Cities, Regions, Planning York University

Overview

The Cities, Regions, Planning programme at York University provides students with the critical tools required to address the complex social and environmental challenges facing modern city-regions. This degree focuses on creating inclusive and sustainable urban interventions through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Students explore how urban areas can be governed and designed in more equitable ways. The curriculum is structured around three primary thematic concentrations: Urban Worlds, Urban Planning and Politics, and Urban Political Ecology. These pathways allow learners to specialise in areas ranging from global urbanization processes to the role of nature in urban form.

Instruction is led by internationally recognised scholars and experienced planning practitioners.

Why Cities, Regions, Planning at York University?

This programme is uniquely supported by the CITY Institute at York University, a premier interdisciplinary research centre. This partnership facilitates collaborative research and provides students with innovative approaches to understanding the urban arena. The Faculty of Environmental & Urban Change serves as a hub for future changemakers dedicated to place-making.

A distinctive feature of this programme is the accelerated 3+2 years pathway. This allows dedicated students to combine their undergraduate studies with an accredited Master of Environmental Studies in Planning. By following this route, learners can obtain two university degrees and professional accreditation in just five years of study.

Experiential education is a core component of the learning journey. Students have access to diverse opportunities, including co-op placements, internships, and work-integrated learning. These practical experiences are designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and professional practice in the regional and suburban environment.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 38465 per year
• National fee: CAD 8016 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Land We’re On: Treaties, art and environment
• World Today: World Geography
• Physical Geography: Weather and Climate
• Physical Geography: Dynamic Earth
• Cities, Regions and Planning in a Globalizing World

Careers with Cities, Regions, Planning

Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional roles within the public and private sectors. Potential career paths include:

• Urban, land use or transportation planner
• Policy advisor and consultant
• Leed technical coordinator
• Transit supervisor or manager
• Permits and approvals coordinator
• Environmental manager
• Planning and space assessor
• Real estate professional