The Research Proposal is a document of approximately 10,000 (PhD) or 5,000 (Masters) words – which needs to include the following:
- Updated research question (from that outlined in the student’s application)
- Draft chapters of the introduction, full literature review and planned methodology appropriate to the discipline
- The original contribution to knowledge (PhD only) / synthesis for Masters,
- A bibliography/reference list and an academic integrity check (draft text matching software)
- A summary of work completed during the past 12 months (FTE)
- A completion plan of what needs to be achieved in the next 12 months
- Indication of if ethics approval is required for the project and if an application for ethics has been lodged.
Different disciplines have different requirements of the Research Proposal, therefore this is just a guide. Speak with your supervision team or HDR Coordinator for your college for specific information.