Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning

Program Overview

Participate in building sustainable, harmonious, democratic communities through environmental design and planning. Engagement with people and place responsibly, respectfully and creatively is cultivated through the education and experience of Fanshawe’s Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning program. This pragmatic degree connects design thinking to learning and doing through case studies and community-based projects. In conjunction with co-op work semesters, you prepare for a rewarding career locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

international only

PGWP

Yes

CIP Code

04.0401

Program Details

Program Code

BED1

Credential:

Degree

Duration

120 weeks

Canadian Students International Students

Canadian Students

Start Dates

Locations

Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September

London

Open

2024 September

London

Closed

International Students

Start Dates

Locations

Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 September

London

Open

2024 September

London

Closed

Your Learning Experience

The Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning (BEDP) degree offers learning within four integrated academic cores: environmental design, planning, geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided design and communication. Emphasis is on the use of GIS for context analysis and computer-aided design visualization. The curriculum has artistic and scientific appeal. Students explore, analyze, conceptualize and present design and planning problems, opportunities, ideas and solutions. Sustainability is a program principle for action. It informs design and planning goals related to places’ ecological, economic, socio-cultural and aesthetic dimensions and is demonstrated through applied community projects.

This four-year, honours degree combines the theory, knowledge and techniques of landscape architecture, urban design and planning with training in geographic information systems and computer-aided design. Become proficient in the application of industry-standard digital technologies and cutting-edge design and communication methods to real world problem-solving and presentation of ideas.

Work on case studies and community-based projects with sustainability in mind. Through this environmental design program, you may participate in four co-operative work placements, applying your academic and experiential knowledge and skills to community projects. A capstone project culminates the degree. It requires you to demonstrate proficiency in problem identification, analysis, conceptualization and communication of your design-thinking and solutions. Academic projects and four work terms (one a compulsory co-op placement) allow students to apply their learning and gain valuable practical experience leading to careers in both the private and public sectors upon graduation. Alternatively, the BEDP degree qualifies one for graduate studies in allied fields: architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, planning, geographic information systems/science and geodesign.

Graduation qualifies you for private sector employment with planning and GIS consultants, landscape architects and developers; or in the public sector, with municipalities, conservation authorities and provincial ministries. The degree also prepares you for graduate academic programs.

Co-op Opportunities & Career Information

Co-op Opportunities

The Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning program offers a cooperative education component to provide students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand workplace experience in their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of some Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning students before even graduating!

Junior Urban Planner
Prepare and submit development applications, evaluations, zoning and plan reviews and coordinate consultation programs.

Junior Landscape Designer
Perform site reviews, develop conceptual plans, complete contract documents, prepare presentation material, assist senior landscape architects in all aspects of project work.

GIS Technician/Analyst
Assist planning and implementing GIS solutions. GIS usage on many of the ArcGIS platforms including data management on ArcGIS Desktop (and ArcGIS Pro) and building maps and dashboards with ArcGIS Online.

Technical Assistant/Asset Management
Support the development of the Asset Management Plan, with respect to capital projects, plans, and programs as required. Support the long-term planning of infrastructure renewals through primary data collection, asset condition assessments, and database management.

For more information regarding co-op, please check out our co-op site or contact the Co-op Office at coop@fanshawec.ca to connect with a consultant.

Career Information

Graduates of Fanshawe’s Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning program are well prepared to pursue a range of dynamic design and planning careers in both the private and public sectors, including:

urban design
urban, rural and regional planning
landscape architecture
geographic information systems/science
environment animation

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?

Here are some examples of entry-level career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning program:

Municipal Planning Position
Review development applications, prepare reports to council, assist senior staff with planning studies, conduct site reviews.

Planning and Urban Design Technician
Responsible for data management and analysis, the preparation of maps and report figures, and preparing conceptual site designs and layouts.

Landscape Architectural Intern
Participate in the full range of landscape architectural project work under the direction of a senior landscape architect.

Planning and GIS Technician
Work with the Geographic Information System to develop and maintain Web GIS applications, create and maintain spatial data, complete data analysis and produce mapping products.

Solid Waste Planning Co-ordinator
Responsible for the preparation of recommendations and reports related to solid waste management including collecting and synthesizing information, undertake research, formulating practical solutions and strategies.

The Ontario Association of Landscape Architects website notes employment opportunities for graduates.

Progression Chart

	Sept-Dec	Jan-Apr	May-Aug
Year 1	Academic Term 1	Academic Term 2	Work Term 1
Year 2	Academic Term 3	Academic Term 4	Work Term 2
Year 3	Academic Term 5	Academic Term 6	Work Term 3
Year 4	Work Term 4	Academic Term 7	Academic Term 8

The combination of technical expertise with theoretical knowledge gave me the skills I needed to enter and excel in the world of environmental design immediately after graduation, including landscape architecture, planning, and GIS. The degree also provided the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree. The novel approach to learning and the dedicated faculty at Fanshawe were vital to my success upon graduating.

Alex Waffle (Graduate, 2012)

BAA (2012, now BEDP), MLA, OALA Landscape Architect and President, Earthscape Play

See student work

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Identify the varied nature and characteristics of sites, neighbourhoods, communities and regions.

2. Investigate and analyse complex environmental planning and design problems.

3. Conceptualize and propose solutions to environmental planning and design problems.

4. Evaluate proposed solutions to environmental planning and design problems/opportunities.

5. Participate in the full range of environmental planning and design activities such as land development and municipal planning.

6. Facilitate participatory environmental planning and design activities such as public meetings and workshops.

7. Apply planning and design principles in general, and more specifically those related to sustainability, ecology and environmental aesthetics, to the planning and design of the built and natural environment.

8. Apply contemporary digital technologies such as geographic information systems and computer-aided design to the investigation, analysis and communication of environmental design problems/opportunities and the presentation of design solutions.

9. Create professional quality written and graphic documentation such as reports, plans and presentations.

10. Communicate effectively using various digital media such as computer-aided design, visualization software and geographic information systems.

Academic School

School of Design

Program Coordinator:

Sara Bellaire

Pathways

Transfer Opportunities

Study & Work Abroad

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature applicant with the following courses

- Grade 12 English (U)

- Five additional Grade 12 (U or M) courses

- Final minimum average of 65% based on the highest six Grade 12 (U or M) courses

Applicants with Post-secondary Education

- Applicants who have successfully completed a two-year diploma at an accredited college with an overall GPA of 2.5 will be considered as having met the admission requirements if they also have grade 12 (or equivalent) U level English course.

- Applicants applying from a university with a minimum average of 65% in the last ten full credit or full credit equivalent courses will be considered as having met the admission requirements if they also have grade 12 (or equivalent) U level English course.

Applicants missing the required courses may want to consider our General Arts and Science - One Year program where they can earn Grade 12, U level credits.

Note: Qualifying graduates of the GIS and Urban Planning or Landscape Design diploma programs have the option to receive advanced standing into this degree program.

International Admission Equivalencies

Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:

A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 88 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0 in in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 70, with test results within the last two years
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 59, with test results within the last two years
A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 176 with no language skill less than 169, with test results within the last two years
An English Language Evaluation (ELE) at Fanshawe College with a minimum score of 75% in all sections of the test, with test results within the last two years.
Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9 or 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10

Recommended Academic Preparation

Grade 11 Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology (C) or (U)
Grade 11 or Grade 12 Visual Arts (M)
Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science (U)
Grade 12 Computer Science (U)
Grade 11 Media Arts (M) or (O)
Grade 11 Presentation and Speaking Skills (O)
Grade 12 Media Arts (M)
Any Grade 12 Geography (U) or (M)
Any Grade 12 Mathematics (U) or (M)
Any Grade 12 Science (U) or (M)

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:

Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Achievement in Post-Secondary Studies* (if applicable)

Note:

*Applicants currently enrolled in a university or who have previously attended university or other post-secondary institutions and are applying to transfer into the Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning program are considered on the basis of their post-secondary standing. Specifically, applicants currently enrolled in a university or who have previously attended university must maintain a minimum average of 65.0% in the last ten full credit or full credit equivalent courses in order to be considered for admission. Applicants with less than ten full credit courses must maintain a minimum average of 65.0% in all courses in order to be considered for admission.

Ministry Consent and Accreditation

President: P. Devlin, CMM, MSC, CD, HBA, MSS
Senior Vice-President Academic Services: G. Lima, MA
Vice-President Student Services: M. Beaudoin, BA, MLS
Dean, Faculty of Creative Industries: Silvana Macdonald, PhD
Associate Dean, School of Design: Melanie Neerhof, MA
Faculty:

S. Bellaire, BLA, MES, OALA, CSLA

A. Clark, BA, GIS AS, MA, PhD

C. Harrington, BA, MSA

E. Paddle, BFA, MLA, PhD

W. Pol, BAA, MPA, RPP, MCIP

S. Stephenson, BLA, MBA, PhD

L. Sutherland, BSc, MLIS

C. Wilmink, BSc, MLA, PEng

A. Wilson, BES, MLA, OALA, BCSLA, CSLA

Within the program, breadth courses are taught by a variety of faculty with graduate credentials in Social Sciences, Humanities and Sciences.

Fanshawe College has been granted a consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this degree program for a seven-year term starting September 2020. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Courses

Core Courses
Take all of the following Mandatory (Core) Courses: The Minimum Cumulative GPA for Core Courses is 2.5
Group 1
LEVEL 1 In addition to the following mandatory courses, please refer to the Non-Core Level 1 requirement below
DESG-7025	Environmental Design Fundamentals	3.5
Design is a creative, problem-solving process by which ideas are given physical form. In a studio setting, students will be introduced to and then explore abstractly and as drawn from history, spatial design topics such as geometry, representation, proportion, scale, space and landscape. Design thinking, seeing and expression is taught through drawing, graphic design, model-making and photography using manual and digital tools and methods.
PLAN-7001	Environmental Design & Planning History	3
The history of environmental planning and design course explores the history of the landscape architecture and community planning professions in the Canadian context. History is presented as an evolution of ideas, theories or concepts influencing Canadian landscapes and manifested physically in the built and natural environments. A survey of Canadian landscapes, provides students with the historical knowledge necessary to better understand, analyze and critique environmental planning and design practice and the past, present and imagined future state of our designed and planned environments.
METH-7013	GIS 1	2.5
This introductory course through the use of lecture and workshop/assignment will guide the student in understanding and learning how to use a geographic information system (GIS). Through lectures the structure of a GIS, data acquisition, processing, storage, display and analysis will be covered with a focus on the application of GIS to urban and rural planning. The student will work with tables, layers, data views, layout views, labeling and legends using a GIS software (ESRI ArcMap) to answer real-world questions related to environmental design and land use planning and will prepare finished and labelled maps with supporting tables or charts.
GRAF-7005	Design Visualization 1	3
Design is a creative, problem-solving process by which ideas are given physical form. In a studio setting, students will be introduced to and then explore abstractly and as drawn from history spatial design topics such as geometry, representation, proportion, scale, space and landscape. Design thinking, seeing and expression is taught through drawing, graphic design, model-making and photography using manual and digital tools and methods.
COOP-1021	Co-Op Educ. Employment Prep	1
This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term.

View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs

$29,758.00

Total Cost of Program

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International Costs

$69,226.48

Total Cost of Program

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*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

Honours Bachelor of Environmental Design and Planning (Co-op)