uclan research proposal

Research and Enterprise Service (RES)

Our skilled and knowledgeable staff provide a professional, effective and holistic offering for researchers to support them in their research and enterprise journey, from ideas and training to funding, dissemination and knowledge exchange.

The service comprises six units :

Enterprise and Engagement Unit (EEU)

Ethics, integrity and governance unit (eigu), graduate research school (grs), grants and funding unit (gfu), impact and outputs unit (iou).

• Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Unit (IPU)

The EEU is responsible for engaging with employers, liaising with academic and professional service colleagues working towards collaborative and positive outcomes. Supporting degree apprenticeships, developing and delivering Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, development and promotion of CPD programmes with employers. Supporting businesses through consultancy and contract research and providing a front door model for guidance and connection to the wider University.

The EEU provide advice and specialist support in the following areas:

• Degree Apprenticeships
• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• Consultancy and Research
• Continuous Professional Development
• Support for SMEs
• State-of-the-art resources

Martin Blunt: Head of Enterprise and Engagement Unit

View our main business webpage for more information, or contact us via:

• Telephone: +44 (0)1772 895500
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: Contact us form

The Ethics, Integrity and Governance Unit (EIGU) is responsible for developing processes relating to Research Integrity at UCLan and for managing and overseeing the University ethics processes. The EIGU is also responsible for performing the role of “sponsor” of clinical research (where appropriate).

The EIGU provide advice and specialist support in the following areas:

• Research integrity
• Research ethics
• Clinical research governance
• Sponsorship requirements
• Research involving human tissue
• Research involving animals
• International research

UCLan is proud to be the first European university to adopt the Global Code of Conduct for Research in Resource-Poor Settings (GCC) which is designed to prevent the export of unethical research practices to low and middle-income countries. The EIGU has an active role in the promotion of the GCC and development of processes to ensure the code is applied.

Emma Law: Head of Ethics, Integrity and Governance Unit

Email [email protected] for further details.

The Graduate Research School is responsible for supporting the postgraduate research environment and culture, having oversight of the student journey, as well as hosting events and activities for the PGR community. 

• We offer research skills training that is mapped to the Vitae Researcher Development Framework.
• We host the 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) competition and Annual PGR Conference.
• We deliver a range of research showcase events during the year.
• We support the PGR Society.
• We manage the UCLan Undergraduate Research Internship Programme.
• We provide research grants to support PGR research activities.
• We represent the PGR community at University level.
• We support research supervisors and research degree tutors.
• We listen and respond to the PGR student voice.

UCLan’s postgraduate research students (PGRs) each have their own team of supervisors to support them through their research programme. More details about our postgraduate research degree programmes can be found on our Postgraduate Research page.

Andrea Ferguson: Head of Graduate Research School

Email [email protected]  for further details.

Provides support to academics from the point at which they have research ideas and are looking for funding, through identifying funding opportunities, development of proposals (including their costing and pricing), the internal approval process for submission and submission to the funders.  When funding is awarded the team liaises with academics and the funder and works with the Contract team in Legal Services to ensure the contract for the project is negotiated and signed. 

The GFU supports the academic throughout the project as a critical friend to ensure that the project is delivered, on time, to budget and to contract. The GFU supports all proposals where external funding is sought, so as well as supporting applications to research funders e.g. RCUK, NIHR, British Academy, The Royal Society, The Wellcome Trust; the Unit also provides support for applying for, or receiving funding from industries and charities. This does not have to be for research work, activities which involve consultancy work, offering a testing and analysing service, or the offer of training e.g. CPD, are also supported by the GFU.

Gillian Chew: Head of Grants and Funding Unit

Email [email protected] for further details.

The Impact and Outputs Unit provides leadership and management for activities such as the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF) and Knowledge Exchange Concordat (KEC)​; and the HR Excellence in Research Award and Researcher Development Concordat.

The IOU provide advice and support in the following areas:

• Research impact
• Open Research
• Researcher development
• Research and KE indicators and assessment

The IOU supports Open Research, with UCLan research outputs and data freely accessible on our two repositories, Central Lancashire Online Knowledge (CLoK) and UCLanData . We also champion Responsible Research Metrics. UCLan is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment. You can read the UCLan Responsible Research Metrics statement online .

The IOU also oversees researcher development activity, including the Research and Enterprise Training Programme, Research and Enterprise Induction, and responsibilities associated with the University’s HR Excellence in Research Award and Researcher Development Concordat. For more information, visit our Academic development for research and enterprise webpage .

Allison McCaig: Head of Impact & Outputs Unit

Email [email protected]  for further details.

Intellectual Property & Commercialisation Unit (IPU)

The IPU supports research-active staff and students in protecting intellectual property arising from their research and in commercialising their work in order to maximize impact from the University’s research whether financial, reputational and/or societal.

If you are a business looking to partner with us to create commercial opportunities to license and develop intellectual property (IP), view our dedicated webpage .

The IPU help protect and/or commercialise ideas and research by:

• Providing with a comlicensingplete innovation roadmap to assist researchers in taking their research from the lab/classroom to the market.
• Managing intellectual property from disclosure, assessment, deciding on an IP protection strategy and impact/commercialisation route. This may include publishing, licensing and creating spin out companies.
• Providing assistance in commercialisation via our R2M programme .

Email [email protected]  for further details.

Local and regional engagement

The Service works with many regional partners on a variety of diverse projects to maximise the region’s potential for local growth and redevelopment through research, innovation and knowledge exchange.

Partners cover businesses and community groups and also include the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership, Lancashire County Council and its local authorities. If you are interested in finding out more about our work, please contact Matthew Guest .

Related links

• Postgraduate research
• Academic development for research and enterprise
• Research engagement
• Research strategy and policy
• Research Excellence Framework

• International
• Alumni As a member of our Alumni Network, you are always part of the University of Central Lancashire.
• Business and Enterprise We have a strong reputation for applied business research, entrepreneurship and innovation, offering a wide range of specialist business support.
• News Read the the latest news and updates from across the University.
• Work here Discover more about working at one of England’s largest universities in the heart of the North West. Find out more about working at UCLan and browse our latest job opportunities.
• Events at UCLan and beyond We host a wide variety of events open to the public. These include performances and exhibitions, public lectures, festivals and more...
• Visit us Find out more about great ways to visit our campus from Open Days to Academic conferences. There's something for everyone.
• Online Store
• Academic staff
• Research We have a growing and vibrant community of academics producing high quality research.
• Research Services We provide a professional, effective and holistic offering for researchers, from ideas and training to funding, dissemination and governance.
• Research Themes Our research fits under six broad themes, ranging from arts and culture to transformative science and technology.
• Research Centres Our interdisciplinary Research Centres are the home of world-class research that brings together expertise from across the University enabling us to provide real-world solutions and opportunities that have an impact on society.
• Postgraduate research degrees We offer a vibrant and world-class research environment, matched by excellent facilities, comprehensive research support and award-winning training opportunities.
• Researcher Development
• Research Strategy and Policy
• Training and development We work in partnership with organisations from all sectors to develop and deliver tailored training programmes.
• Recruit our Students Are you looking for someone to bring new ideas and a fresh approach to your business? A UCLan student or graduate could be just what you need.
• Support for SMEs Support and funding for small and medium sized businesses
• Apprenticeships Looking to sponsor or employ a degree apprentice? We offer a wide range of higher and degree apprenticeships.
• Develop your business
• Professional Services
• International students If you’re looking to study at a great university in the North West, the University of Central Lancashire is a great choice to start or continue your studies in the UK.
• International We are an international, multi-campus university leading the way in modern learning.
• Explore our subjects
• A-Z of courses
• EU and International tuition fees
• Find your country or region
• How to apply to university in the UK
• Welcome and arrival information Everything you need to know about starting university
• Student experience For everything about University life, from sports clubs to join, to student support.
• Campuses and partners We have a large and diverse campus network, with campus locations in Preston, Burnley, Westlakes and Cyprus.
• Student support We're here for you, no matter what. We offer expert advice and support in key areas such as health and inclusion to financial matters, visas and more.
• Accommodation Our student accommodation options offer great value for money in a safe, vibrant and inclusive halls community.
• Offer holders
• Undergraduate study As an undergraduate student, you’ll benefit from the perfect mix of academic study and a range of opportunities that will set you up for a lifetime of success.
• Postgraduate study Whether you’re looking to develop your knowledge, enhance your career or change direction completely, our postgraduate courses can support your goals.
• Degree Apprenticeships Earn your qualification in a paid position within a company or organisation.
• Professional Development & Short Courses We offer professional development for you or your team to help plug a skills gap, offer continuing professional development or support career progression.
• How to apply to university
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Work or Study Abroad
• Return to Study
• University Open Days
• University exhibitions
• University Clearing and Adjustment
• Student Policies and Regulations

Search CLok

Home Research

Image Credit Header image: Artwork by Professor Lubaina Himid, CBE. Photo: @Denise Swanson

Image Credit Header image: Artwork by Professor Lubaina Himid, CBE. Photo: @Denise Swanson

• UCLanData Home

Research Data Management Policy

As an institution, UCLan supports the principles of open access to publicly-funded research outputs. Research data generated at the University is recognised as an institutional asset that when shared openly not only increases the visibility of UCLan’s research but also facilitates public engagement and creates new opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

In order to be shared and reused research data must first be managed and curated efficiently and effectively. This research data management policy clarifies the University’s expectations concerning the management, storage, publication and sharing of research data. Policy reflects the University’s intention to establish good research data management practice throughout the research lifecycle as part of the institution’s commitment to research excellence. The policy provides a strategic framework for the management and governance of research data generated by research activities at UCLan and aims to contribute to readiness for REF 2021.

Download the Research Data Management policy (pdf)

The purpose of the research data management policy is to:

💡   Ensure compliance with current academic and funder requirements such as the Research Councils UK Common Principles on Data Policy and EPSRC Policy Framework on Research Data;

💡   Promote open access to research data produced at UCLan in order to facilitate data discovery, citation, sharing and collaboration;

💡   Clarify responsibilities so that researchers understand exactly what is required of them;

💡   Establish a culture of openness and transparency;

💡   Ensure data integrity and accessibility for a minimum of ten years after publication or last public access;

💡   Set out the University’s obligations including the provision of facilities for the archiving of research data and training, support and        guidance on good practice in research data management;

💡   Draw attention to existing relevant documentation that underpins and clarifies elements of the policy with particular regard to        obligations of a legal, ethical, regulatory and contractual nature.

The policy applies to:

💡   All academics at UCLan who produce or work with data generated as a result of research, regardless of how that research is        funded;

💡   All academics who supervise or co-supervise postgraduate research students;

💡   All postgraduate research students.

The University is responsible for the provision of a managed repository service for secure archiving, preservation and long-term storage of completed digital research data and open access research publications, including journal articles and conference papers. The University provides training, support and advice on all aspects of research data management.

Other Policies

There are also other policies such as the Metadata Policy, Data Policy for full-text and other full data items, Content Policy, Submission Policy and Preseravtion Policy that may also apply to you.

Download the Polices document (pdf) for more information.

• Campuses and partners
• Report and Support
• Accessibility Statement
• Cookie Notice
• Modern Slavery Statement
• Legal and Regulatory Information
• Charitable Status

• Locations and Hours
• UCLA Library
• Research Guides
• Research Tips and Tools

Advanced Research Methods

• Writing a Research Proposal
• What Is Research?
• Library Research

What Is a Research Proposal?

Reference books.

• Writing the Research Paper
• Presenting the Research Paper

When applying for a research grant or scholarship, or, just before you start a major research project, you may be asked to write a preliminary document that includes basic information about your future research. This is the information that is usually needed in your proposal:

• The topic and goal of the research project.
• The kind of result expected from the research.
• The theory or framework in which the research will be done and presented.
• What kind of methods will be used (statistical, empirical, etc.).
• Short reference on the preliminary scholarship and why your research project is needed; how will it continue/justify/disprove the previous scholarship.
• How much will the research project cost; how will it be budgeted (what for the money will be spent).
• Why is it you who can do this research and not somebody else.

Most agencies that offer scholarships or grants provide information about the required format of the proposal. It may include filling out templates, types of information they need, suggested/maximum length of the proposal, etc.

Research proposal formats vary depending on the size of the planned research, the number of participants, the discipline, the characteristics of the research, etc. The following outline assumes an individual researcher. This is just a SAMPLE; several other ways are equally good and can be successful. If possible, discuss your research proposal with an expert in writing, a professor, your colleague, another student who already wrote successful proposals, etc.

Author, author's affiliation

Introduction:

• Explain the topic and why you chose it. If possible explain your goal/outcome of the research . How much time you need to complete the research?

Previous scholarship:

• Give a brief summary of previous scholarship and explain why your topic and goals are important.
• Relate your planned research to previous scholarship. What will your research add to our knowledge of the topic.

Specific issues to be investigated:

• Break down the main topic into smaller research questions. List them one by one and explain why these questions need to be investigated. Relate them to previous scholarship.
• Include your hypothesis into the descriptions of the detailed research issues if you have one. Explain why it is important to justify your hypothesis.

Methodology:

• This part depends of the methods conducted in the research process. List the methods; explain how the results will be presented; how they will be assessed.
• Explain what kind of results will justify or  disprove your hypothesis. 
• Explain how much money you need.
• Explain the details of the budget (how much you want to spend for what).

Conclusion:

• Describe why your research is important.

References:

• List the sources you have used for writing the research proposal, including a few main citations of the preliminary scholarship.

• << Previous: Library Research
• Next: Writing the Research Paper >>
• Last Updated: Jan 4, 2024 12:24 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.ucla.edu/research-methods

Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We'd also like to set optional cookies to help us measure web traffic and report on campaigns.

We won't set optional cookies unless you enable them.

Cookie settings

Writing a research proposal

The research proposal is an essential part of a PhD application for many of our academic departments.

Before making an application, you should ensure that the specialist area you wish to study is covered by a member(s) of staff at Lancaster University. You can do this by exploring our academic profiles – search for a theme, subject or name to see profiles, research activities, details of current PhD supervision and relation graphs for all Lancaster academics.

Some of our courses have specific requirements for the research proposal. You can find information about the entry requirements on the course information page.

Unless stated in the entry requirements, a proposal should be between 1500 and 2000 words and will include the following:

A working title of the topic area

Your title should be concise and descriptive and do more than convey the keywords associated with the proposed research.

If possible, think of an informative but catchy title; a compelling title not only helps to get the reader’s interest but may also predispose them favourably towards the proposal.

Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship because such titles indicate the independent and dependent variables.

A general overview of the area

The overview should take the form of a brief abstract of your proposed general area of study and identify the discipline(s) within which it falls.

You might also refer to how your background and experience give you competencies in your chosen area.

It should include the research question, the rationale for the study, the hypothesis (if any) and the proposed method. Descriptions of the method may include the design, procedures, the sample and any instruments you will use, where applicable.

Identification of the relevant literature

In this section, you should develop your proposal to demonstrate that you are aware of existing debates and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature.

You should reference key articles and texts to show that you appreciate their relevance to your research area.

A PhD is an original piece of research, and so you should demonstrate that your proposed topic has yet to be studied. So you need to identify your niche, which will lead to the thesis preparation.

The literature review can often suffer the following problems, so it is essential to consider these when drafting it:

• Lack of organisation and structure
• Lack of focus, unity and coherence
• Repetition of information
• Failure to cite influential papers
• Failure to keep up with recent developments
• Failure to critically evaluate cited papers
• Citing irrelevant or trivial references
• Dependent too much on secondary sources

Key research questions

Since you need to demonstrate that you can complete the topic within the usual period allowed, you need to show that it is manageable and so focus on key questions within your niche area.

Methodology

You need to demonstrate an awareness of the methodological tools available and show some understanding of which would suit your research.

It may be that qualitative methods, including the analysis of interviews, are appropriate. Alternatively, your approach may involve forecasting or statistical modelling. In other cases, you may be combining methodologies.

You need to specify the method you feel will be most appropriate.

Timescale and research planning

You need to demonstrate an awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research.

Bibliography

You should include a shortlist of references to key articles and texts in the application.

And finally

• We recommend that you contact your department for guidance on whether we need a research proposal for your application
• Make your topic as specific as possible - please avoid broad topic areas which would be unmanageable as PhD topics
• Describe your research areas in detail - do not use vague descriptions of research areas