Master of Urban and Regional Planning

The purpose of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, Level 9 is to develop professionals and researchers to contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Complex problems will be researched and learners will be afforded the opportunity to provide solutions to the challenges being experienced in the ever-growing urban centres. Learners ought to be able to lead, interrogate, analyse and contribute towards the growth of the Urban and Regional Planning sector.

Rationale

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning is aimed at both emerging professionals and learners seeking an academic, professional path. The Master's qualification will provide further articulation pathways for learners from the Bachelors and Honours qualifications providing learners with the opportunity to acquire much-needed knowledge and skills in urban planning and development sector at Master's level.

The qualification will provide opportunities to Urban and Regional Planning learners and professionals in related fields as well, (including civil engineers, construction managers, quantity surveyors, architects, building scientists, and real estate and valuation specialists), and in this manner appeals to broad spectrum of learners, that could advance their knowledge and grow their careers.

The qualification is a research-intensive qualification, which will cater to Assistant Planners, Planners and Professional Planners who seek to work, or presently work across a range of departments in public, private, corporates and NGOs. The qualification aims to engage learners with the core theories and principles of Urban and Regional Planning, potentially linking their research focus to a range of disciplinary and multi-disciplinary perspectives. Learners will learn how to manage spatial issues and human activities in urban and regional planning. They will be exposed to the opportunities available to those pursuing studies in this field and will be introduced to the research avenues in the Urban Planning sphere, such as:

• Urban and Regional Planning.
• Urban Design.
• Land Economics.
• Transport Planning.
• Valuation and Property management.
• Regional Economic Analysis.

Learners will also be equipped with high-level, core research principles in Urban Planning, which will enable them to apply their research skills in their working environments.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is accepted as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and relevant prior learning can be assessed and credit awarded where relevant. Through RPL, learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at the institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Honours, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Urban and Regional Planning, Level 8.

This qualification consists of a compulsory research project and the writing of a dissertation at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

1. Evaluate relevant urban planning theory useful 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 complete a dissertation in urban and regional planning.
4. Research urban information systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) in planning applications to structure and restructure 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

• Evaluate relevant Urban and Regional Planning theories.
• Analyse challenges related to the field.
• Demonstrate the effective application and integration of knowledge within the study.
• Cohesively link findings to applicable theoretical underpinnings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Link and critique relevant policies relevant to their study.
• Demonstrate planning design implications as it relates to their research.
• Engage with design challenges as it pertains to their study.
• Demonstrate a thorough and complex knowledge of key concepts of the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the appropriate methodologies for the study.
• Offer relevant theoretical underpinnings for their arguments.
• Offer integrated solutions to current challenges in the industry.
• Produce a dissertation under supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Link Geographic Information System (GIS) and or other technological advances to their study.
• Offer technological solutions to challenges experienced.
• Analyse data gathered during their study.
• Review planning applications and their use in addressing challenges of the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Relate their research to a specific community.
• Offer insight into the challenges experienced in community planning.
• Evaluate environmental management challenges, in relation to their study.
• Apply theories to support the findings of their dissertation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment is conducted by supervisor reports and progress reports. The Summative Assessment is based on the completed dissertation submitted.

For the full dissertation: two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor (a full-time academic staff of the institution) and the other an external assessor. Assessors are appointed by Faculty on the basis of their scholarship and expertise. The recommendations of the external assessor are received by Faculty and transmitted to the learner's supervisor for further consideration, comments, corrections or improvements. 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%.