How to write a research proposal

You will need to submit a research proposal with your PhD application. This is crucial in the assessment of your application and it warrants plenty of time and energy.

The research proposal is a key part of the assessment of your application. Your submission should be no more than 1,500 words in total (including references.) Please provide a word count with your submission. If over length, the submission will be returned to you.

While you are encouraged to discuss your ideas with a prospective supervisor, the content of your proposal must be your own original work, written in your own words.

Present your case clearly and concisely. Use the subheadings below to help structure your proposal and outline the work you intend to undertake. While you do not need to address every point listed, these guidelines are designed to assist you in organising your ideas effectively.

Title

Your research proposal should include a working title for your project.

Overview of the research

In this section, you should provide a short overview of your research. You should also state how your research fits into the research priorities of your particular subject area.

Here you can refer to the research areas and priorities of a particular research grouping or supervisor.

You must also state precisely why you have chosen to apply to the discipline area and how your research links into our overall profile.

Positioning of the research

This should reference the most important texts related to the research, demonstrate your understanding of the research issues, and identify existing gaps (both theoretical and practical) that the research is intended to address.

Research design and methodology

This section should identify the information that is necessary to carry out the analysis and the possible research techniques that could deliver the information.

Ethical considerations

You should identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research. Please discuss your research with your proposed supervisor to see how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance, and ensure that your proposed supervisor is happy for you to proceed with your application.

References

Your research proposal will be used to assess the quality and originality of your ideas, whether you are able to think critically and whether you have a grasp of the relevant literature. It also gives us important information about the perspectives you intend to take on your research area, and how you fit into the department's research profile overall. This is helpful when assigning a supervisor.

If you are applying to study an Economics postgraduate research programme, our advice and requirements are slightly different:

Supervisors

We encourage you to discuss your proposal informally with a potential supervisor before making a formal application to ensure it is of mutual interest.

Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to allocate you to the supervisor you initially contact and that we may allocate you to another expert in the area.

Flexibility

You will not be forced to follow the proposal exactly once you have started to study. It is normal for students to refine their original proposal, in light of detailed literature review, further consideration of research approaches and comments received from your supervisors (and other academic staff).

Plagiarism and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your research proposal should reflect your individual academic thinking. While generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT and similar) may seem useful, applicants are strongly advised not to rely on AI-generated content. Proposals that show limited independent thought or depend heavily on descriptive, AI-produced text are unlikely to be successful.

You are expected to demonstrate:

  • A clear and original research idea
  • Critical engagement with relevant literature
  • Awareness of the broader academic context
  • A well-reasoned approach to your proposed study

If AI tools are used (e.g. for background research or idea development), they must be used sparingly, and any content drawn from them must be:

  • Critically evaluated
  • Clearly acknowledged and cited according to academic referencing standards

Presenting AI-generated content as your own without appropriate attribution is considered plagiarism and will be treated as academic misconduct.

The University uses plagiarism detection tools as part of its assessment process. Your final proposal should reflect your own planning, reasoning, and academic voice. While it is natural for research proposals to build on prior studies or existing literature, it is essential that the work you submit is entirely your own and properly referenced.

Pitfalls to avoid

Applicants who meet the academic requirements but have not produced a satisfactory research proposal will be unsuccessful, therefore:

  • Make sure that your research idea, question or problem is very clearly stated and well-grounded in academic research.
  • Make sure that your proposal is well focused and conforms exactly to the submission requirements described here.
  • Poorly specified, jargon-filled or rambling proposals will not convince us that you have a clear idea of what you want to do.

Example proposals

Further help

The following books may help you to prepare your research proposal (as well as in doing your research degree).

  • Bell, J. (1999): Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education & Social Science, (Oxford University Press, Oxford).
  • Baxter, L, Hughes, C. and Tight, M. (2001): How to Research, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
  • Cryer, P. (2000): The Research Student's Guide to Success, (Open University, Milton Keynes).
  • Delamont, S., Atkinson, P. and Parry, O. (1997): Supervising the PhD, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).
  • Philips, E. and Pugh, D. (2005): How to get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors, (Open University Press, Milton Keynes).

Contact us

If you need help and advice about your application, contact the Postgraduate Admissions Team.

Admissions contacts

University guidelines

You may also find it useful to read the advice and guidance on the University website about writing a proposal for your research degree application.

Visit the University website