I have to defend my research proposal
Prepare for what the committee is really checking, and leave with the agreed plan in writing.
In short
Start here, today. Write down the five questions you'd least like to be asked about your project. Draft a two-sentence answer to each and add them to the Q&A Practice Bank. This takes about 30 minutes.
After that, work through these steps. Choose one to jump to it.
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step for the how.
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Find out the format
Ask your supervisor how long the talk should be, whether it's open or closed, who chairs, how long questioning usually lasts, and what the possible outcomes are. Check the handbook as well, because some programs combine the proposal defence with the comprehensive exam.
Prepare a short, clear talk
Stay within the time you're given and aim to finish a little early. Spend most of it on the question, the gap, your design and your timeline rather than the literature. End with the two or three decisions you'd like the committee's input on, which invites discussion instead of an ambush.
Prepare for the likely questions
Most questions fall into a few kinds: why this question, why this method rather than another, what happens if access or data falls through, how you'd know if you were wrong, and where this sits in existing work. Write short answers in the Q&A Practice Bank and say them out loud, not just in your head.
Practise with people who will push
Run a mock defence with peers or a friendly postdoc, and ask them to interrupt you. Ask your supervisor which committee member is likely to raise what. Supervisors usually know their colleagues' favourite questions.
Have a way to answer when you don't know
You're allowed not to know. Say so, then reason aloud: “I haven't looked at that yet. My first thought is [X], and I'd check it by [Y].” Or take it away: “That's a useful point. Could I come back to you on it?” Write questions down as they're asked, or ask a friend in the audience to take notes if the defence is open.
Understand the possible outcomes
Typical outcomes include a pass, a pass with minor or major revisions, or a request to revise and present again. Your program's wording may differ, so check it. Revisions usually mean the committee wants the project to succeed in a clearer form.
Put the agreed changes in writing
Within a few days, email the committee a summary of what was agreed: changes to questions, scope, methods or timeline, and who will check the revisions. Log each change in the Decision Log. This record protects you later if committee membership changes or memories fade.
Words you can use
Is this you? Signs to look for
- You're preparing as if it were an exam on everything you've ever read.
- You keep imagining questions you can't answer and replaying them at night.
- You don't know how long your talk should be or who will be in the room.
- You aren't sure what “pass with revisions” would mean for your timeline.
Why this happens
At a proposal defence (also called a prospectus defence, proposal hearing or, in some programs, part of the candidacy exam), the committee is mostly asking whether this project can work: whether the question is clear and worth answering, whether the methods fit it, whether it can be done with the time and resources you have, and whether you understand the risks. They aren't expecting results, and most committees aren't trying to catch you out.
It is also the moment your committee takes on shared responsibility for the project. Their suggestions are often ways of making it more doable, not signs that it's weak. Passing with revisions is a common and normal outcome. The step people forget is getting the agreed changes in writing, so that the project you eventually defend is the one everyone signed off on.
Worth a look (3)
- List of Resources for Finding ETDsThis directory lists national and regional thesis collections around the world, from Theses Canada to Shodhganga. It's handy for finding past theses to see how others shaped theirs.
- ProQuest Dissertations & Theses GlobalThis very large database of dissertations and theses is strongest for North American universities, and many records include full text. It's usually available through your university library.
- The Thesis WhispererInger Mewburn's long-running blog about doing a PhD covers thesis writing, supervision, productivity and life after the degree. It's warm and practical, with plenty of readers' stories.
When to bring someone in
Talk to your supervisor before the defence about anything that worries you, including a committee member whose views differ from theirs. If the outcome is unclear afterwards, or committee members disagree about what's required, ask your supervisor or graduate coordinator to help get it clarified in writing. If you believe the process wasn't followed fairly, your graduate coordinator, program director or ombudsperson can explain your options.
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