From research assistantships to field schools, there’s an opportunity for you
Photo via University of Victoria.
Hoping to gain research experience but not sure where to start? It can be challenging to find opportunities to engage in hands-on work in your field as an undergraduate student with no prior experience –– but it’s not impossible.
Whether you want experience for grad school applications, or the opportunity to pursue independent research in your field, here are five ways to get research experience as an undergrad.
Look into Honours programs
If you’re particularly interested in pursuing your own topic, honours programs are an excellent opportunity for more intense, independent study while still collaborating with like-minded students. UVic offers honours programs in many departments and schools, including English, Psychology, Visual Arts, Biology, History, and more. These programs often require students to do a larger project towards the end of their degree, such as a thesis or research study, under the supervision of a faculty member. Honours programs are also a great step before grad school, offering smaller, seminar-style classes and opportunities for independent research.
Find an RA position
A great place to start when considering research experience is looking for Research Assistant (RA) positions in your department or area of interest. RAs work under the supervision of a faculty member on a specific project, initiative, or research inquiry. One of the best places to find RA jobs is through UVic’s Work Study program. Eligibility is based on financial need and students must complete a budget sheet along with their application. Available job postings are organized alphabetically by department, making it easy to find a position in your research field. Departments will also occasionally send out emails with RA opportunities on behalf of faculty members. However, these positions are sent out infrequently, so it’s always worth reaching out to your professors or departmental advisor about possible RA positions.
Apply for a Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA)
The Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA) are a chance for students across UVic to undertake a project of their choosing to present at a research fair. According to UVic LEARN (Learner Empowerment and Academic Resource Network), under the mentorship of a faculty supervisor the JCURA program “encourages undergraduates to pursue innovative and original research and enhance learning while providing a valuable preparatory experience towards graduate studies or a research related career.” JCURA is open to full-time third and fourth year undergraduate students. Successful applicants will receive $1 500 credited to their UVic student account.
Participate in field schools
If you’re looking for some hands-on experience outside of UVic while still getting credit towards your degree, field schools are a great option. These experiential, short-term courses take students beyond the classroom to conduct research in various areas across Canada, as well as internationally. UVic often offers a variety of field schools in the summer term, though this may vary depending on the course’s content and location. Some of the summer 2024 programs offered included the I-witness Field School (GMST 489), the Karst Geomorphology Field School (GEOG 391), the Tl’ches Ethnoecology Field School (ES 481), and the Cuba Ethnographic Field School (ANTH 381 and 382). If you’re interested in a field school, reach out to your department for information about what’s being offered in 2025.
Connect with UVic’s research centres
UVic is home to numerous research centers, which the UVic website describes as “promot[ing] collaboration on research, ranging from fundamental sciences to societal innovation.” With over a dozen centers and entities, they cover a wide range of research fields. These hubs for innovative research include the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research (CISUR), the Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-Led Engagement (CIRCLE), the Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health (IALH), and the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS). UVic also has two corporate entities related to research: Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) and Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (PCIC). Many of these organizations have ways for students to get involved, including through volunteering, the co-op program, and research awards.
