Introduction to the Certificate in Urban Design

The Certificate in Urban Design provides students with an understanding of the relationships between design thinking, the visual arts, the built environment, and the social and spatial conditions that drive the production of urban space. Over half of the courses are taught in a studio format, which supports applied experiential, conceptual, and skills-based training through making.

Program Overview

• The program is a two-year certificate.
• It can be taken full- or part-time.
• Students can enter this program directly from high school.
• The program can be begun off-campus.

What You Will Learn

You will learn how to apply a user-centred design thinking approach to the creation of urban spaces. You will acquire skills in visual arts, urbanism and place-making, and you will work collaboratively with other students to apply what you have learned to real-world urban design challenges in order to better understand the production and societal impact of urban spaces.

Featured Classes

• INTS 111: Design and Society - This interdisciplinary team-taught class will start by dismantling the notion that the practice of design is simply about making something look good and then move on to an examination of how professionals from a wide range of disciplines use design thinking principles to achieve goals ranging from making a better widget to building a better world.
• PLAN 446: Advanced Urban Design Studio - The evolution of urban design will take shape through analysis of urban form, streetscapes, open spaces, and architecture. Students will engage in graphic analysis, design exercises, discussions with local experts and community members, and the use of computer-aided design software tools and techniques. Working as teams, students will develop a design concept for a real-world public space in Saskatchewan using a community-engaged collaborative design process.

Why Study Here?

The Certificate in Urban Design at the University of Saskatchewan is the only program of its type in Canada that applies the methodology of design-thinking through visual arts and the built environment to work on the social and spatial conditions of urban life. Over half of the courses are taught in a studio format, which supports applied experiential, conceptual, and skills-based training through making, and you will work as part of a collaborative team on your capstone project.

Careers

Design thinking is an influential methodology for creating products, services, and processes that meet user needs. It is used in a diverse range of fields, including:

• Architecture
• Urban planning
• Curatorial and museum studies
• Public artistic practice
• Engineering
• Civil service
• Civic politics
• Public space programming

Tuition Estimates

Category	Canadian Students	International Students
Tuition	$775.50 per 3 credit unit class	$3,753.30 per 3 credit unit class
Student Fees	$1,308.24 per year	$1,308.24 per year

Notes on Tuition

• Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year.
• The estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay per class in Canadian dollars.
• Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision, and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs, and fitness centre access.
• The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 for this program.

Program Options

The Certificate in Urban Design is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, concurrently with a degree, or after having already received a degree from USask or another institution.

Important Note for International Students

The College of Arts and Science strongly recommends that international students do not enrol in a certificate program alone, as course offerings per term and program length may not be sufficient to maintain eligibility for a study permit, on/off-campus work permit, or post-graduation work permit when taken as a stand-alone program. If you are interested in pursuing a certificate program, plan to enrol in your certificate of interest only alongside a degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements depend on your situation. Please refer to the official university resources for detailed and up-to-date information on admission requirements.

Application Deadlines

Start term | Application Deadline | International Deadline ---|---|--- Winter (January 2026) | Dec. 1, 2025 | Sept. 1, 2025 Spring (May 2026) | April 1, 2026 | Feb. 1, 2026 Summer (July 2026) | May 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 Fall (September 2026) | July 15, 2026 | May 1, 2026 Winter (January 2027) | Dec. 1, 2026 | Sept. 1, 2026

Documents Due Dates

• For Winter 2026: Dec. 15, 2025 (domestic), Oct. 1, 2025 (international)
• For Spring 2026: May 1, 2026 (domestic), March 1, 2026 (international)
• For Summer 2026: June 1, 2026 (domestic), April 1, 2026 (international)
• For Fall 2026: Aug. 1, 2026 (domestic), June 1, 2026 (international)
• For Winter 2027: Dec. 15, 2026 (domestic), Oct. 1, 2026 (international)

University of Saskatchewan

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Overview:

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is a top research-intensive, medical doctoral university in Canada, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It boasts a vibrant campus recognized as one of the most beautiful in Canada. USask is a proud member of the U15, a collective of Canada's leading research-intensive universities.

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Services Offered:

USask offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admissions:

Guidance and support for prospective students.

Job Postings:

A platform for students and alumni to find career opportunities.

Donations:

Opportunities to support students and research.

Athletics:

15 athletic teams, providing opportunities to watch games and participate in sports.

International Student Support:

Intercultural learning opportunities, one-on-one assistance, and transitional support for international students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

USask offers a vibrant campus experience with:

Campus Tours:

Opportunities to explore the beautiful campus.

Student Organizations:

A wide range of clubs and societies for students to join.

Events:

Various events and activities throughout the year.

Location:

Situated in the vibrant city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic and Research Excellence:

Highly respected academic programs and faculty, world-class facilities, and high rankings in various fields.

Affordable Tuition and Scholarships:

Competitive tuition rates and various scholarships available.

Living in Saskatchewan:

Affordable housing, work opportunities, free government health insurance, and a safe environment.

Supportive Environment:

Intercultural learning opportunities, one-on-one assistance, and transitional support for students.

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Academic Programs:

USask offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in over 150 fields of study, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

Bachelor level degrees, diplomas, and certificates in various disciplines, including engineering, nursing, law, and more.

Graduate Programs:

Master's and doctoral degrees and certificates in various fields, requiring previous university experience.

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Other:

Research Focus:

USask is a leader in tackling global issues such as vaccine development, sustainability, and water and food security.

Campaign for USask:

An ongoing campaign to support the university's ambitious vision for the future.

Location:

Located on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, USask acknowledges and respects the First Nations and Métis ancestors of the land.