ARTS Practicum

Practicum students

What is the ARTS 4800 Practicum?

The ARTS practicum is a 3 credit course that introduces students to the workplace and degree-relevant entry-level work through placement in an employment setting.

During the term, students complete 48 to 64 workplace hours (approximately 4-6 hours per week).

Who can take ARTS 4800?

The ARTS Practicum is for senior students with a declared Major or Minor in Geography, History, Philosophy, Policy Studies, Asian Studies, English or Journalism.

What can students expect?

Students will work under the supervision of both the employer/host and a KPU supervisor, undertaking one or more projects that will enable them to apply the academic knowledge and analytical skills learned in the classroom in a workplace environment.

Students will also attend periodic on-campus seminars during the semester to critically reflect and report on their learning and will produce final materials appraising the connection between their academic and practicum work.

How do I register in ARTS 4800?

Prior to registration: Students work with the Practicum Instructor to obtain a mutually agreed upon placement. The placement process includes submission of a cover letter and resume, the name of one KPU instructor that can be contacted for a reference, and at least one placement interview prior to the start of term.

Pre-requisites: 72 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including 9 credits from courses at the 3000 level or higher, and 9 credits of courses at the 1100 level or higher in the student’s Declared Major or Minor; and, the permission of the Practicum Instructor.

Once a placement is in place, and permission of the instructor has been given, the student registers in ARTS 4800.

The Instructor will endeavour to place applicants; however, placements cannot be guaranteed.

Applications are now closed for 2023.

Before applying, please take a moment to watch our practicum informational video. 

Contact email for employers: ArtsPracticum@kpu.ca

Examples of Past Practicum Projects and Work

  • GIS mapping and analysis
  • Research best practices
  • Research and report on case studies
  • Archival research
  • Organize ideas
  • Develop short surveys
  • Draft memos, short reports and summaries
  • Draft presentations
  • Organize small events
  • Provide webinar support
  • Provide strategic analysis
  • Provide support on social media
  • Records management
  • Prepare agendas, participate in meetings, and take meeting notes
  • Shadow senior staff
  • Pitch, research, and write stories for local and regional newspapers
  • Data visualization project 
  • External communications 
  • Develop high school teaching modules 
  • A study involving graduates of the culinary industry and the impacts of Covid
  • Analysis of the distribution of species at risk for a local environmental group
  • Infographic on changes over time in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood for a local MLA’s office
  • Study of local history engagement 
 

Examples of Host Organizations

  • Local MLA Offices
  • The Columbia Institute
  • Gulf of Georgia Cannery
  • Surrey Museum
  • Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver
  • Vancouver Maritime Museum
  • Langley Environmental Partners Society
  • BC Agricultural Land Commission
  • Black Press Media
  • Historic Joy Kogawa House
  • KDocs Film Festival
  • KPU Open Education
  • Voices of Muslim Women Foundation
  • TALK - Third Age Learning at Kwantlen
  • Vancouver Historical Society
  • The Tyee
  • Tiny House Committee
  • North Shore News
  • NEVR - Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships
  • KPU International
  • Richmond News
  • The Fraser Valley Current
 

Past Practicum Student Testimonials

"I believe everyone who meets the criteria to take ARTS 4800 should. It gave me an incredible opportunity that took me past just the practicum. I gained skills to help me in a formal workplace and saw how my education truly transfers outside the classroom. It gave me a reference for the future and even led me into a paid job."

- Annika Ohlmann, BA Student

"As a history student, it has been quite difficult to find experience in the field, particularly during the pandemic. The ARTS 4800 course has allowed me to experience what smaller, local, public historians do and to expand my creative capabilities. I was able to create a virtual tour for the Historic Joy Kogawa House whilst learning about their work, and Joy's lived experience as a Japanese-Canadian during the Internment period."

- Samantha Tsang, BA Student

"Applying to the ARTS practicum was one of the best decisions I made as an undergrad. It introduced me to potential avenues for work as a history major, and also opened doors to further opportunities. My placement at the Vancouver Maritime Museum helped me gain confidence in my academic skills while researching fascinating local history. Because of the practicum, I also had the opportunity to present a group poster at an academic conference, and went on to work as the practicum student assistant. One of the best things about ARTS 4800 is that everyone is incredibly supportive of one another, which makes it such a positive and helpful way to become involved in your field."

- Aleisha Hall, BA Student

"My practicum took place at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. In the few months I was there, I was given multiple projects and participated in many aspects of the positions at the cannery. It really pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I had to do so many different things, however I am so grateful that I pushed myself to give it my all. I learned so much, gained a lot of confidence in myself, and had a lot of fun all the while. The practicum is a great way to gain hands-on experience that will help you greatly no matter which direction you go in life."

- Jordan Fenske White, BA Student