I am filling out a postgraduate research application and it states to write our research interests, list publications/reports, if any, whom I would wish to work with (potential supervisor), and to outline a research proposal (max 250 words).

The research proposal, publications, and the potential supervisor, I believe I've got that covered. However, I am a bit confused what to write under the "research interests" part since I am already stating it under the research proposal. Are they looking for something else for us to add under this section?

I graduated from the same university not too long ago (MSc) and do not know if it is pertinent to repeat everything I had written down for that admission (supporting statement: taught course, tell us about any relevant qualifications and reasons for wishing to study this course, attach CV, etc.) or keep it short to why I wish to pursue this area of research, how I feel I match the requirements for that lab, and why I wish to work under that particular professor's supervision?

Many thanks in advance.

A proposal is about a specific topic. A topic is usually at the intersect of a range of themes, sub themes and so on, possibly even touching upon diverse fields/disciplines. So your proposal outlines your questions in a narrower sense than your interests.

I cannot think of an example except things I know about. So if my research proposal (i.e. the bit where I talk of my topic) is about let us say teens and social networking sites with a number of interesting questions, then my research interests could include: digital media, social applications, young people and new media and so on.

Or if my proposal is to do with the practices of tiger conservation in forest X of village Y in Country Z, then my research interests could well include: forestry, cross cultural practices of conservation, probably even topics under ecology, geography, botany and so on.


You move to your topic from your interests. Similarly, your topics can be the hub from where you expand and develop a furutre expertise in many (overlapping) areas of research.

Excellent! Thank you so much Phdbug. I truly appreciate it. Your suggestions and examples have been quite helpful.
Nice to know then I do not have to repeat myself with the work experience, CV, and qualifications deal this time!
Best,
DreamerPhD