KZN Region hosts a successful postgraduate research proposal writing workshop

On 10 May 2025 the Unisa KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Region Research Committee hosted a research proposal writing workshop for master's and doctoral students at the Durban Campus. The workshop was well attended, with students eager to learn more about the critical steps involved in writing a research proposal.

Students listening to workshop presentations

The primary purpose of the workshop was to take the students through the vital steps in writing a research proposal, such as identifying a research topic within their chosen field of investigation, formulating a research question, reviewing existing literature, developing a methodology, creating a research project plan, and drawing up a budget.

Regional Research Committee member, Penny Nkosi, welcomed the students and explained that the workshop presented an opportunity to explore the latest developments and methodologies in research. She made the further observation that in today’s rapidly evolving academic and professional landscape, staying abreast of cutting-edge research is essential for advancing knowledge and driving innovation.

Unisa departments in the region, such as Library Services and Student Counselling, offered the students an overview of the types of services and support that they offered, and assured them of their availability to help students succeed in their postgraduate studies.  The Student Counselling unit encouraged students to approach them if they find themselves facing life challenges, while Library Services introduced the many library facilities available to postgraduate students, particularly with regard to searching the library catalogues and the use of referencing tools.      

Prof Samuel Mojapelo of the Department of Information Science presenting at the workshop

Professor Samuel Mojapelo of the Department of Information Science within the School of Arts emphasised the importance of clarity regarding exactly what a student intends to investigate in a research study, which starts with identifying research gaps and how the study will fill them. He encouraged students to read extensively in their field of investigation and pointed out that citing experts in the chosen field of study is crucial, as it strengthens the case made. All presenters emphasised academic integrity, as transgressing the rules of ethical behaviour can have a severe impact on any student’s studies.

Ntombifikile Mhlongo, Chairperson: KZN Research Committee, presenting Prof Samuel Mojapelo with a token of appreciation

At the conclusion of the workshop, the Regional Research Committee Chairperson, Ntombifikile Mhlongo, expressed her thanks to all the presenters for their insightful and engaged interactions with the audience, whose active participation throughout was a clear indication of the value of the information they had gained.

* By Siyabonga Seme, Manager: Communication and Marketing, KZN Region