Develop a research proposal

Source: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply/develop-a-research-proposal Parent: https://www.mq.edu.au/research/phd-and-research-degrees/how-to-apply/find-a-supervisor

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Learn how to develop a research proposal

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

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

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

Requirements by course

MRes

Applications for the Master of Research (MRes) require a brief research proposal (approximately one page). This will help the department to identify potential supervisors for you.

PhD/MPhil

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

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

As a guide, your research proposal should include:

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

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

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

Other considerations

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

These may include approvals for research involving:

• human participants
• animals
• biosafety or biohazards.

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

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

Learn more about research ethics and integrity.

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

• data
• results
• written outputs.

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