RYERSON POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · CANADA
Urban Development (Master of Planning)
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 1 year (Accelerated Stream)Program Duration
- 2 years (Regular Stream)Program Duration
- Master of Planning (MPl)Degree Earned
- Fully accredited by the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in CanadaAccreditation
- Focus on inclusivity and sustainabilityProgram Focus
- Leverages Toronto as a living laboratoryExperiential Learning
The Master of Planning (MPl) in Urban Development program offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and shaping our communities. It examines the economic, socio-cultural, political, ecological, and spatial aspects of urban development, focusing on the interconnectedness of urban life and the natural environment. The program emphasizes the principles of inclusivity and sustainability in planning and design practices. Students can choose between two streams: a two-year regular stream for university graduates seeking to launch a planning career, and a one-year accelerated stream for experienced professional planners or planning graduates with significant work experience who want to advance their careers. The program leverages Toronto as a living laboratory through studios, internships, and research opportunities, connecting students with real-world urban challenges and experts.
Careers
Graduates of the Urban Development MPl program are prepared for leadership roles in diverse sectors, including private, public, and not-for-profit organizations. The program equips students with the skills to address contemporary urban challenges and shape the future of cities.
- Environmental planner
- Planning caseworker
- Municipal land-use planner
- Site planner
- Development planner
- Community planner
- Planning analyst
- International development planner
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Urban Development (MPl) program for international students?
- For the Regular Stream, a four-year bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0/4.33 (B) GPA in the last two years of study is required. For the Accelerated Stream, a professionally accredited bachelor's degree in Planning with a minimum 3.0/4.33 (B) GPA in the last two years and at least five years of professional planning experience is needed. All applicants must have completed a university-level statistics course.
- How long does the Urban Development (MPl) program take to complete?
- The program offers two streams: a one-year Accelerated Stream for experienced planning professionals or graduates with significant work experience, and a two-year Regular Stream for university graduates seeking to launch a planning career.
- What are the application deadlines for the Urban Development (MPl) program?
- The application deadline for Winter 2026 entry (Accelerated Stream) is November 1, 2025. For September 2026 entry (Regular Stream), the deadline is December 1, 2025.
- What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in private, public, and not-for-profit organizations. Potential roles include Environmental planner, Municipal land-use planner, Development planner, Community planner, and International development planner.
- Is the Urban Development (MPl) program accredited?
- Yes, the Master of Planning (MPl) in Urban Development is fully accredited by the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada.
Entry requirements
Four-year bachelor's degreeMinimum 3.0/4.33 (B) GPA in the last two years of undergraduate study for the Regular Stream. Applicants typically do not require a prior degree in urban planning.
Professionally accredited bachelor's degree in PlanningMinimum 3.0/4.33 (B) GPA in the last two years of study and a minimum of five cumulative years of full-time professional experience in planning for the Accelerated Stream. Applicants with other four-year undergraduate degrees and substantial, exceptional planning experience may be considered case-by-case.
University-level statistics courseRequired for all applicants to both streams.
General Proficiency RequirementMinimum levels set by Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, if previous education was not in English.
International applicants are strongly advised to contact the Urban Development office directly to discuss their eligibility before applying. Applicants with a professionally accredited undergraduate degree in planning will not be accepted into the two-year regular stream.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the university's tuition fee details for current international rates.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the university's tuition fee details for current domestic rates.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified on the program page.
Tuition fee details can be found on the Graduate Tuition Fees page.
How to apply
1. Review Program StreamsChoose between the Two-year Regular Stream (for university graduates) or the One-year Accelerated Stream (for experienced professional planners).
2. Check EligibilityEnsure you meet the minimum academic (GPA, statistics course) and, for the Accelerated Stream, professional experience requirements.
3. Assess English Language ProficiencyIf your prior education was not conducted in English, ensure you meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements set by the Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
4. Contact the Program Office (International Applicants)International applicants should contact the Urban Development office directly to discuss eligibility and prior to starting their application.
5. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all required documents, including transcripts, a Statement of Interest, and any other specified materials.
6. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit your application by the specified deadline for your intended intake.
Accreditation
The Master of Planning (MPl) in Urban Development is fully accredited by the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Urban Development (MPl) program for international students?
+
For the Regular Stream, a four-year bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0/4.33 (B) GPA in the last two years of study is required. For the Accelerated Stream, a professionally accredited bachelor's degree in Planning with a minimum 3.0/4.33 (B) GPA in the last two years and at least five years of professional planning experience is needed. All applicants must have completed a university-level statistics course.
How long does the Urban Development (MPl) program take to complete?
+
The program offers two streams: a one-year Accelerated Stream for experienced planning professionals or graduates with significant work experience, and a two-year Regular Stream for university graduates seeking to launch a planning career.
What are the application deadlines for the Urban Development (MPl) program?
+
The application deadline for Winter 2026 entry (Accelerated Stream) is November 1, 2025. For September 2026 entry (Regular Stream), the deadline is December 1, 2025.
What career opportunities are available after graduating from this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in private, public, and not-for-profit organizations. Potential roles include Environmental planner, Municipal land-use planner, Development planner, Community planner, and International development planner.
Is the Urban Development (MPl) program accredited?
+
Yes, the Master of Planning (MPl) in Urban Development is fully accredited by the Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada.