The Research Proposal is a complete description of the intended research, developed under the supervision of the assigned supervisor. Through the full proposal, the student needs to demonstrate convincingly that the study will make a contribution to a public health issue or problem. The full research proposal must be between 5 and 10 pages and should present the following:

 Title
 Brief Introduction
 Background and statement of the problem (this in the light of a thorough literature review)
 Research question or hypothesis, aim and objectives
 Study design (type of study)
 Study population and sampling
 Data collection methods and instruments
 Data analysis methods – if applicable statistical planning must be fully addressed or the candidate should provide evidence that statistics are not required.
 Mechanisms to assure the quality of the study – e.g. control of bias, safe storage of data
 Study period - Timetable for completion of the project
 Participants in the study – all people involved in the study, and the role they play, should be identified.
 Ethical considerations
 Resources required for the study, including budget if applicable
 References
 Appendices (copy of questionnaire, consent forms, etc.)