Research Paper & Project Guidance

A research paper or project is smaller than a thesis but asks for many of the same skills: a focused question, a sensible design, honest limits and a clear structure. For many students it is the first time they are asked to produce research rather than report it, and it can be hard to know where to begin.

What it means

This service supports shorter, self-contained research tasks. Examples include a seminar research paper or Hausarbeit, a term or group project, a case study, a research proposal for a dissertation, or an exposé for a master's or doctoral application. We help you move from a topic to a workable plan, and then comment on the paper or proposal you write.

The emphasis is on design and fit. Does the question suit the time and word count? Does the method fit the question? Does the structure follow the conventions of the paper type your course expects?

Problems it addresses

• A topic that is interesting but far too broad for the length of the paper
• Uncertainty about the expected sections, for example IMRaD (introduction, methods, results and discussion) compared with a thematic structure
• A proposal that describes a topic but not what you will actually do
• Plans that depend on data or participants you may not be able to reach in time
• Aims and objectives that do not clearly lead to an answer
• Group projects where each part was written separately and does not join up

When you might need it

• You have been asked to "write a research paper" and are not sure how it differs from an essay.
• You need to submit a dissertation proposal or exposé before supervision is assigned.
• You are applying for a research-based programme and must include a research proposal.
• Your first proposal came back as "too ambitious" or "unclear contribution".
• You are choosing a case for a case study and want to check it suits your question.

How the guidance works

1. Share your idea and requirements. Send your topic notes or draft, plus the guidelines, word limit and deadline.
2. Agree scope and quote. We confirm whether guidance covers planning, draft feedback or both, and how it is delivered.
3. Shape design with feedback. We ask the questions a lecturer or panel is likely to ask about your question, method, data and timeline, and explain the options open to you.
4. Draft and revise yourself. You write the paper or proposal. If agreed, we comment on your draft for logic, structure and fit with the guidelines.
5. Final questions, if included. You can check how you have responded to the feedback.

What to prepare

• The assignment brief, proposal template or programme guidelines
• Word limit, deadline and assessment criteria
• Your topic notes, draft question or concept map
• A list of key sources you have read so far
• Your draft, if you have started
• Feedback from a lecturer or a previous application

What you receive

Depending on the scope agreed in your quote, this can include:

• an explained structure plan suited to your paper type, with the purpose of each section
• written comments on your proposal or draft
• a list of questions to consider about scope, feasibility and method
• a feedback summary with priorities for revision
• a discussion of your plan by message or call

Outside the scope

• Writing the paper, proposal or any of its sections
• Supplying research topics, questions or gaps for you to adopt
• Designing questionnaires or interview guides for you to use as they are
• Collecting or analysing data for you
• Promising that a proposal will be approved or an application accepted

Your university may have rules about outside help on proposals and applications. Please check them, and see our academic integrity page.

An illustrative example

Frequently asked questions

How is a research paper different from an essay?

An essay usually argues a position using existing literature. A research paper often adds a method and some form of evidence you gather or analyse, and follows a more fixed structure. Our research papers guide explains the common formats.

Can you help with a proposal for a PhD or master's application?

Yes, we can give guidance and feedback. The idea and writing must be your own, and some programmes have rules about outside help, so check them.

I only have a vague topic. Is that enough?

Yes. Narrowing the topic is often the most useful stage. Try the research question builder first so you have some options to discuss.