Urban Planning and Urban Studies (BA)

New York. Paris. Vancouver. Montreal. Each follows its own rhythm, shaped by geography, history and the people who live there. Explore how residential and commercial areas, community spaces, public services and transportation all work together to form a city’s unique personality. You’ll learn how to plan for future change and make decisions in the public interest.

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 statistical data
• Acquire technical knowledge of computerized mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Put your skills to work by analyzing real-world problems identified in Montreal neighbourhoods and creating solutions

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 in Urban Planning (63 credits)*
• Specialization in Urban Planning (60 credits)*

*Admission is to the Major in Urban Studies. Students seeking admission to the Urban Planning programs may apply for a transfer after having completed certain courses and obtained a grade point average of 3.0 for Specialization and 3.3 for Honours.

The BA Honours and Specialization in Urban Planning are not accredited planning degrees, but prepare students for a range of planning-related jobs that do not require an accredited degree, and are excellent preparation for students considering graduate studies in planning.

Courses

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec Cegep: 21
  • Additional information for Cegep applicants
• High School: C+
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required 
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 26
• Baccalauréat français: 11
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD 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.

Graduates of the Urban Studies and Urban Planning programs leave with the knowledge and technical skills required for a career in any field that requires engaging spatial analysis of the built environment to plan change, from real estate to public policy or administration.

• Development and zoning coordination
• Urban design consulting
• Real estate analysis
• Project management
• Affordable housing organization
• Community economic development