Program Overview

Urban and Regional Planning (BURPl)

The Urban and Regional Planning program at Toronto Metropolitan University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide the operation and promote the growth of complex communities. Planners create and implement plans to develop and enhance regional, urban, suburban, and rural communities, advising on planning decisions related to social, economic, cultural, land-development, transportation, resource development, environmental, heritage, and other issues.

Program at a Glance

Program Formats

• Full-time, Four-year (PLAN)
• Full-time, Post-Baccalaureate Degree Completion, Two-year (PLAB)
• Full-time, Post-Diploma Degree Completion, Two-year (PLAD)

Tuition Fees Range

Tuition fee details are available upon request.

Start Dates

• Full-time, Four-year: September
• Full-time, Post-Baccalaureate Degree Completion: August
• Full-time, Post-Diploma Degree Completion: August

Degree Earned

Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (BURPl)

Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning program is accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, and the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada.

Career Opportunities

Prepare for a planning career in the private, public, or not-for-profit sector. Typical roles include:

• Environmental planner: Promotes environmental protection through planning and design
• Planning caseworker: Addresses planning disputes
• Municipal land-use planner: Reviews applications for development or redevelopment; advises proponents, staff, and citizen groups
• Site planner: Develops urban design concepts and ideas in three-dimensional forms
• Development planner: Coordinates subdivision approvals, development permits, and building inspections
• Community planner: Works with community groups to enhance their participation in development
• Planning analyst: Coordinates a wide variety of studies, including statistical, fiscal, and land use analyses and transportation studies
• International development planner: Helps agencies in developing countries to produce plans and policies

Career Trends

• In 2016, urban planning ranked second on Canadian Business' annual guide to Canada's Best Jobs, with a median salary of $85,010, a salary growth of +15 percent, 10,500 total employees, and a +30 percent change in employees.
• Recent surveys find that the majority of graduates who have graduated within the past five years demand salaries ranging between $40,000 and $80,000.
• Just over 55 percent of graduates are employed in the public sector.
• 40 percent of graduates are employed in the private sector.
• Almost five percent of graduates are employed in the non-profit sector.

Why Urban and Regional Planning at Toronto Met?

The School of Urban and Regional Planning is home to one of the largest and oldest planning programs in North America. The rigorous curriculum integrates classroom learning opportunities with professional experience, providing a strong foundation in the planning process. Toronto, one of the most diverse cities in the world, becomes a living laboratory, with studios, internship placements, and research opportunities maximizing connections with the city.

Program Formats

Whether you're a high school, college, or university graduate, take advantage of three pathways for completing a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning.

Full-time, Four-year (PLAN)

• Program length: Four years of full-time study.
• Eligibility: High school graduates with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent).
• Transfer credits: Students eligible for transfer credits will be assessed by an admissions officer and notified during the admissions process. Only select credits are transferable.

Full-time, Post-Baccalaureate Degree Completion (PLAB)

• Program length: Two years of full-time study.
• Eligibility: Graduates with a bachelor's degree from an accredited English language university, including a minimum of six liberal studies courses.
• Transfer credits: Students can apply for transfer credits for ECN 104 and PLG 240; however, in lieu of these credits, another professional or professionally-related elective must be taken. Only select credits are transferable.
• Additional requirement: Students must complete CVUP 100 Foundations of Planning prior to their entry into the program.

Full-time, Post-Diploma Degree Completion (PLAD)

• Program length: Two years of full-time study.
• Eligibility: College graduates with an Urban and Regional Planning Technician-Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Diploma from Mohawk College or the GIS and Urban Planning Diploma from Fanshawe College with a minimum cumulative average of 'B'.
• Transfer credits: Students can apply for transfer credits for ECN 104 and PLG 240; however, in lieu of these credits, another professional or professionally-related elective must be taken.
• Additional requirement: Students must complete CVUP 100 Foundations of Planning prior to their entry into the program.

Curriculum

At Toronto Met, the curriculum translates real-world planning issues into an engaging learning experience that challenges students to make an impact. Diverse learning opportunities in the classroom and in the field support the development of substantive knowledge on cities and regions, as well as the problem-solving skills needed for career flexibility and lifelong learning. A blend of academic studies and professional education challenges students to develop a strong foundation in both theory and practice.

How to Apply

When applying to the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning program, students must meet a number of admission requirements, including submitting an application online and providing supporting documents by certain deadlines.