The University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) hosted a dynamic Proposal Writing Workshops on the 18th – 20th March 2025 and 24th – 27th March 2025, aimed at equipping Master’s and PhD students with the essential tools to develop strong, coherent, and impactful research proposals. Held on Edgewood and Westville Campus at Senate Chambers was facilitated by senior academics Professor Ronicka Mudaly and Professor Labby Ramrathan. The workshop brought together postgraduate students across disciplines for a hands-on learning experience that went beyond theory.
Participants were guided through the critical elements of proposal development, including conceptualising research problems, navigating ethical issues and plagiarism, conducting literature reviews, and sharpening academic writing. The interactive sessions encouraged dialogue, peer feedback, and practical application, ensuring that students left with both conceptual clarity and actionable insights.
Reflecting on the workshop’s impact, one participant shared: “The presenters were well-prepared and demonstrated strong knowledge of the topics, which significantly boosted my confidence in writing my own proposal.” Professor Mudaly noted that the initiative responds to a growing need for structured support among postgraduate students, particularly those new to the rigours of academic research. “Workshops like this not only demystify the proposal writing process but also create a supportive community of scholars,” she said.
The Proposal Writing Workshop is one of several UCDP initiatives designed to strengthen academic capacity and promote research excellence across South African universities. Additional workshops and follow-up support sessions are planned throughout the year.
