The professional practicum – experiential learning – is an integral component of our BSW and MSW programs. Practica give you rich learning opportunities in different sectors of social work. They encompass all learning outcomes from your course content and allow you to apply your knowledge in the practice setting with adherence to all social work competencies and standards of practice. You’ll gain direct, practical social work experience, and integrate theory with practice. You may also get research experience during these practica.
During each practicum, you’ll receive ongoing professional instruction and supervision from our faculty members and practicum instructors in the community, while you make an impact, meet real needs in our communities, and improve lives. This is solid, supervised training in social work practice.
These professional placements are a significant part of your education in social work; accordingly, you’ll spend a significant amount of time learning by doing:
- Third-year BSW students are required to complete a minimum of 210 hours in practicum in the Winter term or in a Spring block placement
- Fourth-year BSW students are required to complete a minimum of 525 practicum hours across two terms
- Students in the one-year MSW program are required to complete a minimum of 450 hours in practicum
- Students in the two-year MSW program are required to complete a minimum of 450 hours in practicum each year
Each practicum begins with a learning plan and individualized placement planning. We have connections with multiple social service organizations in London and the surrounding area, and also have multiple practica opportunities offered through our own King’s Community Support Centre (KCSC) developed by King’s School of Social Work Professional Practicum Education department in collaboration with multiple agencies in London. You are guaranteed a high-quality in-person practicum in London and area based on your experience and geared towards your learning goals. This field instruction complies with the accreditation standards of the Canadian Association for Social Work Education (CASWE).
You’ll be well supported during your practica that includes:
- A thorough professional practicum application process for matching with support of the Professional Practicum Education team
- Faculty consultants who liaise regularly with you, the School and the practicum site
- Training from your practicum instructor
- One hour of weekly supervision in the third-year BSW; two hours in the fourth-year BSW program, and one to two hours every year of the one- and two-year MSW programs
- Professional development workshops for MSW students throughout the year
King's Community Support Centre (KCSC)
The KCSC program offers rich experience in direct social work practice in many practice contexts. In our most recent accreditation process, this innovative program was described as the "gold standard".
KCSC a multi-service program with the provision of social work support to service users and service providers within the health and homelessness sector (Community and Workforce Support), supportive housing sector (Common Grounds), and area youth and families within school, justice and health care systems (SAFE).
KCSC was developed by the Professional Practicum Education team within the School of Social Work and includes a research component led by social work faculty. KCSC is a supervised student-led program with services delivered by BSW and MSW students. Depending on your level of study and experience, you will gain experience in conducting intakes, performing assessments, facilitating groups, system navigation, development of resources, and offering counselling support to individuals, parents/caregivers and youth.
"My practicum at the KCSC allowed me to experience many facets of social work, from policy development to program planning to outreach and engagement. I was also able to support clients directly and learn about the different aspects of being part of a clinical team. I had the flexibility to dive into experiences and learning opportunities that allowed me to grow and learn with guidance from a supportive team. I am grateful to have had a comprehensive learning experience from my time at the KCSC." - Melanie Brimson, BSW student
“My practicum with the SAFE program has been one of the most comprehensive and valuable educational experiences I’ve had at university. Initially, I was worried about how independent the program was, and whether I would have the support I needed. I also assumed that it would mostly involve individual clinical counselling, and that I would miss out on learning how to work in an established agency. Not only did I feel that I had someone to turn to for support or advice whenever I needed guidance, I also had the flexibility to create my own unique experience within the program. Aside from counselling, there have been many opportunities to learn about program development, social work research, community workshops, and working within a clinical team. As I’m ending my practicum, I am so grateful to have been placed with the SAFE program. Having the freedom to develop my skills in so many different areas has given me a sense of multi-dimensional competence and has prepared me for my career as a social worker.” – Sarah Szpak, MSW student