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Research proposal

Within six months (FTE) of first enrolment, all higher degree by research (HDR) students must submit a comprehensive research proposal as part of the formal requirement for the completion of the degree.

While the research proposal will be loosely based on the research outline prepared for admission to the degree, it will provide a more comprehensive guide to the literature, method, methodology, structure and timeframe of your research.

The research proposal is used to assess whether the research program is feasible, as well as whether progress has been satisfactory. It is an action plan for candidature and a major reference point in the planning and review process. The research proposal is aligned with the Statement of Agreement and will explain how the Research Degree Graduate Qualities will be developed.

Supervisors' input into the development of the research proposal is crucial.

Research proposal and thesis  |  Milestones and requirements for candidature

 

Provisional enrolment and confirmation of candidature

The research proposal must be approved by the Division or Institute Research Management Committee for confirmation of candidature to occur and before an HDR student can proceed with their research.

Until the research proposal is accepted, commencing HDR students are enrolled provisionally.

For students in research professional doctorate programs, confirmation of candidature requires the completion of 18 units of the coursework component, approved by the program director, within the six months (FTE) of commencement.

The length of provisional candidacy is counted as part of the total time to undertake the degree. Doctoral students have a maximum of 3.5 years (FTE) to complete but should aim to complete their degree within a maximum of 3 years (FTE). Masters by Research students have a total of 2 years (FTE) candidacy to complete their degree.

Students who exceed the time limits are required to pay tuition fees to the University.

See the academic regulations for more details.


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Research proposal review process

Divisions and institutes differ in procedure for approving research proposals and students should consult the academic regulations, policies and codes, their supervisor or research degree coordinator for details.

The required process is outlined by the academic regulations but the following steps are typically involved in research proposal development and review.

  1. HDR student and supervisors complete a Statement of Agreement, outlining the negotiated timeframe for getting the research proposal approved, including lodgement of drafts and return of comments by the supervisor. If a timely research proposal cannot be lodged the student must request permission to extend the timeframe - at least one month in advance - normally for a maximum of three months.
  2. Following approval by supervisors, copies of the written research proposal are lodged with the research degree coordinator.
  3. The proposal is reviewed by a panel and a determination is made. Either:
    1. the proposal is accepted OR
    2. amendments are required for the proposal to be accepted and candidature to be confirmed OR
    3. the research proposal should not be approved and the student may be suspended.
  4. The research proposal, along with a recommendation from the review panel regarding confirmation of candidature, goes to the Dean of Graduate Studies and the student is advised of the outcome.
  5. If the research proposal is accepted, the date of confirmation of candidacy is reported to the Graduate Studies Office. If the research proposal is not considered acceptable, it is returned to the student with written information indicating why it was not acceptable: the student will have to make revisions in conjunction with the supervisor and re-lodge the proposal for further consideration in a given timeframe. Students who do not have their research proposal approved within the maximum time allowed, will have their candidature suspended, but may apply for readmission. Refer to the academic regulations for details.

Division and institute requirements

Note: There may also be school-based requirements.


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Resources for preparing the research proposal

Guidelines

  1. Statement of the research topic and rationale for the research
  2. Research methodology
  3. Trial table of contents
  4. Brief bibliography

University guidelines for Masters theses stipulate that the research will make 'a contribution to knowledge and/or the application of knowledge within the field of study' and that a PhD will make 'a significant original contribution to knowledge and/or the application of knowledge within the field of study'.


Forms


Research proposal examples

You can deposit your research proposal or its abstract in the eResearch Degree Candidate Proposal Collection (Library).

Searching the collection
The @eResources Degree Candidate Proposal collection can be searched using the Library Catalogue.

To search for a title list of submitted proposals:

Quick Search screen showing Quick Limits

To search for a subject list of submitted proposals:

Note: to access the full text of a proposal you will need to Login to the Library Catalogue using your University Username and Password.

 

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