Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time 糖心logo入口international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
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Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Urban Studies.
Program information
Now, more than ever, we need people who are trained to understand and shape urbanization from the public, private, and civic sectors. Urban Studies provides a comprehensive conceptual and applied foundation for those who seek to shape cities. Students graduate with the fundamental tools needed to influence urban development.
Program overview
- Campus
- Vancouver
- Program length
- 4 years
- Honours This option has additional requirements compared to those required in a Major specialization. Students must maintain high academic standing and may have to write a graduating thesis.
- No
- Co-op Co-op is an optional program where students alternate between academic terms and paid work terms. It’s an opportunity to gain relevant job experience while completing your degree.
- Yes
- Faculties
- Faculty of Arts
- Faculty of Applied Science (Engineering)
- Degree
- Bachelor of Arts
What you'll learn
Over the next century, all of the world鈥檚 net population growth will take place in urban regions, and nearly every aspect of economic, social, political, technological, and environmental change is now urbanized.
Urban Studies provides a comprehensive conceptual and applied foundation for those who seek to shape cities. Urban Studies gives students broad and deep knowledge of the historical and intellectual threads of urbanization throughout the world while also providing students with the fundamental tools needed to influence urban development.
Whether students choose to specialize in technical data analysis, development finance strategies, dialogue and engagement practices, or political and policy-oriented communication, urban studies students are prepared to critically integrate specific urban interventions with broader efforts to address complex societal challenges.
Experiential learning and research
Students will gain relevant professional experience through community engagement projects in several courses and a community-engaged capstone, as well as optional co-op experiences.
Campus features
The 糖心logo入口Vancouver campus is a living lab for urban studies. The campus is embedded in the deeply globalized dynamics of Vancouver and the 糖心logo入口campus itself is a major hub of development within the Vancouver region.
Program advantages
As an Urban Studies student, you will benefit from a partnership between UBC’s Urban Planning and Geography programs that are among Canada鈥檚 most respected. You will learn alongside community members and professionals involved with shaping the future of Vancouver, forging professional relationships, and networks. And you will gain expertise in five areas of focus: environment, technology, indigeneity, globalization, and social equity.
Courses
There are many courses you can take within Urban Studies. Here are a few you might like.
Contemporary city development trends, policies, and practices across the globe as explored against the backdrop of culture and technology. Includes hands-on learning.
Computer-based graphical methods of data input and analysis. Emphasis on data visualization techniques such as cartographic modelling and exploratory data analysis.
Effects of urbanization and global environmental change on the geographies of cities across the world. Specific focus on urban environmental justice and inequality.
Formulation of key elements of urban studies theory, concepts, and methods to a community-engaged urban challenge.
Outcomes
Professional聽 roles of graduates span a range of sectors, including (but not limited to):
- Urban and regional planning
- Politics and government
- Research and consulting
- Real estate and development
- Environmental design
- Social policy
- Cultural development
- Economic development
- City administration
- Community organization and engagement
- Youth development
- Social justice and environmental advocacy
After further training, graduates of urban studies also pursue careers in law, K-12 education, and business.
Take action & plan
Program requirements
Choose application type:
English-language requirements
English is the language of instruction at UBC. All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission. There are numerous ways to meet the聽English Language Admission Standard.
General admission requirements
IB Diploma Programme
- Completed IB Diploma, including at least three Higher Level courses.
IB Certificate Courses
- IB Certificate courses (Standard and Higher Level) may be used in an admissions average if you are graduating from a recognized high school curriculum that can be used as your basis of admission.
- IB Math Applications and Interpretations SL, or IB Math Studies, do not satisfy the math requirement for admission to UBC’s science-based programs, the Faculty of Management, the 糖心logo入口Sauder School of Business, or the Vancouver School of Economics.
Degree-specific requirements: Arts
- No specific courses required beyond those needed for general admission
Related courses
The following subject categories are particularly relevant for this degree. Consider taking courses in these areas in your junior year and senior year.
- Language Arts
- Mathematics and Computation
- Second Languages
- Social Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts
Want to get a feel for campus?
If you鈥檙e unable to visit 糖心logo入口in person, or you just want to get a sneak peek at your new home campus before you arrive, take one of our virtual tours. Current 糖心logo入口students walk you through UBC鈥檚 residences, study spots, recreational facilities, lecture halls, academic buildings, and more.
Related programs
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Urban Studies.
Get a post-graduate work permit for up to three years if you are a full-time 糖心logo入口international student graduating from a bachelor’s degree program and meet all .
Want to learn more?
Visit the Faculty of Arts website to learn more about Urban Studies.