School of Engineering and Environment
Guidance
Writing a Postgraduate Research (PGR)
Proposal Personal Statement, and CV
Guidance on Writing a Postgraduate Research (PGR) Proposal, Personal Statement, and CV Crucial parts of research degree applications (PhD, MPhil, MSc by Research) are the research proposal, personal statement, and CV. Together, they provide key information that the University of Salford uses to make decisions on whether to make offers of acceptance onto the postgraduate research programmes. This document provides guidance on how to write a research proposal, personal statement, and CV. Please note that this is a guidance document only. Using it is recommended but not mandatory. I.
PGR Proposal
We strongly encourage applicants to identify a potential supervisor and consult with them when developing their research proposal. SEE Supervisors can be found here: https://salfordrepository.worktribe.com/people?Surname=J&page=1 The purpose of a research proposal is to: •
outline a research project briefly (max 3000 words, excluding bibliography) and offer a research idea. This can be developed with the support of a proposed supervisor, but the applicant must be the sole author. Applications where academic misconduct is evident will be rejected (see notes on the use of AI and Turnitin below),
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offer a clear, relevant, and original research goal/question; this may take the form of a hypothesis to be tested, or an open-ended enquiry,
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reference literature carefully and correctly by applying a recognised referencing style (preferably APA) and it includes a reference list/bibliography (not part of the word-count),
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justify which methodology(ies) should be applied in conjunction with the proposed research question. Note: for any bench-based proposals applicants are required to consult with academic supervisors to ensure that equipment and materials are available at the University of Salford. However, details can be discussed prior to or after sending a proposal,
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demonstrate awareness about any ethical concerns that might arise in the proposed research project,
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consider potential risks, pitfalls, and/or challenges and suggest how these can be overcome/avoided,
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provide a provisional timeline of research. To demonstrate this, a Gantt chart including tasks and milestones should be supplied,
Some of the elements above cannot be fully determined at the stage of writing a proposal. It is nevertheless necessary to have thought about these elements. Note: Applicants must the sole authors of the research proposal, personal statement, CV and interview presentation. All proposals are submitted to Turnitin as part of the evaluation process. Applicants are also not authorized to use Generative ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) or other computer-based process to generate the research proposal, personal statement, CV and interview presentation as means to obtain an offer for a postgraduate research studentship. Applications where academic misconduct is identified will be rejected. To identify academic misconduct we adhere to the University of Salford guidelines available here: https://www.salford.ac.uk/askus/topics/admin-essentials/academic-misconduct Finally, we are requesting a declaration of originality to be part of the cover sheet of the research proposal (see template below).
Presentation and Contents of the Research Proposal The research proposal, personal statement and CV must be typed, set on a white background with black text. The applicant’s name should be added to the top of all three documents. A sans serif font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Verdana) is recommended. The font size should be 11pt. Images and graphics with captions can be included where needed. Cover Page The cover page (see appendix below) contains: • The name of the applicant • Name(s) of potential supervisor (if applicable) • A note indicating whether the potential supervisor contributed as mentor/coach to the development of this proposal • Degree applied for • Proposal title and subtitle (if applicable) • Date of submission (month/year) • This declaration of Originality: “By submitting my proposal here, I declare that: This proposal is my own. I am the sole author. The contribution of others (e.g. potential supervisor, literature, etc.) used in its completion has been duly acknowledged using a recognised style of referencing (preferably APA).” Body of Research Proposal • Abstract/Lay project summary (300 words maximum). The abstract briefly explains the essence of a project in lay terms. It also provides a contextual overview, background or project description. • The review of relevant literature demonstrates an awareness of current discourses, challenges, themes, and/or debates. It also showcases that the context of the proposed research question is well understood. PhD proposals need to establish that the proposed project hasn’t been done before, and that it will contribute new knowledge within an area of study. • Proposed research question(s), aims and objectives: This part outlines and justifies the research question(s), the aims (what is proposed?) and objectives (how will this be carried out?) and how this research proposal is original. It is also important that the scope of the project is realistic and not over-ambitious, vague, or too broad. The project needs to be achievable within timescale of a PGR thesis. • Research Methodology/Experimental Design: Here, a clear outline is provided on which methods are proposed for data generation and analysis (laboratory-based or using other e.g., qualitative/quantitative methods). This part also includes awareness of potential ethical considerations and an awareness of potential risks. • Timescale: An annotated timescale (Gantt chart) shows the schedule of studies and how each element of research follows a train of thought. This part doesn’t need to be very detailed as it may change later, but it’s essential that it was considered from the outset. • Expected outcomes/impact/contribution to knowledge: Here, a consideration is given to what kinds of results the project hopes to achieve and/or how a research project might affect or impact its subject area. • List of references/bibliography: In-text citations and a complete bibliography are required. All academic referencing styles are eligible. The University of Salford prefers APA https://www.salford.ac.uk/skills/referencing/apa-7th-edition II.
Guidance on Writing a Personal Statement
It is customary for universities to ask applicants for a personal statement. It is a way to understand the motivations, interests, experiences, and backgrounds of applicants. A personal statement should be no longer than 500 words and should fit on one page. The research proposal considers the viability of a research project, so that the personal statement provides insights to the interests and capabilities of the applicant. It is an opportunity to outline elements of a biography that are pertinent to conducting the research project. The personal statement should include work, research experience, and/or transferrable skills relevant to the proposed research project. It should not include personal information e.g. hobbies or reports on activities/experiences such as holidays and private matters. Contents When preparing the personal statement these elements can serve as guidelines:
Academic experience: technical and transferrable skills related to the proposed research project (software, equipment, etc.) publications, conference contributions or attendance. This part of the personal statement should match items listed in the CV and is an opportunity to, for example, outline key successes and capabilities. Motivation and greater goals: What ‘greater plan’ motivated the application? What is the driving factor that led to the decision to apply for a research degree? Which career goals support the application? Additional information: Any additional information relevant to the proposal. This may include relevant work experience, incl. volunteering and internships. This can be another opportunity to expand on elements included in the CV. III.
Guidance on Writing an Academic Curriculum Vitae
The CV should be 1-2 page long (A4) and include this set of information: Personal details and Research degree applied for NOT required on this CV are age, gender, marital status, disability, date of birth, a photograph of the applicant, or national insurance number. However, applicants applying for the Widening Participation Scholarship may wish to outline their eligibility here as well as in the personal statement. All information provided is confidential. Education/Merits/Awards Here, degree qualifications/certificates, etc. are listed in reverse chronological order (i.e. most recent one first) including start and end dates. If relevant, titles and details of dissertations or other relevant research projects can be included. Relevant Work Experience / Other Work Experience A list of relevant work experience (in reverse chronological order including start and end dates) is very important. This can include paid and unpaid/voluntary work. This list should be succinct and targeted to the research project application. A list of successes and achievements for each role is beneficial as well. Skills The CV can include a section that lists relevant skills. Skills that are needed to execute the proposed research project should be outlined here and in the personal statement. IV.
Admission Process
Once we receive a proposal it can take up to 10 weeks to receive a conditional offer. We submit proposals to Turnitin for similarity check and ensure the proposal demonstrates academic rigour. After this, applicants are invited to attend an interview where they are asked to give a 10 min presentation about their proposal. Applicants should not present personal information in the interview and instead focus on the research proposal. After the presentation, applicants should be prepared to be asked technical and detail questions about the proposal and their area of study. A carefully prepared presentation slide show is highly recommended. As with the written proposal the use of generative AI is not permitted when preparing the slides for the interview presentation. The infographic in the appendix outlines the steps taken between receipt of an application and the conditional offer. To receive an unconditional offer a deposit must be made and international students must have obtained a visa/ATAS. Thank you for considering Salford. We are looking forward to receiving your application. PGR-Director Team
Appendices The document below serves as a template for the PGR Proposal. All sections in red should be deleted or replaced.
School of Engineering and Environment University of Salford Name of the applicant Name of potential supervisor (if applicable) This application was developed under the guidance of (name, if applicable) Degree applied for PhD/MPhil/MSc Research Proposal - delete degree as appropriate
Proposal Title Proposal Subtitle (if applicable) Date of submission
Declaration of Originality: By submitting my proposal here, I declare that: This proposal is my own. I am the sole author. The contribution of others (e.g. potential supervisor, literature, etc.) used in its completion has been duly acknowledged using a recognised style of referencing (preferably APA). I also confirm that no Generative ‘Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) or other computer-based processes were employed to generate my research proposal, personal statement, CV and interview presentation.
Duration of the interview: 45mins to 1hr Duration to organise the interview: up to two weeks
4. The potential supervisor arranges a date for an interview with a second academic and one of the three PGR Directors. The candidate is required to identify themselves at the interview (ID). A 10mins power point presentation about the proposal is also required.
Duration: 5 working days
1. E-application is received. Admissions-team performs standard checks (certificates, transcripts etc).
5. Once the interview form is completed and signed by supervisors it is forwarded for approval. Duration: up to 5 working days
2. Deputy PGR Director receives and reviews application, submits it to Turnitin and contacts applicants with questions (if applicable). Duration: 5 working days
From receipt of proposal to receiving a conditional offer
Now, HECOS codes and ATAS/compliance requirements are checked. Duration until a conditional offer letter is sent: 5 working days
6. The signed admissions approval and interview form is sent to Research Admissions.
3a. Where a preferred supervisor is named in the application, the application is sent to this preferred supervisor. Duration: 1 working day
PGR in SEE: Admissions Infographic
7. To receive an unconditional offer, it can take considerably longer (up to 6 months). At this stage ATAS and a deposit of £5,500,- as well as any other conditions need to be met. Please note: International applicants might be invited to attend a ‘credibility assessment’ interview. This is separate from the academic interview.
Duration until potential supervisor is identified: 5-10 working days
3b. If no preferred supervisor is mentioned in the application, the PGR Director issues a ‘call of interest’ to academics in the appropriate subject area.