The process of writing a dissertation proposal may appear to be somehow overwhelming at first, but when you are able to take the necessary steps and have a positive attitude towards them, then this process becomes absolutely manageable. Wherever you are writing your dissertation in Dubai or anywhere this guide will help you explain to you each stage in an easy manner.

Think of your proposal as a blueprint. Just like a plan is prepared before building a house, a proposal tells what research you are going to do, why this topic is important, and how you will complete this research.

Let’s understand this process step by step:

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of a Dissertation Proposal

First of all, it is important to understand the purpose of writing a dissertation proposal.

• This tells your university on which topic your research is.
  • This proves that your topic is important and doing work on it is possible.
  • This explains your research method and approach.
  • This gives you a chance to plan your ideas properly, before you start the full dissertation.

That’s why don’t take this step lightly—this is the first step of your success.

Step 2: Choose a Clear and Focused Topic

It is highly important to select the topic of your dissertation proposal. The subject cannot be so broad that one finds it hard to do some research. These are some simple questions that you can ask yourself:

• Am I really interested in this topic?
• Can I find enough research material or data for it?
• Can I complete the work on this topic within the time?

For example, “Education in Dubai” is a wide topic. To make it better, think like this: “How Online Learning Affects High School Students in Dubai.” This type of topic is clear, and doing research is easy.

Step 3: Do Preliminary Research

Starting research does not mean you have to read everything. Just enough is necessary so that your basic points about the topic become clear:

• What people have already said about this topic
  • Which theories or concepts are related to your idea
  • What things are still missing in the research (which is called “gap”)

While doing research, definitely keep making notes. Also maintain a record of the sources you are using. All this will help you a lot while writing the literature review.

Step 4: Write a Clear Title

In case you write a title of your proposal, then it should be evident what topic you are researching. Make the title concise and clear that it can be understood easily.

• Like if you just write: “Education Problems”, then it will look very general.
• But if you write: “Challenges Faced by Female University Students in STEM Fields in Dubai”, then it becomes clear which issue you are exactly focusing on.

That’s why, make the title in such a way that it directly tells what the main idea of the proposal is.

Step 5: Structure Your Proposal

When you are going to write a dissertation proposal, then following a clear structure is very important. Usually, in the proposal these main parts are there:

1. Introduction
2. Aims and Objectives
3. Literature Review
4. Methodology
5. Timeline
6. Bibliography

F.A.Q.

What is the length of the dissertation proposal?

Dissertation proposals characteristically vary by 1,000-3,000 words and this again will vary according to your course. Check the guidelines at your university before you start.

Will I be able to change my topic in the future?

Topic can be changed, yes, but prior permission is to be taken. There are certain smaller alterations, which can be made generally, but in case one wishes to alter totally the subject matter then it will require official sanction.

What is the difference between a dissertation and a research paper?

Dissertation is lengthier and with details in it and your work is based on the original research. The study paper is somewhat too brief and utilizes mostly the available data.

Am I required to seek ethical approval for my dissertation in Dubai?

In case your research is dealing with people such as a survey or an interview, then you would need ethical approval. You should better ask your supervisor in the initial phase.

Final Thoughts
Unlike many people perceive, it is not hard to write a dissertation proposal. It is only a strategy that acts as the foundation of your success. It matters not in which local college you are or doing your dissertation in Dubai, but by taking into account the following steps, the challenge will be simplified.