At NSCAD University, we produce amazing creative and critical thinkers, driven to make a difference. We do so by stepping outside the classroom and into the community.

Students interested putting their skills to work in real world situations are strongly encouraged to consider an Internship, Design Practicum or Community Service Learning placement.  There are many opportunities for students to work within Halifax and abroad.

The art, craft and design community holds a wealth of knowledge that can assist our students in making the leap from their studies to a career.  Whether it is an art gallery, non profit organization or business NSCAD can discuss partnerships that benefit both the student and the organization.  Businesses and non profits have the opportunity to mentor emerging artists and designers and benefit from energetic, innovative, creative thinkers ready to put their skills to work.

Design Student Practicum Placement with Pivot Creative Communications    “I recommend all NSCAD students take an internship course, it really opens your eyes and let’s you see how the industry works. I’m really happy with how my internship worked out it really made me see what skills I learned at NSCAD and how they work in the industry.”

Internship/ Community Service Learning

Applying for a Placement

Internship/ Community Service Learning is a studio course that can be undertaken for 3 credits, 6 credits and in exceptional circumstances 9 credits.  The course code will be determined by the student’s primary area of study.  For example a student pursuing a Major in Ceramics will be registered as CERM 395X(3/6/9).  Students will submit a one page proposal that outlines their skill set, the organization’s needs, duties to be performed and how these duties match the student’s area of study.  Students must be maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have completed 9 credits of LAS course work including 6 credits of AHIS and have completed an overall total of 60 credits at the time of application.

Research Internship

Applying for a Placement

Research Internship is a 3 credit LAS course with a primary focus on research work with an appropriate organization. Students focusing their studies in Art HIstory and who have completed 15 credits of Art History course work may register for AHIS 4600 upon submission of a one page proposal and consent of the Chair of Art History and Contemporary Culture.

Students who are seriously considering an Internship, CSL or Practicum should make an appointment with the Coordinator Off Campus, International and Advising to discuss their options.  Students are strongly encouraged to begin planning for a placement well in advance to ensure application is made by the appropriate deadlines.

Design Practicum

Applying for a Placement

Design Practicum is a 3, 6 or 9 credit course for Design students that is supervised by the NSCAD Design Division Chair. Bachelor of Design students who have completed 36 credits in Design including Design Studio 4 are eligible to apply for the course DSGN 4033 / 4036 / 4039.

Students who are seriously considering an Internship, CSL or Practicum should make an appointment with the Coordinator Off Campus, International and Advising to discuss their options.  Students are strongly encouraged to beginning planning for a placement well in advance to ensure application is made by the appropriate deadlines.