A PhD proposal is a an outline of your proposed project that is designed to:
• Define a clear question and approach to answering it
• Highlight its originality and/or significance
• Explain how it adds to, develops (or challenges) existing literature in the field
• Persuade potential supervisors and/or funders of the importance of the work, and why you are the right person to undertake it
Research proposals may vary in length, so it is important to check with the department(s) to which you are applying to check word limits and guidelines. Generally speaking, a proposal should be around 3,000 words which you write as part of the application process.