研究计划有很许多种，如硕士、博士论文的研究计划，又如申请国家社科基金的研究计划书。本文所指的研究计划是指-用于申请博士时向学校提交的研究计划，即Research Proposal for PhD application. 需要注意的是，申请时递交的研究计划不完全等同于博士论文的研究计划，因为在读博期间，学生往往会阅读大量文献，产生各种新的研究想法，因此会调整先前的研究计划。

       研究计划是一篇约为2000-4000 words的短文，一篇研究计划可包含下图所示的构成部分，但并非必须包含所有部分。

1. The Title

The title indicates the ‘headline’ character of the PhD. It should include any key concepts, empirical focus, or lines of inquiry that you aim to pursue. For example: ‘The environmental and social impacts of mass housing in Latin American countries’, or ‘Using water efficiently: understanding the impact of expanding middle class demand on city water systems’. You can negotiate changes in the title with your supervisor should you be successful but it is important to devise a title that describes what you aspire to research – and which looks original and exciting.

2. Overview and aim
You need a clear aim, sometime framed as a question, to drive the research forward. This needs to be set in a brief overview, explaining why this aim matters: you need to convince the reader that your research is both original and important. Originality means that it needs to be something that has not been addressed before – either looking at a topic which hasn’t been explored, or it might mean taking a fresh approach to an existing topic or issue. For instance, while much is known about housing finance in the UK, very little is known about the financial aspects of how informal settlements are built in the global South – so that would be an original topic. You would need to explain in a few sentences why it matters as well: in this case it might be an argument that says that most of the world’s population growth will take place in cities in the global South, much of it will be informal, and we (policy makers and planners) need to understand this if we are to help people.

You should give enough background to the context you are planning to work in to make the research aim seem credible and worthwhile; you do not need to give a great deal of factual detail.

3. Literature review
A short note of key existing literature situates and justifies the PhD with respect to existing research. Literature reviews are not simply descriptive mapping exercises at PhD level (i.e. ‘X said this, Y said that’.) Rather you should identify a small number of key texts and say something about how these are important for your research – how they motivate it, and how your work might support, extend, or challenge existing work.

4. Research questions
You should give your aim more content by setting out a short list of questions (3-6 is normal) which your research will answer. These should be achievable both in terms of the resources available (typically just you, for maybe a year of field work) and answerable – questions which begin what/how/why are typically fine, but‘what is the best way to…?’and ‘how can…?’ questions are trickier to answer. You might want to have an overall aim which is ‘how can…be achieved?’ but the research questions need to be looking at the real world, in which things have been achieved.

5. Methods
This is where you can say something about how you will answer your questions. It is relatively easy to ask a new question; it is more challenging to set out how you might come up with a convincing answer! ‘Methods’ does not only mean empirical methods such as semi-structured interviews or surveys and statistical interpretation; it also might involve a statement on the kind of theoretical framework you will employ, such as a certain kind of approach to organisations or a way to understand ideas.

As a department we welcome applications from a very broad range of methodological and philosophical backgrounds: quantitative and qualitative, text-based and mapping big data, interpretive and positivist and realist, and many more.

The value of the PhD follows closely from the aims: think about how the ways it might improve our political thinking: a new perspective, the generation of new evidence… And, to whom might the PhD be interesting: scholars looking at a particular issue, communities within specific institutions, certain groups of people?

6. Expected contribution to knowledge
Here you should set out briefly the kind of conclusions you expect to draw, and why they matter. Obviously at this point this can only be speculative, but you should identify what kind of knowledge you might develop, and who it might be of interest to, and why. If you have ideas about how you might disseminate this knowledge, and have impact on the non-academic world, then put them in here

       Finding and developing a specific and significant topic

       （Stage 1) Defining the broad topic area

At this stage, you will need to find appropriate ways of completing this type of sentence:

                 ' I am studying... ' ' I am interested in exploring ...'

       (Stage 2) Generating specific questions in a detailed breakdown

This stage consists of questioning the topic area in different ways, making the aim and focus of the research more clearly defined, as below:

      'I  am interested in exploring ... becasue I particularly want to discuss...'

       Moving from stage 1 to stage 2 seems relatively straightforward, but there is a danger that the topic will qucikly become channelled into one or two very speficic quesitons, when there is the possibility of addressing other questions that may turn out to be more significant. For this reason, it is a good idea to try to generate a wide range of such questions around the topic and to question each element of the topic when it is broken into parts. 

(Stage 3) Finding significant reseach questions

Is your topic of interest to a particular academic readership? Is your topic of much originalty?

At this point, the problematic concept of 'originality' also needs to be considered. There are many interpretations for 'originality, some of which are even elusive. 

    Phillips and Pugh (2005) provide a range of definitions part from that of 'setting down a major piece of new information in wrtiting for the first time.

These inlcude:

i. carrying out empirical work that has not been done before

ii. using familiar material but adding new interpretaions

iii. conducting familiar research but in a different context

iv. bringing new evidence to bear on previously debated issues

     In other words, it is not necessary for a doctoral research project to break completely new ground as the 'original' label might suggest. 

    Taking small accumulative steps which addd to the existing store of knowledge in a specific field will suffice.

    The following sentence needed to be completed might help to develop a topic that is significant for readers in a particular field.

    ' I am interested in exloring... X ... in order to help readers understand ...'

Moving from stage 1 to 2 helps focus your research, narrowing the topic area. Moving from stage 2 to 3 implies addressing a research problem that is signigicant to a community of readers. While it is likely that the nature of this problem  will not be clear at the begnning of the research, you can be confident that it will become clear eventually.

(Stage 4) Adding research questions linkded to practical applications

    This stage is optional especially for those condutcing phd studies.However, if you are working towards a professional doctorate and there is an expectation thay your thesis will provide recommendations based on your research findings that will involved a reappraisal of current practices in your field.

(Stage 5) Turning a research problem into a claim or hypothesis 

Once a research problem has been identified, the next step might be to clarify the main claim or thesis that will underpin the chapters that you will produce.

(Stage 6) Qualifying claims

Once you have decided that you have found a claim or thesis that is both specific and signigicant, you will need to consider its precise wording. In particular, you must determine whether it needs to be qualified in some way, either by adding certain limiting conditions ot it or by hedging.

The term ' hedging' refers the skillful use of language to soften the force of an argument, making it clear that absolute certainty is not attached to a particular form.

Action Points 

Step1: Consider the FEASIBILITY of your proposaed research topic. Dicuss with a supervisor whether it will be manageable in its current form within the time available.

Step2: Consider the SPECIFICITY of your proposaed research topic. Dicuss with a supervisor whether it will be manageable in its current form within the time available. This breakdown can be effectively achieved by combing linear and lateral approaches.

Step3: Consider the SIGNIFICANCE of your proposaed research

topic. Through a mix of reading, writing, and discussion activies, ensure that your research contributes to your field of study.

Step4: Develop research questions and claims carefully and thoughtfully. Your first intuitive efforts may need to be reconsidered.

Step5: Pay attention to the wording of any claims or hypotheses. Even a slight change to the wording may fundamentally change your argument.

Finding and developing a topic that is feasible!

(I) The size or scope of the study proposed 

This is where feasibility links closely with specificy. Don't be too ambitious but it is important not to narrow the range of choices too soon. Be noted that a lack of focus can make the progrect unmanageable.

(II) The amount of  time and other resources available

Your research project can succeed only if the resources that it needs are freely available. The amount of time involved, financial and technical recourses can all determine project feasibility.

(III) The range of technical skills needed to carry out the study

To acquire a new language or achive a high level of competence in the use of sophificated equipment adds extra burden to the workload, rendering the whole project unfeasible.

(IV) Access and availability of data and information

It is important to know in advance that the key will be available to the import ant but locked-away data on which the research depends. Special visas or lettes of introduction may alo determine the access to certain sensitive but important data.

(V) the level of risk (of various kinds) attacked to the project

Risks can be physical, psychological, financial or reputational. 

(VI) Theoretical basis for the research

A research project may not be feasible if it aims to fill a perceived gap in knowledge that is seen by other researchers in the field to be difficult to address. Similarly, a project is less feasible if there are no existing theorectical or conceptual frameworks that can help make sense of underlying issues. Besides, if there is littlle supoorting evidence for the claims made in the research project, it is less feasible. Finally, a project seeking to demonstrate a strong associating between two apparently unrelated concepts could be difficult to justify.

(VII) Whether key terms can be clearly defined or not

Wherever key terminology resists definition, there is a good reason for rejecting a research topic. 

(VIII) Whether the phenomena being explored are recent or subject to rapid change

If the aim of your reseach is to attempt to analyse very recent events or phenomena that are in the process of rapid change, there are potential dangers needed to be carefully considered.

(IX) Whether the researcher is able to maintain a suitable distance

The close involvement of the researcher in any project needs to be carefully considered, if there is a strong emotional involvement in some of the issues involved.

(X) Ethical considerations 

You need to ensure that 

(a) physical, mental, social or environmental damage of any form does not result from the research. Vulnerable people need to be suitably protected. This could include 'the elderly, chidren, the mentally ill, thet physically handicapped or other disadvantaged people'.

(b) participants are informed of the true purpose of the research

(c) participants give their consent to take part willingly and freely 

(d) anonymity and confidentiality must be observed if offerd to participants

(e) the reputation of participating institutions wil not be damaged by the research

Media, Film and Music

Your research proposal should include the following sections:

Title

You must provide a working title for your research. This is likely to change over time but provides a good starting point for your proposal.

Brief abstract

Write a paragraph summarising your proposed project.

Research questions and rationale

Introduce your main research questions and why you think your research matters. Indicate how you think your research will be an original contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the subject. Describe the form of your anticipated outputs if your proposal includes creative practice. You may want to explain how you think your research will connect with existing research interests at Sussex.

Conceptual framework

The conceptual framework should elaborate the rationale behind your research proposal. You should demonstrate a critical engagement with theories and secondary literature or other artefacts that are relevant to your research topic. Show how these theories frame your research questions and the overall structure of your research proposal. If relevant, reflect on the research dimension of your creative practice.

Methodology and Research Ethics

Show us how you intend to achieve your research aims and outcomes and how you will answer your research questions. Include information about specific methods and access to relevant sources. If your project involves creative practice in some way, it is important that you describe what facilities you will need and indicate your experience in the relevant production techniques. You may want to include a practice portfolio, or provide links to online examples of your work. Reflect on any ethical considerations relevant to the conduct of your research.

Indicative timeline

Provide an account of how you envisage conducting your research to completion within the period of registration. Note that we fully expect proposals and attendant timelines to evolve in practice, but we are keen to see your ability to design a research project, bearing this in mind.

Bibliography

Include any literature, audiovisual or online resources you have referenced in the proposal.

Psychology

Your research proposal should contain the following sections:

Introduction

· why your research topic is interesting and important

· what we know already about the research area and how your study will expand our knowledge of it.

You should assume you are writing your research proposal for someone who has a good understanding of psychology, but not an expert in your area of research.

Background

You should identify any gaps in our knowledge in your research area, and how your research will fill them. At the end of the section outline your aims and hypotheses.

Methodology

We are interested in your ability to think critically. You should answer the following questions:

· what kind of control conditions are needed for your research?

· what do you need to measure and how?

· do you need to run any pilot studies?

· what difficulties might you have carrying out your research, and how can these be overcome?

You are expected to show how your initial idea can be developed and expanded over the duration of your PhD degree.

Linguistics

    In the 'Research Proposal' section of the main application form, please include only 100 words outlining your topic, and upload a fuller research proposal as a separate document, in the 'supporting documents' section.

    This proposal should be between 1500 and 2500 words in length, and should contain at least the following:

1. Title of proposed research project

This should allow the reader to place the research, at a glance, within an academic sub-field, as well as identifying the main issue to be addressed.  It should not be more than 20 words long.

2. Background

Outline the linguistic area in which you propose to conduct research.  Why is it important and interesting? What is the need for further research in this area? You should provide a context for your research.  Do this by referencing and briefly reviewing a number of key works in your chosen field, showing how your work is built on this prior research.

3. Research questions

You should give at least one overarching research question, plus a number of more specific sub-questions.  Make sure these questions all emerge from and are firmly grounded in the literature you have reviewed.  Ensure that these questions - particularly the specific sub-questions - are researchable; that is, they should not be too broad or too general.  You should also explain how these research questions can be considered original.

4. Data and data analysis

All projects will involve the collection of data of some kind.  In some cases, this will be based on native-speaker judgements.  Other projects will require experimental data, the use of existing or specially-created corpora, longitudinal observation, or sociolinguistic interviews - to name but a few data sources.  Will you be able to gain access to the data in the quantities required? Are there ethical concerns which need to be overcome? You should also be as specific as you can at this stage about the kinds of analysis you will perform.  What specific techniques will you use? What statistical analyses will you be performing (if any)? Mention any software you envisage using.

5. Fit with Departmental Research Interests

Before you formulate your proposal, you should look carefully through the Department of Language and Linguistic Science web pages to identify staff members who might be able to supervise your research.  You may mention the person or people by name.  You are also encouraged (though you are not obliged) to contact individual staff members to find out if they believe your ideas to be viable and if they would in principle be interested in supervising your project.

6. References

You should provide a list of the works you have referred to in your proposal. Don't list other works which may be relevant: this is to assure the reader that you have read and understood the literature you have cited.

Business School

Length: 2,000 words

Your research proposal should include the following sections:

1. Introduction

You should:

· include a short summary of the central question behind your research

· explain the background of your proposed project

· describe the expected outcome of your project.

2. Thesis statement

Write a summary of your overarching research question and include:

· why your research area is of academic and practical interest

· how your research builds on existing work

· what has inspired you to pursue your area of research

· your knowledge of the research area.

3. Literature review

You must show you have the ability to review current research (literature and papers) within your field of study. Your literature review should demonstrate that your research question is relevant, you are aware of the work of others in your field, and how your research will contribute new findings to the subject area.

4. Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework provides the rationale behind your research proposal. You must provide a critical review of existing theories, which are closely related to your research topic. Show how these theories frame your research questions and the overall structure of your research proposal.

5. Methodology

You must show how you will carry out the research and analyse your findings. Include potential sources, how data will be collected, and any difficulties there may be in conducting your research. 

6. Ethical considerations

Outline any ethical concerns which arise from your research topic or your proposed methods. Read the existing codes of conduct in the social sciences before writing this part of your research proposal.

7. Bibliography

List the sources you have used in your literature review and any potential sources you may use for your research.

Education and Social Work

Length: 2000 words

Your research proposal should describe what you want to research, why it is important to the field, and how you plan to conduct your study.

1. Title

You must provide a working title for your research. This is likely to change over time, but provides a good starting point for your proposal.

2. Introduction

Write a summary of the overarching research question and include:

· why the subject is important to you

· why it is an important area of research for the field

· how your research will contribute to our knowledge and understanding.

3. Background

Describe the purpose of your study and your goals for your research. Explain how your proposed research relates to existing work in the field, and how it will contribute new findings to research.

4. Methods

Show how you plan to carry out your research and include information about:

· how you plan to select participants

· how you plan to collect data

· how you plan to analyse the data.

5. Timetable

Provide a timeline, including the time it takes to analyse your data and write your final thesis.

6. References

Include citations for texts you have used to support your arguments and provide a bibliography at the end of your research proposal.

Engineering and Informatics

Length: 2,000 words

You should identify which research group you want to work with and check that we can support your area of research before writing your research proposal.

Your research proposal should include:

· your interest in the particular research area and the topic you want to study

· the specific research questions you want to investigate

· a description of your knowledge of the subject

· the relevant research literature you have read

· the methods and techniques you will use for your research

· an explanation of your motivations for applying for a PhD degree and an outline of your career aspirations

· a timetable for your project (monthly for the first year, and quarterly for subsequent years).

Global Studies

Length: 1,000-2,000 words

Your research proposal should include the following sections:

Introduction

Include a short summary of your central question. You should tell us what you are attempting to research and why it is significant.

Thesis statement and literature review

Explain the subject matter of your project, and why you think the issues raised are important. You should also show us you are familiar with texts in the field, and can show how your research area is relevant, and in context to current academic thinking.

You must explain how your proposed project is original and will increase our understanding of the subject matter.

You must state clearly what you hope to discover at the end of your research.

Theoretical framework

The theoretical framework provides the rationale behind your research proposal. You must provide a critical review of existing theories, which are closely related to your research topic. Show how these theories frame your research questions and the overall structure of your research proposal.

Methodology

Show how you plan to carry out your research and how you will analyse the findings.

Ethical considerations

Outline any ethical concerns which arise from either your research topic or your proposed methods of collating data.

Bibliography

List the sources you have used in your literature review and point to potential sources for your research.

History, Art History and Philosophy

Length: 2,000 words

Your research proposal should include the following sections:

Title

You must provide a working title for your research, this is likely to change over time, but provides a good starting point for your proposal.

Introduction

You should introduce the questions and issues central to your research and explain how your research will benefit the field.

Research background

Expand on the information you have given in your introduction and try to answer the following questions:

· what are the key texts already existing in your field?

· how does your proposal differ from existing research?

· what will your project contribute to existing work in the field?

· how does your project expand our understanding and knowledge of the subject?

You must set out your research questions as clearly as possible and explain the problems you want to explore.

Research methods

Show how you plan to carry out your research:

· does your project involve archives, databases or specialist libraries?

· is your study interdisciplinary?

· what are the theoretical resources you intend to use and why?

· is your research based on a single author or a group of writers and texts?

Timetable

Set out your timescale for completing your study. You need to think about dividing your research into sections and indicate how you plan to write up each section.

Bibliography

Include a bibliography, which lists the books and articles you have referred to in the proposal.

Life Science

Length: 1,500-2,000 words

You should identify the research group you want to work with and ensure that we can support your area of research before writing your research proposal.

Your research proposal should include:

· a general personal statement, which describes a broad topic of interest to you and how your areas of academic strength would benefit the topic

· a specific personal statement, which shows us why you are the right person for one of our advertised research projects

· explain your motivation for applying for a PhD degree and outline your career aspirations

· your interest in the particular research area and the topic you want to study

· the specific research questions you want to investigate

· your knowledge of the subject and relevant research literature you have read

· the methods and techniques you will use for your research.

If you are applying for an advertised research project you should tell us:

· which project or PhD scholarship you want to be considered for in the financial information session

· if you have another way of funding your studies if we are unable to offer you a place on a funded project

· the name of your sponsor, if you will be funded by a third party.

Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Length: 1,500-2,000 words

You should identify the research area (and/or the researchers) you want to be involved with.

You should either:

· write a new research proposal

· write a general personal statement, which describes a broad topic of interest to you and how your areas of academic strength would benefit the topic

· write a specific personal statement, which shows us why you are the right person for one of our advertised research projects.

You should:

· explain your interest in the research area, your motivation for carrying out the research and your career aspirations

· describe the questions you want to investigate

· describe your knowledge of the subject and relevant previous research experience and skills

· tell us about the relevant research literature you've read

· describe the methods and techniques you will use to achieve your aims.

If you are applying for advertised funding you should tell us:

· which project or PhD scholarship you want to be considered for in the financial information section

· if you have another way of funding your studies if we are unable to offer you a place on a funded project

· the name of your sponsor, if you will be funded by a third party.