For Structure I (Research) and Structure II (Coursework and Dissertation) for the Master and Doctoral Programmes

During the Stage 1 of the candidature, and as part of the process of confirming full candidature, candidates shall furnish a research proposal to School of Graduate Studies within 3 semesters from the date registration for defense.

Download the Research Guidelines.

The Purpose of the Research Proposal

• goals of the research study;
• relationship of the work to the current body of knowledge in the chosen discipline area;
• methodologies by which the goals will be addressed, and
• plausible outcomes of the work, together with their significance.

Preparing the Research Proposal

• Candidates should conduct an initial literature search and review the existing literature concerned with content and methodology. This is the most critical activity before writing the research proposal. The better that your research is ‘grounded in’ or ‘tied to’ the literature, the greater will be its credibility, persuasiveness and authority.
• Candidates are required to discuss with their supervisor or supervisory committee member(s) on the focus and purpose of the research proposal as stipulated in Paragraph 2.0 above.
• Candidates should adhere to the Guidelines for Research Proposal when preparing their proposal.
• A workshop dedicated to the preparation of the research proposal shall be organised at middle of each semester to discuss the focus, goals and objectives of the research study.

Submission Process

• Your proposal should be forwarded to your supervisor(s) for the following actions:
  • Principal Supervisor(s) – to complete Statement of Support for Submission of Research Proposal form;
  • Associate Supervisor(s) – to verify and countersign the form. The Associate Supervisor(s) needs to provide information on their contribution to the supervision of the candidate.
• The supervisor(s) then forwards the research proposal to the Dean of the relevant faculty for consideration and signature.
• The Dean of the relevant faculty forwards along with the completed Research Proposal Checklist to the Dean, School of Graduate Studies for consideration and preparation of proposal defense.

Research Proposal Defense

• The defense of the full research proposal by Research Proposal Defense Committee (RPDC) is intended to assist a candidate to work towards the production of a thesis or dissertation that will be acceptable to the examiners. It enables the RPDC to assess whether, after three semesters or equivalent year of study, the candidate and the supervisor(s) have:
  • appropriate School support;
  • a clear outline of the research topic which constitutes an significant (original) contribution to knowledge;
  • an understanding to the potential significance of the work;
  • determined the methodologies by which the research work will be undertaken; and
  • adhered to the ethical processes and procedures of research.
• If, after reviewing the research proposal, the RPDC has any concerns regarding any of these issues, it may hold further discussion with the candidate, the supervisor(s) and/or the other School members.
• When it considers it appropriate, RPDC may request a resubmission of the research proposal in full or in part, having outlined specific additions, omissions, or clarifications it wishes to have addressed.
• A candidate shall be given three (3) opportunities to pass the proposal defense. Failure on the third attempt shall result on the termination of his/her candidature.