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- Graduate Research Academy
- Level 2, 16 Wally’s Walk
- Macquarie University NSW 2109
- T: +61 (2) 9850 4741
- E: gr.applications@mq.edu.au
Find a senior researcher to support your candidacy
Search our databaseFind out more about research scholarships available to you
See scholarships on offerAll applicants will be asked to supply a research proposal when submitting an application for a research degree.
Research proposal requirements vary according to the discipline, department or degree. Check with your proposed supervisor and department about their specific requirements.
Further information and advice is available by contacting the relevant faculty.
Applications for the Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) and first year of the Master of Research (MRes) require only 1-2 sentences outlining what research area they are interested in.
Applications for the second year of the Master of Research should include a brief research proposal (approximately one page). This will help the department to identify potential supervisors for you.
As a guide, your research proposal should include:
Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (MPhil) should provide a research proposal that:
Enough detail is required so the department can determine if it has the resources, including suitably experienced supervisors, to support you as a research candidate.
It may take several weeks or months to prepare a good research proposal so start the process early.
Your research proposal should also include information about any approvals or permits you may need for the project to proceed.
These may include approvals for research involving:
You may also need to consider approvals for the intangible transfer and publication of controlled goods and technology.
Your supervisor will be able to assist you with this process.
All source material in your research proposal must be appropriately acknowledged. This includes references to:
During assessment of your application the University may submit written components of your application to plagiarism detection software (such as Turnitin). The detection of plagiarism in written submissions will result in the rejection of your application.