How to Write a Successful Research Proposal
Ideas that change everything - write yours into reality
Who needs to write a research proposal?
You’ll usually need to write a research proposal if you’re applying to propose your own research.
Your proposal needs to convince supervisors and funders that your research is original, valuable, and feasible.
If you’re an occasional student you’ll also need to write a research proposal.
If you’re applying for an advertised PhD, you normally won’t need to write such a document. The project’s aims and objectives are already defined and a supervisor has usually been assigned.
What to include in your research proposal
A good starting point is learning the core elements and essential structure of a research proposal.
A strong research proposal (typically 1,000–2,000 words) should:
- present a clear, focused, and original research question
- explain why your research is important and how it contributes to your field
- describe the data, sources, or materials you’ll use
- outline your methods and approach
- state what you aim to discover by the end of your project
Step-by-step guide to writing an effective research proposal
Follow our step-by-step guide to planning, writing and refining your proposal.
It’s time to turn your idea into a research plan.
If your proposal is successful, you’ll have the opportunity to refine and strengthen it during your first few months at Newcastle University.
Step 4: State your research objectives
- list specific objectives your study aims to achieve
- make sure they are aligned with your research question
- explain why you think it is important to conduct this research project – how does it fill a gap or solve a problem?
- highlight potential benefits for academia, society, or policy
- explain why this should take place at Newcastle University – outline academics or research groups that you feel are relevant
Step 5: Choose your research methodology
- decide whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods
- explain your data collection methods (surveys, interviews, experiments, etc)
- describe sampling techniques, instruments, and procedures
- address any safety or ethical considerations if applicable
- outline if you would need any training in any of the methodology proposed
Step 6: Write the proposal structure
A typical research proposal includes:
- Title: concise and descriptive
- Abstract: brief summary
- Introduction: background, significance, and problem statement
- Literature review: summary of previous research and gaps
- Research question/objectives: clear and precise
- Methodology: design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues
- Expected results/outcomes: what you hope to discover
- Timeline: realistic plan for completing each stage
- Budget: estimated costs
- References: and bibliography
Step 9: Follow submission guidelines
- adhere strictly to the format, length, and style required
- include all required sections and documents
- the research proposal can only be accepted for consideration when it is accompanied by a completed Newcastle University Postgraduate Application Form
Tips for success
- be clear and concise - avoid unnecessary jargon
- show originality and relevance
- align objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes
- demonstrate feasibility and your capability to complete the project
- find your supervisor
- look for funding at the same time as writing your proposal (if needed)
Don’t forget - research proposal requirements vary. If you're unsure what to include, contact the relevant research admissions team for guidance.
