MKin Coursework experiential practicum

The experiential practicum allows students to gain hands-on experience though collaboration with leaders in the field of kinesiology.

Students will apply the theoretical and practical knowledge that they learned throughout the course-based master’s curriculum to a professional environment. 

Information for students

Eligible practicum sites may include university research labs, hospitals, clinical settings, fitness centres, and sports associations/teams.

Objectives of the practicum include but are not limited to:

  • Developing and strengthening professional written, oral and interpersonal communication skills with various populations
  • Collaborating within the workplace to meet individual, team and organizational goals 
  • Applying best practices within that respective field

The Graduate Studies Practicum Milestone consists of:

  • Learning contract 
  • Working a minimum of 420 hours in a kinesiology-related work space
  • Hour log  
  • Midterm and final evaluation by practicum supervisor 
  • Written report 

Information for practicum partners

The experiential practicum is a symbiotic student-supervisor relationship. Practicum supervisors will be working with a well-educated graduate student who will bring a fresh perspective and eagerness to the workplace. In return, the student will receive hands-on workplace experience to prepare them for their future career in kinesiology. The experiential practicum consists of 420 hours that take place during the spring term (May to August).

Experiential practicum sites will facilitate an opportunity that allows students to:

  • Explore a career in kinesiology by applying their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting
  • Learn and apply current practices used within that respective field
  • Gain independence over the duration of the placement and have a subset of unique roles and responsibilities
  • Evaluate both their skills and knowledge base relative to others within that field

For more information please contact Andrew Laing, Associate Chair Graduate Studies.

Timeline

Please use the following as a general guide to help you with the experiential process. Dates specific to each academic year will be posted on the Kinesiology Graduate LEARN page.

Date Action item Description
August/September Fall course selection Students work with Academic Advisor to enrol in courses that align with experiential practicum goals. Tentatively plan winter courses.
November/December Winter course selection Revisit planned courses for the winter term and enrol in courses that align with experiential practicum goals.
January/February Submit applications/Interviews Submit applications to potential experiential practicum supervisors. 
March Job offers  Secure an experiential practicum site.
April Learning contracts Work with practicum supervisor to complete a learning contract that outlines learning objectives, goals and deliverables for the experiential practicum.

“Students bring a fresh set of eyes from interdisciplinary backgrounds as well as being close in age to those they serve at our organization. The value of their contribution to Bootcamps for Change is indescribable, they’re amazing.”

Katie heggtveit, Bootcamps for Change

Practicum experiences 

At the beginning of his practicum, Keith Rajkumar (MSc Kinesiology - coursework) had mapped out a plan to complete his project during his four-month work-integrated experience. The outcome wasn't what he thought it would be, but it turned out to be so much more.

Read his story

Keith Rajkumar

Angela Gnjatic started the MSc Kinesiology - coursework program in the fall of 2020. During Covid, the program was adjusted to online delivery but as the four-month, in-person practicum placement started getting near, Angela wondered how she would manage it after an extended period of social isolation. What she discovered is that the practicum experience helped turn around her anxiety and created a positive impact on the people she interacted with on her practicum.

Read her story

Angela Gnjatic