There are two main ways to choose a project: choose a supervisor suggested project from the project database or suggest your own project and find a supervisor willing to supervise you.
You should register your interest in at least two projects on the database. It may not be possible to give you your first choice so alternatives are needed.
If you suggest your own project and a supervisor agrees to work with you, you are likely to get this project.
Members of academic staff in the department have ideas for projects they would like to supervise, usually realated to their areas of research. These projects are published on the individual projects database so that students can browse them. If one of these projects appeals to you, you can contact the supervisor and meet to discuss project in more depth.
Email is probably the best way to approach a potential supervisor. You may want to briefly outline your interest in the area and any previous experience you have. The sueprvisor should respond and suggest a time you can meet. It is recommended that you do some preparation for this meeting - read around the subject a little. If you can demonstrate your interest the supervisor will be more interested in you and you can get a better understanding of what the project involves.
Register the projects that interest you in the projects database. Mark them with your preferences (primary, secondary) which will be used to help make the allocation.
You may have an idea for a project in an area that interests you. Prepare a description of the project that you can send to potential supervisors. You can use the project database, the departmental research pages or supervisors home pages to find supervisors in related areas. If you are having trouble finding potential supervisors the Individual Projects Administrator may be able to suggest staff you can approach.
Once you have found a supervisor for your project you can add it to the database as a student proposal. This project will be invisible to other students. You must add the login of your prospective supervisor who can then sign off on the proposal.