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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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School of Social Sciences
How to write a research proposal
You will need to submit a research proposal with your PhD application. This is crucial in the assessment of your application and it warrants plenty of time and energy.
Your proposal should outline your project and be around 1,500 words.
Your research proposal should include a working title for your project.
Overview of the research
In this section, you should provide a short overview of your research. You should also state how your research fits into the research priorities of your particular subject area.
Here you can refer to the research areas and priorities of a particular research grouping or supervisor.
You must also state precisely why you have chosen to apply to the discipline area and how your research links into our overall profile.
Positioning of the research
This should reference the most important texts related to the research, demonstrate your understanding of the research issues, and identify existing gaps (both theoretical and practical) that the research is intended to address.
Research design and methodology
This section should identify the information that is necessary to carry out the analysis and the possible research techniques that could deliver the information.
Ethical considerations
You should identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research. Please discuss your research with your proposed supervisor to see how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance, and ensure that your proposed supervisor is happy for you to proceed with your application.
Your research proposal will be used to assess the quality and originality of your ideas, whether you are able to think critically and whether you have a grasp of the relevant literature. It also gives us important information about the perspectives you intend to take on your research area, and how you fit into the department's research profile overall. This is helpful when assigning a supervisor.
If you are applying to study an Economics postgraduate research programme, our advice and requirements are slightly different:
- How to write an economics proposal
Supervisors
We encourage you to discuss your proposal informally with a potential supervisor before making a formal application to ensure it is of mutual interest.
Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to allocate you to the supervisor you initially contact and that we may allocate you to another expert in the area.
- Find a supervisor
Flexibility
You will not be forced to follow the proposal exactly once you have started to study. It is normal for students to refine their original proposal, in light of detailed literature review, further consideration of research approaches and comments received from your supervisors (and other academic staff).
Pitfalls to avoid
We sometimes have to reject students who meet the academic requirements but have not produced a satisfactory research proposal, therefore:
- Make sure that your research idea, question or problem is very clearly stated and well-grounded in academic research.
- Make sure that your proposal is well focused and conforms exactly to the submission requirements described here.
- Poorly specified, jargon-filled or rambling proposals will not convince us that you have a clear idea of what you want to do.
The University uses electronic systems to detect plagiarism and other forms of academic malpractice and for assessment. All Humanities PhD programmes require the submission of a research proposal as part of the application process. The Doctoral Academy upholds the principle that where a candidate approaches the University with a project of study, this should be original. While it is understandable that research may arise out of previous studies, it is vital that your research proposal is not the subject of plagiarism.
Example proposals
- Philosophy - Example 1
- Philosophy - Example 2
- Politics - Example 1
- Politics - Example 2
- Social Anthropology - Example 1
- Social Anthropology - Example 2
- Social Statistics - Example 1
- Social Statistics - Example 2
- Sociology - Example 1
- Sociology - Example 2
Further help
The following books may help you to prepare your research proposal (as well as in doing your research degree).
- Bell, J. (1999): Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education & Social Science , (Oxford University Press, Oxford).
- Baxter, L, Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2001): How to Research , (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
- Cryer, P. (2000): The Research Student's Guide to Success , (Open University, Milton Keynes).
- Delamont, S., Atkinson, P. and Parry, O. (1997): Supervising the PhD , (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
- Philips, E. and Pugh, D. (2005): How to get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors , (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
If you need help and advice about your application, contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.
Admissions contacts
University guidelines
You may also find it useful to read the advice and guidance on the University website about writing a proposal for your research degree application.
Visit the University website
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