Guidelines and Structure for Writing a Research Proposal

Major Theoretical Frameworks

1.Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding

Demonstrate detailed understanding of the relevant knowledge base which is subjected to critical appraisal.

2. Demonstrate the following skills and abilities

Demonstrate an ability to select and apply appropriate research methodologies to collect data. This data will be analysed critically and in detail, to address specific research questions effectively

What am I required to do in this assignment?

You are required to submit an individual proposal of 2,000 words (+/- 10%) which should be based on your chosen topic within the choices provided for your course pathway.

The following points should be observed:

The Proposal must adhere to the word limit.

We suggest that you avoid writing in the first person (“I”); rather the third person is recommended (e.g. it can therefore be suggested that...).

You may include headings and subtitles and a contents page if you feel this will help you to stay focused and create clearer sign-posting for the reader.

The best Proposals will demonstrate understanding of the key issues of your debate (derived from your research) and ownership of the work resulting in a critical conclusion. The main assessment criteria are listed in your Unit Handbook and assessment grids are available on BREO.

The following format/structure should be observed for your proposal:

1.Introduction

a.Explain your chosen question

b.Establish the scope and limits of your question, identify your Case Study or Studies if applicable

c.Give contextual or background information

2.Major Theoretical Frameworks

a.List your major frameworks and/or definitions

b.Give explanation on each, the relevant parts, the connection to your Project

3.Major Themes

a.List your major themes

b.Explain each theme, give background if needed

c.Explain the connection to your Project and how each theme helps address the question

4.Research plan

a.Explain how you intend to go about collecting data/reviewing the literature to address your question

b.Explain your expected sources of information

c.Explain your major authors/works

d.Draw lines if possible to your key themes

e.Highlight areas you feel may be challenging, difficult to complete, data that may be hard to obtain, etc.

5.Conclusion

a.Summarise your Project approach

b.Draw the key points together and consider potential outcomes (implications for different stakeholders, e.g. policy, practice, academic)

6.Bibliography – NOT OPTIONAL

a.The bibliography should comprise a variety of sources with a minimum of 15 references used in the text, 8 of which should be academic journal articles.  Other sources could include books, trade publications, news articles, industry reports etc.

b.Categorise your academic journal articles separately.

c.Number all references from 1 to 15 (or more).

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

·Demonstrate detailed understanding of the relevant theories and ideas associated with your given topic.

·Critically identify and analyse a broad range of relevant material (including academic articles) and identify key issues in relation to research design, methods and findings within the research context at hand.

How do I produce high quality work that merits a good grade?

We will be filling this section in together in class on Click or tap to enter a date. make sure you have downloaded/printed out the Assignment Brief and bring it to the session with you.

How does assignment relate to what we are doing in scheduled sessions?

The seminar preparation each week will allow you to start the preparation for the proposal.  

Active participation is essential to any learning process and especially to the success of this very important unit. You are expected to prepare for the workshops by reading the assigned materials in advance (materials will usually be made available on BREO).

Active participation by all students is necessary if the learning outcomes are to be achieved. Your engagement is very important since all the workshops are linked to one another. Missing one workshop will have a ‘knock-on’ negative impact on the subsequent workshops thus interfering with effective learning.

It is imperative that you make ample notes and annotate key guided learning materials such as academic journal articles, so that you are able to quickly draw out from these materials key evidence to support your points which is a key skill that will be tested in this assignment.

How will my assignment be marked?

Your assignment will be marked according to the threshold expectations and the criteria on the following page.

You can use them to evaluate your own work and consider your grade before you submit.