As you decide which path is right for you, it's fair to ask:
Why UBC?
Why Planning and why SCARP?
and
Why a Research-based Masters?
It opens so many paths.
SCARP's Research Masters degree is for you if any of the following rings true:
- You're interested in progressing to Doctoral research
- You're a mid-career professional who can’t commit to a PhD full time schedule right now
- You're building your professional platform for high-level planning and public-policy work
- You're seeking new insights, a broader lens, and honed skills in the field of Planning
If you want your research to ask today's big questions, you've come to the right place.
Today, many established assumptions of how to build and plan communities are being transformed and made more equitable, inclusive, and flourishing.
Immerse yourself in the insights and challenges of planning on your own terms. With the support of a flexible curriculum, open yourself up to your own research vision with all the tools, support, and expertise of UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning.
With the freedom to undertake a regimen of SCARP and other UBC courses, bridge the gap between disciplines to truly become a transdisciplinary expert in any number of today’s most pressing Planning challenges, from building healthy communities to planning equitable urban design.
A few words from our graduates
Savonnaé Street, grad 2023
First job after graduation: Planning Technician
"SCARP’s Research Masters program was the perfect next step in my academic journey. SCARP cultivated my research and communication skills, and opened doors to academic, personal, and professional opportunities. SCARP was life-changing, as a researcher and an individual."
Christine Nesbitt, grad 2019
First job after graduating: Planning Assistant
"I completed a BA Honours in geography, and I wanted to combine that with my Olympic experience and get my hands dirty as I move forward in a new direction. Planning is so multidisciplinary: I have developed hands-on, theoretical, and research skills that allow me to meaningfully contribute in many different fields. I'm building an integrated and wholistic approach to problem solving, whereas in another field, I would likely be more siloed."
Please review all information on requirements before you begin your Application or Expression of Interest.
How to apply
If you would like to apply for the next intake, please review the following steps.
Make contact and forge a connection
Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to prospective supervisors to determine if there is overlap in research interests and intellectual approach and to see if prospective supervisors are taking on Research Masters students in any given year. The Faculty Directory and each faculty members’ bio gives you some initial information on each faculty members’ research specialties, research inquiries, and lens in the world of planning.
An Expression of Interest
It is highly recommended that you submit an optional Expression of Interest to apply (which opens every year on second Thursday of September). The Expression of Interest:
- Helps match you with the best research supervisor based on your interests
- Provides an understanding of your interest in the program earlier
- Assess your fit with a Research Supervisor and the Program without having to pay the full application fee
Expressions of Interest are due every year at the end of November.
Full applications without an Expression of Interest will be accepted, but this step is highly recommended.
Those whose Expression of Interest is considered promising will be invited to submit a full application during the official application period.
You can still apply if you have not been invited to do so by a faculty member.
Apply
The option to submit your formal application will appear on this webpage once the application period begins. Please note that full applications AND referee letters are due on the same date.
After you apply
Check this webpage and email periodically. Please check your online application regularly for updates, as protocols may be subject to change. Due to the volume of documents received we are unable to confirm receipt of documents by email or phone.
Are you ready?
Begin your Research Masters Expression of Interest