Bachelor of Spatial Planning Honours

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to lay the theoretical foundation for the Masters qualification in Urban and Regional Planning or related fields of specialisation. The qualification has been adapted to reflect the dimensions of sustainable development and the requirements of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA). The qualified learner, as a Professional Urban and Regional Planner in Training, will be competent to conduct relevant and appropriate research, and under supervision of a registered Urban and Regional Planner, assist in providing professional services in the design, detailing, documentation, administration and supervision of development projects in the built and urban environment.

Rationale

Various assessments, from the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) study as part of South African Agricultural Industry Association (AgriSA) to a more recent study by the Municipal Demarcation Board have indicated that there is a scarcity of urban and regional planners in the country. Furthermore, the recently approved Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA) demands additional town planning skills. To this end the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform are funding bursaries and other initiatives to train planners to enable the implementation of the Act. In addition, the Planning Professions Act, 2002, requires planners to be registered with South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN). The recently advertised regulations aim to restrict certain work to registered professional planners. This, and the structure of the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD), has prompted many in the field of planning to upgrade their qualifications to enable them to register as Professional Planners, generating a demand for Postgraduate training in urban and regional planning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 140 Credits:

• Basic Practice in Urban and Regional Planning, 24 Credits.
• Research in Environmental Planning, 16 Credits.
• Land Use Management, 16 Credits.
• Research in Theory of Planning, 16 Credits.
• Research in Economics for Planners, 16 Credits.
• Research in Socio-Cultural Aspects in Planning, 16 Credits.
• Research in Urban Development Theory, 16 Credits.
• Research in Regional Planning Theory, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the aims and purpose of Urban and Regional planning as well as planning theory, urban planning theory, regional planning theory, philosophy and ethics.
2. Practically apply theory in urban and regional planning projects e.g. analysing issues from a theoretical and/or empirical perspective and recommend suitable alternatives.
3. Apply and understand economics for planners, socio-cultural aspects in planning and environmental planning and link the knowledge to the everyday tasks and activities of urban and regional planners.
4. Communicate clearly and logically, write good planning and research reports and debate these with stakeholders.
5. Identify and critically evaluate current processes within the field of urban and regional planning and understanding the complexities thereof.
6. Manage, detect and provide solutions for problems based on research in the spatial planning sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

The learners should be able to completely undertake advanced activities relating to spatial planning

• Understand the value/limitations of observations, data and knowledge.
• Demonstrate sound theoretical judgement and evaluation ability in the presentation of research reports (both written and verbal), and the use of information technology as an aid to effective communication.
• Conduct basic and applied research in the field of urban and regional planning and related fields under minimal supervision.
• Work effectively as part of a team and group.
• Identify and solve problems in a positive, responsible and innovative manner using critical and creative thinking.

Integrated Assessment

For most of the modules presented by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning evaluation of the learner's academic progress takes place on a continuous basis by means of assignments, tests and/or design tasks as specified in the module guide. The acknowledgment of a year/semester mark obtained will be subject to satisfactory attendance at lectures, studio periods and seminars. A final mark which will be taken as the learner's examination mark will be compiled from the marks obtained in the assessments mentioned above. Modules presented by departments other than Urban and Regional planning will be subject to the evaluation procedure of those departments. Learners in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning must meet the prescribed subminimum of 50% for all assignments and design task as specified in the module guides to pass a module.

Individual and group, assignments, written, assignments: reports and essays and diaries, presentations and seminars, posters, blogs, videos, designs and other graphic media, role-playing and other simulations, peer assessment to enhance learning will be utilised.