📖Introduction

The University of Guelph is a comprehensive public research university located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. It is recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, life sciences, environmental sciences, business, and the arts. The university is committed to providing a transformative learning experience and fostering a supportive community for its students. With a focus on research, innovation, and community engagement, the University of Guelph prepares students to address global challenges and contribute to society.

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📚About the Program

Rural Planning and Development offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science in Rural Planning and Development (MSc) and Master of Planning (MPlan). Both programs provide the opportunity for graduate study, research and professional development in: Canadian rural planning and development; or International rural planning and development. Show less
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📖Program Curriculum

RPD*6030 International Rural Development Planning: Principles and Practices Unspecified [0.50]
This course presents the scope and nature of international development planning and alternative roles for development planners; has a rural emphasis; reviews the evolution of development planning from macroeconomic beginnings to more integrated local planning approaches; examines the development planning process and its organizational and spatial dimensions; compares policy, program, project, sectoral and integrated area planning; and compares rural development planning in market, mixed and state-driven societies.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6050 Professional Practice in Development and Planning Unspecified [0.50]
This course offers a planned but flexible program for developing skills that are relevant to professional practice in the rural planning and development field. It also fills the skill knowledge gaps for students who cannot take full courses. Students, in consultation with their Academic Advisor, asses their knowledge and skills need and aquire them through selected 'modules'.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6070 Project Development: Principles, Procedures, and Selected Methods Methods Unspecified [0.50]
This course introduces students to the principles, procedures and methods in developing a project. It examines the project cycle: identification, preparation, appraisal, implementation/supervision, monitoring and evaluation. It gives an understanding of the major methods involved and teaches selected methods. The focus is on the international, rural context and on small non-farm projects: small industries, small physical infrastructure and social projects.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6080 Environment and Development: Biophysical Resources and Sustainable Development in Rural Environments Unspecified [0.50]
This course will examine the problems and potential for ecologically sustainable development in the context of rural development planning particularly in the Third World environments. The course critically examines the strategic planning approaches and methods which involve the interaction between social systems and natural ecosystems in the context of planned intervention and change in rural environments.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6170 Rural Research Methods Unspecified [0.50]
The course provides rural planning and development professionals with a number of theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to problem solving in rural Canadian and international contexts. The course content provides an introduction to hypothesis development, data collection, analytical frameworks, research management, and information synthesis and presentation methodologies that are appropriate to the practicing rural planner and developer. It views the roles of the researcher and research as interventionist and intervention in the rural community. Research methods are discussed as an integral and supporting part of the planning and development process.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6220 Planning and Development Policy Analysis Unspecified [0.50]
Planning and development policy has experienced a significant evolution. This course examines the history of policy, and the theory, methods and processes of policy development and governance in planning and management of environment and resources.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6240 Planning and Development Theory Unspecified [0.50]
Examines basic concepts, theories and perspectives in rural planning and development. A conceptual examination of 'rural', 'planning' and 'development' precedes an examination of how rural planning and development is viewed from alternative, often conflicting theories of rural change and planned intervention. The implications for practice are discussed.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6250 Foundations in Rural Planning Practice Fall Only [0.50]
This course provides an introduction to rural planning practice. This includes: i) Concepts in Public Administration - The structure, responsibility and functions of public sector administration and government. ii) The workings of local government. iii) Rural Planning Practice - An introduction to planning and development in rural regions and small municipalities.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6260 Land Use Planning Law Unspecified [0.50]
An introduction to the legal tools used to regulate the use of land and other resources. Zoning, subdivision controls, development control, land banking, expropriation, planning appeals, official maps, etc. An intensive study of the Ontario Planning Act and related legislation.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6280 Advanced Planning Practice Winter Only [0.50]
This course explores current issues, techniques, legislation and processes that are relevant to rural planning practice. A number of specific municipal (local and regional) rural planning examples will be presented. Comparisons between different jurisdictions will be reviewed. Students will be engaged in project-based learning.

Prerequisite(s): RPD*6250
Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6290 Special Topics in Rural Planning and Development Unspecified [0.50]
Selected study topics focus on the nature of rural planning and development issues and/or practices in Canadian and/or International small communities and rural environments. Among the topics which may be addressed are: rural land use planning, ecological restoration, gender analysis in development planning, GIS in agricultural development, micro-credit, physical/site planning and design, project management.

Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6291 Rural Development Administration Unspecified [0.50]
This course explores the administration of rural development by considering the main organizational types delivering rural programs. The structure and behaviour of these organizations, their interactions, and their respective sectors will be considered. Students will also be introduced to administrative planning tools.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6310 Environmental Impact Assessment Unspecified [0.50]
This course deals with the role of environmental impact assessments and statements in the planning, development and operation of resource projects. Topics discussed include the philosophical and institutional basis for environmental impact assessments, methods used and the effects of such assessments on resource development projects.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Landscape Architecture, Capacity Development & Extension, Rural Planning and Rural Studies students.
Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6320 Water Resource Management Unspecified [0.50]
The course provides an assessment of the processes and principles which underlie comprehensive water resource planning and integrated basin management. It also undertakes to evaluate current practice in the context of integrated planning. There is extensive use of Canadian and international practice.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Landscape Architecture, Capacity Development & Extension, Rural Planning and Rural Studies students.
Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6360 Major Research Paper Unspecified [1.00]
Students not pursuing the thesis route must satisfactorily complete a Major Research Paper. The paper will be supervised by a faculty committee. Content of the paper will generally focus on the placement of a problem in rural planning and development practice using appropriate methodological and analytical procedures. Note: This is a one semester course and must be completed in the semester of registration.

Restriction(s): Restricted to Rural Planning Development course-work/MRP students.
Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6370 Economic Development Planning and Management for Rural Communities Unspecified [0.50]
Theories and perspectives of local economic development, particularly community-based planning for rural economic development. Economic development within a community development framework, and challenges of sustainable development. Interdisciplinary perspectives and alternative approaches to professional planning practice, strategic planning, management and organizational design/development issues. Alternative economic concepts and perspectives are critically examined. Includes international case studies.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6380 Application of Quantitative Techniques in Rural Planning and Development Unspecified [0.50]
Analysis and application of standard quantitative, statistical and computer-based techniques utilized in rural planning and development. Problems of data collection, analysis and interpretation.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6390 Rural Social Planning Unspecified [0.50]
This course will provide students who have an interest in social development with an avenue for linking that interest to the policy, planning and intervention process.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6410 Readings in Rural Planning Development Unspecified [0.50]
A program of supervised independent study related to the student's area of concentration. Nature and content of the readings course are agreed upon between the student and the instructor, and are subject to the approval of the student's advisory committee and graduate committee.

Restriction(s): Instructor consent required.
Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
RPD*6450 Recreation and Tourism Planning and Development Unspecified [0.50]
This course is intended to instruct the student in the principles of planning for recreation and tourism development. Emphasis is placed on the economic and social benefits and costs that accrue from tourism and recreation development. Planning principles are applied to this context.

Department(s): School of Environmental Design and Rural Development
Location(s): Guelph
Elective Courses
Students are to select their electives from the following list of RPD and EDRD knowledge and skills courses. This list of electives is modified from time to time by the RPD Graduate Program Committee, and the student should contact the Graduate Program Committee for the current list of available electives. An RPD core course from outside your field can also be taken as an elective. Two electives may be selected from other courses offered within SEDRD (e.g. CDE or LARC) or by other University departments which are not included below.

Course List
Code Title Credits
RPD*6070 Project Development: Principles, Procedures, and Selected Methods Methods 0.50
RPD*6080 Environment and Development: Biophysical Resources and Sustainable Development in Rural Environments 0.50
RPD*6220 Planning and Development Policy Analysis 0.50
RPD*6280 Advanced Planning Practice 0.50
RPD*6290 Special Topics in Rural Planning and Development 0.50
RPD*6310 Environmental Impact Assessment 0.50
RPD*6320 Water Resource Management 0.50
RPD*6370 Economic Development Planning and Management for Rural Communities 0.50
RPD*6390 Rural Social Planning 0.50
RPD*6410 Readings in Rural Planning Development 0.50
RPD*6450 Recreation and Tourism Planning and Development 0.50
EDRD*6000 Qualitative Analysis in Rural Development 0.50
EDRD*6050 Farming Systems Analysis and Development 0.50
EDRD*6100 Disaster Planning and Management 0.50
EDRD*6630 Regional Planning 0.50
EDRD*6690 Program Evaluation 0.50

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🏫About University of Guelph

The University of Guelph, situated in Guelph, Ontario, is known for its strong agricultural and veterinary science programs. However, it also offers a diverse range of academic disciplines across various faculties, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, and social sciences. Guelph is renowned for its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, providing students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.

🏠 Accommodation

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

How to book:

  • Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
  • Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it
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💰 Fees

Application Fee:

230 RMB

Tuition fee:

37,500 CAD per year

112,500 CAD in total

Entry Requirements

You are not eligible to apply to this program because:

The minimum age is 18.

English fluency is required.
You need to be either:
- A native English speaker
- Studied in English at high school or a degree
- Have passed IELTS level 6.5 or TOEFL 95 or above.

Minimum education level: Bachelor's.

The program is competitive, you need to have a high grades of Average A, 70%, or a high GPA.

All students from all countries are eligible to apply to this program.

Is this not correct? You can edit your profile or contact us.
Or see the list of programs you are eligible for here .
Check Your Eligibility Show Suitable Programs

📬 Admissions Process

3 Steps to Apply to a University

Application step 1

Application step 2

Application step 3

Please choose the programs here , "You are advised to select 2-3 programs to increase your chances of getting accepted.

Required Documents:

  • Passport
  • Graduation certificate
  • Passport size photo
  • Official transcript
  • Personal statement
  • English certificate (You can take the English test online)
  • Guarantor letter
  • 2 Recommendation letters

Preparing documents:

You can start your application now and send the application documents during your application. Some documents you can send later if you don’t have them right away. Some more info about preparing application documents is here

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Application process:

Applying Online is simple in just a few steps. More information is available here.

The first steps are to choose the programs, pay the application fee and upload the application documents.

Once submitted to Global Admissions, we will review your application within 2-3 days and proceed to the university or ask you for further clarification

After it has been processed to the university you will receive your unique application ID from each university.

The university may contact you directly for further questions.

We will then follow up each week with the university for updates. As soon as there is any update we will let you know. If you have made other plans, decide to withdraw / change address at any time please let us know.

After you have been accepted you will receive your admissions letter electronically and asked to pay the non-refundable deposit to the university.

Once you have paid the deposit the university will issue you the admissions letter and visa form to your home country.

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Here is some more information about the enrollment process after you have been accepted.

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