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2 years ago in Research Proposal Format By Aarthi S
How long should each section of a PhD research proposal be?
I have a 15-page limit. I don't want to spend 10 pages on the literature review and rush the methodology. Are there rules of thumb for how much weight to give each part to create a balanced document?
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By Girish Answered 1 year ago
Balancing sections is crucial. For a 15-page proposal (excluding references/appendices), I recommend this allocation as a starting point:
- Abstract & Introduction: 1.5-2 pages. Be concise and engaging.
- Literature Review: 3-4 pages. This is your evidence for the gap; be substantive but not exhaustive.
- Research Problem/Questions & Aims/Objectives: 1-1.5 pages. These should be sharp and clear.
- Methodology:Â 4-6 pages. This is often the most weighted section. Justify every choice in detail.
- Expected Outcomes & Chapter Outline: 1.5-2 pages.
- Timeline: 0.5-1 page (a table or chart is efficient).
This ensures the core argument (Lit Review -> Problem -> Methodology) gets 70-80% of the space. The Methodology section is your project's engine—invest the most pages there to demonstrate feasibility and rigor.
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