The Research Opportunities Practicum (ROP) offers Political Studies students the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience by contributing to a faculty member’s ongoing research project while earning academic credit. ROP courses are designed to help students build research skills, develop scholarly writing, and prepare for honours theses, graduate studies, and research-oriented careers.
What is ROP?
ROP is a suite of third-year, for-credit courses that allow students to work closely with a faculty supervisor on a defined research project. Unlike directed studies, ROP courses are faculty-advertised and use a transparent application process, helping to broaden access to research training and mentorship.
Students enrolled in ROP courses typically:
- Apply research methods learned in earlier coursework
- Participate in faculty-led research projects
- Receive structured mentorship and feedback
- Complete written assignments such as research journals, thesis proposals, or grant applications
- Gain experience that strengthens honours thesis and graduate school applications
What Will I Do as an ROP Student?
While specific tasks vary by project, all ROP courses share common expectations:
- Regular (at least biweekly) meetings with your faculty supervisor
- Participation in research training relevant to the project
- Ongoing work on the faculty member’s research
- Completion of written assignments that support your academic development
- Maintenance of a research journal or reflective log
Available Courses and Credits
Students may take up to 6.0 units from the ROP course suite:
- POLS 301 (3.0 units) – Single-term ROP (first enrolment)
- POLS 302 (3.0 units) – Single-term ROP (second enrolment)
- POLS 300 (6.0 units) – Single-term ROP
- POLS 300A/B (6.0 units) – Multi-term ROP (Fall/Winter)
All ROP courses are graded, require regular meetings with a faculty supervisor, and emphasize written work rather than exams.
How Will I Be Graded?
You will sign a course contract (a syllabus) outlining how you will be graded before you start the ROP course. The faculty member may give you a grade on your work on their research project. However, at least 50% of the final grade is based on written work. Final exams are not permitted in ROP courses.
Who is Eligible?
ROP courses are open to students who meet the following requirements:
- Level 3 or above (third-year status)
- Registration in a POLS Specialization, Major, or POPE Plan
- Have completed 6.0 units of POLS at the 200-level or above
- Have permission of the Department (granted upon successful placement in an advertised ROP course)
- The faculty supervisor may recommend additional background preparation when advertising opportunities
Dates and Application Process
May 1: ROP course advertisements will be posted on the Political Studies website. Each ad outlines the research project, term(s), credit weight, required and desired qualifications, and application instructions. Students apply directly with faculty member.
- May 15: Deadline for students to submit applications
- The application will usually consist of:
- A cover letter tailored to the specific project
- A resumé or CV
- An unofficial transcript
- The application will usually consist of:
- May 31: Deadline for ROP course contracts (syl​​​labi)—signed by the faculty supervisor and student—to be submitted to the Department. The course contract will outline expectations, assessments, and time commitments.
How the Selection Process Works
- Faculty members review applications and may contact shortlisted students for informal interviews.
- Faculty extend offers directly to selected students.
- Students who accept an offer complete and sign a course contract with their supervisor and submit to Department.
- Once approved, students are registered in the appropriate ROP course by the Undergraduate Coordinator.
Please note that ROP opportunities are competitive and that applying does not guarantee placement.
Where to Find ROP Opportunities
All available ROP course advertisements will be posted on the Political Studies website by May 1. Each ad includes:
- Project description
- Term and credit weight
- Required and desired qualifications
- Application instructions and deadline
I will be in fourth year. Can I apply?
Yes, you just need to be Level 3 or above when you are taking a ROP course.
Is there an Additional Cost?
No, there are no additional fees for ROP courses. ROPs are covered through your regular tuition fees.
Do ROP courses count towards my program requirements?
Yes, ROP courses could toward your 200L or 300L option courses in your POLS plan, depending on if you are in a POLS Minor, Major or Specialization.
Are ROP courses in-person or online?
- ROP courses can be in-person, online, or hybrid. This will vary based on the research project and is at the discretion of the faculty supervisor.
Can I apply to more than one ROP course?
- Yes, but you cannot accept more than 6.0 credits worth of ROP courses.
Does it help to get my application in right away, well in advance of the deadline?
- No. Applications will only be shared with professors after the application period is complete. We encourage you to take your time to read over and refine your application(s). However, students submitting their application documents close to the end of the application period should be mindful to leave enough time before the final deadline to mitigate the impact of any technical issues that may interfere with your ability to submit your documents.
Should I contact the faculty supervisor of the ROP project I am interested in?
- Due to the high volume of applicants, and out of respect for your professor’s time, please review the ROP posting carefully as your first step. If, after reviewing the posting, you have outstanding questions concerning deadlines, eligibility or requirements, please feel free to contact Sam Martin (ugpols@queensu.ca). Should you have additional, outstanding questions concerning the nature of the research project itself, or the faculty member’s research needs, then please feel free to contact the supervisor directly for an appointment to discuss the project further. Please note that supervisors may receive numerous applications. As a result, they typically only contact those students whom they wish to interview. Unless you have specific, unanswered questions concerning the nature of the research involved, we do not recommend reaching out to supervisors.
Will my marks or GPA play a role? How can I increase my chances of getting one of the positions?
- The importance of your GPA will vary, based on the requirements of the ROP course that you have applied to, and the selection criteria noted by the supervising professor. Most faculty supervisors would prefer to see enthusiasm for the research and a positive attitude over the highest grades. In general, highlight your skills and relevant experience and tailor your documents to the position.
​â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹â¶Ä‹I am enrolled in a ROP course and need to withdraw. However, I cannot drop the course via SOLUS. What steps should I take?
If you have not yet started the course, but need to withdraw:
- Inform your faculty supervisor about your decision to drop the course.
- Email ugpols@queensu.ca, copying your faculty supervisor, to let us know that you need to be unenrolled from the course.