The proposal

As you’re writing your research proposal you'll need to keep in mind the general assessment criteria.

In order to progress from provisional registration, you must write a full research proposal. The proposal provides evidence that your proposed research is viable and that you have the capacity to carry it out successfully. To progress to full registration, you must:

  • write a full research proposal (length is dependent on school/programme requirements)
  • present the proposal orally (if required by your school)
  • meet any other requirements set by your school or programme, including any required coursework.

Specific school or programme criteria can be obtained from your postgraduate coordinator or supervisors.

General requirements

To the extent appropriate in your discipline, the proposal will contain the following elements:

  • a literature review
  • an outline of the basic thesis/research questions
  • discussion of appropriate theoretical frameworks
  • details of appropriate methodology
  • details of any special resources or equipment required for your research (beyond what is specified in the Resource Agreement for Thesis Students)
  • a statement as to whether your research requires ethics approval and, if so, when approval will be sought (if approval has already been granted for the proposed research or for preliminary work, this should be noted)
  • a discussion of any intellectual property issues to which your research may give rise
  • a statement that there are no foreseeable cultural, social or legal impediments to the successful completion and/or publication of your research
  • a tentative timetable for the completion of your thesis, including preliminary goals for the next six months.

When writing your proposal, your supervisors will provide you with advice.

If your research will require you to be away from Wellington (for field work or data collection, for example) you must apply to conduct research away from Victoria University of Wellington.

Oral presentation

Many schools will require you to present your proposal orally. In such cases, your School will normally advertise the presentation, and open it to all staff and postgraduate students who may be interested.

Schools/programmes are free to determine the format of oral presentations, but we recommend that you summarise your proposal and highlight:

  • key issues
  • the conceptual framework
  • the intended methodology
  • any problems anticipated in carrying out the research.

You may receive questions and feedback from those in attendance. The School Research Committee (SRC) should document any feedback for your reference and give you the opportunity to respond.