BACHELOR of COMMUNICATION STUDIES

FIELD PLACEMENT

Explore the world of work, apply the theory and skills you’ve learned in class, connect with communications professionals and journalists.

In your third year, you begin building a portfolio of work and a network of contacts. You have the opportunity to try out your skills in a real-work setting through the field placement course.

This required course is a 3-credit, 180- to 250-hour professional field placement. The number of placement hours varies depending on your major and program-of-study year. Usually, you complete your field placement at the end of your third year.

In the past, our professional communications students have worked in departments at universities, literary organizations and large corporations. Journalism students have honed their skills at the Edmonton Journal, CBC (Edmonton, Winnipeg, Yellowknife) and CHED Radio.

International students

International students must have a co-op work permit before starting field placement, clinical practice or practicum. A co-op work permit is different from your study permit; it is an additional permit that authorizes international students to participate in work that is integral to their program of study. If you will be working with vulnerable populations in a health, community or medical field, you will need an up-to-date medical exam by an IRCC-approved panel physician before applying for a co-op work permit.

Ask MacEwan International about the documents you need to have to apply. You should apply for a co-op work permit 4-6 months before the start of your field placement, clinical practice or practicum as current IRCC processing times are lengthy.

Contact MacEwan International

Prepare for your field placement

  1. Complete 84 credits of your program of study, including BCSC 306: Ethical Practice and Portfolio with a minimum of grade of C-. Depending on your major, additional course completion requirements may be needed. Please see the program's Academic Advisor for up-to-date information
  2. Ensure your résumé is up-to-date and highlights your skills. You will apply for your field placement position.
  3. Attend a field placement information session. If you cannot attend an information session, meet with the program’s Academic Advisor to review the requirements to take the Professional Field Placement course.
  4. Request a copy of the Work Integrated Learning Student Handbook from the program.
  5. Apply for the course by sending an e-mail to communicationdegree@macewan.ca to the attention of the program’s Academic Advisor requesting to be added to the program’s field placement list. Include your name, major, student ID number and when you expect to start your field placement (fall, winter, spring/summer). The program will use this information to confirm students’ eligibility to take the course and coordinate field placements.
  6. Complete a Work Integrated Learning Confidentiality Agreement and Field Placement Description form when your field placement is confirmed and return to the program office.
  7. Attend a pre-departure orientation session if you are going outside of the country for your field placement.
Forms and further information are available from the program office.