As we near the start of a new academic year … I know, I know, it’s only July … but as the Lead for a Doctoral programme, I’m already well into scheduling, planning assessments and doing the final recruitment drive, so for me, it’s go-time again.   

Anyway, as I was saying.  As we near the start of a new academic year, you may well be doing the final edits on the application for your doctorate and wondering if it’s all in there, and it all makes sense.

And actually, how many references do you really need????

Let me give you my thoughts.  I read lots of applications and can help you out.

Preparing a robust research proposal as part of the application for your doctorate might feel like you are putting your entire life on the line.  Like you’re committing to something you really aren’t sure of – second-date-itis, with a side of lifelong partnership, anyone?  It can be really scary – and let’s face it, you (probably) haven’t done this before, so how are you supposed to do it right now?

What type of application are you writing?

First, let’s identify the different types of proposal and application you may be facing:

• For a fully funded study, probably with money coming from an external provider and most likely competitive entry (not exclusively, but often science-based fields), your proposal will need to be comprehensive, nearly expert in its level of mastery before you even get there and show total commitment to the topic and research question.  Normally a PhD.
• For a self-funded study (typically social science/humanities areas), your proposal might show some of your personality and interests but stil needs to make a strong case that you know your topic area and have a strong focus on the area of research.  Normally also a PhD.
• For a work-based or professional doctorate programme (typically mid-senior career level, based in an employing organisation and normally part-time), your proposal will be context-focused, show a practically oriented knowledge of the field, and be clear on the research area. However, depending on what you find when you get to that stage, you might leave some wriggle room. 

Obviously, that isn’t a comprehensive typology, but it’s a place to start.  Where are you on that continuum?  Knowing that is the first stage to ensuring that you submit an appropriate application.

Understanding Your Motivation: Why Do You Want This?

Before you even start filling out forms or drafting proposals, take a moment to reflect on why you want to pursue a doctorate. For me, it all started with a need for a career-related credential, a commitment to an organisation that had a problem and a desire to contribute something meaningful to society. What’s driving you?

Consider these reflective questions to help pinpoint your motivations:

Remember, understanding your motivation isn’t just for the application; it’s the fuel that will keep you going through late nights when you want to walk away from it and challenging research phases when you’d rather be working a supermarket checkout. These times will happen.  Best to be prepared for them!

Choosing the Right Programme and Supervisor

Finding the perfect programme and supervisor is like dating—you have to be compatible! Start by thoroughly researching universities and their programmes. Look into faculty interests, department strengths, and available resources.

If you have time (hint: make the time – this is a big decision): 

– Attend open days or virtual events. Try to meet the people running the programme.  Will you get on?

– Reach out to current students or alumni. Ask them what it’s like to be there.  Note what they tell you (and also, what they don’t).

– Read recent publications from potential supervisors.  Are they aligned to your topic area?  Your proposed methodology? Your target journals?

– Make sure you really understand how the programme will be delivered – is there contact time?  How much? With whom? Do you need to pass assignments to continue?  What are the timelines? Will you need employer agreement?  

Your goal is to find a programme that aligns with both your academic goals and personal needs.

Writing a Convincing Research Proposal

Think of your research proposal as the blueprint for your entire study. It should be clear, structured, and compelling enough to convince others of its feasibility and importance.  But heed the typology above.  Different types of doctorate need different types of proposal!  If in doubt, check with the programme lead or potential supervisor about the level of detail and depth they are looking for. 

The proposal template you can download on this article is adapatable enough to suit any type of programme: use the questions it asks to help you write a strong proposal of your own.

Practical advice on structuring your formal proposal:

1. Introduction: Clearly state your research question or hypothesis.

2. Literature Review: Summarise existing work in the field and identify gaps that align with your research question (the two should be linked).

3. Methodology: Describe how you plan to conduct your research.

4. Expected Outcomes: Explain what you hope to achieve.

5. Timeline: Provide a realistic (generous) timeline for completing each stage of your research.

Examples of successful proposals often include detailed methodologies and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the field. You are not expected to know your outcomes before you start, but for a PhD where you are likely to be working alone for chunks of time, knowing your field and having a strong idea of methodology and methods first will help maintain your sanity.

A part-taught doctorate, where you will have baked-in time to explore these things in the early years, obviously needs less detail here, and the focus will be on what you want to bring to your professional environment through your study at this stage.

Highlighting Your Academic and Professional Background

Showcasing your achievements without sounding boastful can be tricky. Think of it as telling a story where you’re the protagonist who has overcome various challenges.  And bear in mind that many programmes will want both a personal statement and a research proposal. They are very different things, and will need you to approach them separately. 

Keep it real and relevant.  As Programme Lead for an applied doctorate, I’m less interested in whether you understand the difference between two (ostensibly similar) methodological approaches – and more interested in how you see your intended question improving the return/behaviours/outcomes in your workplace.  

However, when I applied for my PhD, my proposal focused much more on my intended theoretical contribution to knowledge and the existing literature in the topic area.  It’s different.  What you’re writing has to be appropriate to be acceptable to the reader.  

What is relevant to all applicants will be showing that you’re (a) grown up enough (and I mean that in the nicest way possible) to deal with the pressures and challenges of study at this level and (b) aware of the challenges, with some strategies already up your sleeve to deal with them.  

An example: If you have dozens of young children, are caring for three aged parents, have a chronic illness and are running two jobs to make ends meet as a single parent (apocryphal, but you’d be surprised what people take on and still succeed!), think long and hard about how you will communicate that, and what expectations and boundaries you will need to put into place to maximise your chances of success.   I would strongly counsel being honest with people – so show how you can and do make it all happen so the programme team/potential supervisors are aware ahead of time.  We can only help if we know!

So, to showcase your achievements and skills in your application and proposal:

Remember, confidence is not arrogance; it’s acknowledging your worth.

Who should give you references?

Who knows your academic journey best? Think widely – those professors or professionals who have seen you grow academically and professionally may not be the most obvious ones.  Also, try to understand what the recruiters want to know about you so you can name appropriate referees. 

Advice on who to ask:

– Choose individuals familiar with your work ethic and capabilities.

– Preferably select those either within academia or who understand the rigours of academic studies.

Strong references come from those who genuinely believe in your potential – so choose wisely!

What goes in your Personal Statement?

Your personal statement should be brief but captivating—it’s a way to sell you, the individual! Again, as a Programme Lead, I want to recruit people who will fit with the rest of the cohort and add value to the whole. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and vision for the future.

To create a memorable and relevant personal statement:

Think about what makes you unique and how this aligns with the programme’s values and goals.

Preparing for the Interview

Most programmes will interview potential students; try to think of them as conversations rather than interrogations. They’re an opportunity for both parties to gauge how well you will fit as well as your chances of successful completion.

What to expect:

Personal story time: When I interview, I always ask about the person behind the application.  What do you care about? Who forms your close circle?  How do you work best?  These are important areas and show me a lot about how much candidates have thought about what they are taking on. 

Preparation tips:

Still here?

Doctoral-level study is a huge step up from anything you’ve ever done before.  But you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let me support you; download the research proposal template, and you’ll also get:

So, why not take that first step towards making your doctoral dream a reality? Together, we can turn those ‘what ifs’ into ‘when I dids’!

I’m excited to see what you achieve!