Bachelor of City Planning Honours

Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The primary purpose of the Honours Degree in City Planning is to educate and train learners in the field of City Planning at the local and metropolitan/city scales. This education aims to develop the learner's values, conceptual knowledge, and skills related to the various interconnected systems governing urban planning. Additionally, the degree aims to impart research skills to the learners.

Another significant purpose of the Honours Degree is to prepare learners for the linked Degree - the Master's in City and Regional Planning. Successful completion of the Honours Degree is a prerequisite for entry into the Master's program.

The Project B (32 Credit) component of the degree will involve the creation of a research product focusing on city-wide planning issues.

Rationale:

Scarce Skill Designation: City and regional planning is classified as a scarce skill by the South African Government's Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) to support accelerated economic growth.
Addressing Priorities: City and regional planning plays a crucial role in responding to environmental, infrastructural, and socio-economic priorities at national, provincial, and local levels of governance. It provides essential spatial guidance for current and future human settlements.
Recognized Profession: City and Regional Planning is a recognized profession under the Planning Professions Act of 2003.
Accreditation: The current two-year Masters in City and Regional Planning is accredited by the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN), enabling corporate membership of the profession. By completing the Honours and Master's Degrees, learners can also attain corporate membership of SACPLAN.
Professional Requirements: SACPLAN requires a Master's Degree for professional recognition. Only learners with a planning undergraduate degree and completion of the Honours year are eligible for professional registration.

In conclusion, the Honours Degree in City Planning serves to educate learners in a critical field with a scarcity of skilled professionals, preparing them for further specialization and professional recognition in the planning profession.

Outcomes

Promote spatial development proposals that are informed by principles of equity, justice and mutual learning through sustained community engagement and involvement.
Demonstrate awareness of ethical and political issues in planning theory and practice.
Demonstrate knowledge of the debates on the interface between infrastructure and urban change in different contexts.
Use advanced technical know-how and skills to address planning issues.
Apply appropriate planning strategies to solve planning problems.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Knowledge of Stakeholders: Demonstrated understanding of the value of stakeholders and interest groups in the planning process.
Integration with Community: Ability to work with and learn from community leaders, residents, municipal officials, and non-governmental organizations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Residents' Rights: Understanding of residents' rights and their impact on spatial outcomes.
Professional Ethics: Exhibition of professional ethics related to spatial planning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Negotiation Skills: Demonstration of effective negotiation, mediation, and leadership skills.
Knowledge of Planning Theories: Understanding and application of various planning theories including collaborative, communicative, multicultural, pragmatic, agonistic, radical, and democratic.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identification of Technical Issues: Ability to identify technical issues that may hinder proper planning.
Consultative Approach: Acknowledgment and addressing of residents' concerns in a consultative manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Data Analysis: Analysis of relevant data for planning appropriate responses in spatial planning.
Communication with Residents: Identification of areas earmarked for developments and appropriate notification to residents.

Integrated Assessment:

Learning Integration: Ensuring learning and assessment across all Exit Level Outcomes within the qualification are integrated.
Formative and Summative Assessment: Utilization of formative assessments for continuous learning and feedback, and summative assessments for judging learning outcomes.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Assessment of the learner's ability to integrate knowledge, competencies, and attitudes represented by the Exit Level Outcomes.

Qualification Details

Type: Honours Degree
NQF Level: 08
Min. Credits: 168
SAQA Source: More Information

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University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a prestigious public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1829, it is the oldest university in South Africa and has consistently been ranked as the top university on the African continent. UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and commerce. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social impact. UCT's campus is situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak, providing stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. The university attracts a diverse student body from South Africa and around the world, fostering a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.

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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.