Urban Design University of Toronto

Overview

The Urban Design programme at the University of Toronto offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for advanced professional practice. This Master degree focuses on design-based research, enabling graduates to address complex challenges at both urban and regional scales. By integrating diverse perspectives, the course fosters innovation in the built environment.

Students benefit from a curriculum that capitalises on the extensive academic resources available at the institution. The programme is structured to encourage inter-professional collaboration, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the multidisciplinary skills required for modern urban planning. This approach allows for a deep exploration of the social and physical aspects of city design.

Why Urban Design at the University of Toronto?

The university provides access to the largest pool of expertise and talent in Canada, drawing on leading figures from the local design community. Students engage with prominent professionals through teaching, external reviews, and exclusive events. This connection to the professional landscape ensures that the learning experience remains relevant to current industry standards.

The programme's location allows for direct engagement with the diverse urban fabric of Toronto, serving as a living laboratory for research. By involving top-tier practitioners, the university creates a unique environment where academic theory meets practical application. This synergy prepares students to lead in the field of urban development and landscape architecture.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 56160 per year
• National fee: CAD 11400 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between architecture and regional planning. Modules may include:

• Urban Design Studio
• Urban Design Theory
• History of Urban Form
• Regional Planning
• Professional Practice
• Design-Based Research
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Careers with Urban Design

Graduates are prepared for high-level roles within professional practice and design-based research. The programme equips students to work as urban designers, landscape architects, and planning consultants within both public and private sectors. Many alumni go on to influence regional policy and lead large-scale development projects across the globe.

The focus on interdisciplinary skills allows graduates to pursue careers in municipal government, international design firms, and environmental agencies. By mastering the complexities of urban scales, students are positioned to take on leadership roles in shaping the future of sustainable cities and regional infrastructures.