More benefits as a UBC SCARP student

At UBC SCARP, you'll especially be introduced into a broader Planning world. For you, this could represent a career, research innovation, networking, accolades, it's your choice! 

Image

A wealth of research insights

UBC is among the top research universities in the world, and UBC SCARP is at the forefront of Planning theory and planning partnerships. Being a SCARP student immerses you in some of the most powerful research insights in the field, and a groundbreaking model for what planning can be and should have been all along. Search SCARP's Faculty Directory filtering by research interests, and you'll get an idea of the special insights you can bring into the world.  

UBC is ranked within the top 40 globally for graduate employability, measured in part by our alumni outcomes and employment, as well as our partnerships with employers. 

(Click here to see more of what puts UBC on the map!)

Begin your career

If you're embarking into the world of professional planning, SCARP's professional programs will mark you as an internationally-accredited expert in the Planning field.  

Professional development

What we teach provides future Planning professionals with the knowledge, skills, and applied experiences to be the facilitators and leaders of positive change. When applied to a career in Planning or as a community leader, this is crucial to a thriving and resilient society. We teach the capacity to confront challenges of 21st century, always through a lens of equity and partnership.

Career opportunities before you even leave

SCARP students are already recognised for their proficiencies before you even graduate! Our Planning Jobs board includes not only opportunities we watch out for in the Planning world, but institutions all over BC considering a SCARP student in particular. Remember though, we'll never know every opportunity, so put yourself out there!

Opportunities right here

Every year, there are up to dozens of opportunities to work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for one of SCARP's courses, as well as other opportunities like Graduate Academic Assistants under faculty with projects going on. These can be tremendous opportunities for your professional development, portfolio, and bank of knowledge. 

The perks of being an accredited Planner

Are you considering the Masters of Community and Regional Planning?  

MCRP is uniquely accredited in both Canada and the U.S.A. This doesn’t just mean both countries recognise you as an accredited expert: you carry SCARP’s highly recognised standard with you wherever you go in the world.

Membership opportunities (and perks) with:

the Canadian Institute of Planners

CIP is the national voice for planners and planning students in Canada where events, publications, career tools, and a network to help you grow.  

As a SCARP student, you get free membership in WITH as well as the Planning Institute of BC. By joining through PIBC, you will automatically be enrolled as a CIP member.  

With membership you can: read Plan Canada digitally, tap into the CPL HUB’s on-demand learning, follow the CIP Events Calendar for webinars/workshops, and explore the National Planning Job Board for internships and early-career roles.  

CIP’s national charity, the CIP/ICU Planning Student Trust Fund (CIP-PSTF), offers bursaries (financial need) and scholarships (excellence/impact). Bursary applications close October 10, 2025; scholarship applications open December 10, 2025. Recipients may also be eligible for Ages Foundation Travel Awards to attend the national conference.  

The Planning Institute of BC

Overview of PIBC benefits 
On the road to being a Registered Planner

Upon graduation you’ll also be able to apply as a Candidate member of PIBC, a roadway to becoming a Registered Professional Planner. The Professional Standards Board details the path to achieving your RPP (halfway down the page). Even during your degree, you can apply to become a student member, to build your professional network and benefit from their resources.  

Experience in the field before you graduate

MCRP students participate in these exciting opportunities to partner with real Planners and institutions:

• The Planning Studio or ICP Practicum 
  Where, in small student teams, you’ll be paired with institutions or Indigenous communities facing real challenges or projects you will take on in partnership
• The Internship Program 
  Where you’ll be given tools, resources, and guidance to seek out, obtain, and then undertake a professional position, allowing you to gain valuable hands-on experience and apply academic knowledge and analytic techniques to "real world" Planning problems
• The Mentorship Program 
  Where you’ll be paired with a mentor in the Planning field who will dynamically guide you through your introduction into the Planning field and the Planning world 

Access to the UBC Library and the Planning Library

The library is one of those unsung heroes of any University, and an invaluable tool in the toolbelt of a student and a planner.

• UBC Library is the second-largest research library in Canada and a high-ranking member of the Association of Research Libraries, and hosts countless events and consultation opportunities to help your professional development and research endeavours. 
   
• The Music, Art & Architecture Library houses the core planning collection and provides reference and instructional support, via the Architecture & Planning Liaison Librarian. 
  
  This resource will help you find community and regional planning related information including articles, books, standards, theses, images, videos, data and more; and Architecture and Planning Librarian Paula Farrar can help guide you in your search.

Because Planning is by nature transdisciplinary, SCARP research and teaching are also supported by collections and services in the:

• Koerner Library (social sciences, government publications, data and statistics),
• Woodward Library (health, engineering, forestry and land & food systems),
• David Lam Library (business and transportation),
• Xwi7xwa Library (Indigenous scholarship) and
• Law Library.