A PhD in Aménagement du territoire et développement régional (ATDR) is a 4-year doctoral program in themes relating to research activities at the Centre for Planning and Development (CRAD), including urban dynamics, regional vitality, sustainable development, environmental protection, transportation and practice innovation. Upon completion of the program, graduates will acquire the necessary skills to work in a multidisciplinary context and increase the knowledge in their area of expertise.
Candidates must come from various academic or professional backgrounds and hold a graduate degree (Master’s or equivalent). Prior to applying, it is compulsory that candidates contact a professor whose research interests best correspond to theirs, AND, must obtain necessary funding (bursary or grant). Federal and provincial bursaries being merit-based and highly competitive, applicants should have prior research experience and an above-average academic record. Although many required readings are in English, all classroom lectures and interaction are carried out in French. Students must therefore be fluent or nearly fluent in French. Candidates requiring remedial language courses may be admitted on a case-by-case basis.
Graduates with a PhD in ATDR pursue careers in academia in Quebec, elsewhere in Canada, or abroad. A certain number of graduates work in public or private organisations outside the university or act as consultants in their area of expertise. Although the degree does NOT give graduates the title of urban planner in Canada, it is, however, recognized by the APERAU and permits access to the profession in several other French-speaking countries.
The PhD program in Aménagement du territoire et développement regional seeks to develop future academics, researchers and professionals versed in the latest methods of research and analysis. The emphasis on applied research promotes the development of dissertations that bridge academia and practice, as well as produces graduates who can become participants and advisors in the territorial decision-making process. PhD candidates are involved in the research activities at the Centre de recherche en aménagement et développement (CRAD) where they often participate in writing scientific articles, presentations at academic conferences, supervise undergraduates or aid in teaching classes. The opportunity to conduct a research internship abroad also familiarizes the candidate with other research laboratories and contexts while gaining feedback or acquiring new skills applicable to their own doctoral research.