How do you choose a research topic for a university research project? Having discussed this with students recently, here are some suggestions:

• Interest: What are you interested in within the area? What questions do you have that you would like to explore? If you are going to spend many hours on this, find something that you will enjoy working on.
• Data: If the research requires data, from for instance building sites, will you be able to access this? For example, it may be difficult to access data on very large construction sites, if you studying in an area where there are is only small-scale construction.
• Topical: Does your research address a current issue? For instance, if there is ongoing loadshedding, does you research aim to understand this and investigate solutions? Highly topical research is likely to capture more attention than topics that appear to be out-of-date or obscure.
• Relevance: Is it within the field you are working? Will your lecturers and supervisors be familiar enough with the topic to understand this, guide you, and grade your work?
• Manageable: Is the research manageable within the time period and the resources at your disposal? A smaller tightly defined research topic that is manageable is likely to lead to be better results compared to an overly ambitious topic that is difficult to tackle within the time frames.
• Inspiration: Talk to people working in the field you are interested, about issues, concerns and topics. Brainstorm ideas with fellow students. Read literature within the areas you are interested in. Review current research calls to see what is being funded. Have a look at topics other students have tackled.
• Future: Will exploring the topic be useful for you in future? Will it help position you for a MSc or PhD? Or will it help you access work or build a business in an area that you would like to pursue in future?