Practicum

The MSc OEH practicum stream allows students to use their skills in real-life situations across Canada.

The MSc OEH program allows students to bridge the gap between the knowledge learnt in class and real-life situations through this practicum stream. Students will get hands-on experience over the summer while making meaningful contributions to the workplace. 

The practicum stream allows students to get a taste of life outside of school, from making resumes/CVs and preparing for job interviews to writing technical reports on the student’s work over the summer; the practicum will prepare students for their journey after their Master’s degree, whatever that may be. 

Many of our practicum student alumni have continued to work with their practicum workplace after graduation!

Practicum Timeline

  • October – March: Practicum preparation
    • Attend Practicum and Professional Development sessions
    • Learn about OEH regulations and Practicum requirements
    • Develop job application skills (resume writing, interviewing)
  • November – January: Employer job postings
    • Employers submit job descriptions
    • Postings appear as “assignments” on SPPH 598 Canvas site
  • December – February: Application and interview process
    • Program Coordinator submits student applications to employers
    • Students participate in interviews
  • February: Ranking process
    • Employers rank interviewed students
    • Students rank their preferences for practicum placements
  • February/early March: Placement matching
    • Practicum Leads and Coordinator match students with employers
    • Employers confirm placements
    • Students notified of matches
  • April: Pre-practicum preparations
    • UBC faculty advisors assigned to students
    • Formal letters sent to employers outlining expectations
  • May – August: Practicum period
  • August – early September: Evaluation
    • Students and employers submit evaluation forms
  • September – October: Report preparation
    • Students work on practicum reports and presentations
  • Late October – early November: Presentations and grading
    • Students present practicum reports
    • Grades assigned
    • Top three presentations selected for the AIHA meeting
  • Mid-November: AIHA presentation
    • Three best practicum reports presented at the AIHA November meeting

Recent Practicum Placements

The UBC OEH program works with multiple employers to ensure students get the learning experience they need. Below is a list of recent practicum placements (2018 – 2024)

Students can also find employers independently but must notify the Practicum Leads.