PhD research proposal | 5 *essential* elements to make it AWESOME

When you are applying to do a PhD some institutions require that you submit a PhD research proposal. Here we're going to go over the five essential elements that make up a killer PhD research proposal that any PhD admissions panel would love.

0:00 – introduction
3:19 – literature review. This is where you share any major breakthroughs or theories that currently exist. You need to demonstrate that you know what is going on in your proposed research field.
6:29 – knowledge gap. This is where you have to talk about any special insight you have and become crystal-clear on your research question.
10:02 – research methods and how you are going to do it. What special equipment do you have to get the research question answered.
11:40 – why you. What combination of skills makes you uniquely qualified to answer this research question. Also consider the research environment and supervisor that you bring to the table that will catalyse your research efforts.
15:08 – timing and budget. Here you need to propose key milestones and show that you understand how to manage the risks associated with research.
18:22 – Outro

------------------------------------------------------------

My gear

[nattynoodlenutkin]

I hope you are well! I just want to say a thank you for this video. I used it to help me get started and structure the research proposal for my application (humanities, but the main points still apply). I received my offer yesterday 😃. It’s so lovely of you to be sharing what you have learned to help all of us. Good luck to everyone else applying for their PhD’s! ❤️

[natalielandry]

Hi Andy! Well done on this video! The only thing I would add (from a life sciences/health sciences perspective) is that in the methods section, you might want to include a "Study Limitations" or "Potential Pitfalls" section. It's important to identify areas where things might (and likely will) go wrong, and to even provide alternative methods, if things should go awry.

[ajsethi]

Halfway through writing my research proposal - appreciate this a ton. Thanks mate :)

[beverleygilmour]

Hi Andy - I can't say a big enough thank you. There is so much content out there that I have been putting off getting started on my Ph.D. Journey but then I stumbled upon your videos, and the clear and engaging manner that you have done these has inspired me to go forwards with a much more broader mindset. I am going to research the relationship between the human consciousness and the Near-death experience, so I really have to make my proposal not just academically exciting but also of a social value. I will take time to now watch all your videos - once again thank you Andy.

[charlienieves]

I appreciate the informative video delivered in a grounded and sound conversation. I’m about to begin my Doctoral journal. Your channel answers questions I have yet to create. Thanks for helping clear the path and opening my vision to all the possibilities the journey will offer. Well done - Andy!

[oyhtocw]

Wow thank you SO MUCH FOR THIS!! I’m at a point where my proposal has 80% of these elements but is missing those important 20% umph. So glad I clicked into this.

[turkialmalki]

Dear Andy, I've been watching tons of videos on YouTube and reading articles; After all of that ur vids are the best. Thanks!

[TheSuperrespect]

Super insightful content explained really well so that anyone can tune in!!! Thank you!!!

[TheMsFoxy]

This is awesome! I propose the first week in November. Keep the videos coming.

[aliciawise]

What amazing points! I'm submitting a research proposal for my grad school applications (Psychology) and this is extremely helpful (: Thanks a bunch!

[dilfuzakarimova]

Wow, so much motivation in this video. Must be because it is clearly explained and positively delivered. Thanks a lot.

[PrakashMatthew]

Amazing! Thank you so much for such wonderful guidance.

[messness]

Thanks a ton! This is such a comprehensive explanation!

[alwaysjung]

Thanks so much!! Your help and tips are extremely helpful and I am so thankful to have come across your videos!~

[lwist]

Thanks a million. This video is really worth watching many a time. It is just wow and awesome! Keep it up.

[rosefinch]

Very helpful to have your perspective. Thank you! 😊

[StyleGoalsHarmony_]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. You always give great advice and you seem like a nice person. Enjoy your day

[jessedinju]

Hi Andy, thank you for the simple and methodical guide towards writing my PhD Proposal.

[chrisogonas]

Thanks for putting this excellent resource together.

[JulesMarz]

Thank you so for the video tutorial, Andy. I'm writing my research proposal on the relation between technological infrastructure and geosocial formations in South America's Lithium Triangle. Thanks again!