This course will entail an individualised course of study with the primary supervisor. It will also include a series of workshops designed to address the challenges inherent in the production of a thesis proposal (i.e. refining the aim of the research, determining the historiographical contributions of the project, developing appropriate research questions to pursue).

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Devise a detailed research program plan that defines the topic, the questions that guide the research, the historiographical fields to which the thesis will contribute, the approaches and methods to be deployed, and the empirical research required to fulfil the aims of the thesis.

2. Present an overview of their proposal to fellow students and staff.

3. Demonstrate the capacity to undertake research planning.

This course will be graded on a pass-fail basis. Students must gain a pass grade for each component of the assessment.

Successful completion includes a Thesis Proposal Review (written) and an oral presentation of the thesis research plan, viz.:

 1) Thesis proposal, including literature review (approx. 5000 words) which:

• defines the research topic

• outlines the methodology and approach to be employed

• reviews , analyses and categorises literature relevant to the topic

• explains how the proposed research will make an original contribution to

the study of the subject, and

• outlines the sources to be examined and plans for their analysis

2) Successful public presentation to panel members, staff and fellow students. The presentation should highlight the topic, the historiographical contributions of the project, the methods and approach to be adopted, and any preliminary findings.

In addition to frequent meetings with their supervisor, students will attend a series of workshops designed to lead up to a proposal presentation day and to the submission of a thesis proposal review. 

Admission into a higher degree research program in history or cognate subjects.

Honours degree in history or equivalent.

To be advised.