |
| 5. | All forms need to be signed. Supervisor may sign the form digitally or write a written consent via email or other credible means to the student. | Student & Supervisor |
| 6. | Submit the proposal together with all related signed forms (or with supervisor’s written consent) to and | Student |
Online Submission of Thesis For Viva Voce
Checklist & Procedure for Online Submission of Thesis For Oral Examination (Viva Voce) during movement control order / Covid-19 pandemic period.
Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU) will implement Online Oral Examination (Viva Voce) for PhD and Master of Philosophy student during movement control order and COVID-19 pandemic. The thesis can be submitted via online submission through these steps :
| 1. | Notification for thesis submission (NHT) through GSMS (3 months prior submission) – SV will nominate the examiners and submit to PG Office for endorsement by JKA (PS) and JAPSU.
Requirement – pass the University Elective Course and Research Methodology Course Kindly discuss with your SV before submit the NHT | Student Supervisor PG Office |
| 2. | Thesis follows UTM thesis format
| Student |
| 3. | Email the softcopy of thesis (full thesis and separate by chapter) to Programme Coordinator (PC) for running turnitin. | Student PC |
| 4. | Student | |
|
e. Turnitin Report – verified by Programme Coordinator f. List of Publication – verified by Programme Coordnator g. *A debt release letter for the oral exam (viva voce) from Bursary Office ( ) h. Student Consent Form for Conducting Oral Examination Online & Guideline For VIVA-VOCE Session
*Oral (Viva-Voce) Examination Fees for Doctoral Degree and Master (Research) will be charged once the student confirmed to submit their thesis. A debt release letter will be endorsed by Bursary Office after the student paid the viva voce fees and clear all the debts. – Doctoral Degree : RM2,500.00 – Master (Research) : RM1,500.00 | ||
| 5. | All forms need to be signed. Supervisor may sign the form digitally or write a written consent via email or other credible means to the student. | Student Supervisor |
| 6. | Submit the thesis together with all related signed forms (or with supervisor’s written consent) to : , and | Student |
Templates for Research Study
Utm thesis manual and templates.
The UTM Thesis Manual and Templates are provided by School of Graduate Studies. All students are required to follow the guidelines in preparing the project report for the Research Study.
Abstract Guideline
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has prepared an abstract guideline for easy reference in creating a good abstract for the Research Study report.
The thesis manual and templates are provided for all UTM students in preparing project report (for taught course students), dissertation (for mixed mode students), and thesis (for full research students). Therefore, please refer to the samples provided below in order to prepare report for Research Study.
Samples for Research Study
English version, sample of title page.
English Version of Title Page, which is the first page of project report.
Sample of One Supervisor's Declaration Page
English version of One Supervisor’s Declaration Page that requires supervisor’s signature.
Sample of More than One Supervisors' Declaration Page
English version of more than one Supervisors Declaration Page that requires all supervisors’ signatures.
Sample of Student's Declaration Page
English version of Student’s Declaration Page that requires the student’s signature.
Malay Version
Malay Version of Title Page, which is the first page of project report.
Malay version of One Supervisor’s Declaration Page that requires supervisor’s signature.
Malay version of more than one Supervisors Declaration Page that requires all supervisors’ signatures.
Malay version of Student’s Declaration Page that requires the student’s signature.
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL 1. Number of pages a. PJG student : 15-20 pages b. MJG student: 10-15 pages 2. Cover of your proposal should include: a. Title b. Your name 3. The following is a guideline for the outline of research proposal: a. Introduction i. Topic area/ Background ii. Research question/ Problem statement
The UTM Thesis Manual is prepared to guide postgraduate students of UTM for the submission of their thesis and dissertation. The guide covers the technical and language aspects related to thesis writing, which includes language to be used, typeface, font size, spacing, pagination, units, chapter format and references style.
GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROPOSAL 1. Number of pages a. PJG student : 20-50 pages b. MJG student: 15-50 pages 2. Cover of your proposal should include: a. Title b. Your name c. Student Matric Number d. Supervisors' name e. Main supervisor's signature of approval 3. The following is a guideline for the outline of research proposal: a.
Students can obtain the Adobe Photoshop software from your faculty's computer lab or from Adobe's official website to download the *.psd file. THESIS FORMATTING THESIS MANUAL / FORMS / THESIS TEMPLATE FORM THESIS TEMPLATE Thesis Manual (2023) - (updated on 18/10/2023) Thesis Template (English Ver ...
1. Principal investigator can be any permanent or contract academic staff in UTM of all levels 2. For contract academic staff, project team members must include at least ONE (1) permanent academic staff 3. Minimum 2 team members for each project 4. Proposal must inline with UTM niche area (Appendix A) 5.
The research proposal/thesis can be submitted via online submission with these steps : The steps and checklists to Online Submission of Research Proposalfor 1st ASSESSMENT (PROPOSAL EVALUATION) No. Notice of list of approval panels to Supervisor. Notice of submission period of research proposal report to student. PG office.
No need to notice for proposal submission (bulk endorsement). Students' proposal can be written and submitted in accordance with the minimum standard of 30 - 40 pages as endorsed by the faculty's Academic Committee. But please abide by the format of academic writing. Chairm an's Report (Results)
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
UTM Powerpoint Presentation Official Template. Dear UTM Community, we know that you are actively involved in various university-related activities (teaching, research, conferences, webinars, marketing). It is more apparent now that virtual engagements are a norm and the opportunity to increase UTM visibility is endless. Hence, let us introduce ...
The research proposal/thesis can be submitted via online submission with these steps : 1. Supervisor nominate the list of Panels to be endorsed by Faculty Meetings (JKA (PS)). 2. Notice of list of approval panels to Supervisor. Notice of submission period of research proposal report to student. 3.
UTM recognises the submission of a thesis in the form of a collection of published papers produced by students during their candidature. This format is appropriate only for research-based degree programmes. Papers used in the thesis must be based on a particular theme/focus and form a cohesive and coherent write-up. Each article should
A research proposal format is usually as follows: 1. abstract (a brief description of the topic) 2. introduction 3. literature review (to demonstrate that you have done your homework and know what to base your work on) 4. explanation of originality of your research 5. main objectives 6. methods 7. proposed contents 8. limitations 9. timeline 10 ...
Contents of Research Proposal. Research proposal is a written statement of the research design that includes a statement explaining the objective of the study and a detailed, systematic outline of a particular research methodology. Normally, the research proposal for a Master/PhD degree includes the following key elements: Basic Chapter Content
Abstract Guideline. The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia has prepared an abstract guideline for easy reference in creating a good abstract for the Research Study report. The thesis manual and templates are provided for all UTM students in preparing project report (for taught course students), dissertation ...