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A proposal is a chance to explain your topic, discuss the resources critical to your research, and justify the need for your proposed paper.

Proposal Guidelines

Goals of a proposal.

1) Precisely defines your topic and the need for studying it (i.e., it briefly takes apart the topic and tells what one will learn from reading your proposed paper).

2) Explains the sources critical to your proposed research, demonstrating that they are adequate for your project.

1) Narrow and break down your topic and your approach to it as much as possible. (ONE SENTENCE ON THE PROPOSED TOPIC IS NOT ENOUGH.)

2) Discuss the issues and questions which you foresee your paper addressing.

3)  To demonstrate your competence, you must exhibit a level of research and thinking suitable for this stage of your work.  Remember, you are expected to have done a fair amount of research already.  It should indicate that you have done extensive research in library catalogs, databases and the internet.

4) Explain why you are using your secondary and primary sources, to explain which will be especially valuable, and, perhaps, to explain what important sources are not available and are likely to be missing from your paper–and why your topic is manageable nonetheless.

Do not try to cover every source. Provide a useful view of the critical sources that anyone doing your topic must look at. Whether or not you have yet finished your study of them, or you have yet to acquire them, you should have determined which are the critical ones.

In referring to sources, always provide author (full name on first reference) and date of work; generally the full title is also necessary or useful.

5) Exclude irrelevant information. Since the proposal is a discussion of sources and not a research trail, do not include comments about where, in what order, or how you found sources (e.g., in the UMW library or through ILL) or that you are “still waiting” for ILL to provide you with a book.

6) Include a bibliography of relevant sources cited using the Turabian/Chicago Manual of Style  citation guidelines . That list of sources should not include finding aids, bibliographies, encyclopedias, or children’s books.

7) Although footnotes/endnotes are not usefully employed in a proposal, you must make clear where your information came from.

8) Use of first-person perspective can be appropriate, but do so only in consultation with your professor.

For general writing guidelines, see here .

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Effective Proposal-Writing Style (for History students)

Contributed by B. Zakarin, Office of Fellowships, [email protected] Posted: 2010 Originally written for History students writing proposals for a senior honors thesis, but applicable to all proposal writing                  

                                                                                                                                                 printable file (Word)

Personal pronouns

Writers use first person (“I,” “my”) when discussing their own interests and plans.  This is appropriate in a research proposal because  you  will be admitted to the Senior Thesis Program and/or awarded a summer grant.

Well-organized paragraphs and headings

For the most part, writers use topic sentences to signal a paragraph’s key point.  That point often corresponds to a required element, such as “what I want to learn,” “what scholars have previously studied,” or “where I plan to find sources.”  Writers then add details that explain the topic sentence or argue the point it makes.  Also, paragraphs should not be overly long.

In addition to well-organized paragraphs, writers sometimes use headings to identify key sections.  Such organization is helpful because readers often skim the beginnings of sections and paragraphs to find a proposal’s main argument before they go back for details.  Headings and topic sentences highlight a proposal’s structure.

Action-Oriented sentences

A preponderance of sentences should use  active voice.   In other words, sentences emphasize who (or what) performs the action:

  • My project will use…
  • The current literature does not show…
  • I contend…
  • I have prepared for this work by…
  • To answer these questions, I will analyze…
  • This project will allow me to…
  • This study focuses on…
  • Bibliographies mention…
  • I need to visit…

Active voice makes sentences shorter and clearer and makes writers sound confident.  Use passive voice when you have a legitimate reason for doing so, such as when the actor is not important or when passive voice promotes coherence.  Consider these examples from the model proposals:

  • “Several Connecticut newspapers circulated in Windham were known for their extreme zealotry.”  It is not necessary for  Alex Jarrell  to say that the public knew these newspapers for their zealotry.
  • “In the 18 th  century, prostitutes were increasingly considered to be outside the sphere of womanhood. In the late 1760s, 2069 women were arrested.”  Who “considered” or “arrested” the women is obvious and unimportant for  Arianne Urus’s  purposes.
  • “Elisabeth Julie Lacroix, for example, was a 49-year-old woman arrested in 1778, who had been abandoned by her husband, out of work four to five days, and without food for one day. Her story is replicated countless times…”   Arianne’s  use of the passive voice allows her to keep the focus on Elisabeth’s story.

Active or passive voice is only an issue with action (transitive) verbs, which have objects.  Some sentences simply use state-of-being (intransitive) verbs, such as “is”   or “was”:

  • “The  New London Gazette  is available at the Northwestern Library on microfilm.” ( Alex )
  • “Martin Luther King’s status in the community was under fire.” ( Casey Kuklick )

These intransitive verbs are often necessary, but in a well-written proposal, active verbs in the active voice will dominate.

Conciseness

Good proposal writers explain their ideas as succinctly as possible.  Most writers start with a proposal that is a little too long.  Then they solicit help from advisors and peer reviewers to trim the fat.  Along with unnecessary background information, you should be vigilant about clunky phrases and excessive qualifying words.  The following strategies for revision will help.

  • Change passive to active voice (see above)  
  • Wordy: “It is these three facts that call Jones’s theory into question.” Concise: “These three facts call Jones’s theory into question.”
  • Wordy: “There were numerous laws in the 1890s that led to the arrests.” Concise: “Numerous laws in the 1890s led to the arrests.”
  • Wordy: “It is my contention in this proposal that…” Concise: “In this proposal, I contend that…”
  • Wordy: “It is the belief of most scholars that…” Concise: “Most scholars believe that…”
  • Wordy: “This project focuses on the analysis of…” Concise: “This project will analyze…”
  • Wordy: “Identification and evaluation of the first problem are necessary for resolution of the second.” Concise: “We must identify and evaluate the first problem before we can resolve the second.”
  • Wordy: “Most critics are in agreement with this assessment.” Concise: “Most critics agree with this assessment.”
  • Wordy: “at this point in time” Concise: “now”
  • Wordy: “due to the fact that” Concise: “because”
  • Wordy: “at a later time” Concise: “later” or “next” or “then”
  • Wordy: “for the purpose of” (as in “for the purpose of determining”) Concise: “for” or “to” (as in “for determining” or “to determine”)
  • Wordy: “a majority of” Concise: “most”

Effective use of transitions

Transitional words and phrases show how sentences and ideas are related to each other.  Used correctly, they make it easier for readers to follow your argument.  The following transitions at or near the beginnings of sentences will make your logic come through clearly and coherently to readers.  

  • To show results —“therefore,” “as a result,” “consequently,” “thus,” “hence.”
  • To show addition —“moreover,” “furthermore,” “also,” “too,” “besides,” “in addition.”
  • To show similarity —“likewise,” “also,” “similarly.”
  • To show contrast —“however,” “but,” “yet,” “still,” “conversely,” “nevertheless,” “on the other hand” (if you have used “on the one hand” previously).
  • To show examples —“for example,” “for instance,” “specifically,” “as an illustration.”
  • To show sequence or tim e—“first,” “second,” “third”; “previously,” “now,” “finally,” “later”; “next,” “then.”
  • To show spatial relations —“on the east,” “on the west”; “left,” “right”; “close up,” “far away.”

Repetition and parallelism

As the model proposals show, it is often effective to repeat key terms and phrases:  “I will pursue research in three areas…; I will travel to X in July in order to…; I will then go to Y so that I can…“  The repetition in these sentences helps readers focus on the student’s proposed actions.

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The goal of a research proposal is twofold: to present and justify the need to study a research problem and to present the practical ways in which the proposed study should be conducted. The design elements and procedures for conducting research are governed by standards of the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, therefore, the guidelines for research proposals are more exacting and less formal than a general project proposal. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews. They must provide persuasive evidence that a need exists for the proposed study. In addition to providing a rationale, a proposal describes detailed methodology for conducting the research consistent with requirements of the professional or academic field and a statement on anticipated outcomes and benefits derived from the study's completion.

Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005.

How to Approach Writing a Research Proposal

Your professor may assign the task of writing a research proposal for the following reasons:

  • Develop your skills in thinking about and designing a comprehensive research study;
  • Learn how to conduct a comprehensive review of the literature to determine that the research problem has not been adequately addressed or has been answered ineffectively and, in so doing, become better at locating pertinent scholarship related to your topic;
  • Improve your general research and writing skills;
  • Practice identifying the logical steps that must be taken to accomplish one's research goals;
  • Critically review, examine, and consider the use of different methods for gathering and analyzing data related to the research problem; and,
  • Nurture a sense of inquisitiveness within yourself and to help see yourself as an active participant in the process of conducting scholarly research.

A proposal should contain all the key elements involved in designing a completed research study, with sufficient information that allows readers to assess the validity and usefulness of your proposed study. The only elements missing from a research proposal are the findings of the study and your analysis of those findings. Finally, an effective proposal is judged on the quality of your writing and, therefore, it is important that your proposal is coherent, clear, and compelling.

Regardless of the research problem you are investigating and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions:

  • What do you plan to accomplish? Be clear and succinct in defining the research problem and what it is you are proposing to investigate.
  • Why do you want to do the research? In addition to detailing your research design, you also must conduct a thorough review of the literature and provide convincing evidence that it is a topic worthy of in-depth study. A successful research proposal must answer the "So What?" question.
  • How are you going to conduct the research? Be sure that what you propose is doable. If you're having difficulty formulating a research problem to propose investigating, go here for strategies in developing a problem to study.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failure to be concise . A research proposal must be focused and not be "all over the map" or diverge into unrelated tangents without a clear sense of purpose.
  • Failure to cite landmark works in your literature review . Proposals should be grounded in foundational research that lays a foundation for understanding the development and scope of the the topic and its relevance.
  • Failure to delimit the contextual scope of your research [e.g., time, place, people, etc.]. As with any research paper, your proposed study must inform the reader how and in what ways the study will frame the problem.
  • Failure to develop a coherent and persuasive argument for the proposed research . This is critical. In many workplace settings, the research proposal is a formal document intended to argue for why a study should be funded.
  • Sloppy or imprecise writing, or poor grammar . Although a research proposal does not represent a completed research study, there is still an expectation that it is well-written and follows the style and rules of good academic writing.
  • Too much detail on minor issues, but not enough detail on major issues . Your proposal should focus on only a few key research questions in order to support the argument that the research needs to be conducted. Minor issues, even if valid, can be mentioned but they should not dominate the overall narrative.

Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal.  The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Sanford, Keith. Information for Students: Writing a Research Proposal. Baylor University; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences, Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Structure and Writing Style

Beginning the Proposal Process

As with writing most college-level academic papers, research proposals are generally organized the same way throughout most social science disciplines. The text of proposals generally vary in length between ten and thirty-five pages, followed by the list of references. However, before you begin, read the assignment carefully and, if anything seems unclear, ask your professor whether there are any specific requirements for organizing and writing the proposal.

A good place to begin is to ask yourself a series of questions:

  • What do I want to study?
  • Why is the topic important?
  • How is it significant within the subject areas covered in my class?
  • What problems will it help solve?
  • How does it build upon [and hopefully go beyond] research already conducted on the topic?
  • What exactly should I plan to do, and can I get it done in the time available?

In general, a compelling research proposal should document your knowledge of the topic and demonstrate your enthusiasm for conducting the study. Approach it with the intention of leaving your readers feeling like, "Wow, that's an exciting idea and I can’t wait to see how it turns out!"

Most proposals should include the following sections:

I.  Introduction

In the real world of higher education, a research proposal is most often written by scholars seeking grant funding for a research project or it's the first step in getting approval to write a doctoral dissertation. Even if this is just a course assignment, treat your introduction as the initial pitch of an idea based on a thorough examination of the significance of a research problem. After reading the introduction, your readers should not only have an understanding of what you want to do, but they should also be able to gain a sense of your passion for the topic and to be excited about the study's possible outcomes. Note that most proposals do not include an abstract [summary] before the introduction.

Think about your introduction as a narrative written in two to four paragraphs that succinctly answers the following four questions :

  • What is the central research problem?
  • What is the topic of study related to that research problem?
  • What methods should be used to analyze the research problem?
  • Answer the "So What?" question by explaining why this is important research, what is its significance, and why should someone reading the proposal care about the outcomes of the proposed study?

II.  Background and Significance

This is where you explain the scope and context of your proposal and describe in detail why it's important. It can be melded into your introduction or you can create a separate section to help with the organization and narrative flow of your proposal. Approach writing this section with the thought that you can’t assume your readers will know as much about the research problem as you do. Note that this section is not an essay going over everything you have learned about the topic; instead, you must choose what is most relevant in explaining the aims of your research.

To that end, while there are no prescribed rules for establishing the significance of your proposed study, you should attempt to address some or all of the following:

  • State the research problem and give a more detailed explanation about the purpose of the study than what you stated in the introduction. This is particularly important if the problem is complex or multifaceted .
  • Present the rationale of your proposed study and clearly indicate why it is worth doing; be sure to answer the "So What? question [i.e., why should anyone care?].
  • Describe the major issues or problems examined by your research. This can be in the form of questions to be addressed. Be sure to note how your proposed study builds on previous assumptions about the research problem.
  • Explain the methods you plan to use for conducting your research. Clearly identify the key sources you intend to use and explain how they will contribute to your analysis of the topic.
  • Describe the boundaries of your proposed research in order to provide a clear focus. Where appropriate, state not only what you plan to study, but what aspects of the research problem will be excluded from the study.
  • If necessary, provide definitions of key concepts, theories, or terms.

III.  Literature Review

Connected to the background and significance of your study is a section of your proposal devoted to a more deliberate review and synthesis of prior studies related to the research problem under investigation . The purpose here is to place your project within the larger whole of what is currently being explored, while at the same time, demonstrating to your readers that your work is original and innovative. Think about what questions other researchers have asked, what methodological approaches they have used, and what is your understanding of their findings and, when stated, their recommendations. Also pay attention to any suggestions for further research.

Since a literature review is information dense, it is crucial that this section is intelligently structured to enable a reader to grasp the key arguments underpinning your proposed study in relation to the arguments put forth by other researchers. A good strategy is to break the literature into "conceptual categories" [themes] rather than systematically or chronologically describing groups of materials one at a time. Note that conceptual categories generally reveal themselves after you have read most of the pertinent literature on your topic so adding new categories is an on-going process of discovery as you review more studies. How do you know you've covered the key conceptual categories underlying the research literature? Generally, you can have confidence that all of the significant conceptual categories have been identified if you start to see repetition in the conclusions or recommendations that are being made.

NOTE: Do not shy away from challenging the conclusions made in prior research as a basis for supporting the need for your proposal. Assess what you believe is missing and state how previous research has failed to adequately examine the issue that your study addresses. Highlighting the problematic conclusions strengthens your proposal. For more information on writing literature reviews, GO HERE .

To help frame your proposal's review of prior research, consider the "five C’s" of writing a literature review:

  • Cite , so as to keep the primary focus on the literature pertinent to your research problem.
  • Compare the various arguments, theories, methodologies, and findings expressed in the literature: what do the authors agree on? Who applies similar approaches to analyzing the research problem?
  • Contrast the various arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and controversies expressed in the literature: describe what are the major areas of disagreement, controversy, or debate among scholars?
  • Critique the literature: Which arguments are more persuasive, and why? Which approaches, findings, and methodologies seem most reliable, valid, or appropriate, and why? Pay attention to the verbs you use to describe what an author says/does [e.g., asserts, demonstrates, argues, etc.].
  • Connect the literature to your own area of research and investigation: how does your own work draw upon, depart from, synthesize, or add a new perspective to what has been said in the literature?

IV.  Research Design and Methods

This section must be well-written and logically organized because you are not actually doing the research, yet, your reader must have confidence that you have a plan worth pursuing . The reader will never have a study outcome from which to evaluate whether your methodological choices were the correct ones. Thus, the objective here is to convince the reader that your overall research design and proposed methods of analysis will correctly address the problem and that the methods will provide the means to effectively interpret the potential results. Your design and methods should be unmistakably tied to the specific aims of your study.

Describe the overall research design by building upon and drawing examples from your review of the literature. Consider not only methods that other researchers have used, but methods of data gathering that have not been used but perhaps could be. Be specific about the methodological approaches you plan to undertake to obtain information, the techniques you would use to analyze the data, and the tests of external validity to which you commit yourself [i.e., the trustworthiness by which you can generalize from your study to other people, places, events, and/or periods of time].

When describing the methods you will use, be sure to cover the following:

  • Specify the research process you will undertake and the way you will interpret the results obtained in relation to the research problem. Don't just describe what you intend to achieve from applying the methods you choose, but state how you will spend your time while applying these methods [e.g., coding text from interviews to find statements about the need to change school curriculum; running a regression to determine if there is a relationship between campaign advertising on social media sites and election outcomes in Europe ].
  • Keep in mind that the methodology is not just a list of tasks; it is a deliberate argument as to why techniques for gathering information add up to the best way to investigate the research problem. This is an important point because the mere listing of tasks to be performed does not demonstrate that, collectively, they effectively address the research problem. Be sure you clearly explain this.
  • Anticipate and acknowledge any potential barriers and pitfalls in carrying out your research design and explain how you plan to address them. No method applied to research in the social and behavioral sciences is perfect, so you need to describe where you believe challenges may exist in obtaining data or accessing information. It's always better to acknowledge this than to have it brought up by your professor!

V.  Preliminary Suppositions and Implications

Just because you don't have to actually conduct the study and analyze the results, doesn't mean you can skip talking about the analytical process and potential implications . The purpose of this section is to argue how and in what ways you believe your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the subject area under investigation. Depending on the aims and objectives of your study, describe how the anticipated results will impact future scholarly research, theory, practice, forms of interventions, or policy making. Note that such discussions may have either substantive [a potential new policy], theoretical [a potential new understanding], or methodological [a potential new way of analyzing] significance.   When thinking about the potential implications of your study, ask the following questions:

  • What might the results mean in regards to challenging the theoretical framework and underlying assumptions that support the study?
  • What suggestions for subsequent research could arise from the potential outcomes of the study?
  • What will the results mean to practitioners in the natural settings of their workplace, organization, or community?
  • Will the results influence programs, methods, and/or forms of intervention?
  • How might the results contribute to the solution of social, economic, or other types of problems?
  • Will the results influence policy decisions?
  • In what way do individuals or groups benefit should your study be pursued?
  • What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed research?
  • How will the results of the study be implemented and what innovations or transformative insights could emerge from the process of implementation?

NOTE:   This section should not delve into idle speculation, opinion, or be formulated on the basis of unclear evidence . The purpose is to reflect upon gaps or understudied areas of the current literature and describe how your proposed research contributes to a new understanding of the research problem should the study be implemented as designed.

ANOTHER NOTE : This section is also where you describe any potential limitations to your proposed study. While it is impossible to highlight all potential limitations because the study has yet to be conducted, you still must tell the reader where and in what form impediments may arise and how you plan to address them.

VI.  Conclusion

The conclusion reiterates the importance or significance of your proposal and provides a brief summary of the entire study . This section should be only one or two paragraphs long, emphasizing why the research problem is worth investigating, why your research study is unique, and how it should advance existing knowledge.

Someone reading this section should come away with an understanding of:

  • Why the study should be done;
  • The specific purpose of the study and the research questions it attempts to answer;
  • The decision for why the research design and methods used where chosen over other options;
  • The potential implications emerging from your proposed study of the research problem; and
  • A sense of how your study fits within the broader scholarship about the research problem.

VII.  Citations

As with any scholarly research paper, you must cite the sources you used . In a standard research proposal, this section can take two forms, so consult with your professor about which one is preferred.

  • References -- a list of only the sources you actually used in creating your proposal.
  • Bibliography -- a list of everything you used in creating your proposal, along with additional citations to any key sources relevant to understanding the research problem.

In either case, this section should testify to the fact that you did enough preparatory work to ensure the project will complement and not just duplicate the efforts of other researchers. It demonstrates to the reader that you have a thorough understanding of prior research on the topic.

Most proposal formats have you start a new page and use the heading "References" or "Bibliography" centered at the top of the page. Cited works should always use a standard format that follows the writing style advised by the discipline of your course [e.g., education=APA; history=Chicago] or that is preferred by your professor. This section normally does not count towards the total page length of your research proposal.

Develop a Research Proposal: Writing the Proposal. Office of Library Information Services. Baltimore County Public Schools; Heath, M. Teresa Pereira and Caroline Tynan. “Crafting a Research Proposal.” The Marketing Review 10 (Summer 2010): 147-168; Jones, Mark. “Writing a Research Proposal.” In MasterClass in Geography Education: Transforming Teaching and Learning . Graham Butt, editor. (New York: Bloomsbury Academic, 2015), pp. 113-127; Juni, Muhamad Hanafiah. “Writing a Research Proposal.” International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences 1 (September/October 2014): 229-240; Krathwohl, David R. How to Prepare a Dissertation Proposal: Suggestions for Students in Education and the Social and Behavioral Sciences . Syracuse, NY: Syracuse University Press, 2005; Procter, Margaret. The Academic Proposal. The Lab Report. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Punch, Keith and Wayne McGowan. "Developing and Writing a Research Proposal." In From Postgraduate to Social Scientist: A Guide to Key Skills . Nigel Gilbert, ed. (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006), 59-81; Wong, Paul T. P. How to Write a Research Proposal. International Network on Personal Meaning. Trinity Western University; Writing Academic Proposals: Conferences , Articles, and Books. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing a Research Proposal. University Library. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

  • Highlight how it is original or significant
  • Explain how it will develop or challenge current knowledge of your subject
  • Identify the importance of your research
  • Show why you are the right person to do this research
  • Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB)
  • Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB)
  • Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB)
  • Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB)

Subject specific guidance

  • Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
  • Writing a Creative Writing PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB)
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What (Exactly) Is A Research Proposal?

A simple explainer with examples + free template.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020 (Updated April 2023)

Whether you’re nearing the end of your degree and your dissertation is on the horizon, or you’re planning to apply for a PhD program, chances are you’ll need to craft a convincing research proposal . If you’re on this page, you’re probably unsure exactly what the research proposal is all about. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Overview: Research Proposal Basics

  • What a research proposal is
  • What a research proposal needs to cover
  • How to structure your research proposal
  • Example /sample proposals
  • Proposal writing FAQs
  • Key takeaways & additional resources

What is a research proposal?

Simply put, a research proposal is a structured, formal document that explains what you plan to research (your research topic), why it’s worth researching (your justification), and how  you plan to investigate it (your methodology). 

The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince  your research supervisor, committee or university that your research is  suitable  (for the requirements of the degree program) and  manageable  (given the time and resource constraints you will face). 

The most important word here is “ convince ” – in other words, your research proposal needs to  sell  your research idea (to whoever is going to approve it). If it doesn’t convince them (of its suitability and manageability), you’ll need to revise and resubmit . This will cost you valuable time, which will either delay the start of your research or eat into its time allowance (which is bad news). 

A research proposal is a  formal document that explains what you plan to research , why it's worth researching and how you'll do it.

What goes into a research proposal?

A good dissertation or thesis proposal needs to cover the “ what “, “ why ” and” how ” of the proposed study. Let’s look at each of these attributes in a little more detail:

Your proposal needs to clearly articulate your research topic . This needs to be specific and unambiguous . Your research topic should make it clear exactly what you plan to research and in what context. Here’s an example of a well-articulated research topic:

An investigation into the factors which impact female Generation Y consumer’s likelihood to promote a specific makeup brand to their peers: a British context

As you can see, this topic is extremely clear. From this one line we can see exactly:

  • What’s being investigated – factors that make people promote or advocate for a brand of a specific makeup brand
  • Who it involves – female Gen-Y consumers
  • In what context – the United Kingdom

So, make sure that your research proposal provides a detailed explanation of your research topic . If possible, also briefly outline your research aims and objectives , and perhaps even your research questions (although in some cases you’ll only develop these at a later stage). Needless to say, don’t start writing your proposal until you have a clear topic in mind , or you’ll end up waffling and your research proposal will suffer as a result of this.

Need a helping hand?

sample of research proposal in history

As we touched on earlier, it’s not good enough to simply propose a research topic – you need to justify why your topic is original . In other words, what makes it  unique ? What gap in the current literature does it fill? If it’s simply a rehash of the existing research, it’s probably not going to get approval – it needs to be fresh.

But,  originality  alone is not enough. Once you’ve ticked that box, you also need to justify why your proposed topic is  important . In other words, what value will it add to the world if you achieve your research aims?

As an example, let’s look at the sample research topic we mentioned earlier (factors impacting brand advocacy). In this case, if the research could uncover relevant factors, these findings would be very useful to marketers in the cosmetics industry, and would, therefore, have commercial value . That is a clear justification for the research.

So, when you’re crafting your research proposal, remember that it’s not enough for a topic to simply be unique. It needs to be useful and value-creating – and you need to convey that value in your proposal. If you’re struggling to find a research topic that makes the cut, watch  our video covering how to find a research topic .

Free Webinar: How To Write A Research Proposal

It’s all good and well to have a great topic that’s original and valuable, but you’re not going to convince anyone to approve it without discussing the practicalities – in other words:

  • How will you actually undertake your research (i.e., your methodology)?
  • Is your research methodology appropriate given your research aims?
  • Is your approach manageable given your constraints (time, money, etc.)?

While it’s generally not expected that you’ll have a fully fleshed-out methodology at the proposal stage, you’ll likely still need to provide a high-level overview of your research methodology . Here are some important questions you’ll need to address in your research proposal:

  • Will you take a qualitative , quantitative or mixed -method approach?
  • What sampling strategy will you adopt?
  • How will you collect your data (e.g., interviews, surveys, etc)?
  • How will you analyse your data (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics , content analysis, discourse analysis, etc, .)?
  • What potential limitations will your methodology carry?

So, be sure to give some thought to the practicalities of your research and have at least a basic methodological plan before you start writing up your proposal. If this all sounds rather intimidating, the video below provides a good introduction to research methodology and the key choices you’ll need to make.

How To Structure A Research Proposal

Now that we’ve covered the key points that need to be addressed in a proposal, you may be wondering, “ But how is a research proposal structured? “.

While the exact structure and format required for a research proposal differs from university to university, there are four “essential ingredients” that commonly make up the structure of a research proposal:

  • A rich introduction and background to the proposed research
  • An initial literature review covering the existing research
  • An overview of the proposed research methodology
  • A discussion regarding the practicalities (project plans, timelines, etc.)

In the video below, we unpack each of these four sections, step by step.

Research Proposal Examples/Samples

In the video below, we provide a detailed walkthrough of two successful research proposals (Master’s and PhD-level), as well as our popular free proposal template.

Proposal Writing FAQs

How long should a research proposal be.

This varies tremendously, depending on the university, the field of study (e.g., social sciences vs natural sciences), and the level of the degree (e.g. undergraduate, Masters or PhD) – so it’s always best to check with your university what their specific requirements are before you start planning your proposal.

As a rough guide, a formal research proposal at Masters-level often ranges between 2000-3000 words, while a PhD-level proposal can be far more detailed, ranging from 5000-8000 words. In some cases, a rough outline of the topic is all that’s needed, while in other cases, universities expect a very detailed proposal that essentially forms the first three chapters of the dissertation or thesis.

The takeaway – be sure to check with your institution before you start writing.

How do I choose a topic for my research proposal?

Finding a good research topic is a process that involves multiple steps. We cover the topic ideation process in this video post.

How do I write a literature review for my proposal?

While you typically won’t need a comprehensive literature review at the proposal stage, you still need to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the key literature and are able to synthesise it. We explain the literature review process here.

How do I create a timeline and budget for my proposal?

We explain how to craft a project plan/timeline and budget in Research Proposal Bootcamp .

Which referencing format should I use in my research proposal?

The expectations and requirements regarding formatting and referencing vary from institution to institution. Therefore, you’ll need to check this information with your university.

What common proposal writing mistakes do I need to look out for?

We’ve create a video post about some of the most common mistakes students make when writing a proposal – you can access that here . If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:

  • The research topic is too broad (or just poorly articulated).
  • The research aims, objectives and questions don’t align.
  • The research topic is not well justified.
  • The study has a weak theoretical foundation.
  • The research design is not well articulated well enough.
  • Poor writing and sloppy presentation.
  • Poor project planning and risk management.
  • Not following the university’s specific criteria.

Key Takeaways & Additional Resources

As you write up your research proposal, remember the all-important core purpose:  to convince . Your research proposal needs to sell your study in terms of suitability and viability. So, focus on crafting a convincing narrative to ensure a strong proposal.

At the same time, pay close attention to your university’s requirements. While we’ve covered the essentials here, every institution has its own set of expectations and it’s essential that you follow these to maximise your chances of approval.

By the way, we’ve got plenty more resources to help you fast-track your research proposal. Here are some of our most popular resources to get you started:

  • Proposal Writing 101 : A Introductory Webinar
  • Research Proposal Bootcamp : The Ultimate Online Course
  • Template : A basic template to help you craft your proposal

If you’re looking for 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, be sure to check out our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the proposal development process (and the entire research journey), step by step.

Literature Review Course

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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51 Comments

Myrna Pereira

I truly enjoyed this video, as it was eye-opening to what I have to do in the preparation of preparing a Research proposal.

I would be interested in getting some coaching.

BARAKAELI TEREVAELI

I real appreciate on your elaboration on how to develop research proposal,the video explains each steps clearly.

masebo joseph

Thank you for the video. It really assisted me and my niece. I am a PhD candidate and she is an undergraduate student. It is at times, very difficult to guide a family member but with this video, my job is done.

In view of the above, I welcome more coaching.

Zakia Ghafoor

Wonderful guidelines, thanks

Annie Malupande

This is very helpful. Would love to continue even as I prepare for starting my masters next year.

KYARIKUNDA MOREEN

Thanks for the work done, the text was helpful to me

Ahsanullah Mangal

Bundle of thanks to you for the research proposal guide it was really good and useful if it is possible please send me the sample of research proposal

Derek Jansen

You’re most welcome. We don’t have any research proposals that we can share (the students own the intellectual property), but you might find our research proposal template useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-proposal-template/

Cheruiyot Moses Kipyegon

Cheruiyot Moses Kipyegon

Thanks alot. It was an eye opener that came timely enough before my imminent proposal defense. Thanks, again

agnelius

thank you very much your lesson is very interested may God be with you

Abubakar

I am an undergraduate student (First Degree) preparing to write my project,this video and explanation had shed more light to me thanks for your efforts keep it up.

Synthia Atieno

Very useful. I am grateful.

belina nambeya

this is a very a good guidance on research proposal, for sure i have learnt something

Wonderful guidelines for writing a research proposal, I am a student of m.phil( education), this guideline is suitable for me. Thanks

You’re welcome 🙂

Marjorie

Thank you, this was so helpful.

Amitash Degan

A really great and insightful video. It opened my eyes as to how to write a research paper. I would like to receive more guidance for writing my research paper from your esteemed faculty.

Glaudia Njuguna

Thank you, great insights

Thank you, great insights, thank you so much, feeling edified

Yebirgual

Wow thank you, great insights, thanks a lot

Roseline Soetan

Thank you. This is a great insight. I am a student preparing for a PhD program. I am requested to write my Research Proposal as part of what I am required to submit before my unconditional admission. I am grateful having listened to this video which will go a long way in helping me to actually choose a topic of interest and not just any topic as well as to narrow down the topic and be specific about it. I indeed need more of this especially as am trying to choose a topic suitable for a DBA am about embarking on. Thank you once more. The video is indeed helpful.

Rebecca

Have learnt a lot just at the right time. Thank you so much.

laramato ikayo

thank you very much ,because have learn a lot things concerning research proposal and be blessed u for your time that you providing to help us

Cheruiyot M Kipyegon

Hi. For my MSc medical education research, please evaluate this topic for me: Training Needs Assessment of Faculty in Medical Training Institutions in Kericho and Bomet Counties

Rebecca

I have really learnt a lot based on research proposal and it’s formulation

Arega Berlie

Thank you. I learn much from the proposal since it is applied

Siyanda

Your effort is much appreciated – you have good articulation.

You have good articulation.

Douglas Eliaba

I do applaud your simplified method of explaining the subject matter, which indeed has broaden my understanding of the subject matter. Definitely this would enable me writing a sellable research proposal.

Weluzani

This really helping

Roswitta

Great! I liked your tutoring on how to find a research topic and how to write a research proposal. Precise and concise. Thank you very much. Will certainly share this with my students. Research made simple indeed.

Alice Kuyayama

Thank you very much. I an now assist my students effectively.

Thank you very much. I can now assist my students effectively.

Abdurahman Bayoh

I need any research proposal

Silverline

Thank you for these videos. I will need chapter by chapter assistance in writing my MSc dissertation

Nosi

Very helpfull

faith wugah

the videos are very good and straight forward

Imam

thanks so much for this wonderful presentations, i really enjoyed it to the fullest wish to learn more from you

Bernie E. Balmeo

Thank you very much. I learned a lot from your lecture.

Ishmael kwame Appiah

I really enjoy the in-depth knowledge on research proposal you have given. me. You have indeed broaden my understanding and skills. Thank you

David Mweemba

interesting session this has equipped me with knowledge as i head for exams in an hour’s time, am sure i get A++

Andrea Eccleston

This article was most informative and easy to understand. I now have a good idea of how to write my research proposal.

Thank you very much.

Georgina Ngufan

Wow, this literature is very resourceful and interesting to read. I enjoyed it and I intend reading it every now then.

Charity

Thank you for the clarity

Mondika Solomon

Thank you. Very helpful.

BLY

Thank you very much for this essential piece. I need 1o1 coaching, unfortunately, your service is not available in my country. Anyways, a very important eye-opener. I really enjoyed it. A thumb up to Gradcoach

Md Moneruszzaman Kayes

What is JAM? Please explain.

Gentiana

Thank you so much for these videos. They are extremely helpful! God bless!

azeem kakar

very very wonderful…

Koang Kuany Bol Nyot

thank you for the video but i need a written example

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  • Department of History
  • Postgraduate

Applying and your research proposal

Guidance on writing your research proposal and submitting your PhD application.

Watch: Staff and students share their advice on applying for a PhD at Sheffield, including what makes a strong research proposal.

sample of research proposal in history

PhD applications to the Department of History are managed through the University's online application system, and are assessed in line with the University's student admissions and equal opportunities policies .

Before you apply

Entry requirements.

When assessing PhD applications, we take into account an applicant's academic background (including references and academic transcripts), the nature of the project and quality of the research proposal, as well as the capacity of the Department of History to offer appropriate supervision over the duration of the PhD.

In terms of academic entry requirements, applicants should normally have a suitable MA in History with a research-training element. The quality of performance at MA level will be taken into account when considering potential for PhD study.

We also normally expect applicants to have achieved a 2.1 or equivalent in a Bachelors degree in history or a related subject (i.e. English, languages, politics, philosophy, archaeology or journalism) from a recognised UK or overseas university.

If you are an international student, you need to provide proof of English Language proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each component (or equivalent).

Contacting your proposed supervisor

We encourage you to contact the member of staff that you would like to work with before you submit an application. Find a supervisor here .

If you are planning on applying for funding , it is particularly important to start discussions with your potential supervisor as early as possible, giving you plenty of time to work on your ideas for the research project and get their advice on how to shape it into a strong proposal.

You can also contact Beky Hasnip, Admissions Manager, and Colin Reid, Director of Graduate Studies at  [email protected]  for more general advice.

You will also find answers to frequently asked questions on our common questions webpage.

Writing your research proposal

Your research proposal is a very important part of your PhD application. It should clearly explain what you aim to achieve with your proposed research and what sources and methodology you will use. This helps us to understand your project and assess its suitability for successful research at PhD level. This information will also ensure that you find the best supervisor to support your research.

Visit our find a supervisor  page to help you identify suitable staff members in your intended field of research. Staff will be happy to help you formulate and develop your research proposal. If you would like advice on who to approach, contact Beky Hasnip, Admissions Manager, and Colin Reid, Director of Graduate Studies at  [email protected] .

Your proposal should normally be in the region of 1,000 words (separate advice will be provided for funding applications, where you will usually have c. 700-800 words). You should write as concisely and precisely as possible.

The proposal is a starting point. If we offer you a place on the PhD programme, you will be able to work the proposal through with your supervisor in more detail during the early stages of your research.

A good proposal explains three things:

  • The originality of the research. How is your project different from existing work in this field? How does it relate to, and develop, the existing scholarship?
  • The significance of the research. It is not enough to fill in a 'gap' in our knowledge – why does your topic matter, and why will it be of interest to scholars in the field? What larger issues does it engage with?
  • The feasibility of your research. Can your project be completed in three years? What sources will you use, and what methodology or conceptual approaches will you employ?

See our full research proposal guidance  

Making an application

To apply to study for a PhD with us, you will need to make a formal application using the University’s  online application form . We will begin to process your application once we have received all of the required details and supporting documents, including a research proposal.

Course code (History):  HSTR31 (full-time) | HSTT21 (part-time)* Course code (Sheffield Institute for Biblical Studies):  HSTR09 (full-time) | HSTR10 (part-time) Duration:  usually 3-3.5 years (full-time) | 6-7 years (part-time)*

At least two members of academic staff consider each application. This usually includes your proposed supervisor, who provides initial feedback, and the Director of Graduate Studies. Other colleagues maybe consulted on a case-by-case basis. We may invite you to attend an interview as part of this process.

We consider all applications as quickly as possible and will usually be in touch within 4 weeks. 

Submitting your application checklist

  • I have a first degree at 2:1 or equivalent
  • I have, or am currently working towards, a Masters level qualification
  • English is my first language or I have an overall IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component
  • My research proposal is ready to upload
  • Proof of current and previous degrees, academic references, English language certificates (if required), and CV are ready to upload

*Additional information: course codes, time limits and funded periods

The exact length of your degree will depend on your funding source, this may also affect the course code that you register on. Students funded through Arts and Humanities or Hossein Farmy scholarships will usually have a funded period and time limit of 42 months.

Students funded through WRoCAH will usually have a funded period and time limit of 40 months in the first instance (this may vary depending on your engagement with the  WRoCAH training programme ).

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Top 5 History Research Proposal Examples with Templates and Samples

Top 5 History Research Proposal Examples with Templates and Samples

Madhusheel Arora

author-user

History as a whole is a collection of the most distressing and the most amazing. The World Wars, the Holocaust, the history of slavery in America, and many such events that shook the world to its core continue to haunt us even today. On the positive side, with the history of the aircraft, the invention of electricity, the internet, and now the march of Artificial intelligence, the world makes history every second, literally.

To document and study each such epochal event, we need history to be researched, not merely recollected or retold, but subjected to the rigorous questioning of historical research. The key to doing outstanding historical research is your passion for it and then the resources to be able to do an excellent job of it.

On this note, here are the 10 most impactful ways of writing a research proposal with samples and examples .

Hence, universities and institutions are willing to sponsor good and probing historical research projects. They may even be related to business history, but the questions asked in the methodology have to be able to shift new ground. This requires you to prepare and present a historical research proposal.

At SlideTeam, we provide content-ready, world-class research proposals to impress and wow the stakeholders who wish to support or approve your line of inquiry. From advertising to any other business field, our research proposals cover it all.

Even better, each of our research proposal presentation templates are 100% editable and customizable. You get a structure, a starting point, and the capability to edit these presentations to a unique audience profile.

Let's explore these templates now!

Template 1: One-Page Sample History Research Proposal PPT Template Presentation Report

This one-pager portrays a sample research proposal template and details the project's necessity, objectives, outcome, scope of services, timeframe, budget, and information about the company, its vision, team, and clients. In addition, intelligent use of space makes this an indispensable slide. Users will find the template to depict the timeline of tasks with phases and deadlines. There is also a section on why you are the best fit to conduct the research. The scope of services brings clarity, as is the answer to the question of the need for the historical research project. Get it now!

One page sample history research proposal template presentation report infographic ppt pdf document

Download now!

Template 2: Sample History Research in One-Pager

Nothing makes historical research more relevant than giving it context, objectives, and an outcome. Use this PPT Slide to display a relevant and timely history research proposal sample. Start with the project name, the start and finish dates, and the project leader's name. Use this presentation template to outline the outcomes that the research aims to establish, which change the way institutions look at things. The project cost, terms, and conditions in the bottom half of the proposal convey a sense of urgency. The slide also instills the fear of missing out with the proclamation that not signing out by a particular date would result in the withdrawal of this historical research proposal. Finally, the space for signatures works as an indicator of the seriousness of the proposal. Download it now.

Sample history research proposal in one pager presentation report infographic ppt pdf document

Template 3: One-Page History Research Project Proposal Sample PPT Presentation

An introduction, background and significance, literature review, and research design and methods form the four major pillars of this piece, a one-page history research that aims to establish or refute historical hypotheses. In the introduction, the researcher summarizes the topic; then, the problems are defined, and information about the research methods to be deployed is shared. In the literature review, the researcher develops a theoretical approach/ research hypothesis before defining data collection procedures. Timeline/milestones are appropriately drawn up in a tabular format, with the cost format bringing up the rear of the proposal sample. The idea is to ensure that funders find it to be worth their while and see measurable outcomes resulting from it. Get it now.

One page history research project proposal sample presentation report infographic ppt pdf document

Template 4: One-Page Sample Historical Research Proposal

This PPT Template starts with the best pitch ever for a sample research proposal with a project summary. For instance, to research the impact of the World Wars, you can state the impact the current bombing of Gaza has had on world politics versus the politics that escalated the previous such incidents around a century ago. In addition to the project summary information, the scope of services details, outcome, methodology, timeline, and cost overview are all explained in an organized, logical manner to ensure the proposal gets approval. The user is also well-advised to have a project cost overview and resource estimate at their fingertips for the best chance of carrying out this work, for which their passion must be apparent. Download now.

One pager sample historical research proposal presentation report infographic ppt pdf document

Template 5: One-Page Research Proposal for History and Evolution of Study in Advertising  

Use this presentation template to outline the seven major steps that make the research proposal complete and profound for users. These start with the research proposal title, the purpose of the study, the significance of the research, methodology, cost, timeframe, and expected outcomes. Since this is a sample PPT Slide for advertising, it talks about how insights will be used to draw up a comparison for historical advertising strategies. The methodology section also becomes important here, as to the secondary research and resources that will mark the study. Grab it from the link below.

One page research proposal for history and evolution study in advertising report infographic ppt pdf document

REVISIT HISTORY, LEARN TO MOVE ON

The advantages of historical research are many. Paradoxically, it helps people discover new and contemporary methods of administering business or viewing things from a fresh perspective. Hence, historical research is essential and even more critical to the business world today. To do this well and ensure institutional support for the research, one must work hard on the proposal. Even though the subject matter might be your strength, the proposal design and the ideation need professional intervention.

At SlideTeam, we endeavor to help you cross this hurdle with grace and cost-effectively, as the slides above illustrate.

Access our top-class research proposal introduction templates with a click here.

P.S. Marketing research proposals lead to great business results. Find best-in-class templates on market research with a click here.

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Writing your research proposal

sample of research proposal in history

The purpose of the research proposal is to demonstrate that the research you wish to undertake is significant, necessary and feasible, that you will be able to make an original contribution to the field, and that the project can be completed within the normal time period. Some general guidelines and advice on structuring your proposal are provided below. Research proposals should be between 1,000 and 3,000 words depending on the programme (excluding the reference list/bibliography).

Title sheet

Topic statement, research aims, review of the literature, study design / theoretical orientation, research methods, tentative chapter outline, references/bibliography.

sample of research proposal in history

Applying for a research degree

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Step 1: introduction, step 2: research problem , step 3: review of related literature , step 4: research design and methods, share this post on your network, file formats, word templates, google docs templates, excel templates, powerpoint templates, google sheets templates, google slides templates, pdf templates, publisher templates, psd templates, indesign templates, illustrator templates, pages templates, keynote templates, numbers templates, outlook templates, you may also like these articles, 25+ sample construction company proposal in ms word.

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An research proposal examples on history is a prosaic composition of a small volume and free composition, expressing individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue and obviously not claiming a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.

Some signs of history research proposal:

  • the presence of a specific topic or question. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems in biology, by definition, cannot be performed in the genre of history research proposal topic.
  • The research proposal expresses individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue, in this case, on history and does not knowingly pretend to a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
  • As a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work may have a philosophical, historical, biographical, journalistic, literary, critical, popular scientific or purely fiction character.
  • in the content of an research proposal samples on history , first of all, the author’s personality is assessed - his worldview, thoughts and feelings.

The goal of an research proposal in history is to develop such skills as independent creative thinking and writing out your own thoughts.

Writing an research proposal is extremely useful, because it allows the author to learn to clearly and correctly formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight causal relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and substantiate his conclusions.

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Examples List on History Research Proposal

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  1. FREE 11+ Sample Research Statement Templates in PDF

    sample of research proposal in history

  2. Research Proposal Sample

    sample of research proposal in history

  3. 9 Free Research Proposal Templates (with Examples)

    sample of research proposal in history

  4. phd research proposal sample history

    sample of research proposal in history

  5. Sample of history research proposal

    sample of research proposal in history

  6. FREE 10+ History Proposal Samples [ Dissertation, Thesis, Paper ]

    sample of research proposal in history

VIDEO

  1. The Research Process

  2. Proposal 101: The "Big Idea" #shorts

  3. Sample Research Proposal Presentation format የጥናታዊ ፅሁፍ proposal አቀራረብ ናሙና

  4. Sample of Research Proposal / MESP001 / Hand written

  5. How to write a Research Proposal for Funding Sample @DST #funding

  6. How to make a research proposal for admission in M.Phil./Ph.D., Interview preparation

COMMENTS

  1. PDF They Said "Yes!": The Research Proposal

    The Research Proposal. A research proposal, also known as a research prospectus, describes a project's intended course and its intellectual merit. In the process, you are expected to explain its historiographical context and how you intend to complete it. A well-written proposal should demonstrate that your project is unique and necessary.

  2. Preparing a History PhD proposal

    The research proposal you submit in January should be approximately 1000 words, plus a bibliography, and should contain the following: A title, possibly with a subtitle. The title should not take the form of a question and it may run to a dozen words or more. Like the title of a book, it should clearly convey the topic you propose to work on.

  3. Proposals

    A proposal is a chance to explain your topic, discuss the resources critical to your research, and justify the need for your proposed paper. 1) Precisely defines your topic and the need for studying it (i.e., it briefly takes apart the topic and tells what one will learn from reading your proposed paper). 2) Explains the sources critical to ...

  4. Effective Proposal-Writing Style (for History students)

    These intransitive verbs are often necessary, but in a well-written proposal, active verbs in the active voice will dominate. Conciseness. Good proposal writers explain their ideas as succinctly as possible. Most writers start with a proposal that is a little too long. Then they solicit help from advisors and peer reviewers to trim the fat.

  5. How to Write a Research Proposal

    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" Example research proposal #2: "Medical Students as Mediators of ...

  6. PDF M.A. History Thesis Proposal Template1

    M.A. HISTORY THESIS PROPOSAL GUIDELINES. Each student must complete and submit a thesis proposal -- and receive approval from both Thesis Advisor / Director and the Graduate Program Director -- prior to beginning work on a research project. The items that should be included in the Thesis Proposal are listed in the outline below.

  7. PDF H o w to w rite a P h D proposal

    Limit your proposal to between 1000 and 1500 words. You want plausible detail, but n o o n e e xp e cts yo u to h a ve d o n e e xh a u stive research a t this sta ge. Nor do you w ant to bore your readers with unnecessary waffle. Be as concrete as you can. Examples are good.

  8. PDF A Guide to Writing a Senior Thesis in History & Literature

    page 2 | Introduction: The History & Literature Thesis We recommend that you read this handbook from cover to cover. Then, once you are familiar with its contents, you can refer back to it again (and again) along the way.

  9. Writing a Research Proposal

    The design elements and procedures for conducting research are governed by standards of the predominant discipline in which the problem resides, therefore, the guidelines for research proposals are more exacting and less formal than a general project proposal. Research proposals contain extensive literature reviews.

  10. PDF WRITING A DISSERTATION PROPOSAL IN THE HUMANITIES: HISTORY Note

    research library you plan to use but a list of particular collections, manuscripts, or other primary sources you plan to utilize). If your work encompasses oral history, this section should include a list of people you plan to interview, where they are located, and any logistical concerns that may exist in gaining access to them.

  11. PDF Writing a Full Thesis Proposal

    travel costs, software, photocopying or other necessary research resources with your supervisors and include a brief statement of those needs in the full proposal. Preliminary Bibliography List: a) all the sources you used when preparing your proposal, and b) the sources that you know that you must use when researching your topic.

  12. Research Proposal Example (PDF + Template)

    Research Proposal Example/Sample. Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template. If you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals, one for a Master's-level ...

  13. Sample Thesis Proposals

    Sample Thesis Proposals. 'My broken dreams of peace and socialism': Youth propaganda, personality, and selfhood in the GDR, 1979-1989. Lanfranc of Bec: Confrontation and Compromise. The ecclesiastical history of Europe in the 11th century revolves around the investiture conflict and the Gregorian reform effort.

  14. PDF A Guide to Writing your PhD Proposal

    Therefore, in a good research proposal you will need to demonstrate two main things: 1. that you are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis. 2. that you are capable of communicating your ideas clearly. Applying for a PhD is like applying for a job, you are not applying for a taught programme.

  15. Examples of Research proposals

    Research proposals. Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use. We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

  16. What Is A Research Proposal? Examples + Template

    The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince your research supervisor, committee or university that your research is suitable (for the requirements of the degree program) and manageable (given the time and resource constraints you will face). The most important word here is "convince" - in other words, your ...

  17. Applying and your research proposal

    If you would like advice on who to approach, contact Beky Hasnip, Admissions Manager, and Colin Reid, Director of Graduate Studies at [email protected]. Your proposal should normally be in the region of 1,000 words (separate advice will be provided for funding applications, where you will usually have c. 700-800 words).

  18. Top 5 History Research Proposal Templates

    Template 3: One-Page History Research Project Proposal Sample PPT Presentation . An introduction, background and significance, literature review, and research design and methods form the four major pillars of this piece, a one-page history research that aims to establish or refute historical hypotheses. In the introduction, the researcher ...

  19. Writing your research proposal

    Writing your research proposal. The purpose of the research proposal is to demonstrate that the research you wish to undertake is significant, necessary and feasible, that you will be able to make an original contribution to the field, and that the project can be completed within the normal time period. Some general guidelines and advice on ...

  20. How to Write a History Research Proposal Like a Pro

    Your proposal should include a clear and concise title. It should accurately reflect the scope and focus of your research. An abstract is a brief summary of your proposal. An introduction provides an overview of the key points and objectives of your research, and thesis sample. Review of the Sources.

  21. 38+ SAMPLE History Proposal in PDF

    Step 2: Research Problem. The next step is to state your research problem statement and provide some background on it. The objective of a history proposal, after all, is to explore and gain insight to your historical topic. The significance of the study and its relation to society can be further examined in this section.

  22. PDF A Sample Research Proposal with Comments

    A Sample Research Proposal with Comments A research project or thesis will take at least two semesters to complete. Prior to starting a research, i.e. enrolling in the first semester research course, students must go through the proposal stage, during which students will develop their proposal and have it reviewed by his/her research advisor. ...

  23. PDF Sample Research Proposals

    Sample Research Proposals. You will find here two examples of proposals for postgraduate research from the Department of Social Policy and Criminology. They both give good indication of the sorts of things that need to be included. The first, on fathering after divorce or separation, represents first thoughts on the proposed topic, but sets out ...

  24. Free History Research Proposal Samples and Examples List

    In our online database you can find free History Research Proposal work for every taste: thesis, essays, dissertations, assignments, research and term papers etc. - easy and free. Choose any document below and bravely use it as an example to make your own work perfect! Samples List. An research proposal examples on history is a prosaic ...

  25. PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

    PROPOSAL GUIDELINES. In 2019, the department EC compiled the following guidelines to assist students as they write their dissertation proposals. A PDF version of these guidelines is available for download here. Subject and Rationale: This section should be 1-2 pages in length, and offer the background necessary for understanding your dissertation.