Work-Integrated Learning
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) is a purposeful, planned and assessed work-based experience that comes in many forms, including practicum courses, co-ops, service learning, and more. At KPU, students have the opportunity to integrate learning with its application in employment and/or community settings.
For employers, hiring students can bring new ideas that companies need. These experiences may lead to the hiring of future employees. For students, WIL experiences are an opportunity to practice what you have learned in class and apply it in workplace and/or community settings. These hands-on experiences can facilitate networking as you introduce yourself to prospective future employers and/or community leaders.
Ways that partners can engage with students
Need Help Thinking of a Project Idea?*
*These are examples of real projects at KPU, but mixed up! Sometimes it creates some unexpected combinations…
Work-Integrated Learning at KPU
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ACCT 4650: Not-For-Profit Management and Financial Reporting
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Experiential / Service LearningDetails -
ACUP 2180: Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised I); ACUP 2280: Acupuncture Practicum (Supervised II); ACUP 2380: Acupuncture Practicum (Independent)
- Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture
Experiential / Service LearningIn ACUP 2180, students will make preliminary diagnosis with clinical supervision. They will also learn how to propose an acupuncture prescription and perform the treatment under supervision. In ACUP 2380, they will consolidate learning with greater autonomy and they will present select clinical cases to their peers.Details -
AGRI 2110: Beekeeping
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture
Experiential / Service LearningStudents will participate in a combination of classroom instruction and field observation/evaluation of honey bees. The emphasis of the course will be hands-on seasonal management of honey bees, primarily in agricultural systems for the purpose of maintaining colony health and pollinating crops.Details -
AGRI 3399/4299: Research Project I and II; AGRI 4591: Special Topics in Food Systems II
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture
Applied ResearchStudents will continue to build and design their applied research project from AGRI 3225. They will complete the development of a research proposal which includes a justification, detailed workplan and budget for the project and implement the research.Details -
AGRI 4295: Internship
- Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture
Practicum CourseStudents will identify and participate in an approved internship in the agriculture and food systems sector for a minimum of 120 hours with supervision from a Sustainable Agriculture faculty member. Students will work toward completing specific outcomes and maintain records of their experience and upon completion will prepare a written report and give an oral presentation on their experience.Details -
ANTH 2100: Methods and Ethics in Anthropology
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Anthropology
Experiential / Service LearningStudents each complete an ethnography of a microculture, including qualitative interviewing and Research Ethics approvalDetails -
ANTH 2190: NGOs in Context; ANTH 3190: Non-Governmental Organizations in Practice
- Certificate in Non-Governmental Organizations & Nonprofit Studies
Experiential / Service LearningThere is the option to volunteer in both of these required coures, but ANTH 3190 has students completing 30 hours of volunteering. Some projects have included working with libraries to conduct surveys and partnering with the United Nations Association of Canada (Vancouver branch) to launch their annual networking breakfast with 20 nonprofit organizations and nearly 100 students from across the Lower MainlandDetails -
ANTH 3150: Ethnographic Field Studies
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Anthropology
Applied ResearchStudents will examine and practice the techniques and ethical conduct of ethnographic research in Cultural Anthropology. They will explore a topic in Cultural Anthropology through developing, conducting, and presenting the results of individual or small group original ethnographic research projects.Details
Most Common Work-Integrated Learning Projects at KPU
Work-Integrated Learning Options
Work-Integrated Learning options can include service learning (short, unpaid), experiential learning (hands-on, paid and unpaid), field schools, practicum, and co-op (paid).
Faculty of Arts
Programs With Multiple Work-Integrated Learning Options
- Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology
- Bachelor of Arts, Criminology
- Bachelor of Arts, General Studies (includes Arts Practicum)
- Bachelor of Arts, History
- Bachelor of Arts, Policy Studies
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts, Sociology
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Certificate in Education Assistant
- Certificate in NGO & Non-profit Studies
- Bachelor of Arts, Applied Geography
Programs With One Work-Integrated Learning Option
- Bachelor of Arts, Asian Studies
- Bachelor of Arts, English
- Bachelor of Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Programs With Studio/Lab Work, Focused Research Options
- Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing
- Bachelor of Music in Musical Arts
- Bachelor of Arts, Major in Philosophy
Faculty of Health
Programs With Multiple Work-Integrated Learning Options
- Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Advanced Entry
- Graduate Nurse, Internationally Educated Re-entry
- Certificate in Health Care Assistant
- Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine — Acupuncture
Melville School of Business
Programs With Multiple Work-Integrated Learning Options
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Entrepreneurial Leadership (Co-op options)
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Human Resources Management (Co-op options)
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing Management (Co-op options)
- Diploma in Public Relations (Co-op options)
- Diploma in Computer Information Systems (Co-op options)
Programs With One Work-Integrated Learning Option
- Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting (Co-op options)
- Certificate in Legal Administrative Studies
- Bachelor of Technology, Information Technology (Co-op options)
Wilson School of Design
Programs With Multiple Work-Integrated Learning Options
- Bachelor of Interior Design
- Bachelor of Design, Fashion & Technology
- Bachelor of Design, Graphic Design for Marketing
- Diploma in Fashion Marketing
- Bachelor of Product Design
Programs With One Work-Integrated Learning Option
- Certificate of Foundations in Design
- Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Technical Apparel Design
Faculty of Science and Horticulture
Programs With Multiple Work-Integrated Learning Options
- Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Plant Health
- Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Urban Ecosystems
- Bachelor of Science, Physics for Modern Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
- Diploma, Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) Technologies (Co-op options)
- Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations
- Bachelor of Applied Science, Sustainable Agriculture
- Diploma of Technology, Environmental Protection (Co-op options)
- Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Plant Health
- Bachelor of Horticulture Science, Urban Ecosystems
- Diploma in Horticulture Technology
- Diploma in Horticulture Technology, Specializations: Landscape Horticulture Systems
- Diploma in Horticulture Technology, Sustainable Production Horticulture
- Diploma in Horticulture Technology, Turf Management Landscape
- Horticulture Apprenticeship
Programs With One Work-Integrated Learning Option
- Bachelor of Science, Major in Health Science
Programs With Studio/Lab Work, Focused Research Options
- Bachelor of science, Applications of Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science, Biology
- Certificate in Engineering (First Year)
Faculty of Trades and Technology
Programs With Multiple Work-Integrated Learning Options
- Certificate in Appliance Service Technician
- Certificate in Automotive Service Technician
- Certificate in Farrier Science
- Diploma in Mechatronics and Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Programs with mandated, significant Technical Training Hours
- Certificate in Appliance Service Technician
- Certificate in Automotive Service Technician
- Citation in Carpentry/Building Construction
- Citation in Construction Electrician
- Citation in Masonry
- Citation in Metal Fabrication
- Citation in Industrial Mechanic/Millwright
- Citation in Parts, Warehousing, Logistics and Distribution
- Citation in Plumbing
- Certificate in Welding
Specialty Programs
Programs With One Work-Integrated Learning Option
- Diploma in Mechatronics and Advanced
- Manufacturing Technology
- Certificate in Farrier Science
- Employment and Community Studies
50+ faculty members use their small class sizes and committed dedication to make their courses come alive with hands-on learning. These videos give you some idea of those experiences
Work-Integrated Learning Initiatives
Employers
Learn about Funding Opportunities for Hiring KPU Students.
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Co-operative Education
Gain related work experience in your field of study that helps you acquire key specialty skills and clarify your career and educational goals and interests before you graduate.
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Canadian Pilot Cohort
The Canadian Pilot Cohort (CPC) of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification Activating change in higher education, to advance community engagement as a mutual and reciprocal process.
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Service Learning Assistants Program
This award will advance a pilot program for service learning assistants, which will empower exceptional student-learners to help ensure service learning projects are transformative, meaningful, and reciprocal.
Guidebooks and Resources
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Students
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About KPU
For more than 40 years, Kwantlen Polytechnic University has provided students the skills they need for the careers they want. KPU offers a range of degree, diploma, certificate, and citation programs with opportunities for hands-on experience and experiential learning. We encourage students and external partners to work together since it gives students an opportunity to apply attitudes, skills, and knowledge in an employment or community setting.
Contact
For more information about Work-Integrated Learning, please contact:
For more information about programs and courses at KPU, please contact the Future Students' Office:
604.599.3030
study@kpu.ca
For university-wide initiatives, contact:
Larissa Petrillo, PhD
Lead Advisor, Work-Integrated Learning, Office of the Provost & Vice-President, Academic
larissa.petrillo@kpu.ca