Research Proposal: do you know the research proposal is one of the important and more weightage documents for the evaluation of your applications. If you apply anywhere (for scholarships, admissions) in an international university then you have to submit a research proposal. Now here are some questions, how to write a research proposal for master or PhD studies? Research proposal structure? How to write a research proposal outline? Research proposal steps?

In this post, I will let you know about the research proposal, research proposal structure, and how to prepare. Actually research proposal is not only a single document it is your proposed idea to solve the problems in any kind of challenge and a brief description of the detailed plan with what to do, how to do, and what will be the expected outcomes of this research. Documents for scholarships. Research proposal for scholarships.

If you are interested to avail any international opportunity such as fully funded scholarships in international universities to study abroad then your all documents must be attractive and impressive with good word selection. Scholarships abroad are very competitive and the selection committee evaluates the applications according to your submitted documents and the validity, value, worth, and feasibility of that documents (a proposal, ideas). Research proposal for Study abroad on fully-funded scholarships.

Guidelines for Making Effective Research Proposals for your Scholarships are given below;

Importance of Research Proposal

  • It is used to establish whether there is expertise to support your proposed area of research
  • It forms part of the assessment of your application
  • The research proposal you submit as part of your application is just the starting point, as your ideas evolve your proposed research is likely to change

How long it should be?

It should be 2,000–3,500 words (3-5 pages) long.

What should be included in my research proposal?

Your proposal should include the following:

  • Title, or Topic
  • Background and Rationale
  • Research Objectives/ Research Questions
  • Methodology (Research Methodology)
  • Timeline Framework (Plan of work and time schedule)
  • References (bibliography)

Here below, it explained one by one of each part of a Research Proposal

1. Titile

  • Your title should give a clear indication of your proposed research approach or key question

Topic Selection

If you have any innovative ideas then it would be best but if you are confused to choose a topic then follows as First search or research on the internet, google, google scholar and other sources of latest research papers provider, I will recommend you to search in SCOPUS and read the latest research papers within 2 to 5 years related to your research areas. And generate your topic modification by getting an idea from that research.

2. Background and Rationale

You should include:

  • the background and issues of your proposed research
  • identify your discipline
  • a short literature review
  • a summary of key debates and developments in the field

3. Research Objectives/Questions

You should formulate these clearly, giving an explanation as to what problems and issues are to be explored and why they are worth exploring

4. Research Methodology

You should provide an outline of:

  • the theoretical resources to be drawn on
  • the research approach (theoretical framework)
  • the research methods appropriate for the proposed research
  • a discussion of advantages as well as limits of particular approaches and methods

5. Timeline Framework

You should include an outline of the various stages and corresponding timelines for developing and implementing the research, including writing up your thesis.

6. References or Bibliography

You should include:

  • a list of references to key articles and texts discussed within your research proposal
  • a selection of sources appropriate to the proposed research

Thank you very much, I hope this article will help you to define your documents.

You can also check:

Documents Required for Scholarship Applications-How to Prepare?

How to Make your Impressive C?

Click Here


Muhammad Usman

Postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Science (formally Tokyo Tech).

2 Comments

Muhammad Suhail · December 16, 2019 at 7:23 AM

Can i prepare my research proposal on my own choice? Where i did research in M.Sc (hon).
while having writing proposal what type of problems i should write 1- in Pakistan 2- or where i should applying for PhD?

  • Leave a Reply

    Avatar placeholder

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *