A research proposal outlines the research you want to conduct. It’s an important part of your PhD or Research Masters application.
Your research proposal helps you communicate key parts of your research, including the topic, context, methodology and timeline. While there are many ways to write a research proposal, this is a guide to the main things we expect to see.
Remember, this is just the start. Your research, methodology and ideas are likely to evolve over time.
If you're planning to study in one of these faculties, download and use their template to prepare your research proposal:
- Science template
- Design, Architecture and Building template
- Health template
- Transdisciplinary School template
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences template
If you're planning to study in another faculty, use our guide to develop and write your research proposal.
Contact us if you’re unsure which faculty aligns to your research.
Faculty preferences
Before you start, look at your potential faculty’s pre-approval process. Some faculties prefer an expression of interest first, others prefer you approach a supervisor with a research proposal written.
Either way, you should discuss the requirements of your research proposal with your faculty and potential supervisor prior to applying.
How long should a research proposal be?
There’s no set format or length for a research proposal although it should be at least two pages in length.
