You will need to write a research proposal as part of your application if:
- it’s a requirement for your course - check the applying information on the course page
- you’re applying for Gates Cambridge funding
A research proposal outlines what your research will focus on and your plan for approaching your research project.
This page will help you to prepare your research proposal for Cambridge.
Tips for your research proposal
Before you start, you should check:
- the maximum word count and character limit
- what’s included in the word count – for example, footnotes
- if there’s anything specific that the department wants you to include
This information is usually on the course page or the Applicant Portal.
Plan and research
It’s important to start planning before you start the application process.
You should:
- think about why your research project is important
- find out what research is being done in the subject area, including at Cambridge
- consider what resources you need and whether your project is achievable
- check the University’s policy on AI and postgraduate applications
You may also want to find a supervisor and discuss your proposal before you begin writing.
Writing your proposal
You should aim to write a clear proposal that showcases your research project.
Use your proposal to persuade your department that your project is valuable, achievable and fits with a supervisor or research group.
Typically, your proposal should outline:
- your project and research goals
- how your project fits into the field
- your plan for conducting your research
- the scope of the project and timescales
Depending on your area of research, you might want to address any ethical issues or risk factors.
Subject-specific advice
The information on this page is just a starting point for your proposal.
Always follow course-specific guidance. There are usually different expectations for different subject areas.
Get in touch with your department if you have questions.