Honours program
Undergrads can pursue greater depth and research experience in a field of study through the Honours program. Applications are accepted from January 1 to April 30 for the following fall.
Honours Program Details
The Honours program requires a keen interest in research, high academic performance for admission, and once admitted, you must successfully complete *KNES 590 (6 units) in the consecutive fall and winter terms.
*previously KNES 490
Benefits of taking the honours program
- Excellent research opportunities and preparation for entering graduate-level programs.
- "With Honours" inscribed on your permanent record and graduation parchment.
- "First Class Honours" inscribed on your permanent record and graduation parchment for a GPA of 3.6 or higher over the last 90 units.
Admission Criteria
- Must have an interest in research.
- Complete a minimum of 90 units by the term you wish to begin the Honours program.
- Complete a junior STATS course with a minimum grade of C-.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.30 overall and a minimum GPA of 3.30 over all Kinesiology courses completed.
- Secure a supervisor in the Faculty of Kinesiology for mentorship, lab space and equipment. A list of faculty members can be found on the research page.
How to apply
To apply, you will need to secure a supervisor, complete and submit an honours application form between January 3 and April 30 for the following year.
Honours FAQ
All applicants must meet the requirements listed in the Calendar
If you are ineligible for Honours, consider other avenues for undergraduate research in the Faculty of Kinesiology.
Experience helps but is not necessary. One of the purposes of an Honours thesis is to gain experience and determine whether a career in academia interests you. The supervisor knows you may need training to conduct research. Consider volunteering in a professor’s laboratory to see if you like research before applying for Honours.
No - many professors have ongoing research that you can build a project off of. If you have an idea for a different project, ask the supervisor if this is something they are interested in doing. A supervisor will tell you yes or no. Be open to trying new things. Research is about discovery, innovation and independence. Resources are available to provide guidance as needed.
Explore profiles of Faculty Members. Under each professor's name is contact information, publications and research details. Or read their articles through PubMed or read more about their areas of research in the Annual Report (PDF).
You can also attend research events to meet others and discuss their research to get some inspiration.
Learn about the professor’s research area and be able to discuss why you are interested in their research before you contact them. Send a short email to introduce yourself, express your interest, explain why you are interested in working with them, and ask if they are willing to take you on as an Honours student for the following year. Conclude your email by offering to meet in person or over Zoom to discuss the opportunity in more detail.
Don’t get discouraged if you hear 'no'. You may have to contact several researchers and go for a few interviews before finding the position that is right for you.
The professor needs to assess your academic background to ensure the courses you have taken are appropriate to undertake research in their area. Bring items such as transcripts, resume and any other information that you feel will assist them in determining whether your background is a ‘good fit’. Also, bring your questions.
No - Honours projects must be completed with a Kinesiology faculty member.