Bachelor of the Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning
Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification:
Bachelor of the Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with integrated knowledge and understanding of urban and regional planning, and equip them with skills to become a Professional Planner.
A qualified learner will be able to:
- Integrate knowledge of research theory and techniques to address the problems arising in cities and regions in contemporary South African society.
- Apply planning theories and knowledge of planning histories to the design, management and implementation of planning to bring about positive change and societal benefits within human settlements.
- Apply, engage and reflect on complex issues and legislative contexts in order to inform processes to initiate, manage and control land use changes in the natural and built environment.
- Apply communication skills in retrieving and disseminating information.
- Identify and respond to planning issues within the ethical boundaries of the planning profession, which encompasses an orientation to social justice, an appreciation of diversity and complexity of cultures and views, including the promotion of efficient resource use and sustainable development.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of the Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning is designed to provide learners with integrated knowledge and understanding of urban and regional planning. Planning is viewed as an activity that influences development interventions, facilitating the meeting of people's needs within the parameters of spatial planning influence, economic development, and providing services to improve society through spatial and procedural interventions.
The qualification aims to equip learners with the skills to respond to challenges in the built and natural environment through theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, practical experience, and appropriate spatial and non-spatial skills.
The qualification enables learners to register with the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN) as a Professional Planner, emphasizing ethical and responsible practice, collaborative public engagement, and comprehensive assessment of planning's environmental and social impacts. Planning activity is grounded in a humanist approach and a normative framework.
This qualification replaces the National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Town and Regional Planning.
Outcomes
- Integrate knowledge of research theory and techniques to address the problems arising in cities and regions in contemporary South African society.
- Apply planning theories and knowledge of planning histories to the design, management and implementation of planning to bring about positive change and societal benefits within human settlements.
- Apply, engage and reflect on complex issues and legislative contexts in order to inform processes to initiate, manage and control land use changes in the natural and built environment.
- Apply communication skills in retrieving and disseminating information.
- Identify and respond to planning issues within the ethical boundaries of the planning profession, which encompasses an orientation to social justice, an appreciation of diversity and complexity of cultures and views, including the promotion of efficient resource use and sustainable development.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Understanding of a range of research methods, planning principles, techniques, technology, and methodologies for diagnosing and solving planning problems
- Ability to propose interventions based on the diagnosis of planning problems
- Understanding of ethics related to the research process
- Reflection on contested knowledge
- Engagement in self-directed learning practices
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Application and interpretation of planning-related policy and regulations
- Inclusive consideration of informality in the planning context
- Monitoring of land use and development through reviewing and interpreting planning legislation, methodologies, and policies
- Conceptualisation and design of spatial plans at various scales in response to context and analysis
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Management and allocation of limited resources among competing diverse uses
- Appropriate application of town planning legislation and policies in decision-making
- Justification of decision-making processes
- Monitoring of implications in the public related to decision-making
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Application of written communication skills in report writing, correspondence, and planning applications
- Demonstration of oral communication skills in dealing with enquiries from clients, public, and colleagues
- Utilization of graphic presentations to assist and inform stakeholders about town planning-related matters
- Demonstration of communication skills in engaging with stakeholders and in retrieving and disseminating information
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Understanding of the relationships between policies, legislation, planning processes, plans, projects, and implementation
- Preparation of a project scope using sound management principles and techniques
- Application of basic principles of strategic planning in an integrated planning process
- Understanding and application of performance criteria and assessment frameworks
Integrated Assessment:
- Combination of formative, summative, and diagnostic assessment methodologies
- Multiple assessment opportunities for demonstrating exit level outcomes
- Constructive alignment between intended outcomes, learning activities, and assessment activities
- Assessment methodologies include tests, assignments, practicals, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations, tutorials, etc.
- Extensive design module at each level for evaluating multiple outcomes in an integrated manner
- Summative assessments subjected to internal moderation as per institutional policy
- External moderation for all NQF Level 7 modules.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.