In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the Faculty of Environmental Design requires:
For applicants who are required to prove proficiency in English, a TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based); or 105 (Internet-based test); or an IELTS score of 7.5.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
a) An admission grade point average (GPA) above 3.50 on a four-point scale.
b) A research proposal that describes the nature of the thesis research the applicant expects to undertake. This will be used by an admissions committee as an indicator of the applicant’s ability to conduct doctoral-level research and to determine if adequate supervisory resources are available. Only if such resources are available will the student be admitted. Please note that this research statement (maximum of 1500 words) must include the following sections: Background, research questions, literature review, research methodology, and broader impacts of the proposed research. The research statement should indicate potential supervisors and/or committee members, and whether they have been contacted by the applicant.
c) A funding plan that demonstrates that financial resources are available for the entire program of study.
d) Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.
e) At least one example of the applicant’s previous academic or professional work, such as a written essay, published research paper, major academic paper, thesis, or consulting report. Optionally, applicants may submit a portfolio that provides examples of or illustrates the applicant’s design work, professional work, research, creative thinking, community action, planning products, or graphics and visual communication.
f) A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).
Master of Environmental Design (MEDes)
Applications are encouraged from a variety of academic backgrounds (including first professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, planning and design) or a combination of undergraduate degree and work-related experience.
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the Faculty of Environmental Design requires:
a) A clear, concise and substantive statement of interest (1,000 to 1,500 words), which informs the Admissions Committee of:
- the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the MEDes degree
- how the applicant’s specific educational background and professional and personal experience relates to their proposed thesis project
- the applicant’s thesis research interests and ideas to clarify the applicant’s supervisory needs
- any communication the applicant has had with potential supervisors
b) At least one example of the applicant's previous academic or professional work such as a written essay, published research paper, major academic paper, thesis, or consulting report.
In addition, applicants may submit a portfolio that provides examples of or illustrates the applicant’s design work, professional work, research, creative thinking, community action, planning products, or graphics and visual communication.
c) A funding plan that demonstrates that financial resources are available for the entire program of study.
d) Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.
e) A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).
Master of Planning (MPlan)
Admission to the Master of Planning is a competitive process. Applicants must meet minimum Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements (including a 3.00 GPA and English proficiency). In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the Faculty of Environmental Design requires:
a) A clear, well-written statement of interest which describes the applicant's interest in planning and how the applicant's specific educational background and professional or personal experience relates to Planning as a field of study.
b) At least one example of the applicant’s previous academic or professional writing, such as a written essay, published research paper, major academic paper, design project or consulting report.
c) A portfolio that includes examples of the applicant’s design work or design thinking, including creative work or ideas, community action, planning or design products, or graphics and visual communication.
The requirements for digital portfolio submissions are found in the Faculty of Environmental Design website at: evds.ucalgary.ca/content/master-planning-mplan-admissions.
d) Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.
e) A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).
Master of Planning/Master of Business Administration (MPlan/MBA)
An applicant to the combined MPlan/MBA program must be admitted to the MPlan program and make separate application for, and be admitted by, the MBA program. The respective Combined Program Committee will review each application. Normally, only a full-time student in the MPlan program may take a combined program.
Master of Architecture (MArch)
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the Faculty of Environmental Design requires:
a) Prospective applicants are advised to use opportunities within their four year recognized university undergraduate degree studies to develop knowledge in design, the humanities, social sciences, arts, engineering, biological and/or physical sciences – including, wherever possible, studio, laboratory and collaborative learning experiences.
b) Applicants must demonstrate successful completion of one or more years of undergraduate-level coursework in four areas: Design, Technology, Graphics, and History/Theory (equivalent to the courses taken in the minor in Architectural Studies, or in the MArch Foundation year). In order to complete these prerequisite requirements, applicants may be admitted to the MArch Foundation or qualifying year. An assessment of these prerequisite requirements will be made by an admissions committee and applicants will be informed in offers of admission which, if any, courses at the Foundation level will be required.
c) Candidates for MArch must provide evidence of original and/or creative work in any field or medium, and provide in writing a brief description of the work. The requirements for digital portfolio submissions are found in the Faculty of Environmental Design website at: evds.ucalgary.ca/content/master-architecture-march-admissions.
d) Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.
e) A clear, well-written statement of interest which describes the applicant's interest in architecture and how the applicant's specific educational background and professional or personal experience relates to architecture as a field of study.
f) A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the Faculty of Environmental Design requires:
a) A clear, well-written statement of interest which describes the applicant's interest in landscape architecture and how the applicant's specific educational background and professional or personal experience relates to landscape architecture as a field of study (maximum two pages).
b) Candidates for the Master of Landscape Architecture must provide evidence of original and/or creative work in any field or medium. This could include design work, professional work, research, creative ability, or ideas related to their statement of intent or interests in Landscape Architecture. The requirements for digital portfolio submissions are found on the Faculty of Environmental Design website at: evds.ucalgary.ca/admissions/landscape-architecture.
c) A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).
d) Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.
Note: Applicants with previous related design degrees (e.g. a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture) may have some or all of the foundation year courses waived. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, this review will require supporting documentation such as course outlines. An assessment of these prerequisite requirements will be made by an admissions committee and applicants will be informed in offers of admission which, if any, courses at the Foundation level will be required.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Built and Landscape Heritage
Applications are encouraged from a variety of academic backgrounds (including first professional degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, planning and design) or a combination of undergraduate degree and work-related experience.
In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Environmental Design requirements, the Certificate requires:
a) A clear, concise and substantive statement of interest (1,000 words), which informs the Admissions Committee of:
- the applicant’s reasons for pursuing the Certificate in Heritage Conservation;
- how the applicant’s specific educational background and professional experience relates to heritage conservation.
b) One example of the applicant's previous academic or professional work such as a written essay, published research paper, major academic paper, thesis, design project, or consulting report.
In addition, applicants may submit a portfolio that provides examples of or illustrates the applicant’s design work, professional work, research, creative thinking, community action, planning products, or graphics and visual communication. The requirements for digital portfolio submissions are found in the Faculty of Environmental Design web site at: evds.ucalgary.ca/admissions.
c) A current copy of the curriculum vitae/resume.
d) Three reference letters.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Designing Smart and Secure Communities
In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Environmental Design requirements, the Certificate requires:
a) Statement of interest.
b) A current copy of the full curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant professional experience.
c) Three reference letters.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Sustainable Urban Design
In addition to Faculties of Graduate Studies and Environmental Design requirements, the Certificate requires:
a) Evidence of original and/or creative work in any field or medium. This could include design work, professional work, research, creative ability, or ideas related to their statement of interest in Urban Design. The requirements for digital portfolio submissions are found in the Faculty of Environmental Design web site at: evds.ucalgary.ca/content/admissions-faculty-environmental-design.
b) Statement of interest.
c) A current copy of the curriculum vitae/resume.
d) Three reference letters.
Program Descriptions