Your master’s thesis proposal has been approved. After the excitement, what’s next?
If that’s what you’re thinking about, then you’re in the right place.
A lot of postgraduate students assume approval means they can head out and simply start writing.
Not really.
In this article, you will discover exactly what to do with your approved master’s thesis proposal.
Read on.
1) Revisit Your Proposal
Even after thesis approval, your proposal is not a finished document. It’s a working blueprint.
What you should check:
- Research questions (Are they still realistic?)
- Scope (Too broad? Too narrow?)
- Methodology (Is it feasible with your time and resources?)
Tip: Many students in the UK realize halfway through their master’s thesis that their topic is too ambitious. Adjust early, not late.
2) Clarify Expectations with Your Supervisor
Once your thesis proposal is approved, your supervisor becomes your most strategic ally.
Discuss:
- Feedback frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
- Preferred communication style
- Assessment criteria
- Deadlines and milestones
Read also: Types of Research Methodology: A Complete Guide for Master’s Students
3) Create a Realistic Thesis Timeline
Without a clear plan, your master’s thesis can easily overwhelm you.
Sample timeline after thesis approval:
| Stage | Key Tasks | Suggested Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Refine topic & methods | 2–3 weeks |
| Data collection | Surveys, interviews, experiments | 4–8 weeks |
| Analysis | Interpret findings | 3–5 weeks |
| Writing | Draft chapters | 6–10 weeks |
| Editing | Proofreading & formatting | 2–4 weeks |
4) Strengthen Your Research Foundations
Focus on:
- Recent UK and global studies
- Gaps in existing research
- Theoretical frameworks
Use trusted sources like:
- Google Scholar
- JSTOR
- UK university libraries
(Example external resource: UK Research and Innovation – https://www.ukri.org)
5) Finalize Your Methodology (Before You Start Collecting Data)
This is where many students make mistakes.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have ethical approval?
- Are my tools reliable (survey questions, interview guides)?
- Is my sample size realistic?
Note: Changing your methodology mid-thesis can delay your submission by months.
Read also: Why Most Master’s Thesis Topics Fail (And How to Pick One That Actually Works)
6) Start
Start with:
- Outlines, not chapters
- Rough drafts, not polished paragraphs
- One section per week
Personal insight:
Many UK postgraduates who finish early follow one rule: write before you feel ready.
7) Track Progress and Manage Stress
Your master’s thesis is a marathon, not a sprint.
Helpful habits:
- Weekly progress reviews
- Writing sprints (Pomodoro technique)
- Peer accountability groups
8) Avoid These Common Mistakes After Thesis Approval
- Ignoring supervisor feedback
- Collecting data without a clear plan
- Procrastinating until deadlines loom
- Trying to make the thesis “perfect”.
Conclusion
Getting your master’s thesis proposal approved is your starting point.
If you treat this phase strategically, you won’t just complete your master’s thesis.
You’ll produce research you’re genuinely proud of.
And remember: the students who succeed aren’t the smartest. They’re the ones who plan early, write consistently, and ask for help when needed.
Read also: How to Choose the Right Research Methodology for Your Master’s Thesis
