Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic.
The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.
One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.
Download our research proposal template
Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.
Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:
The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.
Your introduction should:
To guide your introduction , include information about:
As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.
In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:
Following the literature review, restate your main objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.
? or ? , , or research design? | |
, )? ? | |
, , , )? | |
? |
To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.
For example, your results might have implications for:
Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .
Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.
Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.
Download our research schedule template
Research phase | Objectives | Deadline |
---|---|---|
1. Background research and literature review | 20th January | |
2. Research design planning | and data analysis methods | 13th February |
3. Data collection and preparation | with selected participants and code interviews | 24th March |
4. Data analysis | of interview transcripts | 22nd April |
5. Writing | 17th June | |
6. Revision | final work | 28th July |
If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.
Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:
To determine your budget, think about:
Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.
Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.
I will compare …
A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.
Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.
A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.
A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.
A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.
All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.
Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.
Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.
McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, June 13). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 9 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/research-proposal-explained/
Other students also liked, what is a research methodology | steps & tips, what is a literature review | guide, template, & examples, how to write a results section | tips & examples.
Free Download
The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a convincing proposal and get your dissertation or research project approved.
Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads
Step-by-step instructions
Tried & tested academic format
Fill-in-the-blanks simplicity
Pro tips, tricks and resources
This free proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources. The template covers the following core elements:
The Google Doc can be copied to your Google Drive 0r downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), which you can also use in LaTeX.
100% Free to use. Instant access.
I agree to receive the free template and other useful resources.
Download Now (Instant Access)
Research proposal template faqs, what types of research proposals can this template be used for.
The proposal template follows the standard format for academic research projects, which means it will be suitable for the vast majority of dissertations and theses (especially those within the sciences), whether they are qualitative or quantitative in terms of design.
Keep in mind that the exact requirements for the introduction chapter/section will vary between universities and degree programs. These are typically minor, but it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.
This template can be used for a research project at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the research proposal to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.
The length of a research proposal varies by institution and subject, but as a ballpark, it’s usually between 1,500 and 3,000 words.
To be safe, it’s best to check with your university if they have any preferences or requirements in terms of minimum and maximum word count for the research propsal.
You don’t need to go into the fine details of your methodology, but this section should be detailed enough to demonstrate that your research approach is feasible and will address your research questions effectively. Be sure to include your intended methods for data collection and analysis.
Generally, yes. This can strengthen your proposal by demonstrating the feasibility of your research. However, make sure that your pilot study is approved by your university before collecting any data.
Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, we kindly request that you reference this page as your source.
The research proposal template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.
Yes, we do. We are constantly developing our collection of free resources to help students complete their dissertations and theses. You can view all of our template resources here .
Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services .
If you’re working on a research proposal, you’ll also want to check these out…
1-On-1 Private Coaching
Research Proposal Bootcamp
The Grad Coach YouTube Channel
The Grad Coach Podcast
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
This list explores various research topic ideas related to financial planning, focusing on the effects of financial literacy, the adoption of digital tools, taxation policies, and the role of financial advisors. Evaluating the impact of financial literacy on individual financial planning effectiveness.
Best Banking And Finance Sector Research Topics For MBA Students. The role of the stock market in economic development. Examining the factors affecting stock market volatility. Impact of high-frequency trading on financial markets. Exploring the relationship between corporate governance and stock prices. The role of derivatives in managing ...
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to compose a research proposal: Title: Create a clear and concise title that reflects the essence of your research. Introduction: Provide background information on the research topic. Clearly state the research problem or question. Justify the importance and relevance of your research.
Opting for relevant finance thesis topics ensures that your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and addresses contemporary issues in finance. Choosing a dissertation topic relevant to the industry can make a meaningful impact and advance understanding in your chosen area. 2. Personal Interest.
To ensure you stay ahead in the game, we've compiled a list of MBA finance topics for a paper to research. Role of finance in the transition to clean energy. Impact of intergenerational wealth transfer on the global economy. Fiscal planning in global corporations. Leadership and its impact on financial decision-making.
Top 15 Banking And Finance Project Topics On Banking Technology And Cybersecurity. Blockchain Technology and its Impact on Banking Security. Artificial Intelligence Applications in Banking Cybersecurity. Biometric Authentication Systems in Banking: Advancements and Challenges.
See also 80+ Best Project Topics for Economics Undergraduate Students in 2024. 1. Identify Your Interests. Start by considering your personal interests and passions within the realm of banking and finance. A topic that genuinely excites you will keep you motivated throughout the project.
Your search for the best finance and banking dissertation topics ends right here because, a t ResearchProspect, we help students choose the most authentic and relevant topic for their dissertation projects. Bank taxes, financial management, financial trading, credit management, market analysis for private investors, economic research methods ...
Totally New Topics for Research Proposals in Finance in 2024. The Rise of Fintech in Unbanked Populations: Financial Inclusion Strategies in Fragile States. The difference between traditional and behavioral finance. The impact of budget management on organizational performance.
Banking and finance dissertation topics. Role of micro-loans in the modern financial industry. Online currencies like Bitcoin brought changes in the concept of fiat currencies. Identifying the forces causing American retail banking centres to change. Analysing the treatment of off-balance sheet activities.
Taxation Thesis Topics. 1. Accounting Thesis Topics. The impact of artificial intelligence on financial reporting and compliance. Blockchain technology in accounting: disrupting traditional processes. The role of ethical leadership in promoting sustainable accounting practices.
Research topics in banking and finance have been collected together and presented in the form of an extensive list as below: Implementing blockchain applications in the field of banking and finance: a descriptive approach. Banking and finance post-COVID-19 pandemic: a review of the literature. Studying the effects of monetary policy on banking ...
List of Fintech Dissertation Topics. Understanding blockchain and fintech. Embracing digital transformation with fintech. The impact of fintech on financial innovations. Smart investing with fintech tools. The impact of fintech on businesses. The future of fintech.
This study seeks to examine the impact of operational, liquidity, and credit risks on financial performance (ROA) at national Islamic commercial banks from 2015 to 2021. The model includes control ...
1. Introduction to Recent Research Topics in Ban king and Finance. Fredj Jawadi (University of Evry), [email protected]. Benoît Sévi (University of Grenoble), [email protected] ...
Between 2008 and 2014, the Top 4 banks sharply decreased their lending to small business. This paper examines the lasting economic consequences of this contraction, finding that a credit supply shock from a subset of lenders can have surprisingly long-lived effects on real activity. 26 Jun 2017. Working Paper Summaries.
Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management".
Ingredient #1 - Topic/Title Header. Your research proposal's title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example: "Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the 'reasonable adjustments' made in ...
The Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) is seeking research paper proposals on key topics related to monetary policy, central banking, and banking and finance, with a focus on economies in Asia and the Pacific. ... The Asian Development Bank Institute was established in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan, to help build capacity, skills, and knowledge ...
The first question asks for a ready-made solution, and is not focused or researchable. The second question is a clearer comparative question, but note that it may not be practically feasible. For a smaller research project or thesis, it could be narrowed down further to focus on the effectiveness of drunk driving laws in just one or two countries.
For the Higher Degrees Committee, two copies of the proposal and for the Faculty Academic Ethics Committee three copies of the complete proposal must be handed in to the Faculty Research Administrator, Ms. Helen Selolo, room 7227, Johan Orr Building, Doornfontein Campus, Telephone 406 2660.
Research proposal aims. Relevance. Show your reader why your project is interesting, original, and important. Context. Demonstrate your comfort and familiarity with your field. Show that you understand the current state of research on your topic. Approach. Make a case for your methodology. Demonstrate that you have carefully thought about the ...
Research Proposal Template. The fastest (and smartest) way to craft a convincing proposal and get your dissertation or research project approved. Available in Google Doc, Word & PDF format. 4.9 star rating, 5000+ downloads. Download Now (Instant access)