Program options
Major, Minor
Urban Studies (BA)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Start term
Fall, Winter
Why study Urban Studies?
Urban areas are home to over half the world’s population. Explore the opportunities and challenges that emerge from urbanization through diverse, interdisciplinary perspectives. You will learn how society, culture, politics, and economics shape the past, present and future of cities.
Through labs, lectures and projects, you will:
- Study the relationships between the socio-cultural, economic and physical aspects of urban development
- Learn to gather and interpret qualitative and quantitative data
- Acquire technical knowledge of computerized mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Analyze the urban dimensions of challenges like housing affordability, sustainable mobility, and climate change
Program highlights
- The student-run Roundabout Journal of Urban Geography is a student-led, peer reviewed journal that publishes student research on urban studies, geography, and planning.
- Access to research opportunities with faculty, such as the Concordia Climate Change Adaptation Lab.
Concordia Undergraduate Excellence Awards
Guaranteed $4,000 entrance award for students in Canada who demonstrate academic excellence.
Program structure
A Bachelor of Arts degree takes a minimum of three or four years (90 – 120 credits) of full-time study, depending on your academic background.
Program options
- Major in Urban Studies (42 credits)
- Minor in Urban Studies (30 credits)
Honours and Specialization
Students may apply for a transfer to Urban Planning after having completed certain courses and obtained a grade point average of 3.0 for Specialization and 3.3 for Honours.
- Specialization in Urban Planning (60 credits)
- Honours in Urban Planning (63 credits)
Courses
United States students: A U.S. Federal Student Aid-eligible version of this program is offered. This version meets all U.S. regulations (such as no co-operative education or e-courses) for eligible programs.
Admission criteria
Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements
- Quebec Cegep: 21
- High School: C+
- ACT or SAT is NOT required
- Canadian curricula course requirements
- Accepted international qualifications
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
- International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 4.3/7
- Baccalauréat français: 11
- British system of education (GCE):
- A-levels: At least two A-level exams DD or
- AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
- Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
- University Transfers (internal/external): C
Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.
Application deadlines
FALL ENTRY (September)
Deadline: March 1
U.S. and international applicants: Apply no later than February 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
WINTER ENTRY (January)
Deadline: November 1
U.S. and international applicants: Apply no later than August 1 to allow time for immigration document processing. However, applying earlier is strongly recommended. Immigration processing times vary by country and delays could prevent you from starting your studies on time.
We reserve the right to close admission to a program at any time after the official deadline without prior notice.
After your degree
Graduates of the Urban Studies programs leave with the knowledge and technical skills required for a career in any field that calls for an understanding of how cities work, from public policy and administration to spatial data analytics.
- Community economic development
- Urban policy analysis
- Sustainability officer
- Project management
- Affordable housing organization
- Community organizer
Student story
Hilton Mutavati
Major in Urban Studies
In downtown Montreal, there’s many services accessible. Everything is within your vicinity.”
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