Research proposal

One of the criteria for the HRSMC Class of Excellence certificate is writing a research proposal (3EC). It is compulsory to submit the research proposal, which must receive a passing assessment. The research proposal will be recorded in the extracurricular section of the Master's diploma/degree.

During the second year, students will select two staff members from different HRSMC research groups for discussions and consultations regarding their research proposal subject.Students have full freedom to choose a topic, provided it aligns with the HRSMC research programme. The same topic as the literature thesis may be chosen, and it can also be linked to the master's project. However, it must be a distinct proposal and not a copy of the master's thesis.

Students write their proposal following a template that can be downloaded via the link below. Moreover, students have the opportunity to defend their proposal before a panel of HRSMC staff members (see Pitch). 

All information regarding submission and deadlines for 2025 is provided below:

- April 25, 2025:  Final deadline for the student to submit to HRSMC (r.scheffelaar@uva.nl) the names of two staff members from different HRSMC research groups and two distinct HRSMC research themes involved in the research proposal. A third staff member's name must also be provided; this person should not be directly involved in the proposal and will serve as an independent reviewer. Students must ensure that these staff members have already agreed to participate in the assessment of the proposal.
- May 23, 2025: Final deadline for the student to submit the research proposal to HRSMC. HRSMC will then forward the proposal to the three designated staff members.
- June 6, 2025: The designated staff members will assess the research proposal as either pass or no pass.
- June 6, 2025: Final registration date for the pitch
- June 24, 2025: Pitch (optional) 

Pitch

The Pitch is optional and no ECs will be granted. Participation in the pitch contest is not obligatory for completing the HRSMC Excellence Traject and obtaining the certificate. An independent jury will rank the proposals during the pitch contest.. Each pitch will last 5 minutes, followed by a 5-10 minute question period from the committee. The research proposals will not be sent to the jury. They will only rank the pitches based on the presentation and the subsequent discussion.

The winner can choose between:

• € 1500,- (for a contribution) to attend a conference or a course/training. This conference or course/training needs to take place within one year after graduation and needs to be approved by the HRSMC (e.g. no psychology course in Ibiza or Hawaii :D)

​​​​​​or

• €450,-  (free to spend)

Registration of research proposal on the extracurricular diploma supplement

For UvA/VU students: You have to fill in the form below (Course number: 5254HRRP3Y) and have it sign by Prof. dr. Wybren Jan Buma. Then, you need to submit this to the UvA FNWI Education desk  for registration.

For UL students: You have to fill in the form below (course number HRSMC Research Proposal: 4423HRSP3Y) and then, your supervisor has to hand in the signed form to the UL Science Student Administration to register your proposal.