NextEd Advisors
How to Write a Research Proposal for
Engineering Students Applying for a
Master’s by Research in the UK
1. Title
The title should be concise and specific, summarizing your research focus. It should provide
an immediate understanding of what your research is about.
Example: "Optimization of Photovoltaic Solar Panels for Maximum Efficiency in Urban
Environments."
2. Abstract
A brief summary (150-250 words) of your research proposal. It should provide an overview
of your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. Though this
section comes first, it’s usually written last.
Tip: Be clear and concise; give the reader a quick snapshot of your research.
3. Introduction
In this section, provide context for your research. Why is this research important, and what
are the key challenges in the field? You should establish your research problem and
demonstrate why it's worth exploring.
Key components:
- Background: Offer a general introduction to the topic. Highlight key developments, trends,
and innovations in your area of study.
- Research Gap: Identify any gaps or limitations in current knowledge or technologies.
- Relevance: Explain why this gap is important and why your research is needed. Link it to
potential industry benefits or societal advancements.
Example: "While significant advancements have been made in renewable energy
technologies, the integration of photovoltaic panels in densely populated urban
environments remains suboptimal due to shading and surface area limitations."
4. Research Questions/Aims and Objectives
Clearly state your research question(s) or hypothesis. This section will guide the entire
project, so it’s essential to frame it correctly. You may have multiple objectives that break
down your overarching question into smaller, testable inquiries.
Format:
- Main Research Question: One or two primary questions.
- Objectives: List three to five specific objectives that will address these questions.
Example: "How can photovoltaic panels be optimized for urban installations to achieve
higher efficiency under limited sunlight exposure?"
Objectives:
1. Analyze the impact of shading on panel efficiency.
2. Investigate design alterations to improve light absorption.
3. Test new installation methods in urban settings.
5. Literature Review
The literature review demonstrates your understanding of existing research in your field.
You’ll need to critically evaluate relevant studies, technologies, and theories related to your
topic. In engineering research, this may include reviewing algorithms, mechanical designs,
or engineering models used in similar studies.
Steps:
- Summarize relevant research: Give an overview of past research, and focus on significant
studies, frameworks, or technologies.
- Identify limitations: Highlight the gaps in current studies or areas that require further
exploration.
- Justify your research: Show how your work will contribute to the body of knowledge,
addressing these gaps.
Tip: Be specific and technical. Avoid broad statements, focusing on the most relevant
studies.
6. Research Methodology
This section explains how you will conduct your research. Engineering research typically
involves theoretical modeling, simulations, experimental testing, or design development.
You’ll need to provide a clear, step-by-step description of your approach.
Key components:
- Research Design: Will your research involve simulations, lab experiments, or fieldwork?
Specify if you’ll use specific software or hardware.
- Data Collection: Explain how you will gather data. For engineering, this might involve lab
setups, prototype testing, or computational simulations.
- Analysis Methods: Describe how you will analyze the collected data, such as using
statistical software, regression analysis, or finite element analysis.
- Materials/Equipment: Mention any specific tools, instruments, or software you'll use, such
as MATLAB, CAD software, or specific engineering components.
Example:
For a project focusing on solar panels:
- Research Design: Develop a simulation model using MATLAB to simulate the shading
effects on urban solar panels.
- Data Collection: Test a prototype in a controlled lab setting and compare results with
outdoor performance data from existing installations.
- Analysis Methods: Perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to determine heat
dissipation effects on photovoltaic efficiency.
7. Project Timeline
A well-organized timeline is critical in showing you can complete the research within the
required period (typically 1-2 years for an MRes). Break down your tasks into phases with
realistic deadlines.
Example Timeline:
- Months 1-2: Finalize literature review and establish key frameworks for simulation
models.
- Months 3-5: Build simulation models and design prototype.
- Months 6-9: Data collection and initial analysis.
- Months 10-12: Data refinement, finalize analysis, and prepare for dissertation writing.
Tip: Use a Gantt chart if appropriate, to visually demonstrate the timeline.
8. Expected Results
Explain what results you expect to obtain and how these results will contribute to the
engineering field. While this section involves some prediction, try to ground it in your
review of past research or similar projects.
Example: "It is expected that the proposed design alterations to photovoltaic panels will
result in a 10-15% improvement in efficiency under partial shading conditions."
9. Implications and Potential Impact
Discuss the practical application of your research. How will it impact the engineering field,
industry practices, or societal needs? Especially in the UK, research proposals are often
evaluated based on their potential economic, environmental, or societal impact.
Example: "This research will offer practical solutions for enhancing solar energy generation
in densely populated urban areas, contributing to sustainable energy goals."
10. References
Your references should include key studies, technical papers, and engineering standards
you’ve mentioned throughout your proposal. Make sure your citations follow the specific
referencing style required by the institution (usually APA or IEEE for engineering).
Tip: Use up-to-date and peer-reviewed sources to showcase credibility.
11. Budget (Optional)
If the proposal requires external funding, you may need to include a detailed budget. For
engineering research, list the costs of materials, equipment, software licenses, and other
essential expenses.
