How To Write A Research Proposal For A Dissertation Or Thesis (With Examples)

Learn how to write a rock-solid dissertation proposal, thesis proposal, or research proposal in this step by step tutorial, including practical examples. We explain how to write a proposal by looking at the 6 essential ingredients of an A-grade dissertation proposal.
OVERVIEW: How to write a research/dissertation/thesis proposal
00:00 Video intro and overview
00:41 Understanding the "why"
05:01 Provisional/working title (how to structure the title, what to include, etc)
08:06 Introduction and research problem (how to build a convincing research problem)
14:27 Literature review (what the literature chapter needs to do)
20:29 Research design/methodology (key design choices)
27:35 References (how and where to cite)
30:18 Practicalities (project management, risk management and ethics)
33:48 Bonus tips Recap & summary
39:31 Recap & summary
If you have any questions about how to write a research proposal, drop a comment below. If you're interested in getting 1-on-1 support with your dissertation or thesis proposal, visit gradcoach.com/
Links mentioned in this video:
- FREE WEBINAR: Research proposal 101 - gradcoach.com/webinar-researc...
- RESEARCH PROPOSAL COURSE: gradcoach.com/proposal-course/
- TEMPLATE: Free research proposal template - gradcoach.com/research-propos...
- EXAMPLE: Sample research proposal - • Research Proposal Exam...
- TEMPLATE: Free Dissertation/thesis template - gradcoach.com/dissertation-th...
- POST: 8 Common research proposal mistakes - gradcoach.com/research-propos...
- FREE CONSULTATION: gradcoach.com/book/
- VIDEO: How to use Mendeley - www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTfVC...
- VIDEO: How to use Zotero - www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RrN...
- VIDEO: How to write a dissertation - • How To Write A Dissert...
- VIDEO: How to write a literature review - • How To Write A Literat...
- VIDEO: Qualitative data analysis 101 - • Qualitative Data Analy...
- EBOOK/COURSE: - Free dissertation writing course: gradcoach.com/dissertation-co...
- POST: Analysis vs description - gradcoach.com/analysis-vs-des...
For more videos regarding how to write a dissertation proposal, thesis proposal or general research proposal, check out the Grad Coach TV KZbin channel at / gradcoach .
Our Socials
🟢 Facebook - / gradcoachintl
🟢 Twitter - / gradcoachdotcom
🟢 LinkedIn - / grad-coach-intl

[@GradCoach]

📄 FREE PROPOSAL TEMPLATE - my.gradcoach.com/download/proposal/ 📹 PROPOSAL EXAMPLE/WALKTHROUGH - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqSYoomXq7qdras 🎓 FREE WEBINARS: gradcoach.com/free-webinars/ 🧑‍🏫 1:1 PROPOSAL HELP - gradcoach.com/dissertation-proposal-help/

[@abdulkreemalquharn5836]

ok

[@africanpoetryghtv3892]

I need the template

[@pakistanigodam5149]

This is what I noted: Why? It should be convincing. Three things for convincing: Crystal clear and well defined Well justified? Unique? Is it worthwhile? Realistic and achievable? How to write a proposal? Essential ingredients: Do a little research about the university what and which format they use? 1. Provisional title: revise and refine always: it should convey the essence concisely. 2. Intro and research problem a. Intro chapter: overview jargon and technology b. Narrow the topic and discuss your topic c. Why and how is the research justified d. Research aims and questions e. Scope: fencing the topic: make clear what’s included and what’s not. 3. Literature Review: a. Show that you Know the existing research and how it fits with you b. Demonstrate the gap in the existing research c. Inform your research design decisions. d. Beware to fall into the trap of descriptive writing, how is it relevant to my topic? 4. Research design or methodology: a. How or what approach? b. Why this approach? c. It can be changed slightly due to the conditions in the future d. Sometimes the data might surprise you so don’t get too wrapped up. e. Essentials are to look at the philosophy, approach(quan/qual), sampling, data types, collection method, analyzing plan or techniques f. Understand the theory and justification 5. Reference List: a. It is key to show research skills with correct references. b. Know the required format c. Never do this manually d. Reference should be in throughout the proposal. 6. Practicalities: a. Anything that relates the practical work. b. Project plan: Gantt Chart, Excel, etc. c. Timespan for each step. d. Resource plan / Budget e. Risk Management plan about the potential risks f. Discussion about the ethical compliance of the institute Bonus tips: Make sure you know your topic clearly Know the literature and the gap finding. Don’t Rush the process Make sure it is Well polished and double-checked

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for sharing your notes :)

[@fernandezcelyneairab.3784]

​Thank You So Much

[@jesseosei3463]

Thank you mate

[@ma.erwynnahcaraoa833]

Thank you so much Grad Coach! This will help a lot.

[@jamesang7861]

Thanks! To Gradcoach and you!

[@liukin95]

Honestly, my lecturers have been trying to explain this to my course all year and you've managed to sum up how to do a research proposal into one 41 minute video. What they couldn't do in 5 months of my second year, you've managed to do in less than an hour! Thank you so much, this video is a massive life saver!

[@terairaibakaua7506]

yeah true...some people are just super talented! keep 'em coming GradCoach!

[@bahijaabadha5130]

All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you 🙏🏾

[@abdulqadirgooni607]

Thanks for your insights and inspirational advice 🙏. I'm planning to write my MA research proposal, but I'm still quite confused with the proper contents or ingredients of solid research proposal in social sciences!

[@joyjoy5326]

Thank u gradcoach

[@adrianoyorkshire]

You're lucky, mine have not even bothered explaining anything about it at all.

[@timethomas8169]

This is definitely a life saving video and thank you so much for explaining it very simple. I have my research proposal to do soon and I didn’t know how to do it really. I have decided to check on KZbin and see if I could get what I needed to have before I start writing my research proposal, then I saw your video and I was really impressed by the contains, then I have decided to watch it and get some ideas. Frankly thank you so much for this video and the time and effort you put into to it to make it worthy for everyone.

[@opeoluwabamiro2373]

This has been the best use of the last 1hour for me. You have explained it so easily that I now have a clear idea of the roadmap and how I will start my research proposal. Thank you. So happy I found your channel. I have shared it with 5 people already.

[@abassiesesay4215]

Absolutely fantastic! You’ve summarized many research methodology textbooks in one presentation in a clear and straightforward way. This is a must watch for anyone undertaking research. And thanks for a brilliant execution.

[@dipanwitaghatak5158]

This was a really honest, informative video, with important, relevant advice. I feel more confident now in tackling my proposal. Thank you !

[@leylaakin5003]

I’m currently writing my Masters proposal. The pandemic makes it extremely difficult, but this video has saved my life! Highly recommend and appreciate this video.

[@andiiinnn]

I couldn't be any happier of watching this. Thankyouuu❤

[@GradCoach]

Glad to hear that! Good luck with your research proposal.

[@lyrical9582]

Crystal CLEAR. Feeling HAPPY to listen and APPLY this. Going to share this widely

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for the kind words. Good luck writing up your research proposal.

[@leratokanomsa]

Thank you so much for making me understand in just 43 minutes what I have been trying to understand for two years since my honors.

[@GradCoach]

You're most welcome!

[@musagondo7909]

Quite a timely opportunity to watch and listen to this audio. It has given me much insight into the techniques of a sound dissertation product. Thank you a great effort.

[@sophieshears7]

Honestly can’t look at the full video right now, but this video seems to be exactly what I’ve been looking for! Gonna save it for later

[@cynthiaokey2370]

Really impactful! To think that I've been battling with proposals. Thanks a bunch, Gradcoach

[@pxscesg2055]

It is my first time writing a research proposal and I have been very clueless on how to do it, but one of my friend recommended this video to me. Youur explanations are easily understandable and very clear too. I am so glad that this video exists. Thank you so much for the video !

[@GradCoach]

Wonderful! Thanks for the feedback - and good luck writing your research proposal :)

[@Toawsome2care]

I can't even begin to explain how helpful this video was. As a new Master's student, I've been feeling pretty lost in what I am actually supposed to do because I've never written a thesis before. This video definitely helped me organize my thoughts and research I have done so far so I can get working on my proposal, and start actually doing the things I'm excited for. Thank you!

[@GradCoach]

Glad it helped!

[@ntuthukoxaba3239]

Thank you Grad coach. You have just made things more simpler and clearer. Big up!!!

[@yinyin2491]

Such an underrated video that saved my life and helps kill time while not in the mood of doing anything else. So enjoyable! Thank you so much!

[@GradCoach]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@sonialilly5688]

​@@GradCoachI am stuggling with my proposal! Trying to locate the correct academic articles etc... 🙈🙈

[@matthewgopane5859]

What an awesome presentation. You made my life much easier. I can see clearly now. Thank you so much!!!

[@fridaingabire726]

You are an effective communicator, simply because you are compassionate, you care much about your audience, you wish they will not make mistakes.... you are the best, keep up. you have helped me with an understanding I never had before. Thank yo.

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for the feedback :)

[@tonygeorge4488]

Grad Coach has been a huge help when trying to navigate the online learning platforms. Thanks for an excellent service. 🙏

[@marklugay5672]

This is really helpful! I would have been working on my thesis for my MBA a year ago but was busy with work so I put the task on the shelf for a year. I'm planning to continue with it this time but I'm not comfortable anymore because I forget some of the basics of research. This video really gives me new encouragement to complete my thesis! Thank you so much!

[@GradCoach]

You're very welcome, Mark - thanks for the feedback! Good luck writing your literature review. You might also want to check out the Grad Coach blog for more dissertation tips - gradcoach.com/blog/

[@daniellejordan8062]

This was exactly what I needed. I'm doing my first proposal and love the clearly written, step by step instructions. Thank you!

[@GradCoach]

Glad it was helpful, Danielle! Good luck writing up your research proposal.

[@mauraburke8926]

Extremely helpful tutorial and very well presented. Would recommend this to anyone writing up a proposal.

[@ChetanPardeshi0204]

So detailed and yet very concise. Thank you for this video. Cleared many things in my mind.

[@lameezmilandavids7952]

I'm fairly new to academe. I threw myself straight into an honours level with a different field of expertise to what I originally studied. I found it exceptionally difficult to grasp not only the new concepts but the skillset required for writing a research proposal. This video was freakishly helpful, thank you!

[@GradCoach]

Thanks, Lameez. All the best for your research proposal :)

[@selmaamakutuwa6083]

Wow,just the direction I wanted to write my research proposal. Very helpful

[@englishizxtreme]

Thanks. This video, session or episode whatever, is just trustworthy. I reckon this is the best video so far i watched about thesis or desertation.its very helpful for newcomers those who don’t know how to write research proposal and also me as well. 👍

[@GradCoach]

Wow, thanks for the kind words. Good luck writing your research proposal :)

[@Pouran_A.]

Thank you so much ! You are an angel ! Please just always be there , love your positive energy and calm tone. Phd proposal was so unclear for me, hope İ can start writing it.

[@katlehokubeka7695]

This has been very helpful towards my understanding of a research proposal. Thank you so much for this.

[@masegomoruakgomo9033]

Thank you so much for this great video, it’s an awesome step by step guide that’ll go a long way in me writing up a good draft proposal. This is my second video, started with the one in finding a topic, after this I’m getting to the literature review video next. Learning a lot. After my draft is done I’m contacting you to assist me before submission. Thank you again!

[@GradCoach]

You're very welcome, Masego. Best of luck with your research proposal :)

[@liamspicer2559]

Thanks for the video. I have an exam in my Research Planning graduate level course tomorrow and you've essentially summarized everything he taught us in 2 months.

[@GradCoach]

Haha that’s great to hear that, Liam. Thanks for the feedback!

[@muleebwajoseph7307]

timely, timely, timely as i embark on my thesis proposal.looking forward to contacting when i most need "that" help.great video.thanks once again Grad Coach.

[@GradCoach]

Best of luck with your research proposal :)

[@derekmurambadoro9647]

Great presentation. Well articulated. It has provided me with a lot of insight in developing my research proposal that I have been struggling with.

[@divyaagarwal6978]

hi there, I am at a Grad school in India and i must say thank you for putting up such a clear and up-front video on writing a proposal.. it helped a lot to do better in my academic researches in my current course. Keep up the good work!

[@GradCoach]

You're very welcome!

[@lorrainebannon9095]

Great step-by step guide and clearly presented - extremely helpful tutorial. Would definitely recommend

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for the kind words, Lorraine. We appreciate the feedback!

[@mammabaldeh276]

its gonna be a long relationship between us, just jumped from clinicals to research, started my masters this year but you have already safe me from submerging, great to have genuine people like you, ready to share knowledge---- Thumbs up

[@GradCoach]

Thanks :)

[@LorraineSamu]

Loves this. I'll share with my research buddies , very helpful and clearly explained

[@yeewaimon1749]

It's worth watching for all the novice researcher like me. The way GradCoach presents the idea is profound and priceless.... Thank you so much :)

[@chiomachioma2970]

Very easy to follow. I really enjoyed the whole presentation.

[@saranoori1809]

I do appreciate the time and effort given for this presentation. It is priceless! I got a lot of helpful notes on my paper right now that will definitely help an A-obssessed reseracher to sumbit an irresistible proposal, hopefully :) Thanks again!

[@GradCoach]

You're very welcome! Good luck with your research.

[@sultanmohager462]

Yeah it's valuable presentation

[@funnyvideochannel310]

Can u share with me your notes?? Actually my teacher has assigned a assignment (how can u write the research proposal?) So it's humble request plz share your notes with me

[@AndersonBynoe]

Amazing video, hats off. Superb level of insight for someone new like me embarking on a dissertation!

[@rajeshkulkarni7587]

The time and efforts taken to create such a wonderful video to understand the entire research contents is really appreciated. Thank you very much.

[@GradCoach]

Our pleasure!

[@khayakazimhatu9916]

I learned a lot from this step by step tutorial as I am still doing my dissertation. Thank you so much!

[@GradCoach]

Great to hear that. Good luck writing your dissertation proposal.

[@faithngove2594]

Very helpful and easy to follow as it is my first proposal. Clear, well said and easy to understand. Thank you.

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for the feedback, Faith. Good luck with your research.

[@lorrainemullan339]

Fantastic - clear, concise and informative video. Wish my uni had been able to achieve in 4-weeks what you've done in 41 minutes!

[@haydisherif6023]

Very helpful! Your guide definitely saved me from a horrible failure and the steps are very clear to me now. Thank you!

[@gloriousmqadi2341]

All your videos are very informative and quite clear to understand. Thank you so much.

[@JibHyourinmaru]

Thank you so much! your voice is so relaxing, hope you can make more about postgrad study. I just started my master's.

[@gagandeepchani2169]

Not missed a second of it. Simply valuable information for researchers. Thank you! 👍😍

[@GradCoach]

Glad you enjoyed it! Wishing you all the best writing your research proposal :)

[@annmariajoseph7306]

This video sums up perfectly how to write an effective research proposal. Thank you!!

[@carolfrancis7857]

Thank goodness found this in time. This is just perfect. Thank you

[@GradCoach]

You're very welcome! I wish you the best of luck with your research proposal, Carol.

[@franklinumaigba409]

I enjoyed every bit of your lecture. It's quite educative.

[@mapitmina]

It saved a lot of time, truly one of the most amazing and useful youtube videos for writing my proposal.

[@GradCoach]

Great to hear! Best of luck writing your dissertation/thesis proposal.

[@tbabyyesme]

Wow, this is awesome, I have honestly learnt a lot from this presentation, most especially on knowing your literature. Thank dude, I really appreciate

[@alexpaito3693]

Very insightful presentation . I recommend many scholars to listen to this presentation which will be very helpful.

[@amaacheampong]

Grad Coach, I must admit you are saving lives 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾😁❗️

[@GradCoach]

Great to hear that :)

[@user-ck2ob9sk4i]

Well said, I took this for one semester but you explain it well from the start to finish. thank you

[@pauravthakker]

Comprehensive Lecture on writing Research Proposal. Thank you GradCoach.

[@babangidabala9832]

This is amazing and uniquely packaged

[@BashirBashiri]

WOW!! Such a great video! Subscribed and can't wait for upcoming videos! 💗

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@user-nz7mt8en1p]

I wish to show my appreciation, why , because I have learned more than what I was thinking but more importantly how much I have been working with the opportunity to meet you.Tnx.

[@Lulu-fc3qu]

thank you so much GradCoach. After watching this video I have realized that my proposal has got so many loopholes

[@obinnanjoku2872]

The video lesson on writing Research proposal was quite detailed, informative and made a great guide for me.

[@ahmed3820]

Me too, im doing my MS in construction engineering

[@majorkira82]

Thank you so much for this video. I wish I'd considered KZbin as a source of information for my research which has been stalled for years. I'm feeling so much more focused after watching this video and hopefully I can press on with getting this proposal done and moving forward. Thanks for the great outline and the concise presentation.

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for the kind words, Emefa. I'm glad to hear that you found the video useful.

[@davirami7607]

Only one word to describe this video: AMAZING! Thank you.

[@nanaoweina]

Amazing

[@alexpaito3693]

Hey i have followed the presentation and am well enlightened in certain areas where i had challenges in writing my proposal for my PHD studies. I would love to get more of such well simplified steps in research. I intend to do PHD in either of the two areas. 1. Strategic Management with focus on emerging SMEs in our country which up to now is not fully developed 2. Higher Education Management

[@englishinsightswithhusna399]

You are doing a wonderful and fantabulous job in a world where none is ready to share their research ideas or a copy of a research proposal with others in a fear of stealing it, however intimate the needy may be. Sincere and heartfelt gratitude to you, sir

[@GradCoach]

Thank you for the kind words, Husna. That's great to hear.

[@kassy327]

Thank you very much. This was very useful as I am busy with my Research Proposal for my Thesis

[@GradCoach]

It’s a pleasure. Thank you for the feedback :)

[@kevinlesser9964]

Thank you Derek. Great relaxed video. Lots of notes taken and although still mightily overwhelmed I am going to take a deep breath (as it's not great to stop breathing due to it having serious health ramifications) and move onto your next video for more clarity. I prefer face to face lectures as it brings about a fair amount of debate and learning, but trying to do an MBA online had had its fair share of challenges. Thank you again for this great series of videos from the Grad Coach.

[@GradCoach]

You're most welcome, Kevin. Thanks for the kind words. Good luck with your MBA :)

[@donnadandie3349]

Thank you for this video. I needed something that would be clear and precise in terms of understanding the process of a thesis/dissertation and this video did for me exactly what I needed. Blessings to all.

[@GradCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ridhoaidilfitrah8857]

i listened to this till the end of part.. i'm leaving this comment for appreciating how great your explanation of each detail.. i'm gonna share this widely specifically for Doctoral program hunters..Thank you

[@GradCoach]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your research proposal!

[@nomcazululoncube8580]

Thank you so much for the great tutorial. I ill highly recommend you

[@GradCoach]

Thanks for the kind words :) Good luck with your dissertation/thesis proposal.

[@mavineomondi4125]

The best tutorial on research proposal ever. Thanks greatly for making it simpler and precise.

[@GradCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joanneflash]

Thank you for this video, it really helped clear things up...MUCH MUCH APPRECIATED!

[@nl4933]

Oh my Gosh you guys are awesome! Feeling excited about my proposal for the first time in 10 years 🤩💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽

[@GradCoach]

Haha, glad we inspired you :)

[@owuordickson7]

Wondering why i didn't start with this video on my research journey. Precisely what i needed.

[@GradCoach]

Glad to hear that :) Good luck writing your research proposal

[@jumuhalima6238]

I have learned quiet a lot from this as I am right now engaged in proposal writing, thanks, I hope I will have more opportunities of such

[@priya123496]

Sir your video is very informative and conceptual. It clear all of my doubts regarding research proposal as it going to be my first proposal for the PhD interview. Thanks a lot .

[@ptptyuki]

Man I am appalled. I asked my tutor to tell me what's the standard phenomenological analysis that she keeps talking about. Is it Van Manen Hermeneutics?. and she told me to go and read the book again. I could not find a name for that sort of PA that is why I asked her in the first place. Perhaps she does not know the answer either.. Anyways you can have my tutors job. All she keeps saying is that what I write is wrong but she never clarifies what I am doing wrong.. So I didn't know why I am failing with my proposal. But you saved me, so thank you!

[@boi_ngotlo]

this is the best thing i have watched today, took notes. Thank you.

[@maungphong2956]

This is a great channel I've ever visited and gained a great deal of insight about research. Thank you very much for your hard work and sharing of knowledge on the subject of research.

[@ieltslisteningtest3910]

Extremely useful lecture. I have followed a 6-month course but I couldn't get a clear idea of how to write an effective proposal. But your 42-min video had done a wonderful job!

[@GradCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulameninato8948]

When you said "communicating why," the first thing I thought of was "so I can make everyone call me Dr." 😂

[@GradCoach]

Honest! :)

[@aishaj8300]

I’m really stuck on my research proposal. I can’t get my head around to it 😟

[@beyanranasinghe1939]

I deeply appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to sharing your knowledge and expertise. Your support is immensely valuable, and I am genuinely grateful for your willingness to offer guidance. Thank you once again for your invaluable contributions. Your continued support means a lot as I move forward with this research endeavour.

[@GradCoach]

I appreciate that!

[@andrewacobi]

I am thrilled with joy and lots of appreciation for making this very simple and easy to understands within a blink of an eye. Your really a greater teacher. keep up with the mentorships.

[@GradCoach]

You are so welcome!

[@taimalachkar714]

teach in my UNI !! haha

[@kaalad3666]

Hi I'm unclear as to the difference between the lit review for a proposal and for a final thesis. I know the one for the proposal would be shorter but how do I determine what info should be excluded from the proposal lit review?

[@tabassum.official20]

May Almighty bless you more and more Thank you so much Amazingly enough information in order to deal with research proposal writing. How convenient and comprehensive way of explaining. Its really awesome and useful for us. It's so soothing to hear you Sir.😊 Thanking you

[@ettyathirahnaser4263]

I agreed, especially with the "no rushing" advice...

[@canseyittopbas]

20:38 research design

[@jyotijibankhisha7565]

It was long but one of the best guidelines I received. thanks.

[@ellion7344]

Very informative. So glad I discovered this video and channel. Definitely helping me to write my proposal.

[@mekikileo5702]

This is comprehensive and simplified. Thanks a lot

[@helenhall5499]

This has been really useful and presented in a very understandable way. Brilliant!

[@YOLO-od9lg]

that's the most video I have watched for dissertation proposal writing

[@chinomsochim6419]

Thank you for this interesting piece. I have a research proposal to do next week and this is really helpful.

[@makashulegana3469]

Am learning so much from this video. It has taken the fears away. Now am looking forward to the research journey

[@GradCoach]

Good to hear that. Good luck!

[@nickeishafraserrichards1122]

I viewed this in preparation to write my own research proposal and really found it very informative and easily undertood . thank you.

[@GradCoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@komalsutaria6556]

Very Informative session. It's really easy to understand "How to write a Research proposal". Thank you.

[@tikiflames9306]

This would help me so much I have about two months from now to submit a proposal And my aim is to get the highest grade for that proposal so I took my time in this video noting down everything you said. And I know if a few months time this would be very helpful to me. Thank you.