Module Directory

This module introduces students to the form and function of an effective PhD research proposal. The module will help students to understand the expectations of the research proposal for their own subjects/supervisors and will help them to work on how to produce a quality proposal.

The module will help students to develop their skills and confidence in their own research topic as well as their ability to write and talk about their proposal to a range of different audiences. The module will provide students with an overview of the relevant academic theory and ideas about the writing process as well as practical and hands-on experience of writing their own proposals.

The aims of this module are:

• To provide students with a generic understanding of the role, function and importance of a clear and coherent research proposal as well as a detailed understanding of what is required within their own discipline and for working with their nominated supervisor.


• To help students identify a relevant research topic and appropriate proposal format.


• To help students understand, identify and make use of the appropriate rhetorical features of an effective research proposal.


• To introduce students to the different formats research proposals take and what the core components are for their own disciplines.


• To prepare students to be able effectively summarise their proposal and to be able to communicate it effectively in speaking and in writing.


• To help prepare students to work effectively with their nominated supervisor.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role and purpose of research proposals and be able to identify the core linguistic and rhetorical features of proposals in their disciplines.


2. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the different components of research proposals in their field.


3. Demonstrate the ability to critically reflect and act on feedback received from their supervisor.


4. Demonstrate their understanding of the aims and objectives of their research proposal in appropriate written and spoken academic language.

The module will make use of three main modes of teaching. These will include sessions that take a more traditional lecture/seminar style forms where ideas will be introduced and discussed (weeks 1,2,3) as well as weeks where students will work with their nominated supervisors (weeks 4,6 and 8), and more interactive writing workshops where students will have time in class to work on their writing and receive help and feedback on drafts.

Indicative syllabus:

• Introduction to the research proposal and working with your supervisor


• Identifying the different components of research proposals


• Analysing the language of research proposals


• Working with your supervisor - identifying topic areas


• Writing workshop - writing about your research topic


• Working with your supervisor - reviewing the literature


• Writing workshop - writing about your sources


• Working with your supervisor - data collection and methods


• Writing workshop - writing about your research work and presentation preparation


• Assessed Presentations

This module will be delivered via:

• Four 2-hour seminars
• Three 2-hour workshops

Plus, a minimum of three meetings with their PhD supervisor.

Students will be taught via a range of lecture and seminar sessions. These sessions will combine lecture-style input along with practical activities and discussion. The students will work in groups as well as individually and will work with colleagues from the Department of Language and linguistics as well as their onward Departments. The module will also include independent learning activities and self-directed study. The module will draw from model/sample texts provided by the different Departments and all materials will be available on Moodle.