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Your research proposal

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Within six months full-time study (or twelve months of part-time study), all higher degree by research students must submit a comprehensive research proposal as part of the formal requirement for the completion of the degree.

 

Writing your research proposal

While the research proposal will be loosely based on the research outline you prepared for admission to the degree, it should provide a more comprehensive guide to the literature, method and methodology, structure and timeframe of your research. The research proposal is used to assess whether your research is 'do-able', as well as whether your progress has been satisfactory. It is a major reference point in the planning and review process

Once this process has been completed, the School will complete a Confirmation of Candidature so that you will continue to be enrolled in the program. More information on the proposal writing and submission process

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Research goal and questions

Research is often defined as the systematic way in which we learn about, interpret and understand some existing thing or body of knowledge, for a definite purpose.

What is meant by a research focus?

An area of research within a given field, for example:

  • 'Manifestations of the sublime in contemporary painting and photography'
  • &'Theories of psychosis and their influence on contemporary painting'

What is meant by a research topic?

This might be illustrated as follows:

  • 'An examination through practice (supported by theoretical and critical analysis) of the historical influence of theories of the sublime upon contemporary approaches to landscape painting in Australia.'

What is a research question?

The purpose of the research can be embodied in one or more questions that we might want to ask or solve. These questions might be quite pragmatic, or entirely theoretical and self-reflective or meditative.

Pragmatic research questions might be:

  • 'What is the most suitable living space for elderly people with some form of dementia?'
  • 'The question is how to integrate into my art practice new insights arising from current debates about the influence on culture of globalisation.'

A more theoretical type of research question might be:

  • 'What happens when a particular space or place is changed by time? What in this case does "abandonment" mean?'

Your first questions tend to be too broad, and somewhat naïve. But these first questions do not have any obvious or easy answer. To formulate them, you may have only read a couple of books or articles that touched upon the issues they address, even if you have considerable background experience related to the general area in which they are situated.

Consequently, your first broad questions will probably need refocusing in the light of issues and discussions you are not yet aware of.

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Criteria for evaluation of the proposal

The research proposal is evaluated to assess whether it will achieve the research goal nominated by the student.

Questions asked

  • Is the research field/focus/topic/clearly identified?

Extrapolation of field/focus/topic with specific application to studio-focused projects:

  • Does the proposal adequately describe the aims and objectives of the project?
  • Does the HDR student make a sufficient case for establishing the significance of the project?
  • Does the literature (and artefact) review demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the relevant field and focus? Does the review establish the contemporary context for the HDR student's anticipated contribution to the field to be made through the research?
  • Is the methodology appropriate to achieving the aims and objectives described in the proposal?
  • Are the methods (including data collection) appropriate to the application of the particular methodology described?
  • Does the timeline include specific reference to application of specific methods and the anticipated outcomes?

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Submission and evaluation process

HDR students must lodge an electronic copy of their proposal to Hazel Ryder at the School Research Office six months after they commence. Proposals will then be circulated to the School’s Research Proposal Panel for reading ahead of the Panel meeting.

Timelines

  • Deadline for final Draft Proposal submission: coming soon
  • Research Proposal Panel - Evaluation meeting: coming soon

Principal supervisors of students presenting proposals should be on hand to speak to those proposals. If the Principal is unavailable, it is their responsibility to contact the Associate Supervisor to request their attendance at the relevant meeting.

Successful proposals will be endorsed by the Portfolio Leader Research Education and forwarded to Education, Arts and Social Sciences and UniSA research administration for re-enrolment. The student will be notified accordingly.

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Research proposal examples

It may be helpful to look at past successful proposals for style, layout and quality and quantity of content:

School of Art, Architecture and Design proposals

  • Examples of SA School of Art research proposals (staff and student access only)

eResearch Degree Candidate Proposal Collection

For a broader range of research proposals you can search the Library's eResearch Degree Candidate Proposal Collection. You can also deposit your approved research proposal or its abstract in this Collection.

 

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