What to include
- A brief introduction to your academic background.
- The degree or programme you are considering and your intended start period.
- A research question and why you consider it worthwhile.
- One or two relevant publications, and how your idea connects to them.
- A possible method, context or type of evidence.
- A short CV and, if available, an initial research outline.
- Any funding or timing constraints relevant to the discussion.
A useful structure for your outline
- Problem: What do you want to understand, and for whom does it matter?
- Existing work: What do relevant studies already tell us?
- Open question: What is still uncertain?
- Approach: How might you investigate it?
- Feasibility: What access, skills and resources might be needed?
Before you send
Keep the message focused and use your own words. Make it easy to see why the research themes are relevant to your proposed work and what you would like to discuss.
This checklist is preparation guidance. It does not replace the chosen programme’s formal admissions requirements or establish a supervision agreement.
Contact: wongsengyue@um.edu.my