Research Project Proposal for Master’s Thesis

Title of the project


Author


Supervisor


Abstract (maximum 350 words)

Give a brief introduction to the topic, make the (intended) key statement of your thesis and
explain how you want to approach your issue.


Keywords

Key terms (words and/or short phrases) defining the substance of the project
(normally 3 - 10).



Introduction of research topic and research questions (2,000–3,600 characters)

Introduce your topic and explain the background of your intended research by starting from a
broader picture narrowing in your research question(s). Give information what the research project
will deal with. Clearly state your research problem in the form of a central question, perhaps some
sub-questions, or/and a hypothesis/hypotheses. Give information why you believe that your research
is worth doing.


Prior research on your research topic (1,800–3,600 characters)

In this part you should comprehensively demonstrate that you are aware of the major relevant
sources of information in your chosen field of studies. Give an overview of current knowledge in
the existing research. A literature review does not just summarize but analyses and critically
evaluates existing literature to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the subject.
Based on the literature review you then describe how your research will expand knowledge in this
field.


Theoretical Framework (1,500-2,000 characters)

In the part on theoretical framework, lay out the conceptual skeleton that structures your
research. Note that you should go beyond merely describing the theory into creating a narrative
that explains how the theory is useful and effective in your approach to the research issue(s).


Research Methodology (1,000-2,000 characters)

In the methodology section you demonstrate your understanding of the steps and skills necessary to
undertake your intended research. It should be as explicit as possible, detailing how you will
collect, analyse and present your data or research. Describe your approach by considering following
questions: Research type: Qualitative or quantitative? Who or what will you study? What data
collection tool and procedures will you use?



Work plan and time schedule

Include a timeline showing the stages of your project and approximate completion dates for each
stage. Describe what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. Consider the following
stages for your research: Literature review, data collection and data analysis, writing, and
revision.


Project bibliography

A bibliography of the main sources, as well as the relevant scholarly works on the topic you plan
to use in the project. List your sources alphabetically according to the authors’ last names.

Please divide the list into two parts:

A            A list of references to key articles and texts discussed within this research
proposal.

B             A selection of additional sources appropriate to the proposed research.