Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Planning Studies Program

The Master of Planning Studies (MPS) program at Dalhousie University is a thesis-based program that requires applicants to secure a faculty supervisor within the School of Planning prior to submitting their application.

Application Requirements

The application package for the MPS program should include the following:

• Online graduate application form
• A minimum of two letters of reference
• One original transcript from each post-secondary institution attended
• A research statement of intent
• A resumé/CV
• A sample of writing
• Proof of English language proficiency as required

Letters of Reference

Letters of reference can be submitted through Dalhousie's online reference system, which recognizes only university email addresses. If the reference is from an academic institution that is not recognized by the system, the referee should submit a free-form letter with an original signature by email. If the reference is from professional experience, the referee should submit a free-form letter with an original signature as a PDF.

Transcripts

Transcripts should be sent via electronic file transfer or uploaded directly to the application website. If transcripts are from other institutions, they should be sent via electronic file transfer or uploaded directly to the application website.

Research Statement of Intent

The research statement of intent should be sent via electronic file transfer or uploaded directly to the application website.

Resumé/CV

The resumé/CV should be uploaded via the application website.

Sample of Writing

The sample of writing should be uploaded via the application website. Examples of writing samples could include a brief report, course assignment paper, or excerpt from a long report.

Proof of English Language Proficiency

Proof of English language proficiency is required and can be demonstrated through various tests, including:

• Internet-based TOEFL (Academic iBT): 92
• MELAB: 85
• IELTS: 7
• CanTest: 4.5 with no band score lower than 4.0
• CAEL: 70 with no band score lower than 60
• Dalhousie College of Continuing Education (CCE): A-
• Pearson English Test PTE Academic: overall score of 65 and nothing below 54

Things to Note

• Dalhousie University adheres to Canadian policies regarding financial obligations for international students.
• Applicants should outline their means of funding their studies in their online application.
• If an applicant is in their fourth year of an undergraduate program, they are permitted to send their transcript with grades pertaining to the last year's Fall term post January 15th.
• If an applicant has been in the workforce for a while, they are permitted to include letters of reference from their workplace, but at least one reference letter should be from the academic institution where they obtained their previous degree.
• International students whose previous degree program was conducted in English may have their proof of English proficiency exempted.