BLDE University


How To Choose A Proper Dissertation Proposal Format

A dissertation proposal is aimed at convincing the advisory committee that a candidate’s research question is important and interesting, and that he or she is competent enough to pursue it. It is very important not only to include valuable information in it, but also to format it well. Here are some tips on how choose a proper format for your dissertation proposal:

  • Follow the guidelines by your university.
  • Students are not allowed to format their doctorate papers as they please. All the necessary data on the issue are available on the university website. Find the section on dissertation writing, and keep to the guidelines that are present there.

  • Turn to your advisor.
  • Your advisor will provide exact instructions on how to arrange your proposal. If any questions occur, don’t be afraid to ask.

  • Look for the proper samples.
  • Good proposals can be found offline and online. Visit your university library or writing center, and get a hold of several well-written copies in your course. Browse the Internet in search of the required samples. Remember to use only credible online resources. Usually, these are educational websites, university websites, and online libraries. Refer to the samples you get and format your writing according to them.

Whatever specific requirements are peculiar to your course, there are some general requirements to formatting as well. They are connected with the structure of your proposal. Be sure to include all necessary information in them, and you won’t be mistaken.

  • Title
  • Label your title page as a “dissertation proposal”, and borrow the formatting style from the dissertation titles in your course. Be sure to formulate the title concisely and clearly.

  • Abstract
  • Let your abstract not exceed 350 words. It should summarize the whole document.

  • Introduction
  • Share the circumstances and background of your research problem.

  • Problem statement
  • Explain what gap is in the knowledge of the problem, and how your research will help fill this gap.

  • Background
  • Review the existing research works in your area of study. Explain how your project is connected with these works.

  • Research questions
  • Share your hypotheses (research questions) on the issue. They should logically arise from the background information.

  • Methods
  • Describe what instruments and procedures will be applied to gather data and process the research results. Explain why you choose these methods in particular.

  • Limitations
  • Analyze possible weaknesses of your research and describe possible obstacles that may prevent you from receiving highly reliable results.

  • References.
  • Use the standard citation style to format the references of your proposal. Be consistent throughout the whole document.