Bachelor of Environmental Design

Admission to the Environmental Design program (ENDS) is based on a composite of information including academic performance, portfolio review, letters of reference, biographical statement, and the admissions questionnaire. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to select students who best demonstrate the ability to succeed in this demanding program. In all cases the decision of the committee is final. Please note that the number of qualified applicants significantly exceeds the amount of positions available. Fulfillment of the minimum entry requirements, therefore, does not guarantee admission.

Admission Requirements
 

Admission to the Bachelor of Environmental Design program is open to both applicants with a Bachelor’s degree and to applicants with a minimum of 60 credits that are transferable to the University of British Columbia. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Within the minimum 60 credits, students must complete:

  • 6 credits of English in literature and composition
  • 6 credits of geography (physical geography is highly recommended)

All prospective applicants to UBC need to meet the English language requirement to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. Please refer to the Admissions section of the Enrolment Services website to see how to meet this requirement.

A minimum academic average of 75% is required on the most recent 30 credits (or equivalent) of completed college/university level courses, calculated on grades received by the document deadline.

UBC Students Transferring Programs

Within the required 60 credits UBC students are recommended to take the following courses to meet the English and geography requirements.

UBC Vancouver students are recommended to take:

  • ENGL 110 and one of ENGL 112, ENGL 100, or ASTU 150 for 6 credits of English
  • GEOB 102 and GEOB 103 for 6 credits of geography

UBC Okanagan students are recommended to take:

  • ENGL 112 and ENGL 113 for 6 credits of English
  • GEOG 108 and GEOG 109 for 6 credits of geography

College/University Transfer Applicants

Prospective transfer applicants should enroll in a college/university program of their choice at a recognized post-secondary institution that offers transferable coursework to UBC. Transfer credits are evaluated on a course-by-course basis at the time of application. Students seeking transfer from a BC college or university should refer to the BC Transfer Guide which details BC college and university courses that transfer to UBC. Transfer applicants should refer to the Admissions section of the Enrolment services website for more detailed information about the transfer process to UBC. 

Previous Degree Holders

Applicants who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree are not required to meet the English and geography requirement. Please note, however, that the ENDS program is not intended for those applicants qualified to apply at the masters level in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Planning.

Application Process
 

To apply to the Bachelor of Environmental Design program, applicants are required to submit an online application and all required documents.

Application Deadlines

The next application deadline is January 31, 2013. The deadline for all supporting documents is February 15, 2013.

Application Fees

Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents: $61.20 CDN
UBC Students Changing Programs: $61.20 CDN
International Applicants: $102.00 CDN
Application fees are non-refundable. 

Application Form

New applicants to UBC must complete an online application via the Enrolment Services website. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email acknowledging the application with UBC student number, list of required documents, and information for accessing the Student Service Centre.

Current UBC students or students who have previously attended UBC must complete the “Application for Readmission/Change of Faculty” form via the Student Service Centre.

Required Documents
 

Biographical Statement

A biographical summary (in resume form) outlining work, travel, and other relevant experiences.

Statement of Interest

A one-page statement outlining the interest(s) in studying environmental design and the reasons for choosing the program. 

Portfolio

The portfolio is an essential component of the application and should reflect in visual terms interests and accomplishments which have resulted in the decision to apply to the program. It should be a visual illustration of interests, ideas, creativity, and understanding of basic design elements such as line, form, color, composition, and space. The work submitted should demonstrate conceptual development of a particular thought or concept. The portfolio should comprise of the most recent and creative works which may include drawings, photographs, sketches, sculptural works, installation works, digital and mixed media, paintings, and prints.

The portfolio should be thematically organized, contain no more than 18 examples of original work (photos or prints only), be arranged in a standard-sized page leaf portfolio (maximum size 9" x 12"), and contain no personal information besides the applicant's name. The Statement of Interest, Biographical Statement, and Admissions Questionnaire should be submitted separately and not be included as part of the portfolio.

Applicants wishing their portfolio be returned must enclose enough return postage in a self-addressed envelope with the application.

The inclusion of a digital version of the portfolio in CD/DVD format is highly recommended, optimized for web viewing. Please ensure that the CD/DVD is both PC and MAC compatible.

Questionnaire

Applicants must answer and include a response to the following:

"Please cite three places, buildings or landscapes, which are, or have been, of compelling interest to you. For each choice, describe in fifty words the reasons for which they represent your current understanding of environmental design."

Transcripts

Two copies of official transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted. One copy should be sent to UBC Enrolment Services and one copy to the ENDS Program Office. For transcripts to the considered official they need to be sent directly from the Registrar's Office of the school in a sealed school envelope. Final transcripts for the current academic year (if applicable) are required before final confirmation of acceptance can be granted.

UBC students are not required to submit UBC transcripts.  

References

Applicants msut provide two official letters of reference (at least 1 academic reference is required). Letters of reference should be sealed and sent directly from referees to the program office.

Notification of Acceptance

Decisions will be available by the end of May. In all cases the decision of the committee is final. Applicants will receive a letter from the program notifying them of the Committee’s decision. Interest in the program far exceeds ENDS resources and facilities, thus student acceptances are awarded on a highly competitive basis.

All documentation submitted (with the exception of original portfolios with sufficient postage) become the property of the University and cannot be returned.

Confirmation of Acceptance

Upon review by the ENDS Admission Committee, successful applications will be forwarded to Enrolment Services for formal confirmation of acceptance and enrolment in the program. Successful applicants will receive an official letter of acceptance from the University of British Columbia.