Urban and Regional Planning
Urban and Regional Planning is concerned with sustaining the environment and developing more convenient, equitable, healthy, efficient and attractive places for present and future generations.
Programme overview
The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, BSc (URP) is a 3 year degree which aims to provide students with the tools necessary to manage space in a just and equitable way.
In a context of increased technological change, rapid urbanisation, social transformation and a changing natural environment, planning is about efficient and effective management of space and the creation of place with meaning and quality.
Students need to know about a range of different fields of study, including Geography, Economics, Sociology and Mathematics. These courses support the core subjects of planning, which develop the professional and academic skills of the student.
Core planning subjects range from the design of urban spaces and principles of place making in a culturally diverse context, to policies for the planning and management of entire spatial regions. The classes involve mostly small group teaching, with several of the courses having a practical field trip where students encounter real life issues.
Planners have a wide choice of careers once they are qualified. The public sector offers opportunities for planners in local, provincial or national government, while large companies with property portfolios such as insurance companies may employ planners. A number of planners establish their own consultancies and there is the rewarding field of working with communities and non - governmental organisations.
Postgraduate study
At the end of the three year BSc(URP) programme, students who obtain the minimum requirements may register for the professional BSc(URP) Honours programme. This fourth year Honours programme will enable students to register with the professional body, the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN) after necessary practical experience. Students with the required minimum standards may be encouraged to register for a further year of study where they can obtain a Masters degree in a specialised area offered in the School of Architecture and Planning, such as a Master of Science in Development Planning, Master of the Built Environment in the field of Housing, Master of Urban Studies or Master of Urban Design.
Career Opportunities
- The public sector offers opportunities for planners in local, provincial or national government
- Large companies with property portfolios such as insurance companies may employ planners
- A number of planners establish their own consultancies
- Communities and non - governmental organisations
Entry Requirements
Engineering and the Built Environment |
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| Programme | Minimum Admission Requirements | Selection procedures | |
| APS | Subjects & achieved scale | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Engineering BSc (Eng) (4 years) | English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5 Mathematics - 5 Physical Science - 5 | Note: Due to the limited number of places available, admission is not guaranteed. Selection will be based on final NSC results. Generally students who achieve at least 70% in Mathematics, Physical Science and English stand a greater chance of being accepted. | |
|
40+ | ||
|
42+ | ||
|
36+ | ||
|
36+ | ||
|
40+ | ||
|
40+ | ||
|
42+ | ||
|
40+ | ||
| Bachelor of Engineering Science in the field of Digital Arts (3 years) |
42+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5 Mathematics - 5 Physical Science - 5 |
Applicants will be required to complete additional selection criteria, e.g. workshop, interview. |
| Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering BEngSc (BME) (3 years) |
42+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5 Mathematics - 5 Physical Science - 5 |
|
| Bachelor of Architectural Studies BAS (3 years) |
34+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang - 4 Mathematics - 4 |
Acceptance is dependent on departmental selection procedures. Applicants are required to complete a written and graphic exercise and may be required to attend an interview. Applicants with a Wits APS of 34 and above may be accepted on this basis. Applicants with a Wits APS of between 29 and 33 may only be considered on the basis of exceptional exercise scores. The selection process for the BAS is conducted by a panel of senior academics from the School of Architecture and Planning, monitored by the Assistant Dean. Selection is based predominantly on performance against the selection exercise, interview and academic performance, although demographic balance is taken into consideration where a choice needs to be made between applicants scoring within the same range. |
| Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies BSc (CS) (3 years) Bachelor of Science in Property Studies BSc (PS) (4 years) |
36+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5 Mathematics - 5 |
Provided that Mathematics and English pass at NSC Scale of Achievement Level 5. |
| Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning BSc (URP) (3 years) |
36+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang - 5 Mathematics - 5 |
Provided that Mathematics and English pass at NSC Scale of Achievement Level 5. |
Application Process
Your application
- You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
- Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).
Documentation / Checklist
- Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
- If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.
Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
Apply now
Closing Dates
30 June 2018
Faculty of Health Sciences (All programmes)
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Audiology
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
30 September 2018
All other University programmes
Residence applications
Online applications
- Complete an online application to study at Wits
Course Costs
The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.