All doctoral research students must submit a research proposal confirmation (RPC), also known as the initial research plan or planning report, within the first eight weeks of their programme. The aim of the RPC is to help students focus on their project and to form a basis against which future progress can be measured. Completing the plan in conjunction with your supervisor, be sure to include a methodological approach, potential difficulties and back-up strategies as well as a timeline.

The aim of the RPC is to help students focus on their project and to form a basis against which future progress can be measured. 

  • Students must discuss the plan with the supervisor
  • The report should be between 3-4 pages long; no specific format is required, but a GANTT chart must be included as part of the plan.
  • Please use the cover page available on Blackboard

    Proposed report sections, if your supervisor has not advised otherwise, are:
  • Abstract
  • Introduction/Background
  • Objectives/goals/requirements/research aims
  • Plan to complete/project timeline
  • References

The RPC must be submitted Blackboard, where full guidance notes for the milestone can be found.

 

Useful links