Explore the possibilities through your co-op journey.
The Co-op Program allows students to gain relevant, paid work experience while completing their degree at Brock University. Learn how the Co-op Program works.
Why co-op
- 92% of Brock Co-op students completed a work term in 2020/21 would recommend co-op to their friends.
- 90% of Co-op students rated their work term experience satisfaction 8 and above on a scale of 1 to 10.
- 98% of Co-op employers rated our Co-op students’ work term performance as “Good” and above.
As a student in Brock’s Co-op Program, you will gain:
Industry work experience
Build an impressive resume that prepares you for your future career by accessing co-op jobs – some of which are exclusive to the program – and gain paid, professional work experience with our vetted employers.
Earn from your work
Get paid for your work as a co-op student. Typically, work terms under the co-op program are paid employment experiences.
Expansive career network
Explore your career pathways with a vast network of industry professionals who are available for mentorship, networking events, and informational conversations.
Access to career resources
Connect with our team of career development professionals who can help you explore your career possibilities, including application reviews, one-on-one interview preparation, and ongoing support during your work terms.
Personalized career coaching
Meet 1:1 with your talent coach or in small group workshops to reflect on your skills and experiences, including resumes, cover letters, interviews, LinkedIn, and networking.
How co-op works
Co-op is a structured program for students to gain professional experience by alternating between work and study terms. Students who complete a minimum of 12 months of work experience will graduate with an Honours Bachelor degree with the Co-op distinction.
At Brock University, the Co-op Program offers direct entry from high school while you are applying for your undergraduate degree. Students are admitted directly to the Co-op stream of the degree program.
If you did not enter Co-op directly from high school, undergraduate students can apply to Co-op after their first year of university using their year one grades. Please note that space may be limited and not all co-op programs will be open for application.
Learn how to apply »
Students in co-op are required to complete three work terms throughout their degree, with each work term being 4 months in length, along with a mandatory professional preparation course. Each Co-op work term requires a minimum of 420 hours.
At Brock, undergraduate co-op students follow an accelerated academic programming that extends the degree program by typically four months than the respective regular degree program. However, students will gain at least one year of accumulative work experience by graduation.
As part of the co-op program, you will enroll in the 0N90 Co-op Professional Preparation course. In this course, you will receive career development training. This non–credit course is a mandatory prerequisite requirement for you to complete with an “SA” (Satisfactory) grade in order to continue with your co-op journey.
Your co-op work term sequence is pre-determined based on your degree program. Look for your respective degree program in the University Calendar to find your work and study schedule for co-op.
You may also refer to our program information brochure to find program-specific work term sequences.
There is a one-time co-op administration fee of $865.20 due when you join the program.
In addition, you will be registered in a mandatory professional preparation course with a fee of $838.00 Finally, each time you participate in a co-op work term, you will pay an applicable half-credit fee. All co-op fees are non-refundable.
| Fee | Amount |
| Entry fee | $865.20 |
| Entry fee | $838.00 |
| Work terms (per term) | Applicable half-credit fee |
Learn more about co-op fees »
Co-op work terms are typically paid opportunities. Pay varies by program and industry and generally increases with experience. The amount you are paid while on a work term is determined by the employer. For a copy of our salary surveys, please click here.
We strive to secure paid employment for our students; however, some special programs and industries may not offer remuneration because of the nature of their business (examples include Advertising Agencies, Entertainment & Media industry, Fashion industry, Non-profit organizations, Healthcare industry, Sports industry, Gaming industry, Music industry, etc.).
The co-op job search process is competitive and typically begins four months prior to your scheduled work term. As a co-op student, you will receive exclusive support from our team to prepare you for your entire co-op job search, from identifying your goals, reviewing your resume and cover letter, to interview coaching and more.
Undergraduate co-op programs are Honour degree programs. Undergraduate co-op students are therefore required to maintain their Honour standing at all times (i.e. 70% accumulative average in your major, 60% accumulative average in your non major; 75% major for Public Health).
The Co-op Education Office encourages students to participate in an exchange academic term and/or seek an international work term opportunity. There are many opportunities abroad, and we want to support students interested in seeking exchange or international opportunities. If you are interested in going on an exchange academic term, you will need to plan early and consult with your Academic Advisor regarding when you can go on an exchange term and how it will impact on your work/study sequence.
As outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), international students can apply and take part in Co-op programs at designated learning institutions that require work Co-op/internship experiences as part of the degree requirements.
Learn more about co-op as an international student »
Learn from those in the know
Our own students share their co-op experiences and insights with you.
Your co-op journey at a glance
A view of the co-op cycle and what you can expect during the different phases of the program.
Planning Ahead: Explore your talents
Spend your first year engaging with fellow co-op students. Gain insight of what to expect in your co-op journey and how you can start building your skills and experiences.
Getting Prepared: Analyze your skills and competencies
Complete the mandatory N90 Professional Preparation Course, which will provide training so that you can confidently compete for job opportunities with a polished resume and cover letter.
Building Your Brand: Understand your professional image
Before and during your job search, our team will help you to identify and articulate your relevant skills as you prepare for your co-op job search.
Getting Hired: Secure your Co-op work term
During your job search, you will work closely with a Talent Coach to secure your co-op work term. Your Talent Coach will be there to support you along the way and answer all your questions.
Gaining Experience: Start your Co-op work term
On your work term, take everything you’ve learned and put it into action in a professional environment. Your Talent Coach will continue to support you as you complete your work term.
