Organisational Partners

What is the Arts Practicum?

The Arts Practicum is a bridge between university study and workplace experience. In a private or public sector workplace, Arts students work on a project of real value to a host organisation, helped by a supervisor from that organisation. A variety of organisations have hosted students in the past, ranging from the West Australian to the WA Industrial Relations Commission.

'We have had two Practicum students now and both have made a very valuable contribution to our organisation.
A fresh approach and fresh eyes are always of value if you want to evaluate how you are doing your business and how you can do it better, and if you want to grow and learn. To have someone young and dynamic ... is a real asset to us.
It also helps my staff to develop their own management and mentoring skills.
And at the end of the placement, there is a product ... and (this) can be of great value to the organisation.'

The Arts Practicum gives employers the chance to tap into a pool of enthusiastic and highly able students who can work on a project to suit their organisational needs. Throughout their degree, Arts students develop sophisticated analytical, research and communication skills, a capacity for innovation, and a high level of flexibility.

Employers can design projects with students, according to their organisation's needs and the student's interests. These projects can advance new initatives, or provide invaluable assistance in completing meaningful projects. Past projects have included web development, assistance with marketing projects, writing and editing material for organisation distribution or publication, and research for purposes such as market development, policy formulation and media releases. A list of some of the organisations who have hosted practicum students in the past is available here. Project outcomes remain the property of the employer and UWA respects commercial confidentiality.

Students are required to undertake approximately 100 hours of project-related work. Hours of work are negotiated between students and employees. Practicum projects usually begin in March, July, December or January and run for up to 13 weeks, in line with university semesters, depending on how the hours are distributed. Some flexibility is offered, if required. Students are insured by UWA.

To find out more, contact the Arts Practicum Co-ordinator.

If you are interested in hosting a Practicum student, you may also be interested in being a Career Mentor to a UWA student.