Writing a Dissertation Proposal that Will Stand Out
When students write a good dissertation proposal, they gain solid understanding of the research subject and master their writing skills. Your task is to determine the problem, describe its important aspects, and propose a potential way to solve it. You are also required to state several points that explain why it is necessary to study the subject and how a chosen methodology can be helpful. To write a dissertation proposal that will stand out an applicant have to consider the following hints:
- Make sure you have the latest information about the requirements and deadlines: The devil is in the details, therefore pay close attention to the demands. They can significantly vary from university to university. You should check dissertation proposal formatting manuals and background materials provided by the university.
- Choose the topic and create a list of helpful resources: Many guidelines provide tips on sources you should use. Do not hesitate to add them to your proposal. It also makes sense to consult with your supervisor about the references that can contribute to your work. The university library and academical writing center also have many useful resources.
- Prepare a list of research questions and consider a different perspective trying to answer them: Professors are tired of standard research questions and obvious answers, therefore take your time and come up with explanations based on a good literature review or practical experience you have.
- Write a proposal outline first: It is hard to write down a dissertation proposal without composing an outline. Your outline should to contain all the necessary elements and indicate the places where some more details are appropriate. The elements include:
- A title.
- An introduction.
- The main research question.
- The goals and objectives.
- Methods and approaches.
- Possible outcomes.
- A bibliography list.
Develop a priority order of the statements and support them with explanations.
- Check whether the text flows smoothly and the meaning is clear and unbiased: It is better to keep your proposal short, do not try to write everything you know about the subject, choose the main details and focus your research. Do not write long sentences and avoid professional jargon where possible.
- Proofread the proposal and correct the mistakes carefully: Make certain you used a single formatting style throughout the paper. Read the proposal aloud and check the spelling. It is recommended to read it several times, so you will be able to notice little mistakes, such as misprints.