Wow, that's exactly my plans, part time PhD, to self fund the first year (where I'll spend time on courses etc and shaping the idea) and then apply for funding for the next year (by which time hopefully I will have a far better idea of how to produce the formal type of proposal you refer to)

Bilbo - Thanks so much for such a quick reply! What has happened is that when I emailed the Prof my proposal, in fact he had constructed a very similar one himself which he emailed me and said I could use, if I want, in my own proposal. So, do you think in this brief proposal I am incorporating his and my ideas and I don't need to stress about including things like references and precise details (and a roadmap) for the research?

I am new to this site. I have looked through this forum but I don't think this has been asked.

I am currently completing my Masters which has no elements of research to it. Within the University I have been in touch with the Head of School and informally proposed a research idea which he liked and told me to formally apply to the school.

As part of the application process I need to fill in a 250-500 word proposal and this is my uncertainty. Do I need to outline within those few words the exact research and methods I plan to undertake (I am really unfamiliar with the correct terminoligies to use and am afraid I will look rather stupid!). The research itself (as approved and encouraged by the Head of School) involves interviewing a wide range of people (up to 80 people) and conducting group and personal interviews, so I believe this is qualitative research but once again, I'm not sure what I'd be expected to present in that word count.

In a nutshell I suppose I'm asking what level of professionalism do you think is expected in this proposal? (this is for a part time PhD)