PSYC 4010: Practicum

The 2024 Practicum Application Period is now closed.

Important - Practicum Timeline

  1. Planning for Practicum usually begins at least four months ahead of the summer semester, ideally earlier. 
  2. Review the Practicum Information Session video, ideally prior to submitting your application. 
  3. Complete a Practicum Application Questionnaire and upload a copy of your Resume/CV. 
  4. Attend a virtual meeting/interview with the Practicum Supervisor Kurt Penner (to be scheduled after receiving Practicum Application Questionnaire). You may also wish to review the PDF iconList of Past Practicum Positions and the PDF iconPracticum Info Session Slides for 2024
  5. If your application/interview indicate a good fit with Practicum requirements, you would then begin to participate in search and screening activities for a potential practicum position with the support of the Practicum Coordinator.

View Some Past Student Practicum Presentations and PostersPracticum Student

PSYC 4010 (6 credits) is the new Psychology Practicum course as of Summer 2021. PSYC 4000 (3 credits) will no longer be offered.

This course is designed to introduce students to the workplace, research settings, and possible entry-level jobs after graduation. Students work under the supervision of both the employer/host and a Kwantlen supervisor, undertaking projects that enable them to apply the academic knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

The Practicum is offered only in the Summer semester, see an Arts Degree Advisor.

Prerequisites: Both (a) 72 credits from courses at the 1100 level or higher, including 9 credits from PSYC courses at the 3000 level or higher, and (b) the permission of the Practicum Instructor.

Important Information for Students

  • If you are a BSc or BAA student, your degree completion requires you to complete a part-time practicum during the summer term. Practicum is not offered during any other term.
  • Students usually take one or two other courses at the most along with their Practicum course.
  • BA Students may also complete a practicum as an optional course.
  • For information about prerequisites please contact the Practicum Supervisor Kurt Penner at Kurt.Penner@kpu.ca
  • Normally Practicum work will begin in the first week of May. 

Practicum positions include:

  • A required minimum of 180 work hours for the employer (recommended maximum 220);
  • Part-time or full-time work, scheduled at the convenience of the employer and student;
  • Unpaid work (with some exceptions);
  • Work between the beginning of May and early August;
  • A workplace meeting between the faculty supervisor and employer/host supervisor;
  • A brief feedback evaluation by the employer/host supervisor;
  • Three (3) class meetings during the semester;
  • Weekly online reports, and a final oral & written report.