Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning

The Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning BSc(URP) programme, offered by the School of Architecture and Planning, is concerned with sustaining the environment and developing economic and social wellbeing.

Overview

Sustain the environment and develop economic and social wellbeing.

In a context of increased technological change, rapid urbanisation, social transformation and a changing natural environment, planning is about efficient and effective space management and places with meaning and quality.

The programme covers a range of fields, including geography, economics, sociology, property studies and mathematics. 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 and expose you to real-life issues during practical field trips. Planners often work in large companies with property portfolios, like insurance firms and in communities, NGOs and independent consultancies.

Postgraduate study

If you achieve the minimum requirements at the end of the three-year BSc(URP) programme, you may register for the professional BSc(URP) Honours programme, which enables you to register with the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN) after you have gained necessary practical experience.

Click here to see the School's student handbook.

Career Opportunities

  • Urban designer
  • Spatial planner
  • Strategic planner
  • Statutory planner
  • Transport planner
  • Economic development planner
  • Environmental planner
  • Land use planner
  • Academic, lecturer or professor in urban and regional planning

Curriculum

First-year
  • Mathematical Technique for Planners
  • History of Settlement and Architecture
  • Introduction to Environmental Interpretation
  • Introduction to Settlement Form and Design
  • Geography for Planners
  • Identity and Society I
Second-year
  • Two and three Dimensional Computer-Aided Design and GIS
  • Planning for Housing Services, Infrastructure and Transport
  • Introduction to Land Management
  • Contemporary Design and Environmental Issues in South Africa
  • Histories, Theories and Futures of Planning
  • Introduction to Environmental Planning
  • Introduction to Civil Engineering Infrastructure
  • Economic Concepts IA AND IB
  • Quantitative Methods for Planners
Third-year
  • Comparative Planning Systems
  • Integrated Development Planning
  • Regional Planning and Local Economic Development
  • Development Policy and Processes in South Africa
  • Applications in Graphic and Spatial Communication in Planning
  • Property Development for Planners
  • Local Planning and Urban Design
  • The Politics of Planning and Housing

More information can be found here.

Entry Requirements

APS 36+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with an APS of 30-35 will be wait-listed subject to place availability.

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.