should the thesis description have footnotes citations or just be written as plain prose?
The advise I have been given is t show that I have done relevant reading but how should I highlight that in the application?

Hi Williambriggs79,
I just wrote a standard bibliography, as I've always found that footnotes tend to interrupt the flow of a developing rationale, but maybe that's just me. Opting for a bibliography in preference to footnotes didn't prevent me from winning funding. It's the ideas that really count. Good luck.

I thought so but I wanted to check with a few other people.

Also. does anyone know of a good site for PhD proposal guidance?
PLeeease....

Why would you want to read online proposal guidelines? That's like doing your A levels, based on Letts Notes. Have confidence in your own ability to craft a reasoned argument. It's worth the sweat.

Hi William
I would advise you to continue to search for some proposal guidance (though, sorry, I don't know a good website). If you are submitting a research proposal, you shouldn't struggle to demonstrate that you've done relevant reading. I'm not suggesting writing a strong proposal is easy at all, but you need to know a thing or two about your field as it currently stands to explain the need and importance of your research and how it will contribute. You cannot possibly show that you have an idea that will advance your field without talking about your field (i.e. demonstrating relevant reading); if you're doing it right, you'll find it is unavoidable.
If you feel that you have a good idea, then do all the research you can on how to construct a strong research proposal. There's no point having a great idea if you can't express it.

Best of luck :-)