The parts of a research proposal we review
Proposal formats differ between universities and funders, but nearly all of them ask for the same building blocks. Here is what we look at in each.
| Component | The question we test it against |
|---|---|
| Title and abstract | Could a busy reader state your project in one sentence? |
| Problem and rationale | Is there a genuine gap, and is it clear why it is worth filling? |
| Literature | Does the review lead logically to your questions rather than just summarise? |
| Aims and research questions | Are they specific, answerable and matched to the design? |
| Methodology | Can the proposed sample, data and analysis actually answer each question? |
| Expected results and contribution | Is the likely contribution stated modestly and credibly? |
| Timeline, ethics and resources | Is the plan feasible in the time and budget available? |
Where proposals usually go wrong
Most drafts we see are not badly written. They fail on structure and logic, which is easier to fix once you can see it.
- A topic, not a problem. "Social media and wellbeing" is an area. A proposal needs a specific puzzle within it.
- Questions and methods that don't match. A causal question paired with a one-off survey is a common mismatch committees spot immediately.
- Too much ambition. Three countries, two hundred interviews and twelve months rarely add up. We help you scope down without losing the interesting part.
- A literature section with no argument. Our literature review help goes deeper if this is the main weakness.
- Vague analysis plans. "Data will be analysed statistically" invites hard questions. We help you name the approach and explain why it fits.
How the review works
You send your draft along with the brief, any template, the word limit and, if you have them, comments from your supervisor or advisor. A reviewer from your field reads the whole proposal before marking anything, so the first comments are about the big picture rather than commas.
You then receive the annotated file and a one-page summary that sorts issues into must-fix, should-fix and optional. On the follow-up call we work through the must-fix items together. If the design or statistics need more attention, we can add a methods specialist; our methodology chapter help uses the same people.
Timing, length and what to send
A master's dissertation proposal is often 1,500 to 3,000 words; a PhD proposal for a UK or European application is commonly 2,000 to 4,000 words; a US dissertation prospectus can run to several chapters. Feedback on a typical master's or PhD application proposal takes three to five working days, and faster turnarounds are possible when a deadline is close.
Please include:
- Your current draft, even if it is rough or incomplete
- The official guidance, template or call for applications
- Your deadline and whether a proposal defense follows
- Any feedback you have already received
If you are still choosing a topic, our guide to choosing a dissertation topic is a good starting point before a review.
Why your proposal stays in your words
Admissions tutors and committees use the proposal to judge whether you can think like a researcher. If the thinking on the page isn't yours, the interview or defense will expose the gap quickly. Our role is to question, explain and point out problems so that the version you submit is stronger and you can defend every sentence of it. That is also why a proposal shaped this way tends to make the later thesis easier: the plan is one you genuinely understand.
What you get
- Tracked-change comments and margin notes on your proposal draft
- A short report ranking the most important fixes first
- A check of alignment between problem, questions, design and analysis
- Feedback on your timeline, feasibility and ethics considerations
- A follow-up call to talk through the feedback and next steps
- A second, lighter review of the revised version if you want one
What we don't do
- We comment on and coach your proposal; we don't draft it for you
- We can't guarantee admission, funding or committee approval, but we make sure weak spots aren't the reason it is declined
- Your institution's template and word limits always take priority over our suggestions
How it works
Describe your project
Level, deadline and what you need help with.
Agree a written scope
What's included, the price and the timeline.
Work in stages
Check-ins so you can steer the work.
Review and ask
Explanations and follow-up questions included.