Practicum

BARST/BKIN/BScKIN 455 hour Practicum Overview

As part of your Bachelor of Kinesiology (BKin), Bachelor of Arts in Recreation, Sport and Tourism (BARST), or Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology (BScKIN) degree, completing a practicum is a program requirement for students who began their degree before Fall 2024. This practicum is a 455 hour, unpaid work integrated learning experience completed with an approved agency.

The goal of the practicum placement is to provide you with a meaningful, hands on learning opportunity that complements your pattern or concentration, aligns with your previous work and volunteer experiences, and supports your personal learning objectives.

A practicum is a specialized course that allows students to apply theories and concepts they have previously or concurrently studied in a real world setting. Students complete their practicum under the supervision of an agency supervisor, while also being supported through the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation.

The primary purpose of the professional practicum is education. It is designed to be both a learning experience and a professional work experience that supports your growth, confidence, and readiness for future opportunities.

Key Details

455 Hours

Through the KSR Professional Practicum, you will:

• Engage directly with an approved agency, organization, or program connected to your professional interests.
• Gain experience across diverse settings, including clinical, private, community, recreation, sport, health promotion, and related professional environments.
• Apply classroom theories and concepts in an authentic, supervised professional setting. Build the professional, interpersonal, and workplace skills required for career readiness and future opportunities.
• Develop confidence, professional identity, and practical experience through mentorship, feedback, and reflective learning.

These agency based experiences are designed to support both learning and professional growth. Practicum placements are developed in collaboration with the student, the agency, and the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation.

Placement Hours + Term Options

Students enrolled in the Professional Practicum complete a total of 455 hours of agency based experiential learning. Placements are typically completed over 13 weeks and may be scheduled in different academic terms depending on program and availability.

• Fall Term (September to December)
• Winter Term (January to April)
• Spring and Summer Term (May to August)

Practicum Structure

13 Week Experience

Professional Practicum placements follow a 13 week model. Students complete their placement hours through a combination of in agency work, virtual seminars, and course assignments.

Students may complete their practicum as a full time or part time experience, depending on eligibility and agency capacity.

Flexibility + Agency Coordination

The scheduling of practicum hours is determined collaboratively between the student and the agency supervisor, ensuring the experience aligns with the agency’s operational needs and the student’s learning goals.

Hours may include a mix of on site, community based, or virtual activities depending on the role, the agency environment, and the nature of the placement.

Indicate Your Intention to Complete a Practicum

At the beginning of each term, an email call out will be sent to all third and fourth year KSR students asking who intends to complete their Practicum in the upcoming term.

If you plan to complete your placement, you must respond to this call out to confirm your intent. This helps the Experiential Learning Lead and the KSR Experiential Learning Team track student interest, provide guidance, and ensure there is enough time for agency connections and approvals before the term begins.

Once your intention is submitted, you are expected to attend the Practicum Information Session held during the first week of classes each term, where you will receive important details, timelines, and next steps to support your placement planning.

Self Directed International Practicum Placements

If you are interested in completing a self-directed international practicum placement, you should begin your planning at least one year before your practicum term by researching country specific visa requirements, accommodation options, and the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories for your intended destination.

Once you have completed this initial planning, you must contact KSRpracticum during the term prior to when you plan to complete your practicum. This ensures there is enough time to discuss eligibility, confirm requirements, and complete the necessary approval process before the practicum term begins.

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