Architecture, Landscape, and Design

Faculty Affiliation

Architecture, Landscape, and Design

Degree Programs

Architecture

MArch

Architecture, Landscape, and Design

PhD

Landscape Architecture

MLA

Urban Design

MUD

Visual Studies

MVS

• Fields:
  • Curatorial Studies;
  • Studio

Collaborative Specializations

The following collaborative specializations are available to students in participating degree programs as listed below:

• Environmental Studies
  • Architecture, Landscape, and Design, PhD
  • Landscape Architecture, MLA
• Environment and Health
  • Architecture, Landscape, and Design, PhD
  • Landscape Architecture, MLA
• Knowledge Media Design
  • Architecture, MArch
  • Landscape Architecture, MLA
  • Urban Design, MUD
• Sexual Diversity Studies
  • Visual Studies, MVS

Overview

The Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design offers professional graduate programs in areas characterized by exceptional change. Globalization and the convergence of new media, new materials, and new building technologies have led to significant economic, technological, and aesthetic shifts. As a leading school of architecture, landscape, forestry, and design in North America, the Faculty is responding to these changing realities.

The greater Toronto region serves as a dynamic laboratory for critical studies and the exploration of design alternatives of international significance. Students also have access to Toronto’s large professional design community. Students and faculty are incredibly cosmopolitan in sensibility, hailing from every part of the world, with their work crossing geographic and cultural boundaries. The city’s multicultural networks and international connections make the Faculty a powerful place to start a career.

The Faculty has grown exceptionally in recent years with the hiring of new faculty and the revamping of its master's programs. With architecture, landscape architecture, forestry, urban design, and visual studies sharing facilities, the Faculty benefits from rich collaborations and crossover between related disciplines.

The growth has led to the recent construction of a new building which doubles the Faculty’s size and creates a new and unprecedented centre at the University of Toronto for education, research, and public outreach on architecture, urbanism, visual arts, landscape, and conservation.

Contact and Address

Web: www.daniels.utoronto.ca
Email: graduate@daniels.utoronto.ca
PhD program: research@daniels.utoronto.ca
Telephone: (416) 946-3897

John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design
University of Toronto
1 Spadina Crescent
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2J5
Canada

Master of Architecture

Program Description

The Master of Architecture (MArch) is a professional degree program and provides a thorough base of knowledge in history, theory, technology, ecology, society, and professional practice, while developing skills in design through an intensive sequence of design studio courses. These are supported by courses in visual communication and architectural representation including computer modelling and other new media. The program aims to develop critical, creative, and independent thinking and research that responds to current design issues and societal changes. The greater Toronto region is used as an urban laboratory for the development of new knowledge and forms of practice.

In Canada, the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole agency authorized by the Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities (CALA) to accredit Canadian professional degree programs in architecture for the purposes of architectural licensure.

MArch Program (3-Year Option)

The 3-year option within the MArch program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become an Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a final-year grade point average of at least mid-B.

• Recommended: courses in secondary calculus, secondary physics, and university-level architectural history (0.5 full-course equivalent [FCE]).

• Some preparation or experience in architectural design or the creative arts is encouraged, but not required, such as hand or digital drawing, film or animation, graphic design, or sculpture. This program is suitable for those without formal training in design or the arts; graduates of any discipline are encouraged to apply.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

• The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Students who complete their Master of Architecture program and are eligible to graduate will have their relevant information automatically forwarded by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), unless the student opts out in writing. The certification confirms the individual’s academic qualifications in compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry to the profession. CACB grants and issues certification to applicants who meet the Education Standard and maintains a National Register of those certified and confidential records of all pertinent documentation for all applicants.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 16.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 14.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • 4.0 FCEs: Design Studio

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Research

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Thesis

    • 1.0 FCE: Research Methods

    • 0.5 FCE: Visual Communication

    • 1.0 FCE: History

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Technology

    • 3.5 FCEs: Technics and Planning

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice

  • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

4 years full-time

MArch Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

The 2-year option within the MArch program is accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become an Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate non-professional bachelor's degree in architectural studies or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the built environment.

• Admission to the advanced-standing option is based on the merits of the student's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the MArch admissions committee.

• Required: minimum previous completion of

  • four design studio courses

  • one course in visual communications or representation

  • one course in design technology

  • two courses in architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century)

  • one course in structures

  • one course in building science

  • one course in environmental systems.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

• The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Students who complete their Master of Architecture program and are eligible to graduate will have their relevant information automatically forwarded by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design to the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB), unless the student opts out in writing. The certification confirms the individual’s academic qualifications in compliance with the Canadian Education Standard (CES) in Architecture for entry to the profession. CACB grants and issues certification to applicants who meet the Education Standard and maintains a National Register of those certified and confidential records of all pertinent documentation for all applicants.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 8.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

    • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio Research

    • 0.5 FCE: Research Methods

    • 0.5 FCE: Design Technology

    • 2.0 FCEs: Technics and Planning

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice

  • 2.5 elective FCEs, of which 0.5 FCE must be in the History and Theory category.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

4 years full-time

MArch Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

The 1-year option within the MArch program is ideal for those who wish to undertake a graduate-level, academic research project, and independent of the pathway to professional licensure. Those who wish to become a licensed Architect should consider the 2- or 3-year program options above.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced studies in architecture beyond their professional degree.

• Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited architectural professional degree from a recognized university.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• The post-professional advanced-standing option does not grant a professionally accredited degree.

Program Requirements

• The course of study is a rigorous full-time, comprehensive program and prepares graduates for the full range of professional activities in architecture. The core program is extensive, and students are required to use their electives to develop an area of special skill and knowledge through an independent study program that culminates in a design thesis.

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Each student’s program of study must receive the approval of the Program Director and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted. Faculty members have research expertise in the following areas of interest, which students may pursue: Computation and Fabrication; Health and Society; and Sustainability and Environment.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • 0.5 FCE: ALA4010H Field Course

    • 0.5 FCE: ALA4020H Thesis Preparation

    • 1.0 FCE: ALA4021Y Thesis I

    • 1.5 FCE: ALA4022Y Thesis II

    • 0.5 FCE: ALA4030H Colloquium

  • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 1.0 FCE must be in the student's area of interest.

Program Length

2 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Not all electives are offered every year. Please check the timetable for current listings available.

Core Courses

Design Studio

Design Studio Research

Design Studio Thesis

Design Technology

History

Post Professional

Professional Practice

Research Methods

Technics and Planning

Visual Communication

Elective Courses

Architecture and Health

Computer Modelling

Design

History and Theory

Independent Study

Other

Professional Practice

Technics and Planning

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program in Architecture, Landscape, and Design engages students in advanced research from an intra-disciplinary approach to architecture, landscape, and urban design. The program addresses cultural, social, environmental, historical, and technological questions of the art and design disciplines and the built environment. The program is intended for students entering careers that demand a syncretic approach to research in design and related disciplines.

This full-time program normally begins in September.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate master's degree with an average grade of at least A–. A professional degree in a design discipline is highly desirable, but applicants with a master’s degree in a related discipline in the humanities and social sciences may be considered. An additional specialized program of study may be proposed for successful applicants without professional training.

• A writing sample in the form of a substantial research paper or publication.

• Recommendation from three referees.

• A two-page proposal that indicates a topic of research within a design discipline, possible sub-field(s) (if desired), and potential supervisors. Although letters of commitment from faculty members are not required, the proposed topic must be congruent with the interests and expertise of at least one member of the PhD standing committee. The admissions committee will obtain commitment from the potential supervisor before admitting an applicant, and the applicant will be informed of this in the letter of offer.

• A portfolio of creative work may also be requested where it is relevant to the applicant’s proposed area of research and the degree to which it may require technical skills typically gained in a professional degree program. For example, this could pertain to an applicant whose proposal includes producing renderings. Questions about whether to include a portfolio in an application should be directed to the Program Director or the applicant’s prospective supervisor prior to the application deadline.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) including:

  • ALD4030H Doctoral Research Colloquium (0.5 FCE).

  • ALD4040H Theories and Methods (0.5 FCE).

  • ALD4050H Research Practicum (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • ALD4060H Preparation for Thesis (0.5 FCE; Credit/No Credit).

  • 4.0 elective FCEs chosen from advanced (3000 and 4000 series) graduate-level courses offered by the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. Depending on their field of study, students may also take advanced graduate courses in cognate disciplines across the University, pending the approval of the Faculty and in consultation with their supervisors.

  • To complete the chosen thesis topic, students may be required to take additional courses or acquire other skills. This will be determined by the supervisor and the Director of Graduate Studies and may include competence in another language.

• Comprehensive examinations. All PhD students must complete a two-part comprehensive examination normally before their second Summer session. Successful completion of the examinations is required to achieve PhD candidacy. The exam's specific nature and scope are to be determined in consultation with the student's supervisor.

  • The first part, normally to be completed in the Summer session of Year 1, is to achieve breadth in the primary area of study so that the student can teach and conduct research within a larger chosen area within the design disciplines. This will usually involve preparing an annotated bibliography in consultation with the supervisor in the early Summer and writing the exam at the end of the Summer. The first part of the exam will consist of a written response to three questions.

  • The second part, normally to be completed during the second session of Year 2, is to achieve depth in a secondary area of study, within the Faculty or beyond, so that the student can master the context for the advanced research they plan to undertake for their thesis. For the secondary area of study, most students are expected to specialize in one area of study of the design disciplines (for example, architectural history). Alternatively, for this requirement students may focus on a secondary area of study. (For example, computational technologies.) This exam may be administered by a faculty member other than the supervisor, to be determined by the student in consultation with their supervisor. This second part can take one of two formats:

    • a second annotated bibliography to achieve depth in a sub-section of the primary area of study;

    • a course syllabus with readings and outlines of lectures, themes for tutorial discussions, as well as a minimum of three lectures drawn from across the syllabus.

  • Both parts of the examination are marked on a pass/fail basis. An oral examination will follow the completion of the second part of the exam. The oral examination will last no more than 90 minutes.

  • A second attempt of the comprehensive examinations will be allowed within six months, only on the recommendation of the student’s supervisor. If the student fails again, their registration will be terminated. The student must pass both parts of the comprehensive examinations before permission to submit a thesis proposal will be granted.

• Thesis. Following completion of the comprehensive exam, the student’s supervisory committee will be formed. This will take place no later than the Summer of Year 2 to allow the committee to advise on the development of the student’s thesis proposal.

  • No later than the beginning of Year 3, the student must submit to the PhD program director a thesis proposal that has been approved by the student’s supervisory committee. Once the thesis proposal has been approved, the student will achieve candidacy.

  • The doctoral candidate will then proceed to researching and writing the thesis. The student must meet with their thesis supervisory committee within three months of submitting the thesis proposal; thereafter, the candidate is required to meet at least once a year with the supervisory committee.

  • By the end of Year 4, the candidate should complete a thesis based on original research and the thesis should make a significant contribution to the area of study. The supervisory committee must approve the completed thesis before it is submitted for examination.

  • The candidate will defend the thesis at the Doctoral Final Oral Examination.

Program Length

4 years full-time

Time Limit

6 years full-time

Core Courses

Elective Courses

Not all electives are offered every year. Please check the timetable for current listings available from the Summer session. Electives are to be selected from advanced (3000 and 4000 series) graduate-level courses offered at the Daniels or other Faculties. These include the following:

Master of Landscape Architecture

Program Description

The Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) is a professional program that focuses on urban and regional landscape architecture within a studio-based curriculum. Integrated courses in design; visual communication and modelling; history, theory, and criticism; site engineering and material technologies; horticulture, ecology, hydrology; professional practice and research methods seminars, as well as options for electives, provide a comprehensive professional education in landscape architecture. The program prepares students with a strong base in the fundamentals of the profession, while fostering innovative thinkers able to work collaboratively with allied disciplines, in preparation for becoming the next generation of leaders in landscape architecture.

MLA Program (3-Year Option)

The 3-year option within the MLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become a Landscape Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A bachelor's degree (such as BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom) with a minimum average of mid-B.

• Some preparation or experience in architectural design or the creative arts is encouraged, but not required, such as hand or digital drawing, film or animation, graphic design, or sculpture. This program is suitable for those without formal training in design or the arts; graduates of any discipline are encouraged to apply.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 15.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 14.5 FCEs in core courses:

    • 4.0 FCEs: Design Studio

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Options

    • 1.5 FCEs: Design Studio Thesis

    • 2.0 FCEs: Visual Communication

    • 2.0 FCEs: History, Theory, Criticism

    • 1.5 FCEs: Technology

    • 1.5 FCEs: Environment

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice and Research Methods

  • 1.0 elective FCE.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

MLA Program (2-Year: Second-Year Advanced-Standing Option)

The 2-year option within the MLA program is accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Council. Graduates are eligible to begin the process of professional licensure to become a Landscape Architect in North America. The qualification is also transferable to many other countries and regions; students are advised to inquire with their local licensing body.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree in landscape architecture, architecture, architectural studies, or environmental design, or a comparable degree focusing on the design of landscapes and the built environment.

• Admission is based on the merits of the applicant's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the admissions committee.

• Admission to the advanced-standing option depends upon the student's previous coursework exempting them Year 1 of the MLA curriculum. If the student's coursework does not satisfy the Year 1 requirements, they may be considered for the 3-year option.

• Minimum previous completion of three design studio courses, two courses in digital visual representation (including Rhinoceros, Illustrator, Laser Cutting), two courses in landscape architecture history and theory (one in 20th-century), and two courses in landscape architecture site engineering (i.e., site grading) and planting design, horticulture, urban ecology, or forest ecology.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 9.5 FCEs in core courses as follows:

    • 2.0 FCEs: Design Studio

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio Options

    • 1.5 FCEs: Design Studio Thesis

    • 1.0 FCE: Visual Communication

    • 0.5 FCE: History, Theory, Criticism

    • 1.0 FCE: Technology

    • 1.5 FCEs: Environment

    • 1.0 FCE: Professional Practice and Research Methods

  • 1.0 elective FCE.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

MLA Program (1-Year: Post-Professional Advanced-Standing Option)

The 1-year option within the MLA program is ideal for those who wish to undertake a graduate-level, academic research project, independent of the pathway to professional licensure. Those who wish to become a licensed Landscape Architect should consider the 2- or 3-year program options above.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A post-professional advanced-standing option is available for students who are interested in pursuing advanced study beyond their professional degree.

• Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited professional degree in landscape from a recognized university.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

• The post-professional advanced-standing option does not grant a professionally accredited degree.

Program Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's registration in the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Each student’s program of study must receive the approval of the Program Director and, in general, shall consist of a research or design project on which a thesis must be submitted. Faculty members have research expertise in the following areas of interest, which students may pursue: Computation and Fabrication; Health and Society; and Sustainability and Environment.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.0 FCEs in core courses:

    • 0.5 FCE: ALA4010H Field Course

    • 0.5 FCE: ALA4020H Thesis Preparation

    • 1.0 FCE: ALA4021Y Thesis I

    • 1.5 FCE: ALA4022Y Thesis II

    • 0.5 FCE: ALA4030H Colloquium

  • 2.0 elective FCEs, of which 1.0 FCE must be in the student's area of interest.

Program Length

2 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Not all electives are offered every year. Please check the timetable for current listings available.

Core Courses

Design Studio

Environment

History, Theory, Criticism

Post Professional

Proseminar

Technology

Visual Communication

Elective Courses

Design

Environment

History, Theory, Criticism

Proseminar

Technology

Visual Communication

Master of Urban Design

Program Description

The Master of Urban Design (MUD) is a post-professional program that prepares architects and landscape architects for design-based research and professional practice at the urban and regional scales. The MUD program is committed to design as a primary medium of operation and research in a broad intellectual framework that includes geography, environmental studies, social sciences, media studies, economics, and engineering. It aims for responsible and creative design in the context of contemporary city and region building, with attention to new paradigms of urbanization, global economic restructuring, and information technology. The program emphasizes a coherent intellectual approach that is committed to analysis and critique and seeks to become the central Canadian forum for advanced research, design innovation, scholarship, criticism, and debate in urban design.

MUD Program (2-Year)

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• A professional degree in architecture (BArch or MArch) or landscape architecture (BLA, MLA). Applicants with a degree in urban planning (MCP, MUP, or MScPl) may be considered for admission if they are able to demonstrate design potential in their application portfolio. Applicants may be required to complete design and/or visual communication workshops before they begin the MUD program, to prepare them for the design studio component of the MUD curriculum.

• All applicants must submit a portfolio of design work for review. Admission is based on the merits of the applicant's overall academic background and strength of design portfolio as evaluated by the admissions committee.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

• Students study full-time, taking all required courses in each given session. An FZ (fail) in any one course, or a B– grade in two studio courses or in any three courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student's candidacy for the degree program.

• There is no additional language requirement other than proficiency in English on admission. Writing support is integrated into the program to develop specialized skills that are essential to effective learning and communication in the design fields.

• Progress in the program is dependent upon satisfactory completion of studio and required core courses in sequence. Exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Program Director, and in consultation with the Office of the Registrar and Student Services in the case of accessibility.

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 10.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 7.5 FCEs in core courses:

    • 1.0 FCE: Design Studio

    • 2.0 FCEs: Option Design Studio

    • 0.5 FCE: Thesis Preparation and Research

    • 1.5 FCEs: Design Thesis

    • 1.0 FCE: History, Theory, Criticism

    • 1.5 FCEs: other courses

  • 2.5 elective FCEs, of which 1.5 FCEs must be selected from offerings in the History, Theory, Criticism category.

Program Length

4 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Not all electives are offered every year. Please check the timetable for current listings available.

Core Courses

Design

History, Theory, Criticism

Other

Elective Courses

History, Theory, Criticism

Other

Master of Visual Studies

Program Description

The Master of Visual Studies (MVS) is a two-year, full-time professional program with two fields:

• Curatorial Studies: prepares students for contemporary curatorial practice through research-based scholarship and critical discourse.

• Studio: prepares students to further their contemporary art practices through research-based scholarship and critical discourse.

The program normally begins in September.

Field: Curatorial Studies

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree with significant coursework in humanities and cultural theory from a recognized university, or an appropriate BFA degree from a recognized university.

• Overall average of at least a B+.

• Applications must include:

  • artist's statement that includes a description of the proposed body of work in curatorial to be undertaken during the two-year program;

  • full curriculum vitae (CV) with details of exhibition, professional activity, and education;

  • documentation of recent curatorial work;

  • three letters of recommendation;

  • a critical writing sample;

  • transcripts;

  • a portfolio of previous work dependent on the field of future study.

• Applicants must present a portfolio with documentation of exhibitions including exhibition brochures, curatorial essays, announcement cards, and/or catalogues from curatorial work.

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.5 FCEs from the approved course list for Curatorial Studies.

  • 0.5 FCE MVS Proseminars.

  • 1.5 FCEs in electives. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student's advisor and are subject to the approval of the Program Director.

• The internship requirement is normally completed during the Summer session between Year 1 and Year 2.

• MVS Curatorial Studies students are supervised by an Advisory Panel made up of the Director of the Visual Studies program (or their designate), a graduate faculty member who will be considered to be the student's Principal Advisor, one of the University of Toronto's gallery directors, and an external reader chosen upon approval of the Principle Advisor and Program Director.

• The graduating thesis project is composed of an exhibition and a qualifying paper.

• An FZ (fail) in any one course or a B– grade in any two courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student’s registration in the degree program.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

Field: Studio

Minimum Admission Requirements

• Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design's additional admission requirements stated below.

• An appropriate bachelor's degree with significant coursework in humanities and cultural theory from a recognized university, or an appropriate BFA degree from a recognized university.

• Overall average of at least a B+.

• Applications must include:

  • artist's statement that includes a description of the proposed body of work in studio to be undertaken during the two-year program;

  • full curriculum vitae (CV) with details of exhibition, professional activity, and education;

  • documentation of recent studio work;

  • three letters of recommendation;

  • a critical writing sample;

  • transcripts;

  • a portfolio of previous work dependent on the field of future study.

• Applicants must present a portfolio with documentation of their artworks. Applicants will also include a fully annotated listing for all portfolio materials that provides detailed information about media, year of production, dimensions, part of a series, full running length (in the case of media artworks), and circumstances of display (in the case of installation works and performance works).

• Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

Program Requirements

• Coursework. Students must complete a total of 6.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

  • 4.5 FCEs from the approved course list for Studio.

  • 0.5 FCE MVS Proseminars.

  • 1.5 FCEs in electives. Elective courses are selected in consultation with the student's advisor and are subject to the approval of the Program Director.

• The internship requirement is normally completed during the Summer session between Year 1 and Year 2.

• MVS Studio students are supervised by an Advisory Panel made up of the Director of the Visual Studies program (or designate), a studio faculty member of the MVS program who is considered the student's Principal Advisor, a second MVS studio faculty member, and another faculty member (not necessarily a member of the MVS program). The Final Studio Thesis defence requires an external reader chosen upon approval of the Principal Advisor and Program Director.

• The graduating thesis project is composed of an exhibition and a qualifying paper.

• An FZ (fail) in any one course or a B– grade in any two courses normally results in a recommendation to the School of Graduate Studies to terminate the student’s registration in the degree program.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

MVS Curatorial Studies Courses

MVS Studio Courses

MVS Elective Courses