Writing a Project Proposal (PPX105Z)

Postgraduate, 18.0 points

Content

In this practical unit, candidates will prepare a draft research proposal, including: a research question or objective that makes an original contribution to a field; appropriate research methodology and method(s); research design; and critical reading. Candidates will also prepare a draft ethics application.

Unit code: PPX105Z

Unit status: Approved (Minor revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Doctoral

Unit discipline: Professional Practice

Proposing College: School of Graduate Research

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Learning outcomes

1.

Design a research project that integrates a research question, research methodology and research method(s), and articulates an original contribution to the field.
2.

Apply a sophisticated understanding of the nature, purpose, responsibilities and limitations of research.
3.

Understand the importance of, and demonstrate the skills required for, successful submission to a Human Research Ethics Committee

Unit sequence

Pre-requisites: Frameworks for Critical Praxis in Professional Contexts (PPX102Z); Research Methodologies for Professional Practice (PPX106Z); Critical Engagement with Scholarship (PPX103Z).

Pedagogy

By teaching through collegial collaboration and learning via critical reflection conducted independently and in community, the unit engages theory and practice to achieve learning outcomes.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Berry, Ralph. The Research Project: How to Write It. 5th Edition. New York: Routledge, 2004.
  • Cooksey, Ray W, and Gael McDonald. Surviving and Thriving in Postgraduate Research. 2ned. Singapore: Springer, 2019.
  • Denzin, N. The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research. 5th Edition. London: Sage Publications, 2018.
  • DeCuir-Gunby, Jessica T., and Paul A. Schutz. Developing a Mixed Methods Proposal: A Practical Guide for Beginning Researchers. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2017.
  • Denicolo, Pam, and Lucinda Becker. Developing Research Proposals. London: SAGE, 2012.
  • Gray, D. Doing Research in the Real World. 4th Edition. London: Sage Publications, 2018.
  • Iphofen, Ron, and Martin Tolich, eds. The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research Ethics. London: SAGE reference, 2018.
  • Marshall, C., and G. B. Rossman. Designing Qualitative Research. 5th ed. Los Angeles: Sage, 2011.
  • Maxwell, Joseph Alex. Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE, 2013.
  • McCaig, Colin, and Lena Dahlberg, eds. Practical Research and Evaluation: A Start-To-Finish Guide for Practitioners. London: SAGE, 2010.
  • Wentz, Elizabeth A. How to Design, Write, and Present a Successful Dissertation Proposal. London: SAGE, 2014.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Report - Research Proposal 5000 80.0
Essay - Ethics Application Draft 1000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 16 Feb, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-02-16 08:56:18 +1100