Admission Requirements
Master of Architecture
First Professional Degree Program
The Master of Architecture is a 3.5-year program intended for individuals with a bachelor's degree (in any discipline—BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom, et cetera) demonstrating high academic standing, and showing leadership potential in the field. The following courses are required for admission: secondary calculus, secondary physics, and university architectural history (half-credit). Preparation in the visual arts, such as drawing, sculpture, graphics, photography, film, or new media, as well as computing and advanced writing skills is recommended. The course of study is rigorous and comprehensive, preparing 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.
The MArch offers an advanced standing option for individuals who possess a four-year non-professional bachelor degree in architectural studies, environmental design, or comparable degree focusing on the built environment. Students must have previously completed, at minimum, three design studio courses, two courses in visual communications or representation, two courses in architecture history and theory (one in twentieth-century), and two courses in architectural technology and ecology. The course of study includes 12.5 FCE over five sessions (2.5 academic years), including two core design studios, two option design studios (4.0 FCE), thesis preparation and research (0.5 FCE), a design thesis (1.5 FCE), and five elective courses (2.5 FCE). 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. Each applicant to the MArch program with a suitable undergraduate degree will be evaluated for this option during the admissions process.
Post-Professional Option
The post-professional Master of Architecture (MArch) is an advanced design and research option for individuals already holding a professional degree in architecture. This option provides a challenging and rigorous forum for those wishing to extend and focus their previous education in architecture. It seeks a diverse range of applicants, particularly those holding the promise of professional and academic leadership.
The prerequisite for entry into the post-professional MArch is possession of an accredited professional degree in architecture from the University of Toronto or its equivalent from a recognized university. The post-professional Master of Architecture does not grant a professionally accredited degree; rather, a professional degree is a prerequisite for admission. Those wishing to verify the status in Canada of a professional architecture degree earned abroad should contact the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB): info@cacb.ca.
Master of Landscape Architecture
First Professional Degree Program
The MLA is a three-year professional program intended for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s degree (in any discipline—BA, BSc, BASc, BES, BFA, BCom, et cetera) with high academic standing, and demonstrated leadership potential in the field. Preference is given to individuals who have completed a balanced undergraduate education that includes study in the arts, sciences, and humanities. The following specific courses at the undergraduate level are highly recommended: biology/ecology, geography, English, and history. Preparation in the visual arts, such as drawing, sculpture, graphics, photography, film, or new media, as well as in computing and advanced writing is recommended.
Applicants holding an undergraduate or graduate degree in architecture, architectural design, architectural engineering, environmental design, or equivalent will be considered for the second year advanced standing option in the MLA. this decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the admissions committee based upon a review of the design portfolio in light of the candidate's academic and professional experience.
Post-Professional Option
The MLA offers a one-year, post-professional option for those individuals who are interested in pursuing advanced study beyond their professional degree. The prerequisite for entry with advanced standing into the third-year of the Master of Landscape Architecture is the possession of an accredited professional degree from a recognized university with a mid-”B” average in the final year of study. Applicants must have completed all requirements for an accredited professional degree. The program of study includes 5 credits over two terms (1.0 academic years) of study including a proseminar (0.5), thesis preparation and research (0.5), a design studio option (1.0), a design or research thesis (1.5), and three elective courses (0.5 each). The Post-Professional Option in the Master of Landscape Architecture does not grant a professionally accredited degree.
Individuals already holding a professional degree are encouraged to consider the post-professional Master of Landscape Architecture option or the Master of Urban Design program. Applicants holding an undergraduate or graduate degree in architecture, architectural design, architectural engineering, environmental design, or equivalent will be considered for the second year advanced standing option in the MLA. This decision is made on a case by case basis by the admissions committee based upon a review of the design portfolio in light of the candidate's academic and professional experience.
Master of Urban Design
The Master of Urban Design degree is a two-year post professional program open to those with a professional degree in architecture (BArch, MArch) or landscape architecture (BLA, MLA). Individuals with a degree in urban planning (MCP, MUP, or MScPL) may be considered for admission if their studies included a design specialization or if they have substantial professional design experience.
Bachelor of Arts, Architectural Studies