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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of the Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99018  Bachelor of the Built Environment in Urban and Regional Planning 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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  360  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 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. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) views planning as an activity that is able to influence development of interventions, that is able to facilitate meeting of the needs of people within the parameters of spatial planning influence, economic development and providing services to improve society through primarily spatial and procedural interventions. Planning involves the use of Social and Natural Sciences, planning knowledge, applied technology and techniques to achieve these objectives. Spatial planning interventions attempt to find solutions to problems that impact on society, and must be conducted in an ethical and responsible way. A qualified learner will be able to work in a team and be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, practical experience, apply planning procedures and appropriate spatial and non-spatial skills in order to respond to challenges in the built and natural environment. He or she will be able to initiate and manage change in the natural and built environment in order to further human development and sustainability. This qualification phases out the National Diploma and Bachelor of Technology in Town and Regional Planning. A qualified learner will be able to register with the South African Council of Planners (SACPLAN) as a Professional Planner.

    Ethical and responsible practice includes the judicious use of resources, collaborative public engagement and a scrupulous assessment of planning's environmental and social impacts. Planning activity is rooted in a humanist approach and a normative framework. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total Credits and will not include Credits at the exit level. The institution has a RPL policy in place that allows candidates access to Higher Education by recognising their prior learning (short courses and work experience). RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Department of Town and Regional Planning for assessment. The department's RPL committee will assess the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. Challenge assessments in the form of written examinations, simulated practice situations and workplace may be conducted. A candidate will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable exit level outcomes. Successful candidates will then be accepted into the programme. The department will accept an RPL candidate intake of 10% in keeping with the Institution's RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • A Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate granting admission to Bachelor's Degree studies, or equivalent qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Planning Design, 12 Credits.
  • Site Surveying, 8 Credits.
  • Mathematics for the Built Environment, 12 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy, 8 Credits.
  • Settlement History, 12 Credits.
  • Cornerstone, 12 Credits.
  • Planning Design, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Aided Design, 8 Credits.
  • Geography, 8 Credits.
  • Urban Planning Theory and Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Communication Literacy, 8 Credits.
  • Sustainable Earth Studies, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Planning Design, 12 Credits.
  • Urban Planning Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Management Principles and Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methods, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Principles of Law, 8 Credits.
  • The Global Environment, 8 Credits.
  • Planning Design, 12 Credits.
  • Environment Management and Techniques, 8 Credits.
  • Regional Development and Planning, 12 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems, 8 Credits.
  • Economics for the Built Environment, 8 Credits.
  • Sociology and Society, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Planning Design, 12 Credits.
  • Planning Law, 12 Credits.
  • Transportation Planning and Infrastructure, 8 Credits.
  • Integrated Environment Project, 8 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems, 8 Credits.
  • Restorative Justice, 8 Credits.
  • Planning Design, 12 Credits
  • Planning Sustainable Cities and Regions, 12 Credits.
  • Research Project, 16 Credits.
  • Municipal Management, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Land Economics for the Built Environment, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate knowledge of research theory and techniques to address the problems arising in cities and regions in contemporary South African society.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Apply communication skills in retrieving and disseminating information.
    5. 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. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A range of research methods, planning principles, techniques, technology and methodologies to diagnose and solve broadly defined planning problems and propose interventions are understood.
  • Ethics related to the research process are understood.
  • Contested knowledge is reflected on.
  • Learners are engaged in self-directed learning practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Planning-related policy and regulations are applied and interpreted to the planning context that is inclusive of informality.
  • Land use and development is monitored by reviewing and interpreting planning legislation, methodologies, planning policies and the trends.
  • Spatial plans are conceptualised and designed at a range of scales in response to context and analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Limited resources are managed and allocated among competing diverse uses.
  • Town planning legislation and policies are applied appropriately in decision making.
  • Planning procedures are applied in decision making, decision making is justified and the implications in the public are monitored.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Written communication skills in report writing, correspondence and planning applications are applied.
  • Oral communication skills in dealing with enquiries from clients, public and colleagues are demonstrated.
  • Graphic presentations are done to assist and inform clients, public and colleagues about town planning-related matters.
  • Communication skills are demonstrated in engaging with stakeholders and in retrieving and disseminating information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The horizontal and vertical relationships between policies, legislation, planning processes, plans, projects and implementation are understood.
  • A project scope is prepared using sound management principles and techniques.
  • The basic principles of strategic planning are understood and applied in an integrated planning process.
  • Performance criteria and assessment frameworks are understood and applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will combine formative, summative and diagnostic assessment methodologies. There will be multiple assessment opportunities for the learner to develop and demonstrate the various exit level outcomes associated with this qualification. There will be constructive alignment between the development of the intended outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities. Some of the assessment methodologies will include: tests, assignments, practicals, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations, tutorials, etc. Each level of the qualification has an extensive design module which will ensure that multiple outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner. In terms of the institutional policy all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. In addition, all NQF Level 7 modules will be subjected to external moderation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology:
    The Department of Urban Studies and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States of America offers a Bachelor of Science in Planning (SB). This qualification is designed to provide learners with skills and prepare them for responsibilities of planners who seek to promote effective and equitable social change. This qualification also teaches learners how the tools of Economics, Policy Analysis, Political Science, and Urban Design can be used to solve social and environmental problems. As part of this qualification, learners research a policy or planning question in both Boston and a chosen city.

    Curtin University:
    The Curtin University in Australia offers a Bachelor of Arts (Urban and Regional Planning). This qualification provides learners with good technical skills about land use planning, a high level of communication skills, knowledge of design, Economics and Law, and enable them to demonstrate sound ethical and professional behaviour. Learners are able to work in government agencies, consultancies and development firms in Australia or overseas. Each semester learners are expected to undertake studio and fieldwork with planning projects, which can help them to learn core skills recognised by employers in the planning profession. This qualification is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with both qualifications offered in Australia and the United States of America. All the qualifications equip learners with skills that enable them to become professional planners who operate within specific ethics. These qualifications require a learner to practise the theory taught in the classroom and engage in research as required to complete the studies. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, at Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Town and Regional Planning, at Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Urban and Regional Planning, at Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Urban and Regional Planning, at Level 8.
  • Bachelor of City Planning Honours, at Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Spatial Planning Honours, at Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.