MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ARTS
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENTS
STUDIES
GUIDELINES FOR MA, MPhil and DPhil DISSERTATION PROPOSALS
All applications for postgraduate research must be accompanied by a written proposal.
This is important because it enables the department to know your area of interest and
allocate you an appropriate supervisor.
NB. The department is not rigid pertaining the proposal but adjustment can be carried
out as the work progresses or suit particular topic of research.
The proposal should be typed, at least 1500 words in length, double spaced, 12 Times
New Roman and well referenced (foot notes or end notes and should follow the APA
system [author, title, publishing house, date and page]).
THE PROPOSAL
The proposal acts as the blueprint or guidelines that the researcher should follow. It
reflects the researcher’s frame of mind and vision on how to conduct the research. Try
to include the following in the research proposal:
1. TITLE
The proposal requires a meaningful title that summarise your area of interest and the
problem being tackled. The title should be short, concise and incisive on the subject of
research.
2. ABSTRACT
This should describe briefly the purpose and nature of the project. It should not be
more than 300words.
3. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
This introduces the reader to the main part of the thesis and presents an overview of
the problem.
4. PROBLEM STATEMENT
This gives the background to the work undertaken. It presents the problem that is
being studied and its context.
5. LITERATURE REVIEW
The section explains how questions are different from those asked by others. It will
review the existing information and account of the relevant theory.
6. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The section presents the aims of the research.
7. RESEARCH QUESTIONS
Identify the main research question(s) that you will be asking.
8. ASSUMPTIONS/HYPOTHESIS
The section presents the main assumption(s) of the research.
9. JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
The section justifies the research being carried out.
10. METHODOLOGY
Briefly describe the method(s) that you will use to answer your research questions.
You may need to use several methods. Make clear what methods you will use and
why there are necessary for the study
11. DATA ANALYSIS
It shows how data will be analysed including the methods to be used in analysing the
data.
12. PRESENTATION AND DISSERMINATION OF DATA
Indicates how the information will be presented and disseminated.
13. BIBLIOBRAPHY
List some of the main written sources on which your research will be based.
14. WORK PLAN/TIME TABLE
Include a timetable that shows how research can be managed during the period of
study
15. BUDJET
It shows the total cost of the research work.
TO THE CANDIDATE
The candidate need to continuously self appraise him/herself. These are some of the
issues to look for:
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Presence of the central problem
The existence of evidence in its favour
Presence of relevant evidence
Valuable conclusion
The candidate must be continuously asking the following questions.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Does it show masterly of relevant literature in the field?
Does it answer the question(s)?
Does it have a central argument/thesis?
Is it argued in a straightforward, clear and coherent manner?
Are the arguments supported by evidence, either theoretical or empirical?
Is the evidence adequate and correct?
Does it take into account major counter arguments and critique them?
Is the answer literate or well written
For oral self-examination a candidate needs to:
1. Respond to weakness/gaps in their argument
2. Draw relevant literature and empirical evidence to bolster arguments
3. Demonstrate broad understanding of literature and how it might relate to the
research agenda
There are two possible paths to success:
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Planning Ahead

Perseverance
Keep right on to the end of the road- Harry Lauder.
After great pain, a formal feeling comes- Emily Dickinson
JANUARY 2006 / GUIDELINES/ MA, MPhil and DPhil.