The initial step that comes before writing a PhD thesis is coming with the proposal. In this part you need to define the question and approach to answering the question. Then you need to highlight the originality and significance. Also you need to add, develop (or challenges) that is existing literature in the field. The final step comes to persuade the potential supervisor or funders of the importance of the work and also why you are the right person to undertake it.
One thing that you must keep in mind is that the length of the proposal can vary, so it’s important that you check with the departments. Also check that what is the word limits and guidelines. If we see it on general basis a proposal should be around 3,000 words. To give you more insight we have come up with 7 things that you must consider when writing a doctoral dissertation proposal.
Narrow the Topic Down
The significant part is to get the topic straight in mind. Before you sit down to draft your proposal, you have carefully thought about the topic. Moreover, provide succinct understanding of what you aim to do and hope to accomplish. If you have proposal of 1,000 words or more, this will give an outline of the topic of your dissertation. The questions that you hope to answer with the help of this research, the type of data you aim to employ in your research, and lastly the sort of analysis you are going to carry out.
Is the Research Proposal “set in stone”?
There is no such thing as the proposal is written and know no changes can be made. It is a fact that good PhD proposals evolve over time. The student can refine their original proposal on the basis of detailed literature reviews. Also the consideration of research approaches and comments that are received from the supervisors and academic staff. It’s good to see the view of proposal as an initial outline rather than a summary of the “final product”.
Structure of Research Proposal
Initially check carefully with each department and find out whether a specific template is provided or required. However, in general the following elements are crucial in a good research proposal.
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Existing literature/significant prior research
- Thesis or project statement
- Approach
- Potential outcomes
- Limitations
- Contributions to knowledge
- Proposed dissertation chapters
Understanding the Purpose
The aim of a PhD proposal is to help you research, complete and come up with the PhD dissertation with the greater ease. It also helps in selling your primary instructor on your chosen research topic. The PhD proposal is as much as for you as it is for your instructor. If it is done correct initially it will act as a roadmap as you complete your research and write the dissertation.
To gather more insight you can also search for samples that are available when you buy dissertation writing services uk online. You can also seek help from the instructor to gather feedback. Layout a testable, adaptable model for your dissertation. Also come up with the ideas that will make it to the final product.
Adding to the Discussion
The PhD proposal must depict to the primary instructor that you are immersed in and fully aware about a niche topic in your field of study. The main of the research is to make a contribution to the field. This is one of the main concern of your supervising professor would be looking to see in your proposal. To achieve this goal, you must carefully evaluate the existing research, enriching the broader understanding and implications of the research. Come up with the practicality of the research outcomes. Moreover, for an advice regarding your chosen doctoral degree program, you must seek help from the chosen instructor.
Techniques for Writing Research Proposal
There are number of techniques that you can opt for to make your new research topic proposal look better. Firstly use simple language and keep the description non-technical. It is obvious that describing a multidisciplinary aspect of the writing research proposal in proposals will help to get the proposal approved. The point is to keep it simple with facts and don’t try to justify the facts and figures to an explanation.
Proofreading is Essential
The PhD proposal is in need of a grammatical correctness throughout. So the best practice to proofread a PhD proposal are as follows;
- Read the proposal again and again to identify the unnatural wording.
- Proof, proof, and proof again — you can take a break in between writing and proofing session to let the brain rest.
- You can also ask your friends to read your PhD proposal, the more people the more it would be beneficial.
Till now you must have got a better understanding that what role Doctoral dissertation proposal plays in the research. We are certain that these tips will serve you well as you take the difficult steps to earn your meritorious doctoral degree. We have to say that a PhD proposal is one of the most important documents that you will ever have to submit.
Author Bio:
Nina Heidi is a professional copywriter and journalist with over four years of experience in the field. Nina is currently affiliated with Essay Mills UK where she supervises content and does research on a number of topics.
