Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Honours

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to develop learners such that they are capable of providing solutions to the complex and challenging problems being experienced in the ever-growing urban centres of modern day. It is purposed that this qualification facilitates the route towards professional accreditation as a Planner with South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN).

Rationale

This qualification aimed at both emerging professionals and graduates that are seeking an academic professional path. The need for the qualification of this nature within Town and Regional Planning, allows for a direct articulation pathway within the Department, forming an articulation link between the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning and the Masters of Sustainable Urban Planning and Development, already approved and implemented. In addition to this, another Master of Urban and Regional Planning (by research) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban and Regional Planning are also undergoing the process of external approval. This strategy provides for a learners' complete articulation and development, within the Department.

The qualification seeks to offer much needed knowledge and skills in urban planning and development, required in the professional domain, at this level. The qualification will centre on engaging learner son urban and regional planning core theories and principles whilst ensuring that they acquire integrated skills required from a range of disciplinary-specific and multidisciplinary perspectives. Learners will be equipped with a high level of technical and core skills required for Urban Planning, which will enable them to apply their skills in a variety of working environments.

The qualification has been endorsed by the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN). This therefore enables graduates to register as Professional Planners once they have completed the qualification and acquired relevant work experience. Graduates will also be able to register as Professional Planners and register with other Town Planning bodies and therefore provide contributions towards socio-economic development. Learners of the qualification are expected to acquire skills ensuring that they are capable of raising their careers to seniority and technical leadership in the urban field. This is done by providing practical result-oriented added value towards the needs of the industry, and of influencing quality outcomes for government, municipality and the general population.

Career opportunities include that of Assistant Planners, Planners and Professional Planners, Land Use and Code Enforcement Planners, Transportation Planners, Environmental and Natural Resources Planners, Economic Development Planners, Urban Design Planners and Spatial Planners. Graduates may find employment across a range of departments in the public, private and corporate domain or at Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

It is intended that society at large will benefit from academically excellent professional planners who will provide the core and scarce services that will be beneficial for development. More over there is need for professionals in urban planning with a Postgraduate level of qualification that will be able to plan and design urban centres of the future, that are safe, secure, environmentally green and efficient urban areas.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied in line with the Institutions policies and guidelines. RPL is accepted as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution will therefore endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

RPL is managed according to the institutions RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this qualification:

• Through RPL a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies.
• Recognition takes place in terms of applied requirements and procedures.
• RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements:

> Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the institution.

> Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

> Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required Level.

> Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.

> Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel.

> Is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree.

Or

• Level 7 qualification in Urban and Regional Planning.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8, totalling 130 Credits.

• Urban Planning Theory and Professional Practice, 18, Credits.
• Planning Design and Policy, 18, Credits.
• Urban Information Systems, 18, Credits.
• Community planning and Environmental management, 18, Credits.
• Land, Infrastructure and Transport Planning, 18, Credits.
• Research Report, 40, Credits.

1. Evaluate relevant urban planning theory in solving planning, development and management practical problems in cities of the developing world.
2. Apply concepts of planning design and policy issues in urban and regional planning.
3. Synthesise concepts, principles and applications of research methods, process and requirements and be able to complete a research essay in urban and regional planning.
4. Research urban information systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) in planning applications to structuring and restructuring urban and regional settlements.
5. Apply theories, philosophies, debates and interpretations to community planning and environmental management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Relevant Urban and Regional Planning theories are correctly selected and applied.
• Challenges related to the field of study are correctly identified and interpreted.
• Findings to applicable theoretical underpinnings are cohesively linked.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Relevant policies to urban and regional planning are accurately linked and critiqued.
• Planning design implications as it relates to urban and regional planning can be demonstrated.
• Engagement with design challenges as it pertains urban and regional planning is evident.
• Key concepts of the discipline can be accurately discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Appropriate research methodologies are applied.
• Relevant theoretical underpinnings for their arguments can be provided.
• Integrated solutions to current challenges in urban and regional planning are made.
• A research essay under supervision is submitted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Geographic Information System (GIS) and/or other technological advances in urban and regional settlements can be clearly linked.
• Technological solutions to challenges experienced are presented.
• Data gathered can be correctly analysed and presented.
• Planning applications and their use in addressing challenges in urban and regional settlementsare sensibly critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Insight into the challenges experienced in community planning is evident.
• Environmental management challenges, in relation to their study are evaluated.
• Theories to support the findings of research essay are accurately applied.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment: Coursework consists of different forms of formative assessments consisting of project reports, case studies, assignments etc., which will be implemented in each module, depending on the nature of the module. For example, feedback on assignments is returned to the learners within reasonable time, project presentations are scheduled in order for the instructor to provide comments, etc. These progress assessments are done solely by the module instructor. However, the final examination will require the involvement of a suitable external course examiner, who will be requested to approve the module examination paper and mark grading provided by the course instructor. No experiential learning is involved in the qualifications.

Summative Assessment: For the coursework component, each intermediate or progress assessment will be awarded a mark, which will be combined with the final examination mark based on pre-determined weightings for the module. A pass is awarded for a weighted overall mark of no less than 50% and a distinction for a calculated mark of at least 75%.

For the Research Report component, two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor and the other, an external assessor. The assessors are appointed by the Faculty on the basis of their scholarship and expertise. The recommendations of the external assessor are received at the Faculty and transmitted to the student's supervisor for further consideration comments, corrections or improvements. All modules are moderated externally.