Writing a research proposal can seem a daunting prospect but once you understand what is expected of you it is a lot less intimidating.
Firstly, you need to think of a topic and title of the project. Think about what authors, periods, topics, etc. that you found engaging during your studies so far. Was there any work you produced that you think could be expanded upon? Any gaps in current research that can be filled? It helps to read around any potential topics as much as possible for this.
You may find it helpful to read previous successful research proposals online to understand how they are structured. Most universities have examples on their website. For Durham University, research proposals should be no more than 750 words.
Now, to justify the topic…
The reader will want you to be clear about why you chose your particular topic. Why the author/s you propose? How does your work contribute to existing knowledge? What is your theoretical framework for the project? What research methods will you use? Why is your topic important? What is new about it? Be specific in answering these questions. It is important to situate your proposed topic within existing criticism and explain why it is different/new (this also helps to demonstrate your knowledge of your proposed field of study).
Next, the structure
You need to think about the structure of your proposed project. How many chapters do you envision it being? What will these chapters consist of? Think about the duration of the project – does the scale of your project reflect the length of time you expect to complete it in? For example, a PhD thesis in English Literature generally takes 3-4 years to complete, and the expected length is around 85,000 words to 100,000. Consider the scale of your project and whether it is feasible to complete it in this time.
Funding?
For potential PhD students, you will want to consider if you want to apply for funding. At Durham, the two main funding bodies are Northern Bridge, and Durham China Scholarship. Details about funding can be found on the Durham University website. Make sure to check the deadlines for funding as it is often quite early in the year.
Finally, ask for help!
I reached out to a few lecturers and tutors of mine who were familiar with me and my work and asked if they would be able to read a draft of my research proposal and provide feedback. They were all very happy to provide me with suggestions to improve my proposal, and their feedback was invaluable to me. Remember, it is important to contact a potential supervisor to ask if they are happy to supervise the project. If they are interested in the project, they are very likely to support you in improving your research proposal
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