The length of an academic research proposal can vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, as a general guideline, a research proposal should be between 1500 and 2500 words, which is roughly 3-5 pages.
The proposal should provide a clear and concise overview of the research question, the objectives, the methodology, and the expected outcomes. It should also include a brief literature review to demonstrate the researcher's knowledge of the field and to provide context for the proposed research. Finally, the proposal should outline the resources required to carry out the research and a timeline for completion.