• Honors Undergraduate Thesis
  • Program Resources

Thesis Proposal Examples

The Honors Undergraduate Thesis program requires students to submit a research proposal to the Office of Honors Research prior to advancing to the Thesis semester.

Generally, a scientific research proposal will include a brief introduction to the research topic, a literature review, and a methodology that will explain how the student plans to meet the objectives of the research. A proposal in the Arts and Humanities will generally include an introduction and a creative work (e.g. screenplays, short stories, artwork) or theoretical analysis.

Students will create a signature cover page for the thesis proposal that will list the entire committee and HUT Liaison. The Thesis proposal cover page template can be found here .

The following are examples of substantially researched, properly formatted research proposals and their respective signature pages. These examples should be used for reference only and not necessarily as templates. Students should his or her Thesis Chair and committee regarding the structure of the proposal, information that should be present, and documentation style.

What is a Thesis Proposal?

A thesis proposal is a document that outlines the thesis topic, defines the issues that the thesis will address, and explains why the topic warrants further research. It should identify a problem and provide a proposed solution to that problem.

Proposals representative of the sciences (both hard sciences and social sciences) should generally include the following:

For students conducting more theoretical or comparative analyses, the structure could also take the form of chapters that define and specify each concept, and a concluding chapter that brings all of these ideas together.

For students in the arts, a proposal and thesis may take the form of a creative project. In this instance, the proposal may include:

An alternative structure would be for students who are writing their own short stories, novellas, or screenplays.

Here, the thesis should include a clear mastery of the skill set by producing chapters of the novella, poetry selections, or the working/final screenplay. [/accordion-item][/accordion]

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences Biomedical Sciences

College of Arts and Humanities Art History History English-Creative Writing English-Literature Philosophy

College of Business Administration Finance

College of Nursing Nursing

College of Education and Human Performance Elementary Education English Language Arts Education

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Computer Engineering Mechanical Engineering

College of Health and Public Affairs Legal Studies Sports and Exercise Science 

College of Nursing Nursing -->

College of Sciences Anthropology Chemistry Mathematics Physics International & Global Studies Psychology Sociology

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on January 3, 2023.

Structure of a research proposal

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

To guide your introduction , include information about:

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

To determine your budget, think about:

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. & George, T. (2023, January 03). How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved March 12, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-proposal/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write a problem statement | guide & examples, writing strong research questions | criteria & examples, how to write a literature review | guide, examples, & templates, what is your plagiarism score.

How to write a thesis proposal

I. Framework II. Structure of a thesis proposal III. Order in which to write the proposal IV. Tips V. Resources

I. Framework

II. Structure of a thesis proposal

III. Order in which to write the proposal

Grammar/spelling

V. Resources/Acknowlegements

The senior seminar website has a very detailed document on " How to write a thesis " which you might want to look at. Most of the tips given there are relevant for your thesis proposal as well. Recommended books on scientific writing Some of the material on this page was adapted from: http://www.geo.utep.edu/Grad_Info/prop_guide.html http://www.hartwick.edu/anthropology/proposal.htm http://csdl.ics.hawaii.edu/FAQ/FAQ/thesis-proposal.html http://www.butler.edu/honors/PropsTheses.html

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

College of letters & science communication.

Powerful Ideas. Proven Results.

Thesis Proposals

All students should give serious consideration to electing to write a thesis. A thesis involves original research and is a proven method for developing specialized knowledge and skills that can enhance an individual’s expertise within a substantive area of study. A thesis is recommended for students who intend to continue study toward the PhD degree or plan research-related employment. If the thesis option is elected, the student must write the thesis and pass an oral examination on a report of research initiated by the student under the guidance of the major professor. A faculty committee, chaired by the major professor, will evaluate the written report and conduct an oral examination of the candidate.

Thesis Proposal Outline

This sample outline may not be appropriate for some studies. You should decide, in consultation with your major professor, whether to follow the sample outline below or modify it to suit the needs of your particular study. Proposals from former students are available on the department website and can be reviewed to assist you in developing your proposal.

Sample Thesis Proposals

Examples of research proposals

How to write your research proposal, with examples of good proposals.

Research proposals

Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to show your knowledge of the subject area and tell us about the methods you want to use.

We use your research proposal to match you with a supervisor or team of supervisors.

In your proposal, please tell us if you have an interest in the work of a specific academic at York St John. You can get in touch with this academic to discuss your proposal. You can also speak to one of our Research Leads. There is a list of our Research Leads on the Apply page.

When you write your proposal you need to:

Back to the top

York St John University, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York, YO31 7EX   |   Phone: 01904 624624   |   Media: 01904 876466

© York St John University 2022

e-Sign with PandaDoc

Thesis Proposal Template

Used 5,589 times

Reviewed by Yauhen Zaremba

Proposal Prepared by [Sender.Name] in part fulfillment of the degree requirements for the Degree Level of Arts or Science in degree area.

The Abstract starts off your thesis proposal by introducing a summary of the complete proposal. This will explain the problem or issues you will address, investigate, or research. This section should be fairly brief, but should provide enough basic information to explain your proposed research and/or dissertation fully.

The proposed issue of this thesis has been addressed previously by numerous scholars. These scholars include such individuals as NAMES OF SCHOLARS. Their assessment of this topic has shown…

The proposed topic of this thesis has been addressed previously by numerous researchers in the field. Their investigations have shown…

Existing knowledge/significant prior research

Although you have briefly covered this in a general way above, this section allows you to delve in to the particular existing research which directly affects your topic. In other words, you may here introduce the idea you will be refuting, the author/historian you will be challenging, or the piece of information you feel needs a closer look or new angle. Your understanding of the existing knowledge on your subject should clearly demonstrate that there is a GAP in that body of knowledge, and your proposed thesis intends to fill that gap.

Thesis or project statement

Your thesis statement presents the argument you will make in your thesis/dissertation or asserts the specific question you will be asking or investigating with your research. This should relate to the previous section, by showing how you’ll be filling a gap in the existing body of knowledge or prior research.

This thesis project will depend upon the following research methods for garnering results:

LAST NAME, FIRST NAME. TITLE OF BOOK. CITY OF PUBLICATION: PUBLISHER, YEAR OF PUBLICATION. MEDIUM OF PUBLICATION.

Potential outcomes

This section is probably unnecessary in an arts or humanities thesis proposal, but should be included in a scientific or active research based thesis. Here you will outline what you believe the results of your research will show. This goes hand in hand with your thesis, as you intend or expect to obtain certain results.

Limitations

Again, this section may be more applicable to a scientific thesis, but is potentially helpful in a humanities thesis, if applicable. Using this section, discuss any limitations which may affect your research or obstacles which your research may encounter. Address potential faults in your research methods and look at ways in which your research may miss certain points. Having a well-thought out Limitations section will demonstrate that you know the pitfalls and potential challenges with your chosen research methods, but will show that you have selected the best methods with regards to your project.

Contributions to knowledge

In this section, elaborate on what contributions your individual research or study will make to the body of knowledge as a whole in your field. Show once more how your thesis will help fill the existing gaps in knowledge or will show a particular topic from a new angle. If performing active research, explain how the intended results will contribute to the knowledge or how the results will change commonly held ideas.

Proposed dissertation chapters

Thesis Proposal Sample Archive

Thesis proposals.

Examples of thesis proposals are included here in PDF format. Copies of theses completed in the M.A. in English & Writing Studies program can be accessed through the Pfau Library's CSUSB ScholarWorks database.

Because the Public & Professional Writing concentration is so new, we do not have a sample proposal for it at this time. Please work closely with your readers who can guide you in its construction.

Grad Coach

Free Download 📥

Research proposal template.

Starting out on your dissertation or thesis proposal and not sure how to structure it, or how to craft a smooth-flowing document? Our free research proposal template will help you fast-track your writing and improve your chances of a speedy approval.

Download the research proposal template

What’s Included In The Proposal Template

Grad Coach’s free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong proposal. It includes clear explanations of what you need to address in each section, as well as straightforward examples and links to further resources.

The research proposal template covers the following core elements:

The cleanly-formatted Word document is fully editable , so you can use it for your proposal, copy over the contents to a fresh document, or convert to LaTeX.

PS – you can also download our dissertation/thesis chapter templates here .

Webinar - How to write a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis

The template provides step-by-step guidance for each section of your research proposal, but if you’d like to learn more about how to write up a high-quality research proposal for your dissertation or thesis, check out the rest of our free proposal-related resources:

If you’d prefer 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, have a look at our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the research process, step by step.

thesis proposal writing sample

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our research writing mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project.

You Might Also Like:

Free Download: Thesis Introduction Template (with Examples)

25 Comments

Abdico

Very interesting and guiding coach. Am very attracted by their skill of coaching

Ntlahla Mapekula

Wow! very impressive and informative, I can see clearly now and I think I am ready to start.

Pooja

Guided points mentioned in the article. It covers more of what is needed for research papers.

Umar Fernando

Amazing content. Easy to understand, clear, precise and to the point. Research was a scary topic for me but after watching these videos, my confidence level has certainly increased.

Mohammed Al Maskari

Thank you very useful guiding will recommend to my friends

Toni

nice and easy to understand, thank you

Derek Jansen

Thanks, Toni. Best of luck with your research proposal.

Amru Miftah

Thank you so mauch for helping me by giving so many informato n

YACINE MEBCHICHE

Thanks too much for your help.

David

If only universities explained it so simple. Thank You, sending love from South Africa

Numo

I so much appreciate your help, very useful.

Izz Hamza

Fantastic, I like it so much

Dhammika

Clear and simple. Thanks, coach!

Hassan Shefiu Adeola

The information is found useful thank you

olive

Thank so much ! It is very useful…

Tayo

I need help writing my research proposal

Xoli

I need help regarding this

Grace

I need help to start writing my research proposal

Melakeselam Dimetros Gebrehanna

For your help. I wish I could help in the future

Mohammed Ibrahim Anyass

Even though I haven’t started writing my dissertation, the understanding I have gathered from grad coach is enormous and definitely will make it so easy for me when I start to work on it.

chikomola Moreen

thank so much I have benefit alot

Sweden Shorai Chiruka

Thank you so much for this informative piece. I feel ready to start writing my PhD proposal now. It is good information if universities explain it this simple.

Ben

I need help on how to structure my advance research proposal portfolio.

Agartu

What is the difference between article writing for PhD dissertation

B. M

I’m just starting to watch the videos. The first video has been super helpful.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

IMAGES

  1. Thesis Proposal Template

    thesis proposal writing sample

  2. Thesis Project Proposal Sample

    thesis proposal writing sample

  3. Tips on How to write thesis and dissertation proposal at KingEssays©

    thesis proposal writing sample

  4. Sample Proposal For Thesis Pdf

    thesis proposal writing sample

  5. Research Proposal Sample by Experts

    thesis proposal writing sample

  6. Sample Proposal For Thesis Pdf

    thesis proposal writing sample

VIDEO

  1. Steps in Writing a Research Proposal

  2. How to Write Research Proposal

  3. Writing Research Proposal for Dissertation

  4. How to Write a Research Proposal_ Part 2

  5. Academic Writing 101 1

  6. Secret to Writing a good dissertation Proposal- HepWithAssignment.com

COMMENTS

  1. Thesis Proposal Examples

    A thesis proposal is a document that outlines the thesis topic, defines the issues that the thesis will address, and explains why the topic warrants further

  2. A Sample Research Proposal with Comments

    A Sample Research Proposal with Comments. A research project or thesis will take at least two semesters to complete. Prior to starting a research, i.e..

  3. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposal purpose ; Relevance, Show your reader why your project is interesting, original, and important. ; Context, Demonstrate your

  4. How to write a thesis proposal

    describe in detail what you plan to do until completion of your senior thesis project · list the stages of your project in a table format · indicate deadlines you

  5. Thesis Proposals

    Thesis Proposal Outline · Background and rationale of the study. General background of the subject area · Methodology. Identify and justify the choice of general

  6. Examples of Research proposals

    Your research proposal is a key part of your application. It tells us about the question you want to answer through your research. It is a chance for you to

  7. Thesis Proposal Template

    The Abstract starts off your thesis proposal by introducing a summary of the complete proposal. This will explain the problem or issues you will address

  8. Sample Research Proposals

    You will find here two examples of proposals for postgraduate research from the. Department of Social Policy and Criminology.

  9. Thesis Proposal Sample Archive

    Examples of thesis proposals are included here in PDF format. Copies of theses completed in the M.A. in English & Writing Studies program can be accessed

  10. Free Download: Research Proposal Template

    What's Included In The Proposal Template · Title page · Introduction & background (including the research problem) · Literature review · Research design/methodology