Program options
Honours, Specialization
Urban Planning (BA)
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter
Why study Urban Planning?
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 how urban development shapes economic, social and environmental outcomes
- Learn about the regulatory frameworks in Canada and Quebec that shape urban planning practices
- Acquire technical knowledge of computerized mapping and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Put your skills to work by analyzing real-world problems and creating solutions
Program highlights
- Students complete in-depth year-long projects as part of the Advanced Urban Laboratory
- The student-run Urban Planning Association of Concordia organizes events, conference travel and social gatherings
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
- 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 completing three 200-level URBS courses and obtaining a grade point average of 3.0 for Specialization and 3.3 for Honours.
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
Admission is to the Major in Urban Studies. Students seeking admission to the Urban Planning programs may apply for a transfer after completing three 200-level URBS courses and obtaining a grade point average of 3.0 for Specialization and 3.3 for Honours.
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
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
While the Specialization in Urban Planning is not an accredited planning program, it is aligned with the curriculum standards of the Ordre des Urbanistes du Québec. After graduating, you will be able to apply for degree equivalency from the Ordre. The Specialization in Urban Planning also prepares students for a range of planning-related jobs that do not require an accredited degree, and is excellent preparation for students considering graduate studies in planning.
Graduates of Urban Planning leave with the knowledge and technical skills required for a career in urban planning, including:
- Development and zoning coordination
- Urban design consulting
- Real estate analysis
- Project management
- Strategic planning
- Environmental and sustainability planning
- Housing policy
Student story
Ben Azoulay
Honours in Urban Planning
The extent to which the program gives students the opportunity to get hands-on interaction with technologies in the field is invaluable.
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