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Canada’s architecture and planning sectors are booming, demanding a new generation of skilled professionals, and at Dalhousie University, the Faculty of Architecture and Planning is uniquely positioned to equip you with the skills needed to excel in these competitive industries.
Nestled in the vibrant city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie is recognised for its outstanding quality of research and innovation. A place where education transcends theory and embraces real-world experience, Dalhousie is where students become part of a community committed to positive global impact.
“My education at Dalhousie was instrumental in developing design philosophies, guiding principles, and aesthetic sensibilities,” says BoHua Zhang, Faculty graduate and Director of Project Delivery at HCMA. “Both the Bachelor of Environmental Design Study and the Master of Architecture Studies provided me with a solid foundation in architectural theory, technical skills, and design principles. The curriculum emphasised critical thinking and creative problem-solving, which are essential through practice.”
Whether you’re a high school graduate or possess a previous degree, the faculty offers accredited programs tailored to your ambitions. The School of Planning has a Bachelor of Community Design (BCD), a Master of Planning (MPlan), and a Master of Planning Studies. The School of Architecture offers a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies (BEDS) and a Master of Architecture (MArch). Both schools provide a robust foundation in design methodologies, practical skills, and the critical thinking needed to excel in your chosen field.
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Dalhousie has one of the few architecture and planning programs in Canada that offer cooperative education as part of its curriculum. Nationally accredited by peers and highly respected by employers, the faculty’s co-op program, managed by Dalhousie’s Work-Integrated Learning and Co-operative Education (WIL Co-op) office, acts as a bridge between university and professional practice ensuring students graduate with a competitive edge. BEDS, MArch, and MPlan students learn their craft hands-on and gain real-world experience in job placements across Canada and abroad, while BCD Honours students participate in internship placements. With a 2:1 ratio of jobs to students and a placement rate exceeding 95%, co-op work opportunities for architecture and planning students are plentiful. The work opportunities available are particularly valuable for international students, granting them direct access to top employers and fostering essential professional networks.
“The work experience that students gain through the co-op program at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Architecture and Planning provides them with valuable skills and insights that are instrumental to their success in the field,” says Connor Wallace, Faculty graduate and Principal at ZZap Architecture + Planning. “At ZZap, we take pride in offering opportunities for students to develop job-ready skills and prepare for the complex challenges associated with city building.”
Just ask Kate Greene, a Master of Urban and Rural Planning graduate. “For my co-op at Dalhousie, I was able to be part of Professor Jill Grant’s research work team,” she says. “Jill’s research work was focused on supporting practising planners and providing a strong link between the work planners of the day, generating practice-based research, and providing practical advice to professionals. I still rely on Jill’s work to guide me in my work today.”
In addition to their outstanding co-op program, students in the faculty are granted experiential learning opportunities through coursework. For instance, the MPlan program includes an annual International Field Trip, which introduces students to the practicalities of planning through visits to planning offices, tours of relevant sites, and cultural immersion. Students can also collaborate with the PEACH Research Unit, exploring how planning can create more equitable, accessible, and healthy communities through work with municipalities, non-profit organisations, and community associations. These projects are seamlessly integrated into the BCD and MPlan programs.
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The faculty’s architecture students take a course called Free Lab, during which they work in teams with community members and industry professionals, tackling critical projects that shape the built environment, including small builds, landscape installations, material development, films, and performances, to name a few.
By combining academic rigour with practical experience, the Faculty of Architecture and Planning empowers its students to become the next generation of leaders in the field who can make a difference.
Interested in gaining the skills needed to become a leader in this industry? Learn more and apply to the Faculty of Architecture and Planning today.
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