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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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Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
Student resources, research proposal tools and sample student proposals.
Sample research proposals written by doctoral students in each of the key areas covered in Research Design --quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods—are provided as a useful reference. A Research Proposal checklist also serves to help guide your own proposal-writing.
› Morales Proposal_Qualitative Study
› Kottich Proposal_Quantitative Study
› Guetterman Proposal_Mixed Methods Study
› Research Proposal Checklist
Free Download
Research Proposal Template
The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a convincing proposal and get your dissertation or research project approved.
Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads
Step-by-step instructions
Tried & tested academic format
Fill-in-the-blanks simplicity
Pro tips, tricks and resources
What It Covers
This free proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources. The template covers the following core elements:
- Introduction & background (including the research problem)
- Literature review
- Research design/methodology
- Project plan, resource requirements and
- risk management
The Google Doc can be copied to your Google Drive 0r downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), which you can also use in LaTeX.
download your copy
100% Free to use. Instant access.
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FAQs: Research Proposal Template
Research proposal template faqs, what types of research proposals can this template be used for.
The proposal template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of dissertations and theses (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.
Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the introduction chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.
Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level proposal?
This template can be used for a research project at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the research proposal to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.
How long should my research proposal be?
The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.
To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research propsal.
How detailed should the methodology of the proposal be?
You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.
Can I include preliminary data or pilot study results in my proposal?
Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.
Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?
Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.
What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?
The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.
Do you have templates for the other chapters?
Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .
Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?
Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services .
Additional Resources
If you’re working on a research proposal, you’ll also want to check these out…
1-On-1 Private Coaching
Research Proposal Bootcamp
The Grad Coach YouTube Channel
The Grad Coach Podcast
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Sample Research Proposal with Comments. 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.
We walk you through two successful research proposals (Master's PhD-level), as well as our free research proposal. Download PDF or Word.
Introduction. These notes are aimed at helping students write an effective research proposal. The first part of the notes focuses on a process which you might find helpful when writing your proposal, while the second part includes an annotated example of a proposal.
This section needs to answer self-imposed questions and should reflect that the student has good understanding of the problem and of the barriers in the path. Some of the questions that should be
Research Proposal Format Example. Following is a general outline of the material that should be included in your project proposal. I. Title Page II. Introduction and Literature Review (Chapters 2 and 3) A. Identification of specific problem area (e.g., what is it, why it is important). B. Prevalence, scope of problem.
Contents: Be clear, objective, succinct and realistic in your objectives. Ask yourself why this research should be funded and/or why you are the best person to undertake this project. self why this research is important and/or timelyState and justify your objectives clear.
Research proposal – an example. The following is a suggested format for a research proposal. Cover Page. The cover page should show: the title; the student’s name and student number; the name of the University; the name of the degree sought; the name of the principal supervisor; and. the date of submission. Abstract.
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.
Sample research proposals written by doctoral students in each of the key areas covered in Research Design --quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods—are provided as a useful reference. A Research Proposal checklist also serves to help guide your own proposal-writing.
Research Proposal Template. The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a convincing proposal and get your dissertation or research project approved. Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format. 4.9 star rating, 5000+ downloads. Download Now (Instant access)