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EnSciMan Thesis/Professional Project Paper Proposal Guidelines

The purpose of writing a Thesis/Project Paper Proposal is to help the student focus on a research topic and to provide a verifiable milestone in the beginning of the research process.

The Thesis/Project Paper Proposal should demonstrate that:
  1. The proposed Thesis/Project Paper topic addresses a significant environmental issue/problem;
  2. A systematic plan has been developed to collect or obtain the data to address the issue/problem;
  3. Appropriate methods of analysis have been identified.

A significant proportion of the proposal writing may be usable in your final Thesis/Project Paper. In fact, the structure may resemble that of the Thesis/Project Paper. Of course, individual projects will differ greatly, so the format of the elements discussed below can only provide a general guide. Your supervisor may give specific directions as to content and form of the Proposal.

Also see Graduate Manuscriupt-Style Master's or Doctoral Theses (opens in new window) 

Thesis/Project Paper Proposal – Sample Outline
  1. Title: Provide a cover page. The Thesis/Project Paper title should give a clear indication of the topic.
  2.  Introduction: The introduction sets the context for your proposed Thesis /Project by a narrative which frames the study, starting from a broad perspective and narrowing in on your research question. What is the significance of the issue/problem?
  3. Literature Review: Place the proposed study in context through a critical analysis of the theoretical and research literature as appropriate. Locate and briefly describe those theories/studies that support and counter your approach to the issue/problem.
  4. The Problem: Consider starting this section with, “The purpose of this study is to…” change, interpret, understand, evaluate, analyze…. [the issue/problem]. Provide a description of the specific topic which includes a clear statement of the study question(s). Review what is known about your research topic as far as it is relevant to your Thesis/Project Paper. Cite relevant references. In a couple of sentences, state your Thesis. This statement can take the form of a hypothesis, research question, project statement, or goal statement. It should capture the essence of your intended research and also help to put boundaries around it.
  5. Approach/Methods: This section contains an overall description of your approach, materials, and procedures. What methods will be used? How will data/information be collected and analyzed? What materials will be used? Specify and describe the selected design (experimental, laboratory testing, modelling, survey, archival, descriptive, interpretive, etc.). Pilot testing of analytic procedures may be required when these procedures have not been previously tested. Give the reasons for selecting the design, including its merits and limitations. Survey alternative methodological approaches that have been used by others who studied the issue/problem. Instrumentation, laboratory procedures, interview schedules, database analyses, coding methods, recording methods, case study identification, study site selection, or any other proposed data collection techniques or processes are described. Where appropriate, specify sampling procedures and detail data collection methods. Describe appropriate methods of data analysis and presentation. Disclose any conceptual and methodological limitations.
  6. Significance: Why is your study important? To whom is it important? Place yourself in the position of responding to someone who says, “So what?”
  7. References: All references cited in the text (and only those) are listed. Follow a standard system of referencing, ensuring all details are consistent. In the Proposal do remember to cite all ideas, concepts, text, data, etc. that are not your own. If you make an assertion in text, substantiate it with data or referencing.
  8. Work Plan: List the identifiable stages of your research in a table format. Indicate deadlines you have set for completing each stage of the research, including any work you have already completed. Discuss any particular challenges that will need to be overcome.


Do remember that where research involving animal or human subjects is planned, one must seek ethics review approval in advance of undertaking the research. Do note that ethics review applications take time to process so it is wise for students planning such research to build this into their scheduling. See: [https://www.torontomu.ca/about/vpresearch/ethics.html].

General Issues

The Proposal should be written at a level that makes it easy to understand for potential readers—think of your classmates as the potential audience. Provide the exact meaning of all terms used in the Proposal which, if not defined, might not be clearly understood by the reader. Any problems with grammar, spelling and organization distract from the content of the Proposal. Usually, the proposals are around 20 pages - double spaced with graphics (but excluding your references). The major portion should focus on your literature review.  

Master’s Thesis / Professional Project Proposal Approval Form

Use the  (google form) approval form (external link, opens in new window)  as a cover page of your research proposal.