Master of Community Planning

What is the Master of Community Planning Program at UVic?

The Master of Community Planning is a course-based professional graduate Program delivered primarily on campus. It combines professional planning training with UVic strengths in sustainability, Indigenous engagement, community-based research, and interdisciplinary learning.

How is this Program different than other graduate planning programs in Canada?

All accredited programs in Canada must adhere to defined requirements and align with the “functional and enabling competencies” that are set out for both accredited planning programs and for individuals interested in becoming a Registered Professional Planner (RPP). These requirements and competencies can be reviewed on the website for the Professional Standards Board at www.psb-planningcanada.ca.

The UVic Program is different from other programs as it has a strong sense of “here” – the location at the southern extent of Vancouver Island is a critical part of the Program’s ethos and core identity.

Is the Program accredited?

The Professional Standards Board for the Planning Profession in Canada (PSB) pre-accredited the Program in August 2026. Pre-accreditation means that the Program either meets or intends to meet all required elements for accreditation. Some of these cannot be achieved until the first cohort has completed the Program. At that time, the PSB will re-evaluate the pre-accreditation status and consider full accreditation status for the Program.

Students who are accepted into the Fall 2027 start (the first cohort!) are deemed by the PSB to be attending an accredited planning Program and will have all the rights that are inherent to a graduate of an accredited planning Program. This provides students with the assurance that their UVic degree is of equal status to an accredited graduate planning degree at another institution.

Should I apply early?

Applying early is a good idea, but be sure to put adequate care and attention into your application. Generally, offers will not be made until early in the next calendar year (January 2027 for applications made in Fall 2026) but earlier consideration could be given for extraordinary circumstances.

Will there be other opportunities for community-based research or off-campus engagements?

Yes. “Learning by Doing” is a key element of the Program. Students can expect to be engaged in off-campus activities either through course work or the Collaboratory (the research lab attached to the Program).

Can I qualify for other on-campus employment if I am a student in the MCP Program?

Yes. Students in the Program are eligible for UVic’s Work Experience Program. There may also be access to opportunities as research or teaching assistants either within the Program, the Geography Department, or across campus.

Am I guaranteed an entrance scholarship or other funding if I am accepted as a student?

No. There is no guarantee on funding. However, students are strongly encouraged to review the scholarship, awards, and aid opportunities available at https://www.uvic.ca/students/undergraduate/scholarships-awards-and-aid/index.php

I am an international student. Can I apply for scholarships?

There are scholarships, awards, and aid Programs that are available to both domestic and international students.

Can I take the Program on a part-time basis?

Generally, students are expected to complete the Program on a full-time basis with their cohort. However, it is recognized that “real life” can sometimes change a student’s plans. Issues relating to part-time studies will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Director of the MCP Program following the student’s acceptance into the Program.

What documents are required for my application?

You must submit:

• 2 reference letters (academic or professional)
• Current resume
• Transcripts
• a 1–2 page Statement of Intent describing your interest in community planning and how the degree aligns with your career plans, personal values, and goals.

What should I include in the Statement of Intent?

Your statement of intent should explain:

• your interest in community planning (why do you want to be a planner?)
• how the Program connects to your career plans
• how your personal values and goals align with community-centred and equity-focused planning.

All elements of the application are carefully considered in the determination of candidates for the Program.

How competitive is the application process? What percentage of applicants are accepted into the Program?

Fall 2026 is the first intake for the Program, so this information is not yet available. However, we anticipate that there will be a good number of students interested in obtaining a graduate planning degree at the University of Victoria.

How many students will be admitted into the Fall 2027 cohort?

We anticipate approximately 30 students will be in the first cohort. This will increase to approximately 35 in subsequent cohorts.

Is the Program a good fit if I’m new to planning? I do not have any work experience.

The Program is designed for students who are committed to the field of community planning and who intend to become Registered Professional Planners. If your goals align with the Program’s focus on equity, engagement, and sustainability, we encourage you to apply, even if you do not have any direct experience in planning. Having planning experience is indicative of knowing that you have “found your path” and planning is the right profession for you. However, candidates are not penalized for not having direct planning experience on their resume.

How does the Program address equity, decolonization, and sustainability?

These themes are central to the Program and are reflected throughout the curriculum through readings, course work, and experiences relating to equity, decolonization, sustainability, and spatial justice, along with professional ethics and community-centered engagement.

Will I learn how to engage communities in a meaningful way?

Yes. The Program emphasizes reciprocal, community-centered engagement through models that bridge theory with real-world action while respecting each community’s unique context.

What kind of work will I do for the capstone and studio?

Your capstone project and design studio will be connected to professional work in community planning, supporting you to apply what you learn to realistic planning challenges and engagement-informed outcomes.

How can this degree help with finding a career in planning?

Graduates from the MCP Program at UVic will have an accredited degree that meets all requirements established by the PSB. Ideally, you will use your time in the Program to develop contacts, network with planners, and build expertise in your interest areas. The Program will prepare you translate planning research and community engagement into coherent project proposals, recommendations to elected officials, policy briefs, and all sorts of plans, supported by a grounding in ethics and professional practice. You will also have access to the Job Boards sponsored by the Planning Institute of BC and the Canadian Institute of Planners.

 Will there be opportunities to engage with professional planners?

Yes. Students will be automatically registered as Student Members with the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) and the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). There is a local chapter for the PIBC that meets on occasion for both professional and social events, and students are strongly encouraged to attend as many of these as possible. You will maintain this membership throughout the Program.

There are also opportunities to connect at “planning adjacent” events, such as the UVic City Talks which are held each Fall. Students should avail themselves of any and all opportunities, as these experiences can round out the student’s academic experiences and potentially can create employment or life-long connections.

Students can also qualify for scholarships, volunteer opportunities, and even run for office with the PIBC and CIP. Be sure to check out their websites for more information (www.pibc.bc.ca and www.cip-icu.ca).

Am a guaranteed employment if I complete my degree?

No degree or program can guarantee employment. However, you will be well prepared to actively contribute to the planning profession upon your completion of the Program.

Am I automatically a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) when I graduate from an accredited planning program?

No. You must first apply to the PSB to initiate the RPP process. You will be required to submit a logbook, work with a mentor, write and ethics exam, and achieve a defined grade on a professional exam. Attending an accredited program makes the requirements less onerous than having a non-accredited degree. The process to achieve your RPP status following graduation depends on many factors: you can review the requirements, timeframes, and costs on the PSB’s website at www.psb-planningcanada.ca.

Can I do the Program online?

No. This is an in-person Program offered on UVic’s campus.

Where is the Program located?

Within the Geography Department, Faculty of Social Sciences. The Program has a home base in the David Turpin Building.