Students

BSW Program Practicum

3rd Year BSW

225+
HOURS
of supervised practice

1 hour of weekly supervision

January to April or Spring block placement

4th Year BSW

500+
HOURS
of supervised practice

1-2 hours of weekly supervision

September to April placement

What is BSW Practicum?

Professional Practicum Education is an integral component of the BSW (Hons) Program at King’s University College. The Practicum provides students with an opportunity to practice in a social work setting, receive regular professional instruction and supervision, and engage in a dynamic process directed toward the integration of theory with practice.  The combination of these components will lead to the development of professional generalist practitioners.

The Practicum experience is structured as a continuum of learning that will lay the foundation for a lifelong practice-based learning model.

Practicum Objectives
  • To provide an opportunity for the Student to test the knowledge, values and skills encountered throughout their academic studies in order to integrate theory with practice.
  • To reinforce the knowledge, values and skills acquired by the student in the classroom, learning labs and in the community.
  • To enable the Student to acquire, develop and test their skills as a change agent in direct social work practice.
  • To encourage the Student to develop a critical perspective on social work theory, practice, and the social service delivery system.
  • To develop the Student’s understanding of social work as an integrated process encompassing a range of approaches in meeting human needs.
  • To develop the Student’s identification with professional social work in the context within which it is practiced, and with contemporary issues relevant to practice.

MSW Program Practicum

1 Year MSW

450+
HOURS
of supervised practice

1-2 hours of weekly supervision

September to April or Spring/Summer Block

2 Year MSW

900+
HOURS
of supervised practice

1-2 hours of weekly supervision

January to June

What is MSW Practicum?

The Practicum at the MSW level provides Students with an opportunity to be placed in a Social Work field setting where they will receive professional practicum instruction and supervision. The focus is on developing advanced knowledge and skills for direct and indirect practice, including research, administration and program evaluation. Students are in the field three days per week for two academic terms for a minimum of 450 placement hours. Students are expected to schedule their hours around statutory holidays.

Practicum matching is determined by the MSW Practicum and Program Liaison following consultation with the Student. Students should be aware that there may be financial costs (parking, transportation, insurance) or specific requirements (police checks, health requirements) associated with Professional Practicum Education settings. A car may be needed for some community-based placements.

Practicum Objectives:
  • To provide an opportunity for the Student to test the knowledge, values and skills encountered throughout their academic studies in order to integrate theory, practice, and research.
  • To develop knowledge, values, and skills at an advanced level.
  • To develop specialized knowledge/skills in evidence-based practice, administration, program evaluation, and research.
  • To integrate theory and practice within a framework of ethical, anti-oppressive, and professional practice.