◄ Certificate • Analytics ►
In today’s data-driven world, the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compellingly is essential, especially in the realm of urban planning and policymaking. This is a professional learning course crafted for junior and mid-career professionals who want to leverage the art of using data to drive impactful decisions and foster positive changes in urban environments.
Through this course, you will build a strong foundation in data literacy –including how to interpret, critique, and effectively use data – by learning to understand data sources, evaluate data quality, and apply insights to real world problems. You will become skilled at pinpointing the types of data and metrics that are most impactful in urban planning and policy, while developing proficiency in storytelling techniques that transform data into engaging and relatable narratives. You will learn to effectively convert data into persuasive narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including stakeholders, community leaders, and the public.
Course overview
Duration:
5 hours per week (exclusive of assignments)
Size:
Up to 40
Format:
Online asynchronous
Fees:
Regular: CAD $1,249
Early-bird: CAD $999
Course dates:
Oct 27 – Dec 8
Early-bird deadline:
September 28 (use code 2STORY)
Register by:
October 19
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What you’ll learn
Designed for communicators, strategists, analysts, and planners, this course helps you turn data into influence. You’ll learn to:
- Define data storytelling and articulate its benefits in the context of urban environments
- Identify and ascertain the types of data, metrics, and evidence necessary to develop champions and overcome negative narratives related to urban planning, policy, and governance issues
- Apply storytelling techniques to communicate data insights
- Summarize and apply the elements of data literacy
- Evaluate and apply key principles of data visualization
- Describe ethical considerations when engaging with and applying data
Intro Video
Course outline
The course spans six modules over six weeks and is fully online and self-directed, featuring asynchronous modules, multimedia content, learning activities, knowledge/progress checks, and assessments. (click below to expand)
Module 1: Introduction to urban data storytelling
- Relevance of urban data storytelling
- Elements of urban data stories
- Steps to building an urban data story
Module 2: Finding a data story that creates shared ground
- Selecting audiences for urban data stories
- Types of stories
- Abundance/asset-based mindset
Module 3: Urban data literacy
- Types of data sources
- Data availability
- Data literacy and common pitfalls
Module 4: Data ethics
- Data ethics and practice
- Equity in data
- Data governance and data sovereignty
Module 5: Top 10 rules of data visualization
- Communicating through visualizations
- Designing for the audience
- Fundamentals of effective data visualization
Module 6: Communicating your data story
- Practical tips for presentations
- Impact of data stories
- Role of maps
Earn up to 24 Continuous Professional Learning Units
You may also be eligible to earn up to 24 Continuous Professional Learning (CPL) units to maintain your professional certification from your planning institution or association. See the Canadian Institute of Planners website for more information about annual CPL requirements.
Testimonials
Hear what recent course participants have to say…
“I really appreciated reading and analyzing the case studies and data visualizations made by School of Cities. They were very insightful.”
“I have begun applying the course learning to a forthcoming civic engagement project which reimagines how young people and families experience Toronto through transit-accessible library routes.”
“I appreciated the emphasis on real-world urban case studies and the flexibility to apply concepts to my own professional context.”
Teaching team and their work
Karen Chapple (Course Creator): Director, School of Cities; Professor, Department of Geography & Planning, U of T
Michele Zhang (Lead Facilitator): Program Lead
Frequently asked questions
Who is this course best suited for?
This course is designed for professionals working with or around urban data—such as planners, policy advisors, analysts, program managers, strategists, or communications staff—who want to strengthen how they communicate insights in their role.
Do I need prior experience working with data to enroll?
No formal background in data analysis or visualization is required. The course is designed for participants with a range of familiarity levels.
Will I interact with other participants?
Yes. While the course is asynchronous, there are opportunities for peer engagement
Is there an instructor I can contact during the course if I have questions?
Yes. Learners have access to instructional support with the course facilitator.
Can I take this course as a standalone microcredential?
Yes. You may complete this course on its own or apply it toward a larger certificate if desired.
What technology will I need?
Learners need standard access to a computer, fast-speed internet, and the course learning platform. No specialized software is required.
Financial assistance is available through OSAP
Financial assistance is available through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Microcredentials. See the OSAP for Microcredentials page for details.
Policies for School of Cities non-credit professional learning offerings, including microcredentials, workshops, certificates, and custom training.