What do I need to do before I start Who do I need to speak to Potential supervisorsPhD studentsreferees What do I need to read or research What do I want to aim for What do the instructions say ID: 1046177
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1. Designing a good research proposal
2. What do I need to do before I start?- Who do I need to speak to? (Potential supervisors/PhD students/referees?)- What do I need to read or research? - What do I want to aim for?- What do the instructions say?
3. Who is your research funder?- what is the organisation’s mission?- what are their main interests and activities?- what research topics have they funded recently? What do they say in their latest annual report on research? What approaches and methods do they seem to favour?- what rules do they have for submission?- what criteria do they use to judge proposals?From Denicolo and Becker, Developing Research Proposals, p. 13
4. The instructions http://senss-dtp.ac.uk/apply/https://senss-dtp.ac.uk/application-faqs Eligibility? (International/Home student, grades?)What do you need to demonstrate?What is the process?What are the deadlines?
5. Page 5Research Proposal Title – maximum 150 charactersResearch Proposal Abstract – maximum 4000 characters Research Proposal – maximum 10,000 charactersPersonal StatementResearch Proposal – SeNSS Instructions
6. Page 6 Research Proposal – maximum 10,000 charactersPlease ensure your proposal follows the structure outlined below: Description of your research proposal (if your proposal uses advanced quantitative methods (AQM), please ensure you explain this)Research background and questionsResearch methods Proposed timeline Proposed impact Research Proposal
7. Page 7Personal Statement - 500 wordsResearch ProposalYour reasons for applying Why you think you deserve a studentship;Why you wish to study with SeNSS, and how you plan to take advantage of the opportunities SeNSS offers its students; and,Your preparedness for the demands of postgraduate life by discussing your passion for your topic, as well as your existing knowledge and experience.
8. Page 8Personal Statement – 500 wordsResearch ProposalYour career goals In particular, your long-term career ambitions, and how a SeNSS studentship relates to these. Your wider skillset In particular, highlight your relevant skills and knowledge that will enable you to make an impact; Let us know about any awards you've won, placements you've undertaken, or conferences you've attended which have either helped prepare you for your research project, or which make you an excellent candidate for a SeNSS studentship.
9. Assessment CriteriaPage 9The following three categories of criteria will be used to assess applications across all pathways and degree formatsEvidence of the quality and feasibility of the proposal (40%) Evidence that you are well-prepared for your proposed research and future career (40%)Evidence of the suitability of the proposed supervision and training (20%)
10. Is my topic feasible?- Can I get it done in 3 years? What are the processes involved?- What resources will are need? Are these resources available?- What technical skills might I need? Will I be able to learn these AND do the PhD?- Can I access the information? What information is available?- What levels of risk are attached to the topic?- Do conceptual or theoretical frameworks exist to understand underlying/fundamental issues?- Can key terms be clearer defined?- How fast will things be changing in the field? Will the research become out of date easily?- What are the ethical implications of my research?Desmond Thomas
11. Funnel structure: what is your proposal?Saunders and Lewis (2011)
12. METHODS AND METHODOLOGY1. What is the source of my data?2. Who do I have to speak to?3. How am I speaking to them?4. How will I analyse my results?
13. METHODS AND METHODOLOGY1. Explain the methodological approach2. Describe the method for collecting data3. Describe the methods for data analysis
14. ABSTRACTSLOCATEFOCUSREPORTARGUEEntering into existing debates (find your place in the field)How are you being original?Identify specific questions/issues you want to investigateOutlining the ‘how’: method/ sampleTake a stance: why is this significant? (so what) – link back to locateWhat is your specific contribution?Adapted from Kamler and Thomson, Helping Doctoral Students Write (2014)
15. Advice- brainstorm against the guidance to ensure you have covered everything the funder is asking for- draft and redraft – you need to discover what is key and cut out what is unnecessary- don’t be intimidated!- get feedback from people (friends and family as well as potential supervisors! – remember communication is key, and not just to subject specialists)- your funders want to know the project can be completed- be realistic: better to make a slight change to the field and be dense and detailed than vague and over-ambitious- Do mock interviews: prepare yourself to be challenged