Community Planning

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Master of Community Planning (MCP) at VIU International is designed for aspiring professionals eager to shape sustainable and equitable urban and regional environments. In a world facing complex challenges like climate change, housing affordability, and social justice, effective community planning is more critical than ever. This postgraduate degree equips you with the advanced knowledge and practical skills to address these issues, fostering innovative solutions for neighbourhood development, land use, and public participation. You will explore key areas such as planning theory, community design, and planning law, preparing you for impactful leadership roles.

This full-time, on-campus Masters degree is structured over two years, immersing you in a dynamic learning environment. You will engage with core subjects including Introduction and History of Planning, Community Design, and Planning Practice, alongside essential Research Methods and Citizen Participation modules. The curriculum emphasizes applied learning through a Major Project or Thesis in your second year, offering opportunities to tackle real-world planning challenges. You will graduate from VIU International with a robust understanding of planning ethics and policy, ready to pursue careers in municipal government, non-profit organizations, or private consulting firms.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This program explores the history, theory, and practice of community planning, covering essential topics such as community design, citizen participation, and planning law. Students will engage with research methods, ethical considerations, and sustainability principles, culminating in advanced studio work, a major project, or a thesis. The curriculum also delves into specialized areas like GIS, First Nations land use, and contemporary planning issues.

1 Year 1 Fall Semester

Introduction and history of planning
Community design
Planning practice
Citizen participation and consultation

2 Year 1 Spring Semester

Planning theory and policy
Community design
Planning law and regulations
Research methods

3 Year 2 Fall Semester

Ethics and the public good
Advanced studio
Major project
Thesis
Planning for sustainability
Fundamentals of GIS
Topics in First Nations land use and community planning
Topics in design and aesthetics
Issues in community planning

4 Year 2 Spring Semester

Literature of planning
Advanced planning practice
Topics in municipal and regional planning
Topics in evolving issues in planning
Issues in community planning
Directed study

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 10,295.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 10,295.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 20,590.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,167.00 - USD 3,901.00
Transport USD 781.00 - USD 1,214.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,041.00 - USD 1,561.00
Estimated Total USD 3,989.00 - USD 6,676.00

Living cost estimates are based on Nanaimo campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

75%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Aviation & Air TransportCommercial & Industrial ConstructionCustoms, Trade & ComplianceMetallurgy & Mineral ProcessingMine Planning & Project ManagementMining Technology & InnovationPrecious & Base MetalsTax & Financial LawTransport Engineering & InfrastructureUrban Mobility & Smart Transport

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AECOM

BC Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation

City of Vancouver

Coeur Mining, Inc.

McElhanney

Newmont Corporation

OneCity Vancouver

Why Study Community Planning at Vancouver Island University (VIU)

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Canada

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Community Planning at Vancouver Island University (VIU)

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time and unlimited hours on campus. During breaks, international students can work unlimited hours off-campus as well.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To apply, you need to meet specific English test requirements. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with varying scores for each.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue jobs as urban planners, community developers, land use planners, transportation planners, and environmental planners.

What will I actually study in this course?

The MCP program at VIU teaches how to design and shape communities and addresses issues like climate change and sustainable development. This accredited program combines research and applied learning through community projects.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Master of Community Planning program at Vancouver Island University has an intake month in September. Be sure to apply ahead of this month to secure your place.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️