Writing a successful PhD proposal
What does a strong research proposal typically contain?
A research proposal should be 1,500 to 2,000 words in length. The elements we expect to see in a proposal are:
- Title
- Research question(s)
- Research context
- Research methods
- Preparedness
You need not insert the actual headings but you may wish to. In any case, the elements are the same for a proposal for a PhD project or a funding application.
The University is aware of the temptation to use Generative AI (including ChatGPT), however, these tools do not always generate accurate and up-to-date information. Our academics, who are experts in their field, are very good at identifying when text has been generated in this way and expect your research proposal to be written in your own words. We need to know that you have the academic skills required to write a thesis and can only support you on your journey when we see your own work.
1. Research questions
The title of the project is not usually formulated as a question, but the most coherent projects often centre on a single research question. Sometimes this can be impossible to achieve, and it is fine to have, say, three interconnected questions.
Alternatively, you can have one main question and indicate several subsidiary questions which will drive your research. The question/s should indicate what you will be looking for as you carry out your reading and searching.
2. Research context
While there may not be space for full details, you should give the names of specific scholars and key works. You need to show that:
- you have read some of the key works in the field already, and
- what you are doing has a different emphasis from work previously done – e.g. you consider ideas in new combinations, take a new critical approach, or consider a question which has not been asked before.
For a PhD, you need to emphasise strongly the originality of your work and its likely contribution to advancing knowledge or developing ways of thinking in your subject area.
3. Research methods
This includes:
- intellectual approach and justification – e.g. theoretical stance, choice of qualitative and/or quantitative methods
- practical aspects of method – where will you look for your material? Do you need to use archives? Do you need to obtain particular kinds of secondary material? Will you be conducting any other kinds of research – e.g. conducting interviews or taking photographs? Will you need ethics approval? Do you need any specialist software or online resources?
You should also say why Strathclyde is an appropriate place to carry out this research project – does it have any relevant research groups or training opportunities? Are you hoping to work with a particular expert in the field?
4. Submit your proposal
Applications to do a PhD at Strathclyde are made via the Pegasus admissions system: