Written Research Proposal

Once the project has been selected, the first thing you are required to do is submit a written research proposal to formally outline the project (normally no more than 10 pages in length for 12 unit projects and 5 pages for 6 unit projects). At least the following items need to be covered:

1. Name of Student
2. Supervisor(s)
3. Title of Project
4. Introduction. This briefly sets the proposed project in the context of existing work and describes the fundamental problem to be investigated.
5. Aims, Relevance and Significance of Project
6. Research Plan and Methods
7. Expected Outcomes. This section can include any preliminary results which you (and sometimes, your supervisor) have already obtained.
8. Timetable of Activities
9. Facilities Required. A list of available resources is given in appendix 8. Any perceived requirement for additional support must be taken up with your supervisor.
10. Bibliography

This proposal is the first research assignment. Although it will not be formally assessed, unsatisfactory submissions may be returned for rewriting. Submit a draft of the proposal to your supervisor in advance of the deadline for review. The proposal gives your supervisor an early opportunity to comment on your writing style before you begin to assemble more crucial documents. The literature review must be submitted to your supervisor and your reader.