Urban Planning and GIS
Guelph Campus, Canada
Ontario College Diploma in Urban Planning and GIS
Conestoga College
Urban Planning and Geographic Information Systems
Program Overview: Urban Planning and GIS at Conestoga College
The Urban Planning and GIS diploma program at Conestoga College is a two-year program designed to introduce you to the vital role urban and regional planners play in developing and improving human settlements. You will discover how sectors such as housing, transportation, parks, and industry interconnect and how these activities affect the natural environment and the well-being of communities.
Throughout this program, you will learn to apply planning theory and geographic information systems to shape the urban form. The curriculum equips you with hands-on skills in computer-aided design, spatial data management, demographic analysis, and land use planning to prepare you for a career in urban development.
Conestoga College, located in Kitchener, Ontario, is recognized as one of Canada's leading polytechnic institutions, offering over 200 programs with a strong emphasis on career-focused education and industry partnerships. This program benefits from the college's modern labs and close ties to local industry, providing you with practical, job-ready skills.
Key Program Highlights
- Hands-on training in GIS software, CAD tools, and spatial analysis used by professional urban planners
- Comprehensive curriculum covering land use planning, transportation, environmental assessment, and community development
- Learn to create professional maps, plans, and reports in both 2D and 3D using industry-standard technology
- Graduate with practical skills in field surveys, demographic data evaluation, and evidence-informed planning decisions
Curriculum and Modules
The Urban Planning and GIS curriculum is structured across four semesters over two years, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. You will progress from foundational GIS and planning concepts to advanced spatial analysis, land development design, and capstone projects that simulate real-world planning scenarios.
An introduction to GIS using standard software urban planners use, covering mapping fundamentals, data structures, topology, projections, and spatial and non-spatial queries.
Focuses on designing practical land development projects that meet stakeholder requirements and adhere to municipal and provincial policies, both manually and digitally.
Develops your ability to use CAD software to create maps, plans, and reports in 2D and 3D for urban planning applications.
Teaches you to evaluate demographic, environmental, and economic data to support evidence-informed planning decisions for urban and rural communities.
Covers research methodologies and field survey techniques to gather data for urban and rural planning reports and documents.
Elective Options
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Urban Planning and GIS diploma program requires completion of secondary school or equivalent qualifications. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu, where our team will guide you through every step of the process and help ensure your documents meet the program's requirements.
Academic Requirements
- Minimum EducationGrade 12 / High School Diploma or equivalent
- English RequirementGrade 12 compulsory English, C or U level, or equivalent
- Mathematics RequirementGrade 11 Mathematics, C or U level, or equivalent
- Academic StrengthCalculated by averaging submitted marks of required subjects; minimum cut-offs apply
- Preparatory PathwayConestoga Preparatory Communications or Preparatory Mathematics courses accepted as equivalents
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.0 (no band below 5.5) or equivalent
- TOEFL iBTOverall 80, with minimum 20 in each section
- PTE AcademicContact Uni4Edu for current minimum score requirements
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Conestoga College administers over 400 awards, bursaries, and scholarships worth more than CAD 4.6 million each year, including options available to international students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for funding opportunities that match your profile.
International Regional Entrance Scholarship
CAD 1,500 - CAD 3,000Automatically considered for all international students beginning studies in Fall, Winter, or Spring terms. Recipients are ranked based on past academic performance and highest academic average.
International Entrance Excellence Scholarship
Awarded to international students based on exceptional past academic performance. Applicants are automatically considered upon enrollment and no separate application is required.
CSI Leadership Awards
CAD 2,500Available to students who have demonstrated leadership in areas such as community service, international engagement, intercultural understanding, intellectual pursuits, or artistic and athletic endeavours.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Urban Planning and GIS program are well-prepared for a range of roles in municipal planning departments, consulting firms, conservation authorities, and technology companies. Conestoga College's emphasis on applied, career-focused education and strong industry connections supports strong graduate employment outcomes in the Waterloo Region and across Ontario.
Potential Job Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Conestoga College is recognized as one of Canada's leading polytechnic institutions, consistently earning top rankings for applied education, graduate employment, and student satisfaction. As a publicly funded college, it does not typically appear in traditional global university rankings but holds prominent positions in Canadian college-specific rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Research | Research Infosource | Top 19 in Canada |
| Co-operative Education | CourseCompare | Top 3 in Canada |
| Cybersecurity Programs | CourseCompare | #1 in Canada |
| Graduate Employment Rate | Ontario KPI Data | 87% |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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