Regional and Community Planning

Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning degree

The Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning (BRCP) is a four-year degree program providing students with skills that can be applied to policy, community development, international development, environmental and natural resources, urban design, land use, and a variety of planning processes. The BRCP is structured around core courses that develop an understanding of the relationship between the built and natural environments, environmental sustainability, innovation, problem solving, research, and communication of ideas and results.

Developed as an integrated and interdisciplinary program, the BRCP builds connections between fields such as environmental studies, art, natural sciences, policy and law, urban design, history, and communications. The program also incorporates a regional focus by addressing the planning and development needs of the Fraser Valley, including growth and community development, affordable housing, community planning, Indigenous planning, climate change, land use planning and GIS, planning law, and communications.

Courses are delivered in both online and face-to-face formats, using lecture, seminar, field-based, and technology-supported classroom experiences. The program also includes a practical work experience component. Students can meet this requirement through either a practicum or an internship. Gaining such real-world experience will enhance their technical skill sets and help build job-ready qualifications.

Graduates will be prepared to work as a planning professional in Canada or abroad, or may choose to pursue graduate studies or another professional designation.

Entrance requirements

Option 1: Secondary school (for students with secondary school graduation only)

B.C. applicants

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.
2. A minimum grade of C+ in English Studies 12 or English First Peoples 12 (see Note).

   Note: Students may also present English 12, English Literature 12, English 12 First Peoples, AP English, or IB English A (standard level or higher level), or out-of-province equivalent.

Out-of-province applicants

Students will be considered on the basis of courses equivalent to B.C. Grade 12 courses. See the Admissions section of the calendar for more information on equivalents to B.C. secondary school graduation.

Out-of-country applicants

Students must have B.C. secondary school graduation equivalency and meet the prerequisites for ENGL 105 or CMNS 125.

Alternatives to secondary school graduation

Students who have completed the International Baccalaureate diploma program, the B.C. Graduation diploma (B.C. Adult Dogwood), or the General Educational Development (GED) certificate may be considered to have the equivalent of B.C. secondary school graduation for admission purposes.

Option 2: University entrance (for students who have attended some post-secondary school)

1. Prerequisites for ENGL 105 or CMNS 125.
2. One of the following:
   • Completion of a minimum of nine credits at the 100 level and above, transferable to a degree program, with a minimum CGPA of 2.00.
   • Completion of a post-secondary career or technical diploma (minimum of two years post-secondary credit) from a recognized Canadian or International post-secondary institution.
   • Completion of a three- or four-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized Canadian or International institution. Students who have completed a previous degree are governed by UFV's Subsequent and Concurrent Bachelor Degree policy (98).

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall, Winter, and Summer semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/apply.

   Additional documents required for a complete application:

   • Official transcripts (or interim transcripts) from all post-secondary institutions attended (excluding UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.
2. Applicants will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required prior to registration (see the Fees and Other Costs section) and will be applied toward tuition fees.

Basis for admission decision

Applicants are considered once their application is complete. As space in the program may be limited, applicants may be ranked based on their grade point average (GPA) in their last two years of study.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section.

Program duration

Students will complete a minimum of 120 credits, including at least 61 upper-level credits. Students will typically enter the BRCP after their second year of university study and complete the program in the following two years. Total minimum time to complete the degree is approximately four years. Due to the flexibility in course selection, there may be variances in final course credit. Students should consult advising with any questions.

Note: Some of the required courses have prerequisites not included in the program requirements. Students are responsible for satisfying the prerequisites for all courses, and should review upper-level requirements in advance to determine any lower-level prerequisites that should be completed.

Location

Most courses are offered on the Abbotsford campus, with opportunities for regional and international studio courses and practicums. Many courses can also be completed online.

Program outline

Lower-level requirements: 22 credits

Upper-level requirements: 61-65 credits

Minors

Students completing the Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning may combine this with a minor such as Graphic and Digital Design, Global Development Studies, or Environmental Studies. Students can also work towards the Geographic Information Systems certificate or Civic Governance and Innovation certificate.

Program continuance

Program continuance and probation are governed by UFV’s Undergraduate Continuance policy (92). Students must have a CGPA of at least 2.00 to remain in good academic standing. Failure to meet or maintain a 2.00 will result in restrictions on registration and may lead to academic suspension. For further details, see the Academic standing and undergraduate continuance section of the academic calendar.

Residency

Students must complete at least 50% of the total credits and at least two thirds of the required upper-level credits at UFV. Transfer credits and credits earned through prior learning assessment, including course challenge, do not meet this requirement. Please see UFV's Credentials policy (64).

Graduation requirements

To be eligible to graduate students must have completed all the requirements of the Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning with a minimum program GPA of 2.00 and a minimum CGPA of 2.00. Students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to plan their courses.

Students must apply for graduation in the first month of their final semester. Visit the Graduation webpage for more information. The final deadline for students who wish to attend the June Convocation ceremony is April 1 of each year, with all program requirements completed by April 30.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see the course descriptions section.