Seminars

Initial Seminar

The final research proposal

Candidates enrolled in a research program are required to submit a detailed research proposal. In some cases the initial proposal can be detailed enough to serve as final research proposal, but generally a detailed research proposal will only be developed after a few months of work. The final research proposal is formally approved after presentation of the initial seminar as part of the confirmation of candidature process. This process should be completed within 12 months (or 18 months for part time students). Procedures for finalising the research proposal are normally as follows:

  • The candidate develops the final research proposal in consultation with the chair and other members of the supervisory panel. The candidate is advised to do this preferably within a few months of commencement.
  • The candidate uses the research proposal as the basis for the initial seminar, during which s/he presents what has been done so far (generally within 9 months of commencement for full-time students).
  • The seminar assessors evaluate the research proposal as part of the assessment of the initial seminar.
  • The candidate is expected to take into account comments made by the assessors and if necessary modify the proposal.  

What should the proposal contain?

The research proposal generally further develops or refines the proposal handed in as part of the application process. It should take into account work carried out since enrolment and comments from supervisors. At the time of the submission of the final research proposal, sufficient work should have been carried out to define the project with confidence.

It is essential that the proposed thesis topic is narrowly focused, and that the proposal gives full details of the research demonstrating its do-ability. Proposals may be rejected because the research topic is too broad or too simplistic, and the description of the research is too general or too vague.

In order for the University to judge content, quality, necessary resources, and likely cost of the research, the candidate must provide enough details to answer the following questions:

  • Are the aims of the study clear and well defined?
  • Have the outcomes of the research been realistically considered?
  • Has the usefulness of the research been established?
  • Has the candidate some understanding of existing research in the field?
  • Can the candidate show how the proposed research fits in with existing knowledge?
  • What are the proposed methods?
  • Are the proposed methods appropriate?
  • Does the candidate have the necessary research skills, and if not, how will those skills be acquired?
  • Does the University have the necessary resources, and if not, does the candidate know where they can be found?
  • Has the candidate had the research cleared with regard to ethical considerations where necessary?
  • Has the candidate identified likely costs?

Structuring the research proposal

As a general rule, a detailed research proposal will be between 4 to 14 pages long. Ideas should be presented in a clear and readable manner.

The following headings should guide the preparation of final research proposals. The structure and content suited to a particular research proposal should be discussed and developed with the supervisor.

  • Name of candidate, qualification and ID
  • Degree enrolled for
  • Names of members of the supervisory panel
  • Proposed title (concise and descriptive)
  • Description of the project
    • Context for research
    • Review of the relevant research:
      • demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the topic
      • demonstrates the candidates ability to organize and judge academic material
      • provides a framework for the research
      • Justification for the project: why is this project important?
      • Methodology, methods and justification. Why was this method chosen and not another? How will this method provide the data needed?
      • Intended outcomes. Can include possibilities for dissemination of the project, impact, implications and limitations of the research.
  • Location of research, with reasons for choosing this location
  • Resources required
  • Budget (in general terms)
  • Timetable (in general terms), including expected completion date
  • Approvals and permits (if necessary). Many projects are subject to approval by an ethics committee. Research involving human participants requires approval of the UC Committee for Ethics in Human Research (for more information see http://www.canberra.edu.au/secretariat/ethics/human_ethics/manual.html ) Research involving vertebrate animals requires approval from the UC Committee for Ethics in Animal Experimentation (for more information see http://www.canberra.edu.au/research/ethics/animal).
  • Reference list for all texts cited in the proposal

Before handing in the proposal

Check with the supervisor that all the particular requirements for the degree and Faculty have been covered in the proposal.

Read carefully for errors. Dont rely entirely on the word processors spelling and grammar checks. A poorly presented research proposal will not inspire confidence.

Sections 5.4.2 and 6.4.3 in Part 5 and Part 6 of the Gold Book, available at http://www.canberra.edu.au/research/policies/goldbook provide detailed information on UC policies concerning the research proposal.