University of Toronto

Overview

The PhD in Planning at the University of Toronto offers an interdisciplinary research opportunity that explores how city-regions are influenced by policy, planning practices, design, and socio-environmental changes. This program enables students to conduct original research under the guidance of experienced faculty, covering areas such as planning history, governance, decision-making methods, and urban and international development.

What you'll study

Doctoral students engage in a mix of graduate-level coursework and research training, culminating in a dissertation. The curriculum is designed to adapt over time, with various course offerings available each term.

Relevant courses may include:

• Planning History, Thought, and Practice
• Planning Decision Methods
• Legal Basis of Planning
• Workshop in Planning Practice
• Communication in the Face of Power
• Place, Politics, and the Urban
• Toronto Urban Landscapes: Planning, Politics, and Development

Dissertation: Each student develops an original research dissertation under faculty supervision, showcasing their scholarly contributions and methodological expertise.

Research development: The program emphasizes the progression of research planning, proposal development, and dissertation writing, aligned with departmental milestones.

Entry requirements

Applicants for the PhD program should possess a recognized master’s degree and have achieved an A- average or higher in prior graduate studies. Candidates may qualify with a Master’s in Planning or a related discipline. Proficiency in analytical methods is expected, demonstrated through previous coursework or equivalent experiences.

Career prospects

The PhD in Planning prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities within academia, government, and the private sector. Graduates can pursue roles as researchers, policy advisors, urban planners, and educators, contributing to the advancement of planning practices and policies in various contexts.