When should I write a proposal?
As soon as, during the process of finding a topic for your academic work, certain topics and questions emerge that you are genuinely interested in, you should proceed more systematically so you can decide on a topic and a research question.
Even if your choice is already set, you should use the proposal to make your planning more concrete.
You will quickly notice
-
- what really interests you,
- what you already know,
- what is feasible,
- where you need to narrow down more, and
- which aspects still require research.
How do I write a proposal?
Answer the following questions for yourself – in writing and as concretely and in as much detail as possible. Also note any uncertainties, open questions, or doubts. Your answers will form your proposal.
- Topic: What will be the title (possibly with a subtitle) of your work?
- Question: Which question do you want to answer with your work?
- Goal: What goal should your work achieve?
- Initial situation: What problem will your work address?
- State of research: What is the current state of research on your topic?
- Theory: Which theories will you possibly refer to?
- Approach/method: How will you proceed to answer your question or solve the problem?
- Outline: What is your likely outline?
- Literature: Which are the most important sources you will probably use for your work?
- Timeline: What timeline will you follow until the submission date?
What do I do with a proposal?
After you have written your proposal, you should ask a supportive person for feedback – for example, lecturers, fellow students, tutors, friends, or relatives. Ask the following questions:
- Does the proposal clearly communicate the focus of the work or its thesis?
- Does the proposal show a clear structure?
- Are the different parts clearly related to the main argument or the research question?
With a proposal, you are also well prepared for the consultation hours with your supervising lecturer. You show that you have engaged with the key parameters of your writing project and can ask focused questions. This will also make it easier for your supervisor to give you feedback or provide help.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to write a proposal?
That depends on the length of your academic work. Writing a proposal can take from a few hours to several days or weeks. However, working on the proposal is always part of your academic process and never wasted time.
What belongs in a proposal?
A proposal can include the following elements: topic, question, goal, state of research, theory, approach, outline, timeline, literature. Ultimately, the content depends on the type of work you are planning. All elements are preliminary and may change.
How many sources should be in a proposal?
Your proposal should definitely contain the most important sources related to your academic work. How many exactly depends on the type and scope of your work. As a rule of thumb, you should aim for half a page to one page. The quality of the sources is more important than the quantity.
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This article was published in August 2025 and last updated in October 2024.