Co-ops & practicums
Co-operative education (co-op) is a way to combine your academic studies with paid work experience. You’ll gain practical skills that will help you learn how to plan, implement, evaluate and supervise health and recreation policies and programs.
All students who enroll in the Recreation and Health Education Program participate in co-op education. Co-op is optional for the Kinesiology and Physical and Health Education Programs.
Who will I work for?
That depends on you! You can apply to posted co-op jobs or arrange your own work term by approaching an employer and discussing your options with the co-op coordinator. Want to travel the world while you work? Apply for a job with one of our international employers or find a job with an organization elsewhere in Canada.
You can work in areas such as:
- physical literacy programs
- municipal recreation
- rehabilitation centres and folks living with varying abilities
- outdoor education centres / ecotourism
- therapeutic / health promotion programs
- sport organizations
- fitness and wellness programs / personal training
- educational institutions
- residences for seniors
- residential and day camps for children and youth
- non-profit organizations
- many other leisure, rehabilitation, health, wellness and fitness organizations
Olivia Bowyer-Smyth was drawn to UVic's Kinesiology Program because of its supportive learning environment. She became the first UVic co-op student hired by the BC Lions Football Club.
How many work terms will I complete?
The number of required work terms that you need to complete depends on your choice of program. Co-op work terms begin in January, May and September and are typically 4 months long. While it is possible to join co-op at any point during your degree, the best time to apply is when you first apply to your program.
If you are in a program where co-op is optional, such as Kinesiology or Physical and Health Education, you can participate in the Work Experience Program instead. This is a shorter, more flexible option than traditional co-op.
Spend a work term overseas
Many students complete co-operative education work terms in a wide range of countries, from Indonesia to Africa, and northern Canada to Costa Rica. If you would like to participate in an overseas co-op work term, contact our co-operative education coordinator.
France co-op exchange
Our school currently has a co-op exchange agreement for Kinesiology Program students with the University of Valenciennes and Hainault-Cambresis (UVHC) in France. If you go to UVHC you must be in good academic standing (normally a 'B' average or equivalent at UVic) and have completed at least 1 year of your program of study. Please note that we recommend students take EPHE 357 before applying for this opportunity.
Learn more about co-op
You can find more specific information about co-op programs at the School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education on the Co-operative Education and Career Services website, including:
- required programs
- how to apply
- co-op fees
- salary ranges
- former co-op student testimonials
You can also find other career support at the Career Services website.