How to write a proposal for a history Ph.D.

Here are what I think are the key ingredients of a successful history Ph.D. proposal:

 

1. A statement of the topic and why it is important and interesting.

 

2. A summary of the existing historiography.

 

3. Some reflection on the deficiencies/limitations of the historiography.

 

4. A description of the sources that you intend to use, and how they will enable you to overcome those limitations.

 

This is not a formula that has to be followed rigidly; but the proposal should address in some way all the issues raised by the above.

Incidentally, now is the time of year that you need to start exploring funding opportunities too.