Dr Asma Jabeen
How to write a synopsis for PhD thesis?
In order to write PhD synopsis let’s first see what is a synopsis.
What is synopsis in literature?
A PhD research synopsis is a detailed summary of a proposed research project which justifies the need for your research work. PhD synopsis is a document that is used to convince members of academic committees that your research project is worthy enough to be approved.
Synopsis for PhD Thesis Criteria in general
While writing a synopsis of PhD thesis make sure that your thesis synopsis clearly depicts the contribution it would make to the research area. Briefly explain research objectives, research methodology, and research data analysis. Conclude with limitations of your research study and envisioned future prospects on basis of your proposed research finding.
Is there a format for PhD Synopsis?
Yes, it is very important to follow the PhD thesis synopsis format suggested by your academic institution. As you know about the structure and format of a thesis, in a similar way you should have knowledge that your research synopsis for PhD follows a specific format too. So you need to follow PhD synopsis format from your academic institution.
What is the Right synopsis format (General)?
The PhD thesis synopsis format varies in different universities. However, with minor differences, the general PhD synopsis format remains almost the same.
How to write a synopsis?
PhD research synopsis format general outline
1. The title of research or thesis
Clearly state the title of your research project for PhD
2. Introduction
The introduction section of PhD synopsis should briefly explain the current knowledge of your research topic, research gaps, and how PhD research project aims to do address these gaps.
3. Literature review
A literature review section of PhD synopsis should have a summary of published articles including research papers, review papers, case studies and other academic research resources relevant to your PhD research project. The literature review section in PhD synopsis should clearly address important queries such as
1. What have others done already relevant to this PhD research project?
2. What are relevant research findings from literature and how they can be beneficial for specific PhD synopsis title?
3. In which areas further improvements in work can be done?
4. Aims and objectives
Clearly address what is purpose and objective of the PhD synopsis research project. What problems you are going to address? How objectives of the research study will provide solutions for specific problems?
5. Methodology/Work plan
Write methodology and work plan through which you will achieve your objectives. Be specific in outlining the materials and methods section. As you need to specify laboratory/field equipment for use, data collection and analysis strategies. This is a critically important part of the research synopsis as by making your materials and methods work plan clear you can run your research project smoothly and make it successful.
6. References
Write citations and references for all sources used in your PhD synopsis. Proper referencing will increase the authenticity of your study and will give due acknowledgment to the original source. For references follow the reference style suggested by your university.
7. Conclusion
Conclude your PhD thesis synopsis by briefly describing what your PhD research project is and why it is needed. Tell the limitations of your work to bring clarity in the scope of your study.
In this way, by following these steps you can write a synopsis for your PhD thesis.
