This course is available for on-campus & remote (online) learning. All students participate in interactive, real-time classes.
EMDV 8008 Research Proposal is a guided research stream Master’s degree class where students proceed through all of the steps in assembling logically structured and viable research proposal document. The Course Convenor works closely with the students to: focus in on a discrete topic; identify a research problem; secure a research supervisor; establish a set of research questions; complete a literature review; set out a methodology and practical array of methods to help answer those questions; consider the normative, ethical and practical aspects of research; connect the research to the concerns of public policy; and, where possible, explore possibilities for funding.
The culmination of the course is a final, polished research proposal document, and a public presentation to the department, that elaborates the research idea and approach. Students engage in collaborative, Convenor-led, peer review workshops, to refine and polish their writing and analysis. The course can be used for developing research proposals related to topics relevant to Australia, the Asia-Pacific, or further afield.
This course can be completed on a stand-alone basis and used to build practical skills with devising and assessing research documents. Alternatively, it can be completed as a springboard for enrolling into EMDV 8066 Research Project (12 units) or EMDV 8016 Research Thesis (24 units), both offered in Semester 2, which can in turn provide the basis for an application for doctoral studies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Formulate useful research hypotheses or problems and research questions.
- Conduct a strategic literature review, using well developed analytical and synthesis skills.
- Assemble and plan a viable research methodology, selecting rigorous and practical research methods to address a problem-focused research question.
- Structure and orally deliver a compelling research proposal presentation.
- Structure and execute a polished written research proposal, using high level written communication skills.
Other Information
A distinction average (70%) in the intitial component of the degree is required to enrol in this course.
Semester 1 students may seek permission to enrol from the Course Convenor.
Indicative Assessment
- Outline of proposal (750 wds) (10) [LO 1,2]
- Peer Review Workshops (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Annotated Bibliography (1,250 wds) (10) [LO 2]
- Final Proposal Presentation (15 mins) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Final Written Proposal (4000 wds) (50) [LO 1,2,3,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Reading material will be discussed with the course convener and will depend on the topic of relevance to the student
Preliminary Reading
Watts, Michael (2001). The holy grail: in pursuit of the dissertation proposal. Institute of International Studies’ Online Dissertation Proposal Workshop. Berkeley: Regents of the University of California.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.