Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning

The purpose of this professional qualification is to provide qualified learners with the competencies to design, manage and implement innovative and integrated interventions in urban and regional spaces to ensure the equitable and sustainable development of people and places.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Architecture, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, NQF Level 7.

On completion of the qualification learners should be able to demonstrate

1. An understanding of and ability to apply and critically evaluate planning and development theories, processes and underlying philosophies.
2. An understanding of and ability to apply the theories, philosophies and process related to:

• Settlement and layout planning and design;
• Settlement and land-use management;
• Integrated development and strategic/forward planning, in order to design, manage and implement integrated and innovative interventions in urban and regional spaces so as to ensure the equitable and sustainable development of people and places.

1. An understanding of and ability to apply and critically evaluate current planning policies and frameworks, mechanisms, administrative structures and legislation in South Africa and comparative international cases, as well as an ability to develop new policies and frameworks.
2. An understanding of and ability to apply and critically evaluate current policy concerns and outcomes and their impact on development, as well as to identify critical policy related issues.
3. Knowledge and an understanding of, as well as an ability to critically evaluate past planning practices and theories, as well as past planning frameworks and policy concerns.
4. An understanding of and ability to solve problems related to human settlements and processes active in such settlements, as well as the intersectoral relationships between e.g. economic, social, political, physical, technological and natural processes affecting human settlements and the planning and development of these settlements.
5. An understanding of and ability to analyse and critically evaluate urban, rural and regional development processes, as well as an ability to innovatively intervene in these processes.
6. An understanding of the diverse social context in which development takes place and an ability to analyse and take into account various social issues, interests and methodologies for participation in planning processes and development.
7. An understanding of and ability to conceptualise areas spatially, as well as an understanding of urban and rural settlement patterns, land uses, municipal services and movement patterns.
8. A concern with enhancing equity and the life chances and opportunities of all persons.
9. Concern with ensuring sustainable development.
10. An ability to undertake and assess a variety of methods of data collection, analysis and survey.
11. An ability to communicate effectively on a professional level by written, oral and graphic means.
12. An ability to work both individually and as a member of a group.
13. An ability to make use of information technology in the various phases of planning processes.
14. An ability to design, implement, manage, monitor and evaluate development processes, strategies and projects.
15. An ability to design a research strategy and undertake research of a limited extent.
16. A concern with professional conduct, ethics in planning.
17. An understanding of the planning profession and planning practice.

Illustrate the exit level outcomes as stated.

Integrated Assessment

• Simulations;
• Written examinations;
• Oral examinations.

Other

Yes. Assessment in the qualification is based on problem solving. Many of the courses include assessment through assignments, essays, papers and reports in which learners are required to apply their knowledge to and illustrate their understanding of, particular planning problems or questions related to urban and regional planning and development. The qualification also includes assessment through a research dissertation, which aims at assessing learners' ability to structure, conceptualise and conduct a research process and report the findings of their research.