1. Preparing your PHD proposal DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINOLOGY: PHD GUIDANCE (2)

2. OVERVIEW 1.What is a PhD proposal? 2.What are we looking for in a proposal? 3.Tips on preparation 4.Standard proposal structure and content 5.Common mistakes to avoid 6.Useful resources

3. 1. WHAT IS A PHD PROPOSAL? A structured project outline of around 3,000-4,000 words Demonstrates your knowledge of the research area Presents your research idea and method Allows us to assess the suitably of the project and your potential to be a PhD student Allows us to establish if we can provide supervisory expertise

4. 2. WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN A PROPOSAL? An idea that is original and will contribute to knowledge That you have an excellent grasp of the research area Evidence that you have knowledge of the key literature relating to the research area The research design/methodology is realistic and achievable Awareness of ethical issues There is continuity between aims, objectives and method The project will be appropriate for PhD level study

5. 3. TIPS ON PREPARATION Talk to a potential supervisor about your ideas Talk to an academic at your current place of study about PhD study/ your idea Ensure you know the research topic/ current debates Try to speak to any gatekeepers about data/ access issues

6. 4. PROPOSAL STRUCTURE The standard structure: The seven essential components of the proposal are listed below. We recommend that you consult the further information available at: http://www2.le.ac.uk/study/research/how-to-apply/research- proposals/proposal-structurehttp://www2.le.ac.uk/study/research/how-to-apply/research- proposals/proposal-structure 1.Title 2.Context 3.Aims/ objectives/ research questions 4.Research design/methodology 5.Reflections/Ethics 6.Timetable 7.References

7. 5. COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID Not consulting a potential supervisor Vague/ unclear aims and objectives Research idea not immersed in appropriate literature Under-developed/ poorly scoped method Lack of consideration in relation to access and ethical issues Proposal is not written in clear English or proof read Poor referencing (the required house-style is Harvard)

8. USEFUL RESOURCES Information about how to apply and supporting documentation required: http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/gradschool/prospective/social-science/social-science http://www2.le.ac.uk/study/postgrad/how-to-apply Advice on the proposal structure: http://www2.le.ac.uk/study/research/how-to- apply/research-proposals/proposal-structurehttp://www2.le.ac.uk/study/research/how-to- apply/research-proposals/proposal-structure Useful guides Bell, J (2010, 5th edn) Doing Your Research Project: A Guide for First-time Researchers in Education & Social Science, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Philips, E and Pugh, D (2010, 5th edn) How to get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and their Supervisors, Maidenhead: Open University Press.