Many potential supervisors will want to read about your proposed research before they consider supervising it. However, some supervisors will have research projects awaiting the right student, whilst others will want to collaborate with you to shape your project before you apply. You are welcome to prepare a research outline that defines the direction you want your HDR project to take you. Below we present a guide to assist you.
In approximately 500 words, write a clear description of your proposed HDR research project that outlines the what, why and how.
- Include a suggested title.
- Provide a brief statement of what your will research try to achieve: What is its aim? What are the objectives?
- Demonstrate your engagement with a research area in one or more of Flinders University’s Colleges. Demonstrate how your proposed research aligns with your proposed supervisor’s work.
- Find out what has already been published in the area. Your project must aim to make a significant –and for doctoral level, original- contribution to that field.
- Demonstrate originality.
- Include the proposed methodology.
- Include a timeline NB full-time Masters are expected to be completed within two years and full-time PhDs within three years (thesis only degrees).
- Include a bibliography.
- Estimate any potential significant projects costs, if possible. This will help the College review whether funding is available.
- Save your research outline as a single pdf entitled ‘(surname) research outline’.