Bachelor Of Arts In Urban Worlds at Simon Fraser University (SFU) - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-05-29

Program overview

+32

Program overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Worlds at Simon Fraser University is designed for students interested in understanding cities and their complexities. This innovative program allows students to explore urban environments from various perspectives, including cultural, political, and economic dimensions. With a focus on how societies shape cities and vice versa, students will develop the skills necessary to become effective urban problem solvers. As urban areas continue to grow and evolve, this program equips students with the knowledge to contribute positively to urban life and sustainability.

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Worlds program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a four-year period. The program is divided into distinct phases:

Foundation Year: All students take courses together to build a solid foundation in urban studies.
Years 2 & 3: Students choose between two streams based on their interests:
- Urban Studies (FASS): Focuses on the historical, cultural, economic, and political aspects of urban life.
- Urban Change (FENV): Emphasizes the geographic dimensions of urban change and its impact on society.
Year 4: Students come together again to work on capstone projects, applying their knowledge in practical settings.

This collaborative approach between the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Environment allows students to tailor their studies while gaining a well-rounded education in urban issues.

Featured Experiences

The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Worlds program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Capstone Projects: In the final year, students engage in capstone projects that allow them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Interdisciplinary Streams: Students can choose between Urban Studies and Urban Change, providing a tailored educational experience.
Graduate-Level Courses: Students have the opportunity to take graduate courses that can count towards both their undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Community Engagement: The program emphasizes civic engagement and practical urban practice courses, preparing students for active roles in their communities.

Career Options

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Urban Worlds program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Senior Government Managers and Officials: Oversee urban policy and development initiatives at various levels of government.
Urban and Land-Use Planners: Develop plans and programs for land use in urban areas, ensuring sustainable development.
Transportation Planners: Focus on the design and implementation of transportation systems that meet the needs of urban populations.
Market Researchers and Analysts: Analyze urban trends and consumer behavior to inform business strategies and urban development.
Emergency Management Specialists: Plan and coordinate responses to urban emergencies, ensuring community safety and resilience.

These career options reflect the diverse skills and knowledge that students acquire throughout their studies, preparing them for impactful roles in urban environments.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Simon Fraser University (SFU) official website

Last updated on 2026-05-29

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts in Urban Worlds program, the following academic requirements must be met:

Minimum GPA: Not specified.
International Students:
- All applicants must meet the university's English Language Requirement.
- All applicants must meet the university's Quantitative and Analytical Skills requirements.
- For Vietnamese students, a minimum of 6/10 in Senior Mathematics is required for admission (based on a 50% pass scale).
- Submit a transcript which includes interim marks for senior year. Admission is calculated on senior level academic subjects.
Prerequisite Courses:
- Must meet general requirements - no additional faculty/program course prerequisites for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
- For the Faculty of Environment, Urban Worlds (BA) also requires meeting general requirements with no additional prerequisites.

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding the application process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction at SFU. All applicants, regardless of country of origin or citizenship status, will be required to have demonstrated competence in the English language prior to admission. Competence is required in all four of the following skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

As an applicant to undergraduate studies, you must demonstrate English language competence through one of the options below:

Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English in Canada
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last three (3) years of full-time secondary school education in English, in a country in which the principal language of instruction is English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the last four (4) years of full-time secondary school education in English at a recognized international school in a country in which the principal language of instruction is not English
- Minimum requirement: 70% in a senior level English
Completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program including English A (HL/SL) or English Literature and Performance (SL)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 3
Completion of a three unit English (ENGL) course or a certified W (writing intensive) course for which SFU grants transfer credit
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a C- (C minus)
GCSE O-Level English (or GCSE English Language B)
- Minimum requirement: Grade of a 4 (or C)

Alternatively, you may complete a Language Proficiency Exam:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS - Academic)
- Minimum score: Overall 6.5 with no part less than 6.0
Cambridge English Qualifications
- any one of:
  - B2 First
  - C1 Advanced
  - C2 Proficiency
- Minimum score: Overall score 176 with no part less than 169
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet based test (TOEFL iBT)
- Minimum score: Overall score 88 with no part less than 20
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 70, with no part less than 60
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 65, and a minimum score of 60 in the Communicative Skills
Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Minimum score: Overall score of 125

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!