Before you submit, check your proposal against the following:
☐ Does your title clearly indicate your research focus?
☐ Does your abstract summarise the problem, approach, and expected outcome in plain language?
☐ Does your background section establish the current state of knowledge and clearly identify a gap?
☐ Have you addressed the significance of your research - why it matters and who benefits?
☐ Is your research question(s) clear, appropriately scoped, and answerable within your thesis?
☐ Do your aims and objectives align with, and follow logically from, your research question?
☐ Does your methodology align with your research question and aims?
☐ Have you addressed the ethical implications of your research, even if minimal?
☐ Is your timeline realistic, with buffer time and milestones included?
☐ Have you considered your budget needs?
☐ Have you kept records of your references throughout?
☐ Have you completed your data management plan (separately from the proposal)?
If you can tick every box, you’re in good shape for Milestone 1.