Guide to Writing a Research Proposal
An important part of a research degree application is the research proposal. We want to know your research interests so we can direct your application to potential supervisors and ensure your study plan is clear for when you start your degree. The proposal does not need to be long, but the quality should be high, and no more than 2-3 pages should be sufficient. Ideally, your proposal should address the points below; however, as long as we get a clear idea of your research interests, then we can consider your application.
If you are applying to an advertised scholarship or have already discussed your research plans with a potential supervisor, the proposal should still be submitted in your own words to show your understanding of the project aims and objectives.
Do...
- Ensure that your research interests match those in the School of Engineering.
- Research the published projectsLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window within the School of Engineering.
- Research the active areas of research Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new windowcovered by the School of Engineering
- Include the name of the academic supervisor who matches your own research interests, and we will send your application directly to that person.
- Outline the main objectives of your research, providing details of two or three key aspects.
- State your target audience for this project.
- Explain what the primary outcomes of the project are that you would want to see.
- Outline what methods/approaches you intend to use to achieve the aims of your project.
- Indicate your suggested data collection procedures, including sources and any possible difficulties.
- Explain any analytical techniques you intend to use for your research.
Avoid...
- Broad research areas which would be unmanageable as a research topic or that have no relevance to the University of Warwick research areas.
- Vague descriptions of your research interests.