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Urban Planning and Urban Studies (BA)

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Degree
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Department
Faculty
Program type
Major, Minor, Honours, Specialization
Primary campus
Sir George Williams (SGW)
Duration
3 to 4 years
Start term
Fall, Winter

Why study Urban Studies and 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 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

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.

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 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

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

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 term

FALL TERM

March 1 is the deadline to apply for fall term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by February 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Winter term

WINTER

November 1 is the deadline to apply for winter term entry. International students are encouraged to apply by September 1 to allow sufficient time for CAQ and study permit application processing.

Not all programs are available for winter term entry. Please check program availability for the term, before you start your application.

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 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

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