ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Planning PhD program is a four-year program that can be completed on a full-time basis by a student who has a Master's degree in Planning or in a discipline appropriate to the intended field of study. The primary objective of the PhD in Planning is to prepare students for academic careers in teaching and research. Some may also pursue an advanced planning career in the private, non-profit or public sector, given the rising demand for people with a PhD credential outside of academia.

The PhD program in Planning has 3 fields of specialization:

• City-regions in global context: economic development and social planning
• Environment and sustainability planning
• Urban development, design and the built environment

Our program is designed to provide students with a broad and critical knowledge of planning history, theory and practice, as well as rigorous training in research. These objectives are achieved through a combination of advanced seminars and workshops, a comprehensive exam and a doctoral dissertation. As part of their training, students also receive teaching assistantships and may be offered research assistantships, as these become available.

The degree requirements consist of successful completion of coursework, a PhD comprehensive examination, a dissertation proposal, a dissertation and defense of that dissertation. The program is designed to be completed within four years. Candidates will have a supervisor (on entry) and a supervisory committee (formed during the first year). Coursework and exams are completed by the end of year two, work on the dissertation in years three and four and dissertation and defense in year four. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

For application instructions please see the Online application section

PhD applicants should have graduated with an A- average or better from a Master's program. Students can enter the program with either a Master's degree in Planning or a related field. They should demonstrate competence in analytical methods (or successful completion of one of two methods courses in the current MScPl program or an equivalent Master's program). We view professional planning or related experience favourably during the admissions process and encourage applications from those belonging to groups that are currently underrepresented in the academic and professional worlds of planning. The application process includes submission of a statement of intent, transcripts, three confidential reference letters (at least two from university instructors), samples of the applicant's written work (where appropriate), and a curriculum vitae.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of written and verbal proficiency in English by completing one of the following tests:

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE). Minimum TOEFL is 580 (paper) or 237 (computer) plus 5.0 TWE. Minimum score for Internet-based Testing is 93/120 overall and 22/30 for Writing and 22/30 for the Speaking section.

1. International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum score required is 7.

FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The University of Toronto through the Department of Geography and Program in Planning provides full funding for all PhD students (years one to four). The funding "package" can consist of a combination of Federal and Provincial government scholarships, University of Toronto Fellowships, teaching assistantships and/or research assistantships. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for external awards/scholarships prior to application to the program. Teaching and research assistantships not only assist in funding, but also provide valuable work experience. University of Toronto Fellowships made available through the Department of Geography offer generous support. Renewal of funding for PhD students, where applicable, requires the demonstration of satisfactory progress towards completion of the degree. 

• External Scholarships
• Internal Awards
  
• Assistantships