SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94666  Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  399  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced skills for covering all aspects of human settlement planning and sustainable development of the Built Environment. The qualification is designed for those who intend to become professional town planners. The qualification will ensure that learners are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to compete with their colleagues in the profession and in allied professions as they work in tandem towards shaping the growth and development of the built environment.

This qualification aims to develop urban and regional planners who can influence or reshape spatially distorted environments through:
  • Prioritisation of allocation.
  • The commitment of resources and its uses.
  • Management of land uses.
  • Research and development of ideas that take social needs and the economy into account.
  • Engagement of community needs irrespective of class, race and gender.
  • Creatively solving problems with a view to developing local government capacity.
  • Broad understanding of the forces shaping human settlement and distribution.

    These objectives will be undertaken within the constraints of social, economic, political, environmental, cultural, institutional, technological and legal factors.

    Rationale:
    After the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa has witnessed tremendously high rates of rural-urban migration which raises the need for adequate and skilled human resources to deal with the consequences. As well as with the increasing rate at which applicants are showing an interest in the existing National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology qualifications each year provides a strong indication of the societal need for higher education to introduce of The qualification-Bachelor of Urban and Regional to address these needs.

    The phasing out of the National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology qualifications has prompted the university to replace these two qualifications in Town and Regional Planning with a three-year professional Bachelor's Degree, called the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning. The new Degree is a step towards the alignment of all the technologically-based engineering and built environment qualifications offered by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) with the new requirements of the professional bodies whom are responsible for the training of Urban and Regional Planners.

    The South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) is the statutory Council of nominated members appointed in terms of the Planning Profession Act, 2002 (Act 36 of 2002 to regulate the Planning.
    The SACPLAN assures the quality of planning qualifications (such as Degrees and Diplomas) offered by educational institutions. In addition registered planners are expected to engage in continuing professional development (CPD). This relates to professional and technical registration because any person who intends to register as a planner in any of the categories in terms of the Act must have completed a qualification that has been accredited by SACPLAN. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Faculty accepts RPL as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits to promote life-long learning. The Department follows suit by making sure that people with relevant experience are given preferential treatment above their counterparts that have the same academic qualification.

    The purpose of the University of institution's RPL Policy is to direct the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning and in order to provide access into the qualification.

    Recognition of prior learning is based on the following process:
  • An applicant indicates the reason for applying for recognition of previous learning (this could be entrance to a qualification or exemption from certain modules in the qualification.
  • The RPL committee determines the criteria for the Recognition of Prior Learning based on the request (this could be the admission requirements of the qualification, the assessment of Exit Level Outcomes of modules for which exemption is requested, or approved guidelines required by the professional body/industry).
  • The applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence of learning in place (what the applicant knows).
  • The RPL committee assesses the evidence of previous learning supplied by the applicant against the criteria and makes a recommendation to the faculty's quality committee in a full report describing the process followed.
  • The committee will make a recommendation to Faculty Board to ratify the decision.

    Entry Requirements:
    To be able to gain access to the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Degree applicants should be in possession of a valid:
    National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for Degree purposes.
    Or
    National Vocational Certificate (NCV) NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises fundamental and core modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 399 Credits.

    Fundamental Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Communication Studies, 7 Credits.
  • Planning Design in Techniques of Drawing, 14 Credits.
  • History and Principles of Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Geography for Planners, 7 Credits.
  • Introduction to Computer Studies, 7 Credits.
  • Measurement Mathematics, 14 Credits.
  • Communication Studies, 7 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering for Planners, 7 Credits.
  • Computer Application in Introduction to AutoCAD, 14 Credits.
  • Planning Design in Introduction to Planning Survey, 14 Credits.
  • Architectural Design, 7 Credits.
  • Population and Urbanisation Studies, 7 Credits.
  • Introduction to Land Surveying, 7 Credits.
    Total Credits at NQF Level 5, 126.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Legal Principles in Planning Laws and Administration, 7 Credits.
  • Planning Design in Neighbourhood Design and Site Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Economics for Planners, 7 Credits.
  • Quantitative Techniques in Planning, 7 Credits.
  • Transportation Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Computer Applications in GIS, 14 Credits.
  • Legal Principles in Development Control and Settlement of Disputes, 14 Credits.
  • Planning Design in Urban Renewal, 14 Credits.
  • Housing Development, 14 Credits.
  • Land Economics and Tenure System, 7 Credits.
  • Urban Land Use and Development Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Rural Land Use and Development Planning, 7 Credits.
    Total Credits at NQF Level 6, 133.

    Core Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Research Techniques in Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Sociology and Planning, 7 Credits.
  • Computer Applications in Advanced AutoCAD, 14 Credits.
  • Planning Design in Spatial Planning/SDF, 14 Credits.
  • Regional Analysis and Development Planning, 7 Credits.
  • Quantitative Techniques in Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Management in Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Project Planning and Management, 7 Credits.
  • Environmental Science and Management, 14 Credits.
  • Advanced Planning Theory, 14 Credits.
  • Planning Design in Advanced Strategic and Spatial Planning, 14 Credits.
  • Tourism and Recreation Planning, 7 Credits.
    Total Credits at NQF Level 7, 140. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of design and theory to analyse and arrive at appropriate planning solutions to built environment problems.
    2. Use relevant technological tools like GIS, AutoCAD, and SPSS in the design and data analysis required of professional planners.
    3. Manage community participation through identifying community dynamics and applying community participation techniques and facilitating a process of capacity building.
    4. Monitor land use and development by reviewing and interpreting planning legislations, methodologies, policies and trends. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Broadly defined planning problems are systematically diagnosed and solved by applying appropriate planning principles, techniques and methodologies.
  • Research is conducted and the findings are used to solve community problems and to fill a gap in service provision or decisions.
  • Complex issues surrounding the built environment from a planning point of view are engaged upon.
  • Scoping and surveying techniques to analyse sites and solve problems is applied.
  • Knowledge of integrated development principles in all planning related work is applied.
  • Different research plans are found, within the built and natural environment, to assist in facilitating land use and spatial planning.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Aerial photographs using GIS are interpreted.
  • Data Analysis software (e.g. SPSS) is used to create a map and land use features.
  • A scale layout and concept plan is produced and the features are labelled accordingly through the use of appropriate computer software (e.g. AutoCAD).
  • The meaning and uses of planning tools including the use of a scale ruler as it relates to free hand sketching and drawing are known.
  • Basic mathematical measurements are understood and applied.
  • The information obtained from the interpretation of annotations in town planning schemes is used and the layout and special plans is analysed to find solutions to problems in the built environment.
  • Limited resources among competing diverse uses are managed and allocated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Community engagements are understood through needs analysis, collation of information and community needs in the face of scarce resources are balanced.
  • Planning inputs within a project through the management of time, quality and human resources is managed.
  • A leadership role in practice is exercised.
  • Professionalism when undertaking any planning work is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Land use classification systems are located and associated spatial analysis and trends are conducted.
  • Town planning legislation and policies is applied appropriately.
  • Information is retrieve and disseminated.
  • Ethical principles are applied in any planning of work.
  • An urban or regional planning project is managed by always taking the 3 constraints (time, cost and scope) into account.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In the Department, learner progress is monitored by means of continuous assessment (CA) and their performance is assessed at various formative points in their learning. In the case of CA, rules are in place regarding eligibility for supplementary assessments should students not pass one of the summative assessments.

    Summative assessments are conducted for the purpose of making a judgment as to learners' level of competence in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. The results of such formal assessment (e.g. tests, assignments, projects, presentations, creative production or traditional examinations) are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or a fail. The minimum number of summative opportunities required is contained in the Academic Regulations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is compared against similar qualifications offered by The New England University in Australia State and the State University System of Florida.

    The New England University in Australia offers the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning this Degree leads to a professional career in planning, with employment opportunities in both city and country planning. It prepares learners in designing places that will stand the test of time-not cost the earth. Planning is about working towards a more liveable, more sustainable world. Planners need to be familiar with a wide range of issues and the Degree provides a broad general education in all major areas of planning and urban design, including land use planning, social planning, economic planning, transport planning, environmental planning, professionalism and ethics, and environmental and planning law.

    Professional membership-the Degree is fully recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia as satisfying the academic requirements for membership of the Urban and Regional Planning Chapter of the Institute. Learners are also eligible for student membership of the Institute.

    The Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning is a professional qualification that is offered by the State University System of Florida which provides students with the knowledge base and analytical and design skills to address issues that affect the quality of life in neighbourhoods, suburbs, cities, and regions. The curriculum consists of planning lecture courses, design courses, and professional practice courses that give students real-world planning experience. Learners select courses from a wide variety of distributed electives that allow them to focus on topics of particular interest. Graduates qualify for positions in a variety of public and private organisations, including local and state planning departments, non-profit organisations, and private sector planning and development firms.

    The Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning is designed for learners who are interested in planning and community development at the local, state, and national levels.

    Conclusion:
    From the above evidence it is clear that the qualification being offered by University of Johannesburg compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the purpose of each of the qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables learners with the capacity to articulate vertically and horizontally.
    Horizontally:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Housing Management at NQF Level 07.
  • Bachelor of Geographical Information Science (GIS) at NQF Level 07.

    Vertically:
  • Bachelor of Land and Property Development Management at NQF Level 08.
  • Bachelor of Land and Property Development Management Honours in Housing at NQF Level 08. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.