How to Apply to the SOPR Program

To assist you with connecting with a potential advisor, please review our helpful tip sheet on how to approach faculty:

• Before you send a query, research both the department and program you are applying to. Look at the coursework, the research interests of the faculty, publications, etc.
  • In your query email, write about how your interests align and what you might bring to the department. A brief statement about the specific research project you would like to pursue is beneficial.
  • If you have been clear about your interests and why you are interested in a particular supervisor, that supervisor may then be open to meeting with you online to discuss the potential match.
• Always research the faculty profiles of who you are contacting. For example, although someone might be in a department that teaches nutrition (among other things), a faculty member may not do research in nutrition.
  • Knowing about the research of the faculty member you are contacting in advance of sending your email is critical. This means reading their scholarship.
  • Once you have read their scholarship, tell them what it is about their work that interests you and where you see the connections.
• Contact faculty well in advance of the submission deadline. Ideally – two months in advance!
• Some faculty post whether they are taking graduate students or not. You can ask if they are taking students if there is no indication of this on their page.
• Always address the email Dear Dr. [last name]. Use professional titles rather than the gendered "sir" or "ma'am."
• Generic inquiries are akin to spam and may be thrown out without the person even looking at what you have sent.

• Transcripts — All post-secondary transcripts.
• CV or resume — this should outline your previous work and education, as well as any relevant creative, collaborative, or volunteer activities, such as exhibitions or performances, grants, work with community organizations, and materials produced for non-academic audiences.
• Statement of Research — A detailed description and rationale for your research interests and plans (up to three pages, single-spaced). This should discuss the following points:
  • Outline in some detail the proposed research area you plan to focus on in the program, including reference to any research that has been done on the topic.
  • Describe your critical perspective and indicate how your proposed research emerges from your previous activities, both academic and non-academic.
  • Explain why the Social Practice PhD (and any relevant collaborative specialization programs, e.g., Sexualities, Genders and Bodies or International Development) is a good fit for your research.
  • Name and justify your choice of advisor (note that the faculty advisor must have already agreed to be named in your application).
• Supplementary Document — A statement explaining your capacity to engage with different people's perspectives and work across diverse institutional and community spaces (half a page, single-spaced).
• Writing Sample — A sample of your scholarly work (approximately 25 pages), such as a chapter of your master's thesis or directed research project. If relevant, examples of prior work that connects to your research interest may be submitted. This could include policy, scholarly or community activities such as a report or creative project.
• English Language Test — If your first language is not English, you will be required to submit the results of a standardized language test.
• References — Two academic reference letters; an electronic referee assessment form will be sent directly to the referees listed in your online application. You are advised to confirm with your referees' availability and contact information prior to applying.
• Optional: If you are an applicant who has been outside of academia for quite some time, or feel a professional reference would be an asset to your application, a letter of support from a non-academic referee can be sent from the referee directly to sopr@uoguelph.ca. Alternatively, you may provide us with the referee's contact information so that we can schedule a short phone call with them to learn more about your skills and abilities.