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Writing a dissertation proposal.

Dissertation Proposal

What is a dissertation proposal?

Dissertation proposals are like the table of contents for your research project , and will help you explain what it is you intend to examine, and roughly, how you intend to go about collecting and analysing your data. You won’t be required to have everything planned out exactly, as your topic may change slightly in the course of your research, but for the most part, writing your proposal should help you better identify the direction for your dissertation.

When you’ve chosen a topic for your dissertation , you’ll need to make sure that it is both appropriate to your field of study and narrow enough to be completed by the end of your course. Your dissertation proposal will help you define and determine both of these things and will also allow your department and instructors to make sure that you are being advised by the best person to help you complete your research.

A dissertation proposal should include:

  • An introduction to your dissertation topic
  • Aims and objectives of your dissertation
  • A literature review of the current research undertaken in your field
  • Proposed methodology to be used
  • Implications of your research
  • Limitations of your research
  • Bibliography 

Although this content all needs to be included in your dissertation proposal, it isn’t set in stone so it can be changed later if necessary, depending on your topic of study, university or degree. Think of your dissertation proposal as more of a guide to writing your dissertation rather than something to be strictly adhered to – this will be discussed later. 

Why is a dissertation proposal important?

A dissertation proposal is very important because it helps shape the actual dissertation, which is arguably the most important piece of writing a postgraduate student will undertake. By having a well-structured dissertation proposal, you will have a strong foundation for your dissertation and a good template to follow. The dissertation itself is key to postgraduate success as it will contribute to your overall grade . Writing your dissertation will also help you to develop research and communication skills, which could become invaluable in your employment success and future career. By making sure you’re fully briefed on the current research available in your chosen dissertation topic, as well as keeping details of your bibliography up to date, you will be in a great position to write an excellent dissertation.

Next, we’ll be outlining things you can do to help you produce the best postgraduate dissertation proposal possible.

How to begin your dissertation proposal

Writing a dissertation proposal

1. Narrow the topic down  

It’s important that when you sit down to draft your proposal, you’ve carefully thought out your topic and are able to narrow it down enough to present a clear and succinct understanding of what you aim to do and hope to accomplish in your dissertation.

How do I decide on a dissertation topic?

A simple way to begin choosing a topic for your dissertation is to go back through your assignments and lectures. Was there a topic that stood out to you? Was there an idea that wasn’t fully explored? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then you have a great starting point! If not, then consider one of your more personal interests. Use Google Scholar to explore studies and journals on your topic to find any areas that could go into more detail or explore a more niche topic within your personal interest. 

Keep track of all publications

It’s important to keep track of all the publications that you use while you research. You can use this in your literature review.

You need to keep track of:

  • The title of the study/research paper/book/journal
  • Who wrote/took part in the study/research paper
  • Chapter title
  • Page number(s)

The more research you do, the more you should be able to narrow down your topic and find an interesting area to focus on. You’ll also be able to write about everything you find in your literature review which will make your proposal stronger.

While doing your research, consider the following:

  • When was your source published? Is the information outdated? Has new information come to light since?
  • Can you determine if any of the methodologies could have been carried out more efficiently? Are there any errors or gaps?
  • Are there any ethical concerns that should be considered in future studies on the same topic?
  • Could anything external (for example new events happening) have influenced the research?

Read more about picking a topic for your dissertation . 

How long should the dissertation proposal be?

Aiming for 1,000 words or more, your dissertation proposal will give an outline of the topic of your dissertation, some of the questions you hope to answer with your research, what sort of studies and type of data you aim to employ in your research, and the sort of analysis you will carry out.

Different courses may have different requirements for things like length and the specific information to include, as well as what structure is preferred, so be sure to check what special requirements your course has.  

2. What should I include in a dissertation proposal?

Writing a dissertation proposal

  • Introduction

The introduction will state your central research question and give background on the subject, as well as relating it contextually to any broader issues surrounding it. Read more about picking a topic for your dissertation .

The dissertation proposal introduction should outline exactly what you intend to investigate in your final research project.

Make sure you outline the structure of the dissertation proposal in your introduction, i.e. part one covers methodology, part two covers a literature review, part three covers research limitations, and so forth.

Dissertation methodology

The dissertation methodology will break down what sources you aim to use for your research and what sort of data you will collect from it, either quantitative or qualitative. You may also want to include how you will analyse the data you gather and what, if any, bias there may be in your chosen methods.

Depending on the level of detail that your specific course requires, you may also want to explain why your chosen approaches to gathering data are more appropriate to your research than others.

Consider and explain how you will conduct empirical research. For example, will you use interviews? Surveys? Observation? Lab experiments?

In your dissertation methodology, outline the variables that you will measure in your research and how you will select your data or participant sample to ensure valid results.

Finally, are there any specific tools that you will use for your methodology? If so, make sure you provide this information in the methodology section of your dissertation proposal.

  • Aims and objectives

Your dissertation proposal should also include the aims and objectives of your research. Be sure to state what your research hopes to achieve, as well as what outcomes you predict. You may also need to clearly state what your main research objectives are, in other words, how you plan to obtain those achievements and outcomes.

Your aim should not be too broad but should equally not be too specific.

An example of a dissertation aim could be: ‘To examine the key content features and social contexts that construct successful viral marketing content distribution on Twitter’.

In comparison, an example of a dissertation aim that is perhaps too broad would be: ‘‘To investigate how things go viral on Twitter’.

The aim of your dissertation proposal should relate directly to your research question.

  • Literature review

The literature review will list the books and materials that you used to do your research. This is where you can list materials that gave you more background on your topic, or contain research carried out previously that you referred to in your own studies. 

The literature review is also a good place to demonstrate how your research connects to previous academic studies and how your methods may differ from or build upon those used by other researchers. While it’s important to give enough information about the materials to show that you have read and understood them, don’t forget to include your analysis of their value to your work.

Where there are shortfalls in other pieces of academic work, identify these and address how you will overcome these shortcomings in your own research.

Constraints and limitations of your research

Lastly, you will also need to include the constraints of your research. Many topics will have broad links to numerous larger and more complex issues, so by clearly stating the constraints of your research, you are displaying your understanding and acknowledgment of these larger issues, and the role they play by focusing your research on just one section or part of the subject.

In this section it is important to Include examples of possible limitations, for example, issues with sample size, participant drop out, lack of existing research on the topic, time constraints, and other factors that may affect your study.

  • Ethical considerations

Confidentiality and ethical concerns are an important part of any research.

Ethics are key, as your dissertation will need to undergo ethical approval if you are working with participants. This means that it’s important to allow for and explain ethical considerations in your dissertation proposal.

Keep confidentiality in mind and keep your participants informed, so they are aware of how the data provided is being used and are assured that all personal information is being kept confidential.

Consider how involved your patients will be with your research, this will help you think about what ethical considerations to take and discuss them fully in your dissertation proposal. For example, face-to-face participant interview methods could require more ethical measures and confidentiality considerations than methods that do not require participants, such as corpus data (a collection of existing written texts) analysis. 

3. Dissertation proposal example

Writing a dissertation proposal

Once you know what sections you need or do not need to include, it may help focus your writing to break the proposal up into separate headings, and tackle each piece individually. You may also want to consider including a title. Writing a title for your proposal will help you make sure that your topic is narrow enough, as well as help keep your writing focused and on topic.

One example of a dissertation proposal structure is using the following headings, either broken up into sections or chapters depending on the required word count:

  • Methodology
  • Research constraints

In any dissertation proposal example, you’ll want to make it clear why you’re doing the research and what positives could come from your contribution. 

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dissertation proposal templates

Doctoral handbook

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Proposal Overview and Format

Proposal committee, proposal hearing or meeting.

  • Printing Credit for Use in School of Education Labs

Students are urged to begin thinking about a dissertation topic early in their degree program. Concentrated work on a dissertation proposal normally begins after successful completion of the Second-Year Review, which often includes a “mini” proposal, an extended literature review, or a theoretical essay, plus advancement to doctoral candidacy. In defining a dissertation topic, the student collaborates with their faculty advisor or dissertation advisor (if one is selected) in the choice of a topic for the dissertation.

The dissertation proposal is a comprehensive statement on the extent and nature of the student’s dissertation research interests. Students submit a draft of the proposal to their dissertation advisor between the end of the seventh and middle of the ninth quarters. The student must provide a written copy of the proposal to the faculty committee no later than two weeks prior to the date of the proposal hearing. Committee members could require an earlier deadline (e.g., four weeks before the hearing).

The major components of the proposal are as follows, with some variations across Areas and disciplines:

  • A detailed statement of the problem that is to be studied and the context within which it is to be seen. This should include a justification of the importance of the problem on both theoretical and educational grounds.
  • A thorough review of the literature pertinent to the research problem. This review should provide proof that the relevant literature in the field has been thoroughly researched. Good research is cumulative; it builds on the thoughts, findings, and mistakes of others.
  • its general explanatory interest
  • the overall theoretical framework within which this interest is to be pursued
  • the model or hypotheses to be tested or the research questions to be answered
  • a discussion of the conceptual and operational properties of the variables
  • an overview of strategies for collecting appropriate evidence (sampling, instrumentation, data collection, data reduction, data analysis)
  • a discussion of how the evidence is to be interpreted (This aspect of the proposal will be somewhat different in fields such as history and philosophy of education.)
  • If applicable, students should complete a request for approval of research with human subjects, using the Human Subjects Review Form ( http://humansubjects.stanford.edu/ ). Except for pilot work, the University requires the approval of the Administrative Panel on Human Subjects in Behavioral Science Research before any data can be collected from human subjects.

Registration (i.e., enrollment) is required for any quarter during which a degree requirement is completed, including the dissertation proposal. Refer to the Registration or Enrollment for Milestone Completion section for more details.

As students progress through the program, their interests may change. There is no commitment on the part of the student’s advisor to automatically serve as the dissertation chair. Based on the student’s interests and the dissertation topic, many students approach other GSE professors to serve as the dissertation advisor, if appropriate.

A dissertation proposal committee is comprised of three academic council faculty members, one of whom will serve as the major dissertation advisor. Whether or not the student’s general program advisor serves on the dissertation proposal committee and later the reading committee will depend on the relevance of that faculty member’s expertise to the topic of the dissertation, and their availability. There is no requirement that a program advisor serve, although very often they do. Members of the dissertation proposal committee may be drawn from other area committees within the GSE, from other departments in the University, or from emeriti faculty. At least one person serving on the proposal committee must be from the student’s area committee (CTE, DAPS, SHIPS). All three members must be on the Academic Council; if the student desires the expertise of a non-Academic Council member, it may be possible to petition. After the hearing, a memorandum listing the changes to be made will be written and submitted with the signed proposal cover sheet and a copy of the proposal itself to the Doctoral Programs Officer.

Review and approval of the dissertation proposal occurs normally during the third year. The proposal hearing seeks to review the quality and feasibility of the proposal. The Second-Year Review and the Proposal Hearing are separate milestones and may not occur as part of the same hearing or meeting.

The student and the dissertation advisor are responsible for scheduling a formal meeting or hearing to review the proposal; the student and proposal committee convene for this evaluative period. Normally, all must be present at the meeting either in person or via conference phone call.

At the end of this meeting, the dissertation proposal committee members should sign the Cover Sheet for Dissertation Proposal and indicate their approval or rejection of the proposal. This signed form should be submitted to the Doctoral Programs Officer. If the student is required to make revisions, an addendum is required with the written approval of each member of the committee stating that the proposal has been revised to their satisfaction.

After submitting the Proposal Hearing material to the Doctoral Programs Officer, the student should make arrangements with three faculty members to serve on their Dissertation Reading Committee. The Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee form should be completed and given to the Doctoral Programs Officer to enter in the University student records system. Note: The proposal hearing committee and the reading committee do not have to be the same three faculty members. Normally, the proposal hearing precedes the designation of a Dissertation Reading Committee, and faculty on either committee may differ (except for the primary dissertation advisor). However, some students may advance to Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status before completing their dissertation proposal hearing if they have established a dissertation reading committee. In these cases, it is acceptable for the student to form a reading committee prior to the dissertation proposal hearing. The reading committee then serves as the proposal committee.

The proposal and reading committee forms and related instructions are on the GSE website, under current students>forms.

Printing Credit for Use in GSE Labs

Upon completion of their doctoral dissertation proposal, GSE students are eligible for a $300 printing credit redeemable in any of the GSE computer labs where students are normally charged for print jobs. Only one $300 credit per student will be issued, but it is usable throughout the remainder of her or his doctoral program until the balance is exhausted. The print credit can be used only at the printers in Cubberley basement and CERAS, and cannot be used toward copying.

After submitting the signed dissertation proposal cover sheet to the Doctoral Programs Officer indicating approval (see above), students can submit a HELP SU ticket online at helpsu.stanford.edu to request the credit. When submitting the help ticket, the following should be selected from the drop-down menus for HELP SU:

Request Category :  Computer, Handhelds (PDAs), Printers, Servers Request Type :  Printer Operating System : (whatever system is used by the student, e.g., Windows XP.)

The help ticket will be routed to the GSE's IT Group for processing; they will in turn notify the student via email when the credit is available.

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Dissertations 1: getting started: writing a proposal.

  • Starting Your Dissertation
  • Choosing A Topic and Researching
  • Devising An Approach/Method
  • Thinking Of A Title
  • Writing A Proposal

What is a Proposal?

Before you start your dissertation, you may be asked to write a proposal for it.  

The purpose of a dissertation proposal is to provide a snapshot of what your study involves. Usually, after submission of the proposal you will be assigned a supervisor who has some expertise in your field of study. You should receive feedback on the viability of the topic, how to focus the scope, research methods, and other issues you should consider before progressing in your research. 

The research proposal should present the dissertation topic, justify your reasons for choosing it and outline how you are going to research it . You'll have to keep it brief, as word counts can vary from anywhere between 800 to 3,000 words at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.  

It is worth bearing in mind that you are not bound by your proposal. Your project is likely going to  evolve and may move in a new direction . Your dissertation supervisor is aware that this may occur as you delve deeper into the literature in your field of study. Nevertheless, always discuss any major developments with your supervisor in the first instance.  

Reading for your Proposal

Before writing a proposal, you will need to read. A lot! But that doesn’t mean you must read everything. Be targeted! What do you really need to know?  

Instead of reading every page in every book, look for clues in chapter titles and introductions to narrow your focus down. Use abstracts from journal articles to check whether the material is relevant to your study and keep notes of your reading along with clear records of bibliographic information and page numbers for your references.  

Ultimately, your objective should be to create a dialogue between the theories and ideas you have read and your own thoughts. What is your personal perspective on the topic? What evidence is there that supports your point of view? Furthermore, you should ask questions about each text. Is it current or is it outdated? What argument is the author making? Is the author biased?  

Approaching your reading in this way ensures that you engage with the literature critically. You will demonstrate that you have done this in your mini literature review (see Proposal Structure box).  

If you have not yet started reading for your proposal, the Literature Review Guide offers advice on choosing a topic and how to conduct a literature search. Additionally, the Effective Reading Guide provides tips on researching and critical reading.  

Four students are reading in a library

Proposal Structure

So, how is a dissertation proposal typically structured? The structure of a proposal varies considerably.

This is a list of elements that might be required. Please check the dissertation proposal requirements and marking criteria on Blackboard or with your lecturers if you are unsure about the requirements.

Title : The title you have devised, so far - it can change throughout the dissertation drafting process! A good title is simple but fairly specific. Example: "Focus and concentration during revision: an evaluation of the Pomodoro technique."

Introduction/Background : Provides background and presents the key issues of your proposed research. Can include the following:

Rationale : Why is this research being undertaken, why is it interesting and worthwhile, also considering the existing literature?

Purpose : What do you intend to accomplish with your study, e.g. improve something or understand something? 

Research question : The main, overarching question your study seeks to answer. E.g. "How can focus and concentration be improved during revision?"

Hypothesis : Quantitative studies can use hypotheses in alternative to research questions. E.g. "Taking regular breaks significantly increases the ability to memorise information."

Aim : The main result your study seeks to achieve. If you use a research question, the aim echoes that, but uses an infinitive. E.g. "The aim of this research is to investigate how can focus and concentration be improved during revision."

Objectives : The stepping stones to achieve your aim. E.g. "The objectives of this research are 1) to review the literature on study techniques; 2) to identify the factors that influence focus and concentration; 3) to undertake an experiment on the Pomodoro technique with student volunteers; 4) to issue recommendations on focus and concentration for revision."

Literature review : Overview of significant literature around the research topic, moving from general (background) to specific (your subject of study). Highlight what the literature says, and does not say, on the research topic, identifying a gap(s) that your research aims to fill. 

Methods : Here you consider what methods you are planning to use for your research, and why you are thinking of them. What secondary sources (literature) are you going to consult? Are you going to use primary sources (e.g. data bases, statistics, interviews, questionnaires, experiments)? Are you going to focus on a case study? Is the research going to be qualitative or quantitative? Consider if your research will need ethical clearance.

Significance/Implications/Expected outcomes : In this section you reiterate what are you hoping to demonstrate. State how your research could contribute to debates in your particular subject area, perhaps filling a gap(s) in the existing works. 

Plan of Work : You might be asked to present your timeline for completing the dissertation. The timeline can be presented using different formats such as bullet points, table, Gantt chart. Whichever format you use, your plan of work should be realistic and should demonstrate awareness of the various elements of the study such as literature research, empirical work, drafting, re-drafting, etc.

Outline : Here you include a provisional table of contents for your dissertation. The structure of the dissertation can be free or prescribed by the dissertation guidelines of your course, so check that up. 

Reference List : The list should include the bibliographical information of all the sources you cited in the proposal, listed in alphabetical order. 

Most of the elements mentioned above are explained in the tabs of this guide!

Literature-based dissertations in the humanities

A literature-based dissertation in the humanities, however, might be less rigidly structured and may look like this: 

  • Short introduction including background information on your topic, why it is relevant and how it fits into the literature. 
  • Main body which outlines how you will organise your  chapters .
  • Conclusion which states what you hope your study will achieve. 
  • Bibliography .  

After Writing

Check your proposal! 

Have you shown that your research idea is: 

Ethical? 

Relevant? 

Feasible with the timeframe and resources available?  

Have you: 

Identified a clear research gap to focus on? 

Stated why your study is important? 

Selected a methodology that will enable you to gather the data you need? 

Use the marking criteria for dissertation proposals provided by your department to check your work.  

Locke, L.F.,  Spirduso, W.W. and Silverman, S.J. (2014).  Proposals that Work: A Guide for Planning Dissertations and Grant Proposals . Sage.

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  • Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on 8 June 2022 by Tegan George .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation, such as:

  • Your anticipated title
  • Your abstract
  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organisational structure of your thesis or dissertation . This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, frequently asked questions about outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

  • Working Title
  • ‘Elevator pitch’ of your work (often written last).
  • Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
  • Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
  • Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope, population , and data collection ).
  • Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
  • Answer the research question in a concise way.
  • Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

Chapter outline example British English

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilising some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the ‘IS-AV’ (inanimate subject with an active verb) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The I construction

Another option is to use the ‘I’ construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and ‘I’ construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as ‘discuss’, ‘present’, ‘prove’, or ‘show’. Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract   in the table of contents.

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Proposal Template AI

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Dissertation Proposal Template: A Comprehensive Guide + Free Template Download + How to Write it

The importance of a dissertation proposal template.

When it comes to writing a dissertation, the proposal is a crucial first step. It outlines your research topic, the significance of your study, and the methods you will use to conduct your research. However, creating a dissertation proposal from scratch can be a daunting task. That’s where a dissertation proposal template comes in. This template provides a structured format for your proposal, making the process of outlining your research much more manageable.

In this article, we will explore the importance of using a dissertation proposal template, why it’s essential for a successful dissertation, and what sets it apart from a standard research proposal . Whether you’re a graduate student or an academic researcher, understanding the value of a well-crafted dissertation proposal template can make all the difference in your scholarly pursuits.

Dissertation Proposal Template

  • Title: “The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health in Adolescents”
  • Your Name: John Smith
  • Institution: University of XYZ
  • Date: March 15, 2022
  • Contact Information : [email protected]

The abstract should briefly summarize the main points of your proposal, including the research question , methodology, and expected outcomes .

Example: The study aims to investigate the relationship between social media usage and mental health issues in adolescents. The research will utilize both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the impact of social media on anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. The expected outcomes will contribute to a better understanding of the potential risks associated with excessive social media usage among young people.

My advice on the abstract: Be clear and concise in summarizing your proposal. It should give the reader a clear idea of what your study is about and what you hope to achieve.

Introduction

The introduction should provide a background of the topic, the research problem or question, and the significance of the study .

Example: The rise of social media has revolutionized the way adolescents communicate and interact with the world. However, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact of excessive social media usage on their mental well-being. This study seeks to address these concerns by examining the correlation between social media and mental health in adolescents.

My advice on the introduction: It’s important to clearly articulate the background and significance of your research topic. Make sure to highlight the gap in the existing literature that your study aims to fill.

Literature Review

The literature review should critically analyze existing research on the topic, highlight gaps in the literature, and justify the need for your study.

Example: Previous studies have produced mixed findings on the relationship between social media and mental health in adolescents. While some research has shown a significant link between social media use and increased anxiety and depression, other studies have found no conclusive evidence. This literature review aims to synthesize existing research and identify the gaps that this study seeks to address.

My advice on the literature review : Take the time to thoroughly review and critically assess relevant literature. Be sure to demonstrate a clear understanding of the current state of research in your field and how your study will contribute to it.

Research Methodology

The research methodology should outline the approach, methods, and data analysis techniques that will be used in your study.

Example: This study will employ a mixed-methods approach, including both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The survey will measure social media usage and mental health symptoms, while the interviews will provide in-depth insights into adolescents’ experiences with social media. Data will be analyzed using statistical software for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data .

My advice on the research methodology : Clearly explain why you have chosen a particular research approach and methods. Provide a detailed plan for data collection and analysis, and justify your choices.

Expected Results

The expected results section should outline the potential outcomes of your study and their implications.

Example: Based on the literature review and preliminary data, we anticipate finding a positive correlation between social media usage and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents. These findings will have implications for mental health interventions and social media guidelines for young people.

My advice on expected results : Be realistic about what you expect to find and discuss the potential implications of your findings. This section is an opportunity to demonstrate the significance of your study.

The references section should include all sources cited in your proposal, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

*Example: – Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2018). Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 12, 271-283. – Primack, B. A., Shensa, A., Sidani, J. E., Whaite, E. O., Lin, L. Y., Rosen, D., … & Miller, E. (2017). Social media use and perceived social isolation among young adults in the U.S. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 53(1), 1-8.

My advice on references: Make sure to use a consistent citation style and include all sources mentioned in your proposal. This section is essential for demonstrating the academic integrity of your work.

This template serves as a comprehensive guide for structuring your dissertation proposal. As demonstrated in the examples, each section should be well-developed and clearly articulate the rationale, methodology, and expected outcomes of your study. By following this template and incorporating the provided advice, you can enhance the quality and persuasiveness of your proposal.

Download free Dissertation Proposal Template in Word DocX, Powerpoint PPTX, and PDF. We included Dissertation Proposal Template examples as well.

Download Free Dissertation Proposal Template PDF and Examples Download Free Dissertation Proposal Template Word Document

Download Free Dissertation Proposal Template Powerpoint

FAQ for Dissertation Proposal Template

1. what is a dissertation proposal.

A dissertation proposal is a document that outlines a research project ’s objectives, methodology, and timeline for completion. It is typically submitted to a committee for approval before beginning the actual dissertation.

2. What should be included in a dissertation proposal?

A dissertation proposal should include an introduction, literature review, research methodology , anticipated outcomes, and a timeline for completion. It should also include a bibliography or references section .

3. Can I use a dissertation proposal template?

Yes, using a dissertation proposal template can be a helpful starting point for structuring your proposal. However, it’s important to customize the template to fit your specific research topic and objectives.

4. Where can I find a dissertation proposal template?

You can find dissertation proposal templates online through academic websites, university libraries, or by asking your advisor or committee for a recommended template.

5. How should I format my dissertation proposal?

Your dissertation proposal should adhere to your academic institution’s formatting guidelines , such as font size, margin width, and citation style. It’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure your proposal is received favorably by your committee.

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University Thesis and Dissertation Templates

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Theses and dissertations are already intensive, long-term projects that require a lot of effort and time from their authors. Formatting for submission to the university is often the last thing that graduate students do, and may delay earning the relevant degree if done incorrectly.

Below are some strategies graduate students can use to deal with institutional formatting requirements to earn their degrees on time.

Disciplinary conventions are still paramount.

Scholars in your own discipline are the most common readers of your dissertation; your committee, too, will expect your work to match with their expectations as members of your field. The style guide your field uses most commonly is always the one you should follow, and if your field uses conventions such as including all figures and illustrations at the end of the document, you should do so. After these considerations are met, move on to university formatting. Almost always, university formatting only deals with things like margins, font, numbering of chapters and sections, and illustrations; disciplinary style conventions in content such as APA's directive to use only last names of authors in-text are not interfered with by university formatting at all.

Use your university's formatting guidelines and templates to your advantage.

If your institution has a template for formatting your thesis or dissertation that you can use, do so. Don't look at another student's document and try to replicate it yourself. These templates typically have the necessary section breaks and styles already in the document, and you can copy in your work from your existing draft using the style pane in MS Word to ensure you're using the correct formatting (similarly with software such as Overleaf when writing in LaTeX, templates do a lot of the work for you). It's also often easier for workers in the offices that deal with theses and dissertations to help you with your work if you're using their template — they are familiar with these templates and can often navigate them more proficiently.

These templates also include placeholders for all front matter you will need to include in your thesis or dissertation, and may include guidelines for how to write these. Front matter includes your table of contents, acknowledgements, abstract, abbreviation list, figure list, committee page, and (sometimes) academic history or CV; everything before your introduction is front matter. Since front matter pages such as the author's academic history and dissertation committee are usually for the graduate school and not for your department, your advisor might not remember to have you include them. Knowing about them well before your deposit date means you won't be scrambling to fill in placeholders at the last minute or getting your work returned for revision from the graduate school.

Consider institutional formatting early and often.

Many graduate students leave this aspect of submitting their projects until it's almost too late to work on it, causing delays in obtaining their degree. Simply being aware that this is a task you'll have to complete and making sure you know where templates are, who you can ask for help in your graduate office or your department, and what your institution's guidelines are can help alleviate this issue. Once you know what you'll be expected to do to convert to university formatting, you can set regular check-in times for yourself to do this work in pieces rather than all at once (for instance, when you've completed a chapter and had it approved by your chair). 

Consider fair use for images and other third-party content.

Most theses and dissertations are published through ProQuest or another publisher (Harvard, for instance, uses their own open publishing service). For this reason, it may be the case that your institution requires all images or other content obtained from other sources to fall under fair use rules or, if an image is not considered under fair use, you'll have to obtain permission to print it in your dissertation. Your institution should have more guidance on their specific expectations for fair use content; knowing what these guidelines are well in advance of your deposit date means you won't have to make last-minute changes or removals to deposit your work.

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Free Dissertation Proposal Samples and Examples

Writing a dissertation proposal can be hard for some students. A way to solve this problem is to review the already available free samples of Research proposals available online. ResearchProspect helps students in this matter. We have a large database of free dissertation proposal examples to help students with their academic work. Review our samples now for inspiration!

Dissertation/Research Proposal Sample

Discipline: Law

Quality: Approved / Passed

Discipline: Education &Teaching

Discipline: HRM

Approved / Passed

Discipline: Entrepreneurship

Discipline: Tourism & Hospitality Management

Discipline: Finance & Accounting

Discipline: Criminology

Discipline: Telecommunication Engineering

Discipline: Finance

Quality: 1st / 78%

Discipline: Project Management

Quality: 1st / 76%

Quality: 1st / 74%

Discipline: Aeronautical Engineering

Quality: 1st / 72%

Discipline: Sustainability

Quality: 2:1 / 69%

Discipline: Construction & Project Management

Quality: 2:1 / 67%

Discipline: Medicine

Quality: 2:1 / 66%

Discipline: Public Health

Quality: 2:1 / 63%

Undergraduate

Discipline: Management

Discipline: Education

Strategic Human Resource Management of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity

Dissertation Proposal

Discipline: Nursing

Discipline: Marketing

Discipline: Business

Quality: 2:1 / 64%

Discipline: Research Method

Discipline: Sociology

Discipline: Electrical Engineering

Quality: 2:1 / 68%

An Experimental Study On The Effectiveness Of Using Admixtures…

Civil Engineering

Brexit and How it Will Affect the UK Financial Services Sector

Constructing legal discourse at the un security council related …..

Legislation

Impact of E-Business Adoption and Factors of Globalisation ….

Managing tourism attractiveness of india, material selection for innovative design of automotive component….

Engineering

Role of E-commerce in flourishing the business: A case study of ….

Finance Management

Sustainable Architectural Designs

Architecture

The Impact of Digital Transformation (Technology) In Improving ….

The impact of airport terminal expansion on customer services …..

Research Proposal

Undergraduate Cyber Security Proposal Sample: Protecting Information in the Digital Age

Cyber Security

Suggesting marketing communication strategies to retain and improve

Marketing Communication

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Frequently Ask Questions?

How our proposal samples can help you.

We have published numerous samples here to showcase our abilities, but also to help you become familiar with the construction, requirements, and layout of a dissertation proposal.

The proposal outlines what you plan to research and what you’re looking to achieve through the exploration. Thus, it is also called a research proposal. It’s a small version of what the full dissertation might eventually become.

It is a relatively short but comprehensive paper that describes the specifics of the research you intend to conduct. The ideal proposal will contain certain research elements and will adhere to a specific structure.

This structure requires the proposal to contain certain sections: research aims and objectives, the significance of the research, and the methodology you plan to use. As such, the proposal should include abstracts from the initial three chapters of a dissertation: the introduction, literature review, and methodology.

This is where our samples will really help you. You will be able to learn more about the essential elements of this kind of document and understand how the three sections are incorporated into it. As well as helping you learn about the proposal structure, you can use them as writing guides. Writing a dissertation is very different to writing an essay or coursework.

One main difference is the language and writing style, another is the depth of research required. Examining our proposal samples should demonstrate to you how to make effective transitions between sections, it can also ensure your statements are supported by appropriate references.

Reviewing our proposal examples, you will observe that all research aims and objectives are clearly and concisely stated, also, the importance and rationale of the research are explained at length.

The introduction section helps readers understand the importance of your topic and your perspective on conducting the research. Then the methodology chapter lays out the method of research you plan to use.

This section may include a timeline, known as the Gantt chart, which indicates the time you require for research. Finally, you should include a reference list where you cite any theory or other quoted works. You should also use in-text citations as with any academic work.

If you are still unsure how to write a first-class proposal, it would really be beneficial for you to make use of our proposal writing service. Our writers will adhere to your specifications for the proposal.

What are your guarantees?

Our guarantees:

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Who writes the work if I order from ResearchProspect?

We have assembled a carefully selected writing team. We put them through some tough testing at first, some describe it as an ‘academic assault course’. But we have to know our writers are qualified to do what we ask. These are the people who will do your writing. If they’re in our team, they’ve made the grade.

Do your delivery days include the weekends?

For sure! We work seven days a week and only take three main UK holidays each year: Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s.

What are the features of our Dissertation Proposal Writing Service?

Our dissertation proposal writing services are created to help undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. students with all aspects of their dissertation papers. The service includes the following;

  • The writer we will assign to your proposal order will have the matching qualifications and expertise.
  • Your completed proposal paper will be checked against our strict quality control procedures and academic standards.
  • The service includes unlimited free amendments until you are fully satisfied with the work delivered. Our writers are always happy to resolve any issues that you identify in their work.
  • The completed paper will be delivered along with a free anti-plagiarism report which is generated with our in-house plagiarism software. We guarantee 100% unique writing or your money back. It’s that simple!

What happens after you have received your Dissertation Proposal?

On receiving your dissertation proposal, read it and become familiar with it. Then you can present it to your supervisor or the graduate committee to apply for its approval. Once your proposal has been approved, the writer can start work on your dissertation immediately if that’s what you want.

Do you provide Ph.D. Proposal Help?

Yes, we can help you write your proposal. For a proposal at this level, it is a job for only the most experienced and qualified. With our Ph.D. proposal writing service, the work will be completed by an expert writer who holds a Ph.D. You would be paired with this writer so that you can explain all the specifics you want your proposal to contain. We’ve published some example proposals here on the site for you to inspect.

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  • Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

  • Your anticipated title
  • Your abstract
  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

  • Working Title
  • “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
  • Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
  • Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
  • Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
  • Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
  • Answer the research question in a concise way.
  • Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

Chapter outline example American English

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

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What is the Proposal?

The dissertation proposal will be used by your committee to recommend the preliminary defense and will be included in your IRB application. It will consist of a completed version of the first three chapters of your dissertation.

The proposal will follow the format of the proposal template . It is primarily modeled after the professional version of APA 7th edition but does require minor deviations.

Each chapter in a dissertation is typically 20-40 pages, so dependent upon the length of your completed chapters, your proposal will be a fairly lengthy document. Ensure the document is double-spaced and includes an extensive reference section.

The proposal will consist of the following sections/components:

Chapter One

Chapter one of your work will be the introduction. Much of what you have written for your prospectus can be used for this section (with revisions based on committee insight).

Problem background: Central problem you will address and verification of its existence through research.

Problem statements: From the context of your problem background, identify specific problems that your research aims to address.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework: The framework will indicate the structure and basis of your proposed research.

Research questions: Indicate, typically, a minimum of three (3) research questions that derive from the problem statements identified.

Nature of the Study: Explain your proposed method, research design, required data, data collection method, and data analysis methodology.

Significance of the Study: Indicate the potential impact of your study.

Definitions: Add a definition of terms that are used frequently in your dissertation but are not common knowledge. For additional advice, see here .

Chapter Two

Chapter two of your work will be the literature review.

For information on writing your literature review, please see the literature review page .

Chapter Three

Chapter three of your work will be the methodology of your work.

For information on writing your methodology section, please see the methodology page .

All references should be formatted using APA 7th edition. For information about formatting your references correctly, please see the APA page .

Samples of Proposals

When do i complete the proposal.

The proposal will be submitted once your committee and chair approve your first three chapters. When your proposal has been adapted into the proposal template format, you will upload it to your GAP dissertation block.

What then? Your proposal will be reviewed by your committee members. Upon approval, you will proceed forward with your preliminary defense and will use this as a basis to submit to the IRB .

What if I Need Help?

For help on the proposal, you can see the list of services the Doctoral Writing Center provides here .

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What’s Included: The Dissertation Template

If you’re preparing to write your dissertation, thesis or research project, our free dissertation template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research projects such as dissertations and theses. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your dissertation or thesis will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The dissertation template covers the following core sections:

  • The title page/cover page
  • Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
  • Table of contents
  • List of figures /list of tables
  • Chapter 1: Introduction  (also available: in-depth introduction template )
  • Chapter 2: Literature review  (also available: in-depth LR template )
  • Chapter 3: Methodology (also available: in-depth methodology template )
  • Chapter 4: Research findings /results (also available: results template )
  • Chapter 5: Discussion /analysis of findings (also available: discussion template )
  • Chapter 6: Conclusion (also available: in-depth conclusion template )
  • Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included practical examples to help you understand exactly what’s required in each section.

The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Dissertation Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The dissertation template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of dissertations/theses can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research projects such as dissertations or theses, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Will this work for a research paper?

A research paper follows a similar format, but there are a few differences. You can find our research paper template here .

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a dissertation, thesis or research project at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my dissertation/thesis be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, Masters-level projects are usually 15,000 – 20,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects are often in excess of 60,000 words.

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this dissertation template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my dissertation/thesis?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our dissertation and thesis coaching services .

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Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template

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Embarking on your dissertation journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a graduate student, you understand the importance of careful planning and staying on top of deadlines. That's where ClickUp's Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template comes to the rescue!

With ClickUp's Gantt chart template, you can:

  • Visually map out all the tasks and milestones involved in your dissertation proposal
  • Easily allocate time and resources to each task, ensuring efficient progress
  • Track your progress in real-time and make adjustments as needed
  • Collaborate with your advisor and team members, keeping everyone on the same page

Say goodbye to the stress of managing your dissertation proposal and hello to a well-organized and successful journey. Get started with ClickUp's Gantt chart template today!

Benefits of Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template

Planning and organizing your dissertation proposal has never been easier with the Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template. Here are some of the benefits you'll experience:

  • Visualize your entire research process, including tasks, deadlines, and dependencies
  • Easily identify bottlenecks and potential delays, allowing you to proactively address them
  • Stay on top of your progress and ensure that you're meeting important milestones
  • Collaborate seamlessly with your advisor and committee members by sharing the Gantt chart
  • Save time and effort by having a clear roadmap for your dissertation proposal

Main Elements of Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template

ClickUp's Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart template provides a comprehensive solution for managing your research project from start to finish.

Here are the key elements of this template:

  • Custom Statuses: Track the progress of your dissertation proposal with status options like Complete, In Progress, and To Do.
  • Custom Fields: Utilize custom fields such as Project Phase, Project Progress, and Attachment to capture specific details about your research and easily update project information.
  • Gantt Chart View: Visualize your project timeline and dependencies in the Project Gantt view. Easily adjust task durations, assign resources, and keep track of project milestones.
  • Project Plan View: Get a high-level overview of your entire project in the Project Plan view. Organize tasks by phases, set due dates, and monitor progress.
  • Template Guide View: Access the Template Guide view to get step-by-step instructions and best practices for using this template effectively.

With ClickUp's Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart template, you can streamline your research process and stay on track for successful completion.

How to Use Gantt Chart for Dissertation Proposal

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Use {{Feature_2}} in ClickUp to create a customized {{Title}} template.

3. Customize the template to fit your needs

Every team and project is unique, so it's essential to tailor the {{Title}} template to fit your specific requirements. Add or remove sections, adjust fields, and customize the layout to ensure the {{Title}} aligns perfectly with your workflow.

Use {{Feature_3}} in ClickUp to customize the fields, layout, and sections of your {{Title}} template.

4. Start using the {{Title}}

Now that your {{Title}} template is ready, it's time to start utilizing it. Assign tasks, set due dates, add descriptions, and track progress using the various features available in ClickUp.

Use {{Feature_4}} in ClickUp to assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress within your {{Title}}.

5. Collaborate and communicate effectively

Effective collaboration is key to successfully using the {{Title}}. Encourage team members to provide updates, share relevant documents, and communicate progress through comments, mentions, and conversations.

Use {{Feature_5}} in ClickUp to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members.

6. Monitor and optimize your workflow

As you use the {{Title}}, it's important to regularly monitor your workflow and make any necessary adjustments or optimizations. Analyze data, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity.

Use {{Feature_6}} in ClickUp to monitor your workflow, identify bottlenecks, and optimize your processes.

With these {{Steps_Random #}} steps, you'll be able to make the most of the {{Title}} in ClickUp and achieve your objectives with ease.

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Get Started with ClickUp’s Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template

Graduate students working on their dissertation proposals can use the Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template to effectively plan and manage their research projects.

First, hit “Add Template” to sign up for ClickUp and add the template to your Workspace. Make sure you designate which Space or location in your Workspace you’d like this template applied.

Next, invite relevant members or guests to your Workspace to start collaborating.

Now you can take advantage of the full potential of this template to create a detailed plan for your dissertation proposal:

  • Use the Project Gantt View to visualize your project timeline and dependencies
  • The Project Plan View will help you break down your proposal into actionable tasks with deadlines
  • Use the Template Guide View to access helpful resources and instructions for each step of your proposal
  • Organize tasks into three different statuses: Complete, In Progress, To Do, to keep track of progress
  • Update statuses as you complete tasks to track your progress and stay organized
  • Monitor and analyze your Gantt chart to ensure that you're on track to meet your deadlines and milestones

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Proposal Templates

11+ dissertation proposal templates – doc, excel, pdf.

Conducting out a research on a particular topic or stage requires a lot of dedicated resources, involvements, and capturing each and everything in detail to ensure that you never miss out anything important. The Dissertation Proposal Template is one of the best solutions that can help you to present a detailed thesis in front of your examiner and can assist you in fetching good marks.

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Dissertation Proposal Template

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Free Download Quantitative Dissertation Proposal

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Free Psychology Dissertation Proposal PDF Download

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  1. Choose From 40 Research Proposal Templates & Examples 100% Free

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  2. Dissertation Proposal Template

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  3. Dissertation Proposal Template

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  4. Dissertation Proposal Template

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  5. 9 Free Research Proposal Templates (with Examples)

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  6. Dissertation Proposal Template

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  1. Writing That PhD Thesis

  2. MR Dissertation Proposal Poster Presentation

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  6. Dissertation Seminar #2 for Cohort 16

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Proposal

    Writing a proposal or prospectus can be a challenge, but we've compiled some examples for you to get your started. Example #1: "Geographic Representations of the Planet Mars, 1867-1907" by Maria Lane. Example #2: "Individuals and the State in Late Bronze Age Greece: Messenian Perspectives on Mycenaean Society" by Dimitri Nakassis.

  2. How To Write A Research Proposal (With Examples)

    Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research before you put pen to paper. Your research proposal should include (at least) 5 essential components : Title - provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms. Introduction - explains what you'll be researching in more detail.

  3. How to Write a Dissertation Proposal

    Table of contents. Step 1: Coming up with an idea. Step 2: Presenting your idea in the introduction. Step 3: Exploring related research in the literature review. Step 4: Describing your methodology. Step 5: Outlining the potential implications of your research. Step 6: Creating a reference list or bibliography.

  4. Research Proposal Example (PDF + Template)

    Proposal template (Fully editable) If you're working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful: Research Proposal Bootcamp: Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible; 1:1 Proposal Coaching: Get hands-on help with your research proposal

  5. What Is A Research Proposal? Examples + Template

    The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince your research supervisor, committee or university that your research is suitable (for the requirements of the degree program) and manageable (given the time and resource constraints you will face). The most important word here is "convince" - in other words, your ...

  6. How to Write a Dissertation Proposal

    A dissertation proposal is very important because it helps shape the actual dissertation, which is arguably the most important piece of writing a postgraduate student will undertake. By having a well-structured dissertation proposal, you will have a strong foundation for your dissertation and a good template to follow.

  7. Dissertation Proposal

    On this page: Proposal Overview and Format Proposal Committee Proposal Hearing or Meeting Printing Credit for Use in School of Education Labs Proposal Overview and Format Students are urged to begin thinking about a dissertation topic early in their degree program. Concentrated work on a dissertation proposal normally begins after successful completion of the Second-Year Review, which often ...

  8. Dissertations 1: Getting Started: Writing A Proposal

    Before you start your dissertation, you may be asked to write a proposal for it. The purpose of a dissertation proposal is to provide a snapshot of what your study involves. Usually, after submission of the proposal you will be assigned a supervisor who has some expertise in your field of study. You should receive feedback on the viability of ...

  9. Dissertation & Thesis Outline

    Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Published on 8 June 2022 by Tegan George . A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you'd like to undertake.

  10. Dissertation Proposal Template: A Comprehensive Guide + Free Template

    FAQ for Dissertation Proposal Template 1. What is a dissertation proposal? A dissertation proposal is a document that outlines a research project's objectives, methodology, and timeline for completion. It is typically submitted to a committee for approval before beginning the actual dissertation.

  11. Free Download: Research Proposal Template (Word Doc

    What's Included: Research Proposal Template. Our free dissertation/thesis proposal template covers the core essential ingredients for a strong research 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 ...

  12. University Thesis and Dissertation Templates

    These templates also include placeholders for all front matter you will need to include in your thesis or dissertation, and may include guidelines for how to write these. Front matter includes your table of contents, acknowledgements, abstract, abbreviation list, figure list, committee page, and (sometimes) academic history or CV; everything ...

  13. PDF APA Style Dissertation Guidelines: Formatting Your Dissertation

    Dissertation Content When the content of the dissertation starts, the page numbering should restart at page one using Arabic numbering (i.e., 1, 2, 3, etc.) and continue throughout the dissertation until the end. The Arabic page number should be aligned to the upper right margin of the page with a running head aligned to the upper left margin.

  14. PDF A Sample Qualitative Dissertation Proposal

    Microsoft Word - Proposal-QUAL-Morales.doc. A Sample Qualitative Dissertation Proposal. Prepared by. Alejandro Morales. NOTE: This proposal is included in the ancillary materials of Research Design with permission of the author. LANGUAGE BROKERING IN MEXICAN IMMIGRANT FAMILIES LIVING IN.

  15. Research Proposal Samples & Examples

    Writing a dissertation proposal can be hard for some students. A way to solve this problem is to review the already available free samples of Research proposals available online. ResearchProspect helps students in this matter. We have a large database of free dissertation proposal examples to help students with their academic work.

  16. Dissertation & Thesis Outline

    Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on November 21, 2023. A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process.It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to ...

  17. Dissertation Specific: Proposal

    The proposal will follow the format of the proposal template. It is primarily modeled after the professional version of APA 7th edition but does require minor deviations. Length. Each chapter in a dissertation is typically 20-40 pages, so dependent upon the length of your completed chapters, your proposal will be a fairly lengthy document.

  18. Free Dissertation & Thesis Template (Word Doc & PDF)

    The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX. Download The Dissertation Template. Download Grad Coach's comprehensive dissertation and thesis template for free. Fully editable - includes detailed instructions and examples.

  19. Dissertation Proposal Guidelines and Oral Presentation Template

    The dissertation proposal is required for all doctoral students. It addresses 1) why the research is relevant, 2) the focus of the research, and 3) how the research will be conducted. Students prepare a written document and give an oral presentation to the supervisory committee. This template is to serve as a general outline for…

  20. Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template

    With ClickUp's Gantt chart template, you can: Visually map out all the tasks and milestones involved in your dissertation proposal. Easily allocate time and resources to each task, ensuring efficient progress. Track your progress in real-time and make adjustments as needed.

  21. 11+ Dissertation Proposal Templates

    The Dissertation Proposal Template includes a set of different templates that helps you in showcasing your exact research idea and topic with relevant examples and instances. The entire set of templates can be customized to meet varied needs and requirements of school, college, and post graduate students. More in Proposal Templates