How to write your PhD research proposal

What is the course about?

The process of applying for a PhD in the UK varies wildly between institutions and across disciplines, but one element is common to all: the research proposal. This workshop looks at what constitutes a good research proposal and helps you apply fundamental principles to your own project.

What will we cover?

• What a PhD is
• How to gather information for your proposal
• How to frame your topic and research area
• How to develop a viable research question
• How to write an effective and persuasive proposal.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Understand what makes a convincing research proposal
• Develop a focused, researchable and relevant research question
• Explain how your research will be significant and original
• Identify gaps in your reading
• Know where to go for further information and advice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Learners will benefit most from this course if they have a specific research topic in mind and have done some preliminary research into courses and institutions. If you are not at this stage, you will be asked to decide on a topic for the purposes of the course. The course assumes previous experience in writing at Year 3 of an undergraduate degree, or similar. It is also expected that you will have a good grasp of the English language and usage for academic writing.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tutor presentation will be interwoven with discussion, practical activities and some reflection time.

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None, but please do bring a pen and paper (laptop, tablet, etc.) to take down any notes you may want to during the workshop session.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.