Master of Community Planning

UVic students learning about urban planning in European cities.

The Master of Community Planning is a course-based professional graduate program primarily delivered on campus.

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.

Designed to meet the accreditation requirements of the Professional Standards Board, the Planning Institute of British Columbia, and the Canadian Institute of Planners, the program will combine professional training with UVic’s strengths in sustainability, Indigenous engagement, community-based research and interdisciplinary learning.

The first cohort starts in September, 2027. Apply through the application portal after September 1, 2026.

Read: Program prepares next generation of planners for changing world.

Program details

The program is normally 2 years (6 terms) long. You’ll take 25.5 units of core courses and 3 units of electives.

You’ll complete a capstone project and design studio related to the professional field of community planning. Co-op is optional but strongly recommended.

Program requirements

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

Admission

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a UVic grad student.

You can apply through the graduation admissions application portal after September 1, 2026. Please note that you do not need to find a supervisor to apply for the program.

As part of your application, you must also submit:

2 reference letters from academic or professional references
a current résumé
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

Admission requirements

Funding

Find information on funding and financial aid for graduate students.

Co-op

UVic is home to the largest co-operative education graduate program in Canada. Learn about combining co-op placements with your program on the co-op website.

Graduate students are also eligible for the shorter Work Experience Program.

Program contact

Contact Sally Johnson at geog2@uvic.ca or 250-721-7350.