Research

Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate student Deborah Deacon browses the library.

History brings big ideas about human societies together with hard-nosed empirical research. The results can be thrilling. In UVic History, students explore historical research in a variety of settings. Many of our classes offer the opportunity for an independent research project, encouraging students to consult sources directly and develop their own analyses.

Students interested in continuing research outside of their classes find ample opportunity as well. Since 2001, professors in the history department have received more than 3 million dollars in research fellowships, grants, awards; we've used this money to employ dozens of student researchers, who have conducted research, analyzed results, and presented findings at conferences and in papers.  

Finally, students can earn awards to conduct their own independent research.

In UVic History, students don't just learn about historical research, they conduct it themselves.

The Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) was instituted in 2009-10 as the Undergraduate Research Scholarship program by the Vice-President Academic and Provost. It is designed to provide support for exceptional undergraduate students who might otherwise not be able to obtain a direct research experience as a part of what we anticipate should be a truly formative learning experience. The Learning and Teaching Centre (LTC) administers the award nomination process on behalf of the Provost's Office.

Eligible students include all full-time 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students (normally registered in 12 or more units of study in the Winter Session) in excellent academic standing (normally this is a minimum GPA requirement of 7.0). Award recipients will undertake a research investigation in dialogue with, and under the mentorship of, a faculty supervisor. Each successful student receives $1,500 credited directly in their UVic account.

The History Department is eligible to nominate three students for this award. Additional information and application forms.

We offer a dozen or more Research Assistant positions every year through the University's Work Study program.  This program is funded by the University of Victoria Student Awards and Financial Aid department. The objective of the program is to provide additional financial assistance through on-campus part-time employment opportunities for students who have documented financial need.

The Work Study Program runs from September to April of each academic year and students may work up to a maximum of 340 hours for this 8 month period. Student Awards and Financial Aid will provide a maximum of $15.50 per hour for wages. Students may only hold one work study position at a time.

Check out available work study positions.