Community Planning (MCP)
The first cohort for the Master of Community Planning starts in September 2027.
The Master of Community Planning is a course-based professional graduate program primarily delivered on campus. You’ll complete a capstone project and design studio related to the professional field of community planning. Co-op is optional but strongly recommended.
This program reflects the core competencies planners need to thrive—incorporating theory, ethics, technical skills, community engagement, professional practice, and a deep commitment to equity, decolonization and sustainability.
| Expected length | Project or thesis | Course-based |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years | No | Yes |
Quick facts
- Program options:
- Master's
- Study options:
- Full-time study
- Program delivery:
- On-campus
- Dynamic learning:
- Co-op optional
Outcomes
Students in this program will:
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key planning concepts – e.g., justice, equity, inclusion, decolonization, sustainability, resilience – and the historical and theoretical traditions that underpin community planning
- apply critical thinking to analyze, critique, and challenge the policies, institutional drivers, power structures, historical legacies and social inequities that shape planning as a profession
- demonstrate proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including strategic visioning, urban design, community mapping and spatial data analysis
- know how to translate planning research and community engagement into coherent project proposals, recommendations to elected officials, policy briefs and plans
- develop planning approaches based in spatial justice
- practice reciprocal, community-centered engagement through models that bridge theory with real-world action while respecting each community’s unique context
- become a reflective practitioner capable of understanding multiple perspectives
- uphold professional ethics grounded in transparency, inclusivity and accountability
- understand and analyze the socio-political and environmental systems in which planning unfolds, enabling adaptive and equitable responses to complex community challenges—such as climate impacts, demographic shifts and emerging futures
Find a supervisor
All graduate students in this program will have an academic supervisor for their capstone project. You do not need to list a potential supervisor in your application.
Program details
Providing you accurate admission requirements, application deadlines, tuition fee estimates and scholarships depends on your situation. Tell us about yourself:
Program details
Application deadlines
September entry – apply by December 1
September entry – apply by December 1
Admission requirements
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must also submit:
- 2 reference letters from academic or professional references
- a current résumé/CV
- a 1-2 page statement of intent that speaks to your interest in community planning and how the degree relates to your career plans, personal values and goals
Program specific requirements
As part of your application, you must also submit:
- 2 reference letters from academic or professional references
- a current résumé/CV
- a 1-2 page statement of intent that speaks to your interest in community planning and how the degree relates to your career plans, personal values and goals
Completion requirements
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
View the minimum course requirements for this program.
Funding & aid
Find information on funding and financial aid for graduate students.
Find information on funding and financial aid for graduate students.
Tuition & fees
Ready to apply?
You can start your online application to UVic by creating a new profile or using an existing one.
Faculties & departments
Related programs
Need help?
Contact Sally Johnson at geog2@uvic.ca or 250-721-7350.