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What’s Included: Research Paper Template

If you’re preparing to write an academic research paper, our free research paper template is the perfect starting point. In the template, we cover every section step by step, with clear, straightforward explanations and examples .

The template’s structure is based on the tried and trusted best-practice format for formal academic research papers. The template structure reflects the overall research process, ensuring your paper will have a smooth, logical flow from chapter to chapter.

The research paper template covers the following core sections:

  • The title page/cover page
  • Abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary)
  • Section 1: Introduction 
  • Section 2: Literature review 
  • Section 3: Methodology
  • Section 4: Findings /results
  • Section 5: Discussion
  • Section 6: Conclusion
  • Reference list

Each section is explained in plain, straightforward language , followed by an overview of the key elements that you need to cover within each section. We’ve also included links to free resources to help you understand how to write each section.

The cleanly formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX.

FAQs: Research Paper Template

What format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The research paper template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

What types of research papers can this template be used for?

The template follows the standard best-practice structure for formal academic research papers, so it is suitable for the vast majority of degrees, particularly those within the sciences.

Some universities may have some additional requirements, but these are typically minor, with the core structure remaining the same. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to double-check your university’s requirements before you finalise your structure.

Is this template for an undergrad, Masters or PhD-level research paper?

This template can be used for a research paper at any level of study. It may be slight overkill for an undergraduate-level study, but it certainly won’t be missing anything.

How long should my research paper be?

This depends entirely on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. We include generic word count ranges for each section within the template, but these are purely indicative. 

What about the research proposal?

If you’re still working on your research proposal, we’ve got a template for that here .

We’ve also got loads of proposal-related guides and videos over on the Grad Coach blog .

How do I write a literature review?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack how to write a literature review from scratch. You can check out the literature review section of the blog here.

How do I create a research methodology?

We have a wealth of free resources on the Grad Coach Blog that unpack research methodology, both qualitative and quantitative. You can check out the methodology section of the blog here.

Can I share this research paper template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template. If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Can Grad Coach help me with my research paper?

Within the template, you’ll find plain-language explanations of each section, which should give you a fair amount of guidance. However, you’re also welcome to consider our private coaching services .

Free Webinar: Literature Review 101

Proposable

Proposal Templates > Research Proposal Template

Research Proposal Template

Ready to start on a research proposal, but don’t know where to begin? Why not start with our polished research proposal template that helps you get your research thoughts on paper and gives you a solid structure to present your research.

sample research proposal pdf doc

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FREE 10+ Postgraduate Research Proposal Samples in PDF | DOC

postgraduate research proposal featured

After we formally graduate from the university, some of us would want to take a step forward into higher-level learning as a postgraduate student. This would apply to some courses such as those in business school, medical school, engineering, law, fine arts and etc. Higher learning has more chances of better job opportunities and higher pay. One requirement of a postgraduate degree is a postgraduate research proposal, which is an important document that can help you develop your knowledge and experience within your field. Read more about postgraduate research proposal in our article below and don’t forget to check out our free postgraduate research proposal samples as well:

Postgraduate Research Proposal

10+ postgraduate research proposal samples, 1. postgraduate research proposal, 2. postgraduate admission research proposal, 3. postgraduate tentative research proposal, 4. postgraduate medical research proposal, 5. postgraduate dissertation research proposal, 6. postgraduate applicant research proposal, 7. postgraduate study research proposal, 8. postgraduate phd research proposal, 9. mphil postgraduate research proposal, 10. doctorate postgraduate research proposal, 11. masters postgraduate research proposal, what is a postgraduate research proposal, how to write a postgraduate research proposal, i. introduction, ii. the body or main text, iii. the design: methods and procedures, iv. significance of the study, v. conclusions, why is a research proposal important, what is a postgraduate program, how long is a postgraduate course.

postgraduate research proposal

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postgraduate admission research proposal

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postgraduate tentative research proposal

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postgraduate medical research proposal

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postgraduate dissertation research proposal

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postgraduate applicant research proposal

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postgraduate study research proposal

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postgraduate phd research proposal

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mphil postgraduate research proposal

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doctorate postgraduate research proposal

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masters postgraduate research proposal

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Initially, postgraduate research proposal is a document proposing a research project, and as part of their application for admission to a research degree. It is also relevant to students who are applying to external bodies for postgraduate research funding. A university application for postgraduate study is most likely to include a research proposal or a personal statement , even if you are applying for a funded project defined by the prospective supervisor. With a postgraduate research proposal this will enable you to develop research skills as well as invaluable transferable skills which you can apply to academic life, your current employment or a variety of professions outside of the academia.

A postgraduate research proposal allows you to gain newer perspective and experience within your field by completing a major research project under the supervision of an academic. The research proposal is crucial to your application because it forms a basis for making a judgement about your sustainability for postgraduate research particularly:

  • knowledge of literature: it shows the ability to understand the elements which is the forefront of the field of study or area of professional practice.
  • research methods and methodological appreciation: understanding of the application of various techniques of research and advanced academic enquiry
  • writing quality
  • qualifications and experience: appropriate qualifications or experiences which suggest high expectation to succeed with this study

When writing your proposal, well-presented and clearly written proposals are more likely to stick in the reviewer’s mind. So let us begin with the basic components that makes up a postgraduate research proposal:

Provide a background information in the form of a literature review which sets the context for your research to help the reader understand the questions and objectives. Identify any gap in the knowledge or questions which have to be answered, specify your aims and objectives, including a brief description of the methodology and how will your research be beneficial and to whom. The introduction is your opportunity to demonstrate that your research has not been done before and that the proposed project will add something new to the existing body of literature.

In this section you should be able to identify the following:

  • statement of the problem which describes the context for the study and it also identifies the general analysis approach. It is important in a proposal that the problem stand out—that the reader can easily recognize it.
  • purpose of the study in which you are to define and delimit the specific area of the research and its central concepts.

It is important to present the proposed research methodology such as techniques, sample size, target populations, species choice, equipment and data analysis, and explain why it is the most appropriate methodology to effectively answer the research question. Justify the methodology by explaining what alternatives have been considered and why these have been disregarded. Also point out how your project fits with the research environment of your prospective institution and why this institution is the best place to conduct your research, in particular if this will provide you with access to unique expertise, pieces of equipment or data. Some examples of research methods are: sampling, instrumentation, data analysis and data collection .

Define how this research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Also you can also briefly include a small section to present how your research interests, previous achievements, relevant professional experience and qualifications will support the completion of your research project.

Summarize all that there is to your postgraduate research proposal and come up with a conclusion that can help a reviewer identify the important information. Make sure these are concise, clear and informative.

The importance of a research proposal is to give an initial overview of the research project you are about to conduct. It helps identify what kind of research methods that are applicable in your research and the reason behind your research. It is also quite significant in order to get funding.

This is a degree that you study after you graduate from a four year bachelor’s degree or for some on the basis of relevant work experience.

Depending on your field, a postgraduate course can take about a year in full time or two in part time and does not typically exceed five years.

A postgraduate research proposal is a stepping stone that can help you fulfill your aspirations of completing an effective postgraduate research, that can benefit your future as a professional in your field of expertise.

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Research Proposal Sample

A research proposal is a document that outlines a proposed research project. It is used to request funding from a government agency, or from a private foundation. It is also used to request approval from a university research committee. The proposal should describe the purpose of the research, the methodology, and the expected outcome.

Research log template

File types: PDF (54.8 KB), DOC (58.5 KB) Number of pages: 2

Research log template page 1 preview

Research proposal

File types: DOC (39.5 KB), PDF (47.7 KB) Number of pages: 2

Research proposal page 1 preview

Writing the Research Proposal

File types: DOC (20.5 KB), PDF (38.2 KB) Number of pages: 1

Writing the Research Proposal page 1 preview

The research proposal

File types: DOC (50.0 KB), PDF (70.4 KB) Number of pages: 7

The research proposal page 1 preview

Research Proposal Letter

File types: DOC (25.0 KB), PDF (41.4 KB) Number of pages: 1

Research Proposal Letter page 1 preview

Research Proposal Format

File types: DOC (39.9 KB), PDF (151.8 KB) Number of pages: 2

Research Proposal Format page 1 preview

Research Proposal Rating Scale

File types: DOC (38.5 KB), PDF (12.7 KB) Number of pages: 1

Research Proposal Rating Scale page 1 preview

Research Proposal Outline

File types: DOC (22.0 KB), PDF (6.4 KB) Number of pages: 1

Research Proposal Outline page 1 preview

Research Proposal

File types: DOC (48.5 KB), PDF (48.8 KB) Number of pages: 4

Research Proposal page 1 preview

Research proposal evaluation form

File types: DOC (66.0 KB), PDF (99.5 KB) Number of pages: 1

Research proposal evaluation form page 1 preview

File types: DOC (128.5 KB), PDF (143.2 KB) Number of pages: 13

Research Proposal page 1 preview

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE

File types: DOC (49.5 KB), PDF (86.1 KB) Number of pages: 17

THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL TEMPLATE page 1 preview

HIGHER DEGREE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

File types: DOC (31.5 KB), PDF (37.9 KB) Number of pages: 3

HIGHER DEGREE RESEARCH PROPOSAL page 1 preview

File types: DOC (146.0 KB), PDF (260.8 KB) Number of pages: 28

Research Proposal page 1 preview

RESEARCH PROPOSAL

File types: DOC (33.5 KB), PDF (70.5 KB) Number of pages: 5

RESEARCH PROPOSAL page 1 preview

File types: DOC (88.7 KB), PDF (443.2 KB) Number of pages: 7

Research Proposal page 1 preview

Action Research Proposal

File types: DOC (25.5 KB), PDF (58.1 KB) Number of pages: 2

Action Research Proposal page 1 preview

APA Research Proposal Outline

File types: DOC (46.0 KB), PDF (112.9 KB) Number of pages: 8

APA Research Proposal Outline page 1 preview

Research Plan/Proposal

File types: DOC (92.0 KB), PDF (243.8 KB) Number of pages: 1

Research Plan/Proposal page 1 preview

Internal Research Proposal

File types: DOC (65.5 KB), PDF (64.0 KB) Number of pages: 3

Internal Research Proposal page 1 preview

Clinical research guide consent template

File types: DOC (52.0 KB), PDF (120.1 KB) Number of pages: 6

Clinical research guide consent template page 1 preview

Social / behavioral research study consent template

File types: DOC (88.5 KB), PDF (136.8 KB) Number of pages: 12

Social / behavioral research study consent template page 1 preview

Minimal risk research protocol template

File types: DOC (101.5 KB), PDF (184.3 KB) Number of pages: 13

Minimal risk research protocol template page 1 preview

Research subject consent form

File types: DOC (110.5 KB), PDF (169.6 KB) Number of pages: 19

Research subject consent form page 1 preview

Research proposal abstract form

File types: DOC (94.0 KB), PDF (101.0 KB) Number of pages: 9

Research proposal abstract form page 1 preview

University collaborative research agreement sample

File types: DOC (87.5 KB), PDF (112.3 KB) Number of pages: 12

University collaborative research agreement sample page 1 preview

IMAGES

  1. 9 Free Research Proposal Templates (with Examples)

    sample research proposal pdf doc

  2. Research Proposal Templates

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  3. 💣 Scientific proposal sample. FREE 10+ Scientific Research Proposal

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  5. FREE 18+ Sample Research Proposals in PDF

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  6. 12+ Sample Research Proposal Template Examples

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VIDEO

  1. Sample of Research Proposal / MESP001 / Hand written

  2. Selecting a Research Topic and Developing Research Proposal

  3. Sample Research Proposal Presentation format የጥናታዊ ፅሁፍ proposal አቀራረብ ናሙና

  4. Creating a research proposal

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  6. M.Ed. II Research Proposal/Synopsis #research proposal kaise banaye

COMMENTS

  1. Research Proposal Example (PDF + Template)

    Research Proposal Example/Sample. Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template. If you're getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals, you've come to the right place. In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals, one for a Master's-level ...

  2. PDF A Sample Research Proposal with Comments

    A Sample Research Proposal with Comments A research project or thesis will take at least two semesters to complete. Prior to starting a research, i.e. enrolling in the first semester research course, students must go through the proposal stage, during which students will develop their proposal and have it reviewed by his/her research advisor. ...

  3. Free Download: Research Proposal Template (Word Doc + PDF)

    The research proposal template covers the following core elements: The cleanly-formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX. PS - if you'd like a high-level template for the entire thesis, you can we've got that too.

  4. PDF Research Proposal Format Example

    1. Research Proposal Format Example. Following is a general outline of the material that should be included in your project proposal. I. Title Page II. Introduction and Literature Review (Chapters 2 and 3) A. Identification of specific problem area (e.g., what is it, why it is important). B. Prevalence, scope of problem.

  5. PDF Annotated Sample Research Proposal: Process and Product

    The basic purposes of all research proposals are to. convince. the reader that: (a) the research project has clear objectives; (b) the research project is worth doing (it is significant. / important in some sense and will make an original. contribution to knowledge / understanding in the. field)

  6. PDF Research Proposals

    1 of 5. Research Proposals. Writing a research proposal is the first step for a research project. Before you can work on your research, it must be approved, whether that is by a professor, thesis advisor, or supervisor. It is essential to make your proposal as strong as possible; if your proposal is denied, you may not get the funding you need ...

  7. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposal examples. Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We've included a few for you below. Example research proposal #1: "A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management" Example research proposal #2: "Medical Students as Mediators of ...

  8. PDF How to Write a Good Postgraduate RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    Golden rules for postgraduate research proposals Contents: • Be clear, objective, succinct and realistic in your objectives • Ask yourself why this research should be funded and/or why you are the best person to undertake this project • Ask yourself why this research is important and/or timely

  9. Research Proposal Template (Free Template for Academics)

    Depending on the length of your research proposal, you may wish to include a contents page for the proposal itself (not for your main research project: suggested contents for this are included in your Proposed Chapter Outline, section 9), as follows (add page numbers/subsections when you know them, depending on your research).As you introduce sub-sections into your different sections, number ...

  10. PDF Writing a research proposal

    The 1,500 word research proposal is an important element of your application to doctoral study, whether full-time or part-time. It offers you the opportunity to outline the research you intend to conduct, including how you plan to go about it, and how your research might make a contribution to a theoretical or empirical evidence base.

  11. 8 Research Proposal Examples & Template to Use

    1. Title Page. Start your research proposal with a title page that clearly states your research. The title page is like a book cover, giving the first impression of your project. Therefore, you must ensure the design is engaging enough to attract your audience at first glance.

  12. PDF Research proposal structure (max 1500 words)

    Research proposal structure (max 1500 words) 1. Introduction (states the problem and provides context for your research) 2. Literature review (brief lit review situating proposed research within existing literature, including details of important studies and any previous work in the proposed field).

  13. PDF SAMPLE RESEARCH PROPOSAL

    SCOPE. Following tasks will be undertaken as a part of the proposed research-. Task 1. Task 2. Task 3, etc. METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH. This section needs to answer self-imposed questions and should reflect that the student has good understanding of the problem and of the barriers in the path.

  14. Free Research Paper Template (Word Doc & PDF)

    The cleanly formatted Google Doc can be downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), so you can use it as-is or convert it to LaTeX. Download The Research Paper Template. Download Grad Coach's comprehensive research paper template for free. Fully editable - includes detailed instructions and examples.

  15. PDF A Guide to Writing your PhD Proposal

    Therefore, in a good research proposal you will need to demonstrate two main things: 1. that you are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis. 2. that you are capable of communicating your ideas clearly. Applying for a PhD is like applying for a job, you are not applying for a taught programme.

  16. PDF WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL

    If you have a lot of supplementary materials, consider adding a sheet that lists them in the order in which they are attached. Putting It All Together. Now put the whole thing together: the cover sheet (if appropriate), the proposal itself, the budget and the supplementary materials. Add a cover letter if you wish.

  17. Research Proposal Template

    Typically, a research proposal is a written document used by scientists, academics, and business owners who want to express their ideas and investigation regarding a particular subject. It seeks to request funding for this process from beginning to end. Writing a proposal requires quantitative and qualitative research that creates a ...

  18. PDF Sample Research Proposals

    Sample Research Proposals. You will find here two examples of proposals for postgraduate research from the Department of Social Policy and Criminology. They both give good indication of the sorts of things that need to be included. The first, on fathering after divorce or separation, represents first thoughts on the proposed topic, but sets out ...

  19. PDF Research proposal for the degree of

    necessitates the research. Indicate how your research would contribute to the solution of the problem. RESEARCH QUESTION / HYPOTHESIS Provide a clear statement of the problem. This should take the form of one main question, which be broken down into not more than 4 sub-questions. Outline the aims and objectives of your research.

  20. Examples of Research proposals

    Show why you are the right person to do this research; Examples of research proposals. Research Proposal Example 1 (DOC, 49kB) Research Proposal Example 2 (DOC, 0.9MB) Research Proposal Example 3 (DOC, 55.5kB) Research Proposal Example 4 (DOC, 49.5kB) Subject specific guidance. Writing a Humanities PhD Proposal (PDF, 0.1MB) Writing a Creative ...

  21. PDF A Sample Qualitative Dissertation Proposal

    Microsoft Word - Proposal-QUAL-Morales.doc. A Sample Qualitative Dissertation Proposal. Prepared by. Alejandro Morales. NOTE: This proposal is included in the ancillary materials of Research Design with permission of the author. LANGUAGE BROKERING IN MEXICAN IMMIGRANT FAMILIES LIVING IN.

  22. (Pdf) Research Proposal

    A r esearch proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed description of. the pr oposed pr ogram. It is like an outline of the entire research process that gives a reader ...

  23. FREE 10+ Postgraduate Research Proposal Samples in PDF

    10+ Postgraduate Research Proposal Samples. 1. Postgraduate Research Proposal. 2. Postgraduate Admission Research Proposal. 3. Postgraduate Tentative Research Proposal. 4. Postgraduate Medical Research Proposal.

  24. Research Proposal Sample

    Research Proposal Sample. A research proposal is a document that outlines a proposed research project. It is used to request funding from a government agency, or from a private foundation. ... File types: DOC (101.5 KB), PDF (184.3 KB) Number of pages: 13 View details. Show preview. Research subject consent form. File types: DOC (110.5 KB ...

  25. PDF Sample Research Proposal

    Present research at scientific meetings X VI. Literature Cited 1. World Health Organization Website: WHO tobacco Treaty set to become law, making global public health history. WHO . 2005. 1-17-2005. 2. Cigarette smoking among adults--United States, 2001. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2003; 52(40):953-956. 3. Centers for Disease Control.