PhD research proposal under word count.

Hi everyone!

I am currently in the process of completing my PhD application for Sciences Po in international relations. Sciences Po outlines that a research proposal/project with a maximum of 5000 words must be submitted. I have approximately 2500 words and I feel like I have outlined and conveyed everything that I need to say in the proposal. Do you think that this is too far below the word limit? By saying 5000 word maximum are they indicating that they expect a word count close to that figure?

Thanks in advance!

Reply 1

alleycat393

Half the word limit may look bad. I'd say bring it up to at least 3500-4000. Make sure that you've shown that you're thinking deeply about the topic and methods and have explained everything so that a non-expert academic audience can understand it.

Reply 2

DrSocSciences

Usually, you need to be within 10% of max word count, and that's below the maximum, rather than above. Can you do more to locate your research proposal within the wider context, and identify it's potential contribution to knowledge? That's the crux of most proposals. And also, expand your methodology and rationale for your method.

Then you can throw in a paragraph about the potential direction for further research following your own contribution to knowledge.

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 3

Nightwing_

This is not a case of being a university assignment where you are expected to reach the word count. These kind of proposals are completely up to you to convey what you need to. The word count is simply there to stop people endlessly going on as someone will have to read it.

So if you honestly think it is a robust proposal and there is nothing more you can add then I think that is fine and you can submit it. But might be worth getting someone else to look over it, they may see something you've missed and advise you to add a bit more in etc.

Good luck

Reply 4

josipbroz

Thanks for the responses! I will take your advice into account.

Reply 5

tiwarisaurabh1

Hi joshipbroz, I see you mesaage is 6 years old. But had a query as regards Science Po’s PhD proposals word limit. Though the website provides for a word count of upto 5000 words for law, however the online application only has add file/upload tabs for ‘Doctoral thesis topic' and 'Doctoral thesis abstract' . There is no other upload tab as regards research thesis/proposal. On the face of it it seems strange that I would be required to upload 5000 word research proposal/thesis project on either of Doctoral thesis topic' and 'Doctoral thesis abstract'. I am assuming that the thesis abstract upload tab would be for the two page synopsis as mentioned on the website (under required documents)

Would be of great help of you or anyone may have any answer for this.

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