Master Of Community Planning at VIU - Vancouver Island University - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

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Program Overview

Do you want to design and shape the world around you? Consider the Master of Community Planning degree at Vancouver Island University. Community planners play a crucial role in the development of neighborhoods, towns, cities, and regions. This program is fully accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their careers in planning. The MCP program combines research and applied learning through various real-world projects, providing students with a comprehensive skill set to address emerging issues such as climate change and sustainable urban development.

Program Structure

The Master of Community Planning (MCP) is a 2-year program designed to be completed in a cohort model. The program runs from September to April in both years, with opportunities for fieldwork and research during the summer semesters. Here are some key details about the program structure:

Program Length: 2 Years
Total Credits: 48 credits required for completion
Program Options: Fieldwork and research opportunities available during summer semesters

This intensive program emphasizes self-directed learning, group studies, seminars, and discussions, allowing students to engage with professional planners and apply their skills to real-life planning challenges. Students may take additional semesters if their thesis or major project is not completed by the end of Year 2.

Featured Experiences

Engagement in real-world projects that address community planning issues.
Strong focus on urban design and visual representations of community planning, including GIS.
Opportunities to meet and learn from professional planners throughout the program.
Fieldwork and research opportunities during summer semesters between Year 1 and Year 2.
Accredited by the Canadian Institute of Planners, enhancing professional credibility.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Community Planning program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Urban Planner: Develops plans and programs for land use in urban areas, focusing on sustainability and community needs.
Community Development Officer: Works with local governments and organizations to enhance community well-being and economic development.
Environmental Planner: Addresses environmental issues in planning processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting sustainability.
Transportation Planner: Focuses on the development of transportation systems and policies to improve mobility and accessibility.
Policy Analyst: Evaluates and develops policies related to urban planning, sustainability, and community development.

The knowledge and skills gained from this program are highly transferable, opening doors to various employment opportunities in both public and private sectors.

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

Visit VIU - Vancouver Island University official website

Last updated on 2025-03-31

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the Master of Community Planning program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) as an international student, you need to meet the following Academic Requirements:

Minimum “B” average in the final 2 years of a Bachelor’s degree.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.
International students can apply through direct applications (online or paper applications), applications through authorized representatives, institution-to-institution exchange programs, sponsorship through inter-governmental agreements, or as winners of academic competitions or international scholarships.

For Vietnamese and other Asian students, the following specific requirements apply:

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Proof of meeting English language requirements (specific tests and scores may be required).

It is important to note that academic programs may have additional program Academic Requirements and course prerequisites. Please check your specific program requirements for any additional details.

Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they meet all deadlines. For any clarification and support, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To meet the English language requirements for academic programs at Vancouver Island University, students must have completed one of the following tests (valid test results must be no older than 2 years):

TOEFL Paper Based Test: 550 (no section below 56)
TOEFL IBT: 88 (no section below 20)
IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (no band below 6.0)
CAEL: 60
C2 Proficiency: 176 overall
C1 Advanced: 176 overall
English Studies 12 (BC): Min. “C”
Pearson (PTE) Academic: 60 (no section below 60)
Duolingo English Test: 125 (no band less than 115)
International Baccalaureate English A1/A2: Higher Level (HL)/ Standard Level (SL) grade 3 or higher
VIU English Language Centre: Successful completion of University Preparation Level 5 (UP5)
Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition: Grade 2 or higher
Recognized university where English is the language of instruction: Completion of six credits of post-secondary English composition and literature with a minimum grade of “C”
General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE): English at the O-level with a minimum grade of C or 4
CAEL online: 60
Pearson (PTE) Online: 60 (no section below 60)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 88 (no section below 20)
ILAC Pathway Program: Successful Completion of Pathway 3.3

Please note: Although VIU will accept online English proficiency tests as noted above for admission, IRCC may require you to provide proof of English language proficiency using a traditional in-person test when applying for your Study Permit.

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!

Last updated on 2025-07-16

Program overview