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Graduate Studies Calendar 2021-2022 Program Descriptions School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape SAPL Master of Planning (MPlan)
Master of Planning (MPlan)
1. Degree Offered

Master of Planning (MPlan) - course-based

Master of Planning/Master of Business Administration (MPlan/MBA) - combined degree offered with the Haskayne School of Business

  • MPlan/MBA Specialization: Real Estate Studies

The School does not formally offer a part-time option. All students will be considered full-time and register during the Fall and Winter terms (September to April) with a regularly scheduled break from May to August.

2. Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master of Planning is a competitive process. Applicants must meet minimum Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements for Admission (including a 3.00 GPA). In addition to Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the program 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 School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape website at: https://sapl.ucalgary.ca/future-students/admissions/mplan

d) Three reference letters, of which at least two should be academic.

e) A current copy of curriculum vitae (CV).

f) For applicants who are required to prove proficiency in English, a TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based test); or an IELTS score of 7.5; a CAEL score of 70 with no section less than 70; or a PTE with a minimum score of 59. This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of "A-" in each course.

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.

3. Application Deadlines

Deadline for submission of complete applications is available on the Future Students website:

Master of Planning: sapl.ucalgary.ca/future-students/admissions/how-apply

Master of Planning/MBA combined program: A separate application to the MBA program is required. See ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/management-master-business-administration-course-based

4. Advanced Credit

A student may apply for advanced credit for previous courses that have not been used to satisfy the requirements of any other degree or diploma program. See Advanced Credit.

Course Exemptions: Students registered in a graduate degree program may receive an exemption from a specific course if they can demonstrate successful completion of an equivalent course. In order to be eligible for an exemption, the student must provide original transcripts, course outlines and samples of course assignments which will be assessed for academic equivalency. Courses for which exemptions are being sought must be from a recognized institution, and they must be graded courses with a minimum grade of "B-". Students granted an exemption from a course may be required to take another, equally-weighted, course to satisfy credit-hour requirements for their program.

5. Course Requirements

Master of Planning (MPlan)

The Master of Planning program is structured around a core studio sequence. Required courses and electives make up the remainder of the program. Successful completion of the MPlan must include the following academic requirements:

a) Core required courses:

b) 12 units from Planning 616 and 618

c) 6 units of elective credits from other courses offered by SAPL or the University of Calgary at the 500-level or higher that relate to individual interests in Planning.

d) 3 units from:

Master of Planning/Master of Business Administration (MPlan/MBA) Combined Degree

Students admitted to the MPlan/MBA will focus on courses for the MBA during the first year and on MPlan courses in years two and three. Typically, the Real Estate Studies specialization will be completed in year four. Course requirements include:

a) MBA courses (54 units):

b) MPlan courses (45 units):

6. Additional Requirements

A laptop computer is required for all course-based degree programs in the School of Architecture, Landscape and Planning. Further information pertaining to specifications will be sent out to newly-admitted students in the summer term prior to the commencement of their studies.

Attendance at orientation for first year students is required.

7. Credit for Undergraduate Courses

Only undergraduate courses numbered 500-599 may be considered for graduate-level credit and are subject to approval by the Associate Dean (Planning and Landscape).

8. Time Limit

Students registered in the Master of Planning program are expected to enroll on a full-time basis and complete the degree requirements within two registration years. Maximum completion time is six registration years. See Time Limits.

9. Financial Assistance

Financial assistance may be available to highly qualified students but cannot be guaranteed. For information on admission and academic awards, see the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this calendar, the SAPL website and the Awards Database on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website.