Research Proposals

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Research Proposals

Presenting a compelling, feasible, and well-structured research plan

Articulate your research ideas with clarity and direction. Learn how to define your question, demonstrate relevance, and present a focused, feasible plan for graduate study.

Applying to Research-Based Programmes?

Use our research proposal templates, samples, and workshops to develop a clear and feasible proposal.

Access Research Proposal Guide

What is a Research Proposal?

A research proposal is a concise document (usually 1–3 pages) outlining:

The topic you want to explore

The problem or question you aim to address

The approach/methodology you plan to use

The significance of your research

Purpose: It helps admissions committees evaluate the feasibility of your proposed study, your grasp of the research landscape, and how well your interests align with the program and faculty expertise.

the feasibility of your proposed study
your understanding of the research landscape
alignment with departmental and faculty expertise
readiness for independent research

When Do You Need a Research Proposal?

Program Applications

Applying to MPhil, PhD, or research-track Master’s programmes

Funding Applications

Applying for funded programmes or external fellowships

Supervisor Consent

Reaching out to secure supervisor interest or consent

Tip:

Always check the programme’s official website - some require a full proposal, while others ask for a research interests statement.

What a Strong Research Proposal Demonstrates

Focused Research Question

Clearly define a specific, relevant, and researchable question or problem

Context & Scholarship

Situate your work within existing research, debates, and key literature

Significance

Explain why your research matters to the field, theory, or practice

Methodology

Design a clear, appropriate, and feasible approach to your research

Feasibility

Show that your project is realistic in scope, time, and available resources

Programme Fit

Demonstrate alignment with the programme, faculty, and research strengths

Using AI to Support Proposal Development (Responsibly)

AI tools can support early-stage thinking and refinement, but should not replace your work. Appropriate uses include:

brainstorming research questions
identifying structural gaps
improving clarity and transitions
suggesting keywords or references to explore

1. Generating Research Questions

“Suggest three focused research questions on the relationship between urban migration and gender in South Asia. Prioritise questions that are feasible for a Master’s or PhD project, grounded in recent social science literature, and suitable for qualitative or mixed-methods research.”

To strengthen further, you can add:

country or city focus
population group
theoretical lens (e.g. feminist economics, urban sociology)

2. Clarifying or Strengthening Methodology

“Review the methodology section below and identify where it lacks clarity, feasibility, or alignment with my research question. Suggest ways to strengthen it while keeping the scope realistic for a graduate-level project.”

Helpful follow-ups:

“Are the proposed data sources appropriate for this question?”
“What methodological risks should I address?”

3. Exploring Research Directions Within a Field

“Brainstorm potential research directions in public health related to air pollution that would be appropriate for a research-based Master’s or PhD. For each direction, briefly note the type of data required and the potential policy or practical relevance.”

Optional additions:

geographic region
preferred methodology
alignment with a specific discipline or programme

4. Refining Focus and Scope

“My current research idea is [DESCRIBE]. Help me narrow this into a focused research question that is feasible within a one- to three-year graduate programme.”

5. Testing Programme or Supervisor Fit

“Based on this draft proposal, what aspects of programme or faculty fit should I explicitly highlight when applying to research-focused graduate programmes?”