Institute of Earth Systems
M.Sc. by Research postgraduate course
Guidelines for writing a research proposal
These notes are intended to provide guidance for applicants to submit a research proposal
as part of an application for a place on M.Sc. by research degree programme in the Institute
of Earth Systems.
Specific information concerning application can be found on the Institute’s website at:
http://www.um.edu.mt/ies/overview/PMSCEMPFTR1-2012-3-O
Word limit
Your proposal should be around 2000 words. This limit does not include any references or
bibliography. Applicants are expected to use this guidance to structure their proposals:
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a title for the proposed project
a description of the research context in which you aim to work – you should refer
explicitly to work which is similar to that which you are planning or which is
influential on your ideas, and you should include the details of this work in a
bibliography or list of references
explain the key academic ideas (theories and concepts) within the area of your
proposed topic
a discussion of the research questions or hypothesis that you intend to address,
along
with a justification for them: what makes the problem or questions interesting and
important?
the theoretical approach and methodology to be adopted
a brief explanation of the ideas and data that the research will investigate
detail how you will gain access to the data
a summary how you intend to interpret or analyse these data, once collected
a research schedule (Gantt chart)
bibliography or list of references
The clearer you are in your explanation of what you intend to do, the easier it is for us to
assess whether your proposed topic fits into any of the research themes IES researchers are
engaged with and whether suitable supervision is available.
Further notes
Applicants are asked to refer to the list of proposed research topics available online. Once
you have identified your preferred topic, you will need to get in touch with the relevant
academic member of staff to discuss your proposed topic and seek his/her approval to
supervise your proposed research. Please note that you should expect to your proposal
several times before submitting a final one together with your application, and should make
sure that you begin this process early to allow enough time for preparing he final proposal
before the application deadline of 23rd July. Please note that late or incomplete proposals
will not be considered.
We encourage prospective applicants to consider carefully the formulation of their research
proposal, since this will be used to consider whether supervision can be provided for the
proposed type of research. It is therefore important that your basic aims and area of
investigation are perfectly clear, and any research training needs should be clearly
identified. Proposal will also be assessed at this stage in terms of the applicant’s depth of
understanding and knowledge of the specific area of study being proposed.
Please note that academic staff can decline a research proposal that is either not deemed to
be of an adequate standard or that is not line with their expertise, or if the resources
needed for the proposed research cannot be made available. A proposal can also be turned
down if academic staff are already engaged/committed to supervise a substantial number of
other research proposals, or if the candidate does not possess a suitable technical
background in the proposed area of research.
You are also encouraged, where appropriate, to refer to any particular resources which you
will need for your research (and to any potential problems that you foresee in using them),
and to any difficulties (of an ethical or any other nature) which may arise given your
research methods.
Once the potential supervisor agrees to supervise the applicant’s work, s/he will guide the
applicant to estimate any bench fees needed to carry out the proposed research. It is
imperative that the applicant completes and submits the bench fees form (which will be
completed together with the supervisor) together with the research proposal.
Learning outcomes of the MSc by Research
The standard of the M.Sc. by research is that expected of a candidate who has satisfactorily
undertaken a substantial piece of independent and original research work, demanding more
advanced and intensive study than a first degree. Evaluation of the student’s capabilities will
be based on:
1. successful completion of the taught components of the course,
2. occasional participation in and delivery of research progress work during dedicated
seminars, and
3. presentation and successful defense of a research dissertation
The candidate needs to demonstrate:
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the ability to undertake independent research
competence in the investigation of the chosen topic
understanding of a specialist field
the ability to critically evaluate research data
the ability to undertake effective bibliographic and information searches
the ability to present information both orally and in written form to a professional
standard
the ability to work effectively with research colleagues
understanding of ethical issues associated with their research and the importance of
good research practice
Contacts:
Dr Charles Galdies, Course Coordinator, charles.galdies@um.edu.mt
Ms Sharon Cross, Institute Officer, sharon.cross@um.edu.mt