Writing your Research Proposal

If you have to write a Dissertation or Extended Project this year, you may be asked to submit a Research Proposal. This is a justification for your work (ie proving why it is worth doing), a work-plan and evidence of your ability to plan and carry out the study.

Here are a few ideas of what you might include, and in what order...:

• Background information / context of your topic. 
• Your Title (so far – this could change later).
• The overall Aims for your project – what you mean to do, why it is necessary.
• A short Literature Review – some indicative sources, show there is relevant information out there.
• Your Methodology – which approach you will use and why; how you will carry out your research and why you chose this method; with whom? When? Where? 

• Any problems that you anticipate, and how you will overcome them.
• Ethical considerations (eg confidentiality, consent, data protection).
• Potential outcomes – summarise what you hope will emerge from your work (eg “a guide to good practice…”, “detailed insight into…” etc) NB don’t second guess the results.
• A Timeline or Gantt Chart outlining your plan for carrying out the work.
• A Reference List / Bibliography.

Further information and guidance for writing extended projects is available in the "Dissertations" folder here.