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The Research Proposal

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

Please check the individual academic department requirements below.

J (no definitions) K (no definitions)
N (no definitions) O (no definitions) Q (no definitions) U (no definitions) V (no definitions) X (no definitions) Y (no definitions) Z (no definitions)

M

Mathematics for Real-World Systems Doctoral Training Centre

Please contact the Centre for specific research proposal requirements.

Mathematics Institute, Warwick

Students are encouraged to contact the department directly before submitting a proposal.

Medical School, Warwick

All students are required to submit a Purpose of Study' statement of not more than 1000 words showing:

  • Why you want to do a research degree
  • Your area of interest
  • What you think are the most important research questions in your area
  • Some indication of how you might go about answering one of those questions
Modern Languages and Cultures, School of

Please contact the School of Modern Languages and Cultures for specific research proposal requirements.

Molecular Analytical Sciences (MAS DTC)

Students are encouraged to contact the department directly before they submit a research proposal.