The document provides guidance on writing a research proposal and completing a RC/REG (Research Committee/Registration) form for registering a research degree at the University of Sunderland. It discusses the key components of an effective research proposal, including aims, rationale, methodology, timeline, and original contribution. It also outlines the registration process, which involves submitting the RC/REG form and presenting the research plan at a registration meeting with supervisors and reviewers. The goal of the meeting is to ensure the proposed research is viable, significant, and can be completed within the allotted time period.

1. Writing a research proposal
and completing an RC/REG form

2. Documentation
Handout for this session: ‘Research
proposal’
RC/REG form
GRS Website: student page: Notes for
guidance – sub group meetings

3. Research proposal = general to any
research study
RC/REG includes a summary of a
research degree proposal that is written
specifically for the subgroup that
considers registration at the University
of Sunderland

4. You may or may not have written the
general research proposal that outlines
the study which you will pursue for your
degree
But you are expected to write the
summary of the proposal that appears
on the RC/REG

5. Research proposal
When choosing a research topic, you
should consider:
– will it motivate you?
– is it worthwhile?
– is it feasible? (think about time limit)
– is it original?
The notes from the session led by Dr.
Elizabeth Atkinson (Research
Paradigms) will be useful to you when
you write your proposal

6. For example:
What are your key research questions?
What methods will you use?
What is the most significant research
conducted in the field so far?
How will your research contribute to this
literature?

7. Research proposal includes:
Aims
Rationale for the research question(s)
Methodology (with justification)
Intended analysis
Timescale

8. The proposal for a research degree
should demonstrate that your
research programme:
– is viable
– has one or more clear research questions
– is of sufficient scope and significance to be
potentially worthy of the standard of the
degree
– can be completed within the time limit

9. The proposal should also demonstrate
that you:
– understand the issues and theories relating
to your research topic
– are familiar with the current literature
– can justify the approach and proposed
methodology

10. Proposal as guide
Refer to it regularly to:
– remind yourself of your aims and research
question(s)
– remind yourself of the planned timescale
Review thoroughly at annual monitoring
review meetings

11. The registration process
Within 4 months of start date
Via submission of RC/REG form which
is considered at a subgroup meeting
(usually in the GRS meeting room)

12. Present at meeting:
– you
– Director of Studies
– Chairperson (member of URC from outside
academic area)
– member of staff with expertise in your area
(but not a supervisor)
– academic area leader
– Secretary (member of GRS staff)
– and possibly co-supervisor(s)

13. Registration meeting
Director of Studies is there, but the panel will
direct questions to you
Not a grilling - the panel will be supportive,
checking to see that what you are proposing
is sound and do-able and has the potential to
reach the standard of the degree for which
you are registering

14. Registration meeting
Lasts about one hour
Starts with 5-10 minute verbal
presentation by you covering: rationale,
aims, methodology and, in the case of a
PhD, originality
Not expected to use powerpoint
Panel may ask for clarification on any
part of form but will focus on section 2.3

15. Approval of registration involves
a consideration of:
Your suitability to undertake the research
Whether the proposed research
programme is viable and worthy of the
award
Your proficiency in English language
Supervision arrangements
Facilities available
Suitability of the proposed research
training
Whether ethical approval is needed

16. Possible outcomes:
Approval
Approval subject to panel’s recommendations
being taken into account (quite common). In
this case, the recommendations are followed
up at first annual review
If recommended changes are substantial, the
meeting is reconvened within 2 months to
consider a revised RC/REG

17. At end of meeting:
Secretary to meeting produces notes of
main comments and any issues to be
followed up
Signed by student and Director of
Studies

18. Then...
RC/REG goes to University Research
Degrees Sub Committee for approval.
Once approved, the research
programme is fully registered and
approved by the University

19. RC/REG form
Students complete sections 1 and 2 in
consultation with supervisory team
Section 1: details of student
Section 2: programme of work
(summary of research proposal)
Sections 3-6 completed by your
supervisors

20. Section 2
Sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 must not
exceed one side of A4 in length, i.e. you
will have to summarise your fuller
proposal
But remember there will be further
discussion during the registration
meeting

21. Section 2
2.1 Title: clear and concise (it is
possible to change it)
2.2 Aims: one or more clear objectives
Section 2.3:
– about 500 words
– expect to produce several drafts

22. Section 2.3: proposed plan of work
subsections:
a rationale for research aims (with
reference to previous literature, important
work should be cited)
b methodology
c statement of original contribution (for PhD)
d plan of work including timescale
e up to 6 key references (as cited in a)

23. Section 3: Research training
Discuss this with your supervisors
before they complete this section. It will
include, for example:
– University generic core courses
– Subject specific training provided by
academic area (e.g. Master’s modules)
– Participation in research seminars
– Conference attendance
– Introduction to teaching and learning for
visiting lecturers

24. Sections 4-6
Section 4: Details of your supervisory
team including role of co-supervisor(s)
Section 5: Period of time for completion
of programme, and ethics
Section 6: Recommendation of
supervisors (signatures)

25. Examples of section 2 from RC/REG
forms