Explore the possibility of getting the guidance of a tutor, or a peer, to read through your proposal before you submit it. Check the academic institution's guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the area you wish to research. Read and understand the important research that already exists in the field. Develop your hypothesis which should identify an important and original problem that can be tested.
Carry out a comprehensive literature review. Read and understand what has already emerged from other people's research. Acknowledge the work that has been carried out, and identify any problems within the literature review. Make notes and ensure you write down references and a bibliography as you read. Write your criteria for establishing success with your research. Describe any elements of risk and innovation you predict while carrying it out.
Write an introduction to your proposal. Maintain high quality in your writing throughout. Write up the literature review and describe your research approach. Write an outline of your chapters. Complete a preliminary bibliography. Proofread your proposal, and if possible, ask somebody you trust to check it through. Present it according to the rules of the institution, which may be quite specific on binding, margins and other presentation issues.