Guidance on finding a supervisor and writing a research proposal
There are several routes to finding a PhD supervisor at University of Warwick. Searching for a supervisor and submitting a research proposal will look different depending on the opportunity you are applying for.
You do not need to find a supervisor if you are applying for a pre-designed project which has a supervisor already in place.
For all other opportunities this page should help you get started with finding your supervisor and writing a research proposal.
Research the available opportunities and departments at Warwick
Explore our postgraduate courses to find MRes and PhD opportunities that are available.
Some department webpages also have information about other specific MRes or PhD opportunities, and the processes to follow when applying for a Research degree in that department.
Most of our academic departments advise you to contact prospective supervisors in advance of applying, to discuss how your research interests may be compatible with their interests and experience.
Success rates are higher for applicants where the proposed research aligns closely with the university’s supervisory competences.
Be flexible – supervisors have capacity limits on how many doctoral students they take on
You might also need to adapt your proposal to ensure it aligns more closely to the research area of your potential supervisor, but be mindful of deviating too much from what you want to research.
Reach out to your network – you may find previous tutors could support you, or you may come across potential supervisors at conferences/recruitment events.
Contacting a Potential Supervisor
Once you have identified a potential supervisor we recommend contacting them and looking to arrange a meeting to discuss your proposed PhD and their research interest, either face-to-face if distance permits or online or via telephone if needed.
It is likely that they will want to see a version of your research proposal at this stage. Please check our research proposals webpage for more information.
Mention the discipline/topic area in your email and what you are seeking in the Subject heading.
Draft a proposal (if required by the department) and CV outlining your experience and study and attach to the email.
Clarify what you need – are you seeking endorsement for your project/feedback on your research proposal/support in the application process from the informal to formal stage?
Tailor your email to the supervisor’s research area and interests and avoid generic, template emails.
Make sure there is sufficient detail and is not too inaccessibly long (or too short)!
Meeting a potential supervisor
Meeting a potential supervisor is an opportunity for you to persuade them that you are a suitable candidate but also to see if you feel comfortable with the supervisor.
This is important as they will be your mentor for at least 3 years.
During discussions, the potential supervisor will be able to help you focus on your topic and offer advice on how to structure your research.
They may also be able to help you with funding applications. Please note, more guidance on this topic is available on the Warwick Doctoral College website.
Formal Course Application
Once you have discussed your application with your potential supervisor and confirmed that their area of research aligns with your proposal, you are ready to make your course application through our application form.
Writing a Research Proposal
A research proposal is a document explaining what you would like to research for your doctorate. Different academic departments request different things as far as a proposal and/or application is concerned, so it is important that you contact the department to find out any particular requirements before submitting your application.
In general, and if required, your proposal should:
Provide an overview of your research question, explaining why it is of academic and or practical importance.
Outline the main objectives of your research, providing details of two or three key aspects.
Indicate the importance of previous related research and how your own research question might make a useful contribution to the area.
Briefly state the main research techniques (interviews, case studies, modelling etc.) you might use.
Indicate your suggested data collection procedures, indicating sources and any possible difficulties.
Explain the techniques you intend to use.
Add an outline timeline of activities.
You can find each academic department's individual research proposal requirements listed in the table on this page.
