How to write a PhD research proposal that gets approved

Most rejected proposals fail for the same reasons: the problem is too broad, the gap is unconvincing, or the method doesn't fit the question. Fix those three and your odds change dramatically.

1. Start from a researchable problem

A good problem is specific, significant and feasible within your time and resources. If you can't state it in two sentences, it's not focused enough yet.

2. Prove the gap with current literature

Your literature review should end in a gap that your study fills. Reviewers want to see that you know the field and that your contribution is genuinely new.

3. Match method to question

• Quantitative for measuring relationships and testing hypotheses
• Qualitative for exploring meaning, process and context
• Mixed methods when one approach can't answer the whole question

Finish with realistic objectives, a timeline and expected contributions. A mentor can pressure-test all of this before your committee does.