How to Write a Dissertation Proposal

How to Write a Dissertation Proposal

A dissertation proposal outlines your research plan and serves as a roadmap for your dissertation. It includes an introduction to your topic, your research questions, methodology, and a review of relevant literature. The proposal is a formal request for approval, so it should be clear, concise, and well-structured.

Steps to Writing a Dissertation Proposal:

  1. Introduction: Introduce your research topic and explain why it’s significant. Present the research problem and explain the gap in existing knowledge that your study will address.

  2. Literature Review: Provide a brief review of the existing literature to show the context of your research and how it fits within existing scholarship.

  3. Research Questions or Hypotheses: Clearly define your research questions or hypotheses. These should guide your investigation.

  4. Methodology: Describe your research methods (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) and how they align with your research questions.

  5. Timeline: Include a timeline that outlines key milestones for your dissertation.

  6. Conclusion: End with a statement about the significance of your research and potential contribution to the field.