Bachelor of Spatial Planning Honours
Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide the theoretical foundation for the Master's qualification in Urban and Regional Planning or related fields. It aligns with sustainable development principles and the requirements of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act, 16 of 2013 (SPLUMA). Graduates will be prepared to assist registered Urban and Regional Planners in conducting research and providing professional services for development projects in urban environments.
Rationale:
Research studies such as the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) and the Municipal Demarcation Board have highlighted a shortage of urban and regional planners in South Africa. The implementation of SPLUMA has increased the need for town planning skills. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform is offering bursaries to train planners to support the Act's requirements. Planners must be registered with the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) as per the Planning Professions Act, 2002. Recent regulations and the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD) have led many planning professionals to pursue postgraduate training to become registered Professional Planners, creating a demand for further education in urban and regional planning.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the aims and purpose of Urban and Regional planning as well as planning theory, urban planning theory, regional planning theory, philosophy and ethics.
- Practically apply theory in urban and regional planning projects e.g. analysing issues from a theoretical and/or empirical perspective and recommend suitable alternatives.
- Apply and understand economics for planners, socio-cultural aspects in planning and environmental planning and link the knowledge to the everyday tasks and activities of urban and regional planners.
- Communicate clearly and logically, write good planning and research reports and debate these with stakeholders.
- Identify and critically evaluate current processes within the field of urban and regional planning and understanding the complexities thereof.
- Manage, detect and provide solutions for problems based on research in the spatial planning sector.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
- Undertake advanced activities relating to spatial planning
- Understand the value/limitations of observations, data, and knowledge
- Demonstrate sound theoretical judgement and evaluation ability
- Present research reports (written and verbal) effectively
- Use information technology for effective communication
- Conduct basic and applied research in urban and regional planning
- Work effectively as part of a team
- Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking
Integrated Assessment:
- Evaluation of academic progress through assignments, tests, and design tasks
- Continuous assessment as per module guide
- Attendance at lectures, studio periods, and seminars required for year/semester mark
- Final mark based on assessments
- Department of Urban and Regional Planning modules have a subminimum of 50% for assignments and design tasks
- Assessment methods include individual and group assignments, reports, presentations, posters, blogs, videos, designs, role-playing, peer assessment
Note: Modules from other departments will follow their respective evaluation procedures.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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