Dissertation proposals & research questions

Writing and agreeing your proposal

Your dissertation supervisor will probably provide you with a template or tell you exactly what information is required
You will need to know what the rationale is for your study? (what do you want to study and why?)
Prepare your outline plan
Check it with your supervisor
You will need to gain any relevant permission (ethics) and complete an ethical approval form
Revise your proposal as your supervisor advises

Student advice

Writing your dissertation proposal

Give yourself time to explore your options when putting your proposal together.

You’ll feel better knowing you have a good basis to work from and this will also reduce the work you’ll need to do when it comes to starting in September – when you’re busy learning all about your new modules at the same time.

Writing a research question

When you have an idea of what you’d like answers to, you can start to refine your questions.

Make sure your questions are specific and not too broad – consider how they are connected with your topic.

A good research question will…

Define an investigation
Set boundaries (Remember your limitations)
Provide direction
Act as a frame of reference for assessing your work

(Adapted from O’Leary, 2017, 37)

Research Presentations

You may also be required to do a short (around ten minute) presentation, giving the rationale, your area of study, the research question, and timescale for when you will have completed this research.

Once you have completed your proposal and presentation, you will have much more freedom to go and do the research that you set out in your proposal.