ARTS Practicum

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 for Fall 2024 are now open. Click here to apply. The application deadline is June 15, 2024.

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

Contact email for employers: ArtsPracticum@kpu.ca

To view the ARTS 4800 course brochure please click the link below:

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Examples of Past Practicum Projects and Work

Examples of Host Organizations

Past Practicum Student Testimonials

"All too often the only viable career option for a history student appears to be a teacher. This perception is largely because people simply don't experience other possible career opportunities. When I entered ARTS 4800, I had only a vague idea of what exactly was possible in my field. Through the practicum, I not only learned how my degree can help me practically in the archival field, I also learned some of the hard skills that are specific to the job and which I would never have learned in the classroom. Having that opportunity and learning those skills has not only shaped my decisions about my post graduate future, but it also led to me earning a paid work position at my host organization after my practicum was completed."

-Natasha McConnell, BA Student (History Major)

"As an English student, being a part of ARTS 4800 pushed me out of the theoretical and into the practical. In my practicum placement with an Indigenous organization, I engaged with Indigenous methodologies and embodied research-creation in ways that expanded my understanding of what academia can and should be. Throughout my practicum, I was able to channel the analytical and communication skills I’ve learned in my degree into producing meaningful research as part of a diverse team. I was supported every step of the way by both my peers and supervisors, all of which helped make this one of the most impactful experiences of my undergraduate career." 

-Carolina Mesquita Rocha, BA Student (English Major)

"I’d recommend all Faculty of Arts students take the ARTS 4800 practicum course before graduation. Not only did this class gear me with the skills and knowledge necessary to see success post-graduation, like building an eye-catching resume and cover letter, but allowed me to gain real work experience in my field of study, elevating my resume. This behind-the-scenes look at a potential future employer was an invaluable learning experience as I now know what to expect in the working field but also what is expected of me. Arts 4800 is the perfect final stepping stone to wrap up and complete your credentials at KPU." 

-Claudia Culley, BA Student (Journalism Major)

ARTS 4800 was an eye-opening experience. This practicum closed the gap between the theoretical knowledge you get in class and its practical application. The job placement took away any confusion about what working in my field might look like and turned the abstract into concrete. I recommend anyone who might be on the fence about taking this course to just go for it and you won’t regret it. As a policy studies major, I was positioned with the BC Agricultural Land Commission where I was given my own cubicle and introduced to the office work environment. I produced an internal audit where I was to do data analysis and present my findings." 

ARTS 4800 was an eye-opening experience. This practicum closed the gap between the theoretical knowledge you get in class and its practical application. The job placement took away any confusion about what working in my field might look like and turned the abstract into concrete. I recommend anyone who might be on the fence about taking this course to just go for it and you won’t regret it. As a policy studies major, I was positioned with the BC Agricultural Land Commission where I was given my own cubicle and introduced to the office work environment. I produced an internal audit where I was to do data analysis and present my findings." 

-Brandon Fleming, BA Student (Geography Major, Policy Studies Minor)

The ARTS 4800 practicum was an enriching experience and I got to learn a lot of useful skills for later careers. My practicum was with NEVR (Network to Eliminate Violence in Relationships) which is a KPU organization that is headed by Dr Balbir Gurm. The organization worked to reduce domestic violence in relationships with collaboration with KPU and other stakeholders such as the BC Provincial Government. I got to learn research methods, different policies that Governments use and how organizations like NEVR can benefit the community. The ARTS 4800 practicum can help to provide hands-on experience to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace and learn more about the workplace environment. 

-Aaron Wu, BA Student (Policy Studies Major)

“For my practicum at the Historic Joy Kogawa House, I helped create a website to showcase LGBTQ+ Asian writers who wrote about issues during the pandemic such as isolation, grief, resilience, and racism. This experience was great, but even more helpful for my professional development was the networking aspect of the practicum, as my supervisor introduced me to her colleagues and many of the writers showcased on the website. In my current role as a JET Programme ALT (assistant language teacher) in Kyoto, I often make new connections and network with people from various backgrounds. Recently, I've been assigned to help new ALTs get settled and I volunteer to facilitate school programs that promote English learning. Networking is a great skill to have for the professional world to develop interpersonal skills and build connections!” 

- AJ Aparato, BA Student (Asian Studies Major)

"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 (Philosophy Minor)

"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 (History Major)