This will depend on whether you are undertaking an Empirical (or Primary research) dissertation, a Literature-based (or secondary research) dissertation, a Systematic Literature Review, or a Law dissertation.

Please click on the type which matches your dissertation most closely for guidance on how to structure your proposal!

*Please note that this is general guidance. You should always follow specific structural guidance provided by your university first and foremost.

Empirical

The structure of an empirical dissertation proposal typically looks like this:

1. Introduction/Background: A short overview of the topic you have chosen (probably no more than 3 or 4 sentences)!
2. Literature Review: A mini review of the most relevant literature you have found which inspired you to choose this topic.
3. Methodology: A short explanation of how you intend to collect your data. In an empirical dissertation, you are highly likely to be undertaking your own research; this will almost always need to contain some discussion of Research Ethics.
4. Conclusion/Research Question(s): This is where you will sum up why this research is worthwhile and spell out the specific question or questions which your research aims to answer.