Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies

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Urban Studies (GDUS)

Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies

Faculty:Arts and Social Sciences
Degree:Post-diploma
Field of Study:Urban Studies/Affairs
Course Based:Yes
Length:1 Year(s)

Description:

The diploma requires students to complete 24 units of URB courses, which usually means six courses. Students may substitute one or two graduate urban courses from other departments, with permission of the Urban Studies Program. There are no required courses and students do not complete a research project. Students enrolled in the diploma may later apply to transfer to the master's program. The diploma may be completed in three semesters (two courses per semester), or one calendar year, if pursuing studies full-time. For part-time studies, six semesters (one course per semester), or two calendar years, is typical.

Prerequisites:

These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    An undergraduate cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required for application. Because admission to our M.Urb program is competitive, successful applicants often have substantially higher CGPAs than the minimum requirement. Competition for our graduate diploma is less intense and can be a stepping stone to a future M.Urb application. We welcome applications from students with a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. While many of our students hold an undergraduate degree in the social sciences that is directly relevant to the study of cities, we have also admitted students with academic backgrounds in the humanities, sciences, engineering and fine arts, especially when they have urban-related academic, professional or community experience.
    Test Scores:
    • International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 7] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Paper Based) [min. 580] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 93]
    Application Notes : English is the language of instruction and communication at the University. Accordingly, an applicant whose primary language is not English must demonstrate command of English sufficient to pursue graduate studies in the chosen field. Applicants normally will be required to achieve a minimum score of 7.0 on the International English LanguageTest System (IELTS - the academic NOT the general test) with a minimum of 6.5 in each section. The Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL) may be used as an equivalent test provided a score of 93 or better is achieved with a minimum of 20 in each section (TOEFL-internet based exam), or TOEFL 580 and the Test of Written English(TWE) 5.0 (paper-based). All test scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test. Some graduate programs have higher English Language Proficiency requirements as described elsewhere in this Calendar.

    International applicants whose primary language is not English will not be required to complete an English-language test if they have completed a degree at an institution where the language of instruction and examination was in English in a country where English is the primary language.

    An applicant requesting a waiver of the English language proficiency test should do so in writing and submit it with their application. The Dean of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the department, will make determinations in these cases. It should be noted that in order to maintain a high academic standard, very few waivers are granted. Therefore, it is recommended that those applicants whose primary language is not English submit an English language proficiency test with their application.

    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Statement of Research Interests

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on October 06, 2022