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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Sustainable Urban Planning and Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99782  Master of Sustainable Urban Planning and Development 
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
Master's 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  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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   2031-06-30  

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 knowledge of Sustainable Urban Planning and Development and equip them with skills to solve sustainable urban problems. This qualification will produce built environment professionals specialising in the sustainable planning, design, development and management of urban centers. Upon the completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Apply sustainable development principles to urban development to benefit societies at large.
  • Develop an advanced capability to independently conduct fundamental urban issues related research.

    Rationale:
    The Master of Sustainable Urban Planning and Development gives a learner an opportunity to acquire the much needed advanced knowledge and skills in urban planning and development. It is an innovative and interdisciplinary qualification that combines coursework and research aimed at providing opportunity to town and regional planning learners and professionals operating in related fields such as: Civil Engineers, Construction Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Building Scientists, and Real Estate and Valuation Specialists to advance their knowledge and careers.

    The ever-growing cities within the region and on the continent require the services of well-grounded urban planners, developers and managers. The qualification focuses on the sustainability aspect of urban planning and development; this is a critical importance to developing countries that are experiencing rapid urbanisation. It will contribute immensely to national objectives, particularly the development of highly skilled and human resources that is scarce within the country, in areas such as urban planning, design, development, resources management, infrastructure planning, development and management, as well as local and national socio-economic growth, urban poverty, unemployment reduction and inequalities redress.

    As advanced theoretical and analytical concepts are essential requirements for the development of sustainable solutions and applications to complex urban problems, this qualification has been designed with a comprehensive course component and a research component. The modules will equip graduates with specialised theoretical foundations and critical thinking skills for an innovative application of knowledge. As such, it is anticipated that this qualification will produce well-versed, academically robust, adept and mature urban professionals with analytical and astute leadership capabilities, who would be expediently responsive to the needs of the industry and of modern society. This qualification is also recognised and endorsed by the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners with a three year Bachelor's Degree, in any related field with either a recognised postgraduate qualification or extensive working experience will be considered on a case by case basis for enrolment by the department. RPL processes will include evidence in a form of portfolio, mediation outlining the process on how the learner will undergo the RPL process. The process will also highlight how the learner will be assessed. RPL will be applied as per the institution's policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is:
  • A relevant four-year Bachelor's Degree at Level 8; or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 135 Credits (select three):
  • Research Dissertation, 90 Credits.
  • Advanced Urban Planning Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Principles of Sustainable Urban Development, 15 Credits.
  • Sustainable Urban Infrastructure and Smart Cities Development, 15 Credits.

    Electives Modules, 45 Credits (select three):
  • Urban Financial and Economic Management, 15 Credits.
  • Urban Environmental Planning and GIS Applications, 15 Credits.
  • Urban Entrepreneurial Dynamics, 15 Credits.
  • Urban Sociology and Social Development, 15 Credits.
  • Urban Policy and Design, 15 Credits.
  • Integrated Human Settlements Development, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in a particular field, discipline or practice.
    2. Evaluate current processes of knowledge production to choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of study or practice.
    3. Command, design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
    4. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within a field, discipline or practice and understanding the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.
    5. Make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues and critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context.
    6. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information in order to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation in order to produce significant insights.
    7. Use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in an area of specialisation and use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline or practice, to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
    8. Intervene at an appropriate level within a system, based on an understanding of hierarchical relations within the system; be able to address the intended and unintended consequences of interventions.
    9. Develop learning strategies, which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
    10. Operate independently and take full responsibility for own work, and, where appropriate, account for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, ensuring good resource management and governance practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and engagement with theoretical and practical modules which comprise principles of sustainable urban development and urban policy and design respectively.
  • Plan and implement tasks relevant to sustainable urban development.
  • Acquire and analyse research data to draw sound scientific conclusions.
  • Prepare and present a professionally written report of quality and value so that it may be made available in the public domain.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Design a minor dissertation by choosing from various theoretical frameworks depending on the choice of research focus.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Independently design and execute solutions to complex theoretical and practical problems.
  • Acquire strong skills and techniques in method and procedure development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop, comprehend and solve complex urban planning and development problems that are common in Third World countries.
  • Develop problem solving techniques through exposure to research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate ethical and professional conduct which is greatly emphasised and impressed upon when conducting academic theoretical and practical work.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional conduct as urban professionals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Display information management skills when working with large data sets.
  • Manage their information independently.
  • Search and critical review literature in order to establish current scientific understandings of a particular topic prior to the pursuit of new knowledge in the area of study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Present work verbally during class presentations and seminars.
  • Present the minor dissertation from time to time before their peers and staff members.
  • Produce and communicate written work and all forms of information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Develop competencies to deal with hierarchical relations within systems when conducting research work.
  • Navigate through intended and unintended consequences of interventions in a number of interdisciplinary courses.
  • Work independently on a project of scientific relevance.
  • Exhibit strong qualities of self-motivation so as to direct a project and provide original, creative and intellectual contributions to the process of research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Use on-line systems and digital tools are used by learners in order to manage learning.
  • Acquire lifelong learning skills to conduct literature search.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Work independently, particularly in designing and executing research and produce a minor dissertation that is submitted at the end of the year.
  • Understand research methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
  • Explore career opportunities and entrepreneurial possibilities independently.

    Integrated Assessment
    The assessment process is governed by the Academic Regulations of the Institution. There will be at least one assessment opportunity before the final summative assessment for each coursework module.

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    Formative Assessment:
    The coursework consists of different forms of Formative Assessments consisting of project reports, case studies, assignments etc., which will be implemented in each module, depending on the nature of the module. For example, feedback on assignments is returned to the learners within reasonable time, project presentations are scheduled in order for the instructor to provide comments, etc. These progress assessments are done solely by the module instructor. However, the final examination will require the involvement of a suitable external qualification examiner, who will be requested to approve the module examination paper and mark grading provided by the qualification instructor. No experiential learning is involved in the qualification. No supplementary examinations are formally provided except under special circumstances.

    Summative Assessment:
    For the coursework component, each intermediate or progress assessment will be awarded a mark, which will be combined with the final examination mark based on pre-determined weightings for the module. A pass is awarded for a weighted overall mark of no less than 50% and a distinction for a calculated mark of at least 75%. For the dissertation component, two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor (a full-time academic staff of the Institution) and the other, an external assessor. The assessors are appointed by the Faculty on the basis of their scholarship and expertise. The recommendations of the external assessor are received at the Faculty and transmitted to the learner's supervisor for further consideration: comments, corrections or improvements. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Oxford University:
    The Oxford University in the United Kingdom offers a Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Urban Development.
    This qualification offers eight (8) modules that cover a wide range of themes that are closely related. They are:
  • Concepts of the City and Environmental Change.
  • Climate Change and the Built Environment.
  • Place making.
  • Financing Sustainability.
  • Transportation and Sustainability.
  • Urbanism and the Design Process.
  • Urbanisation in the Global South.
  • The Flexible City.

    Themes covered include:
  • The process of planning and development.
  • Sustainable urbanism.
  • Climate change.
  • Social infrastructure and spatial economy.
  • Financing urban infrastructure developments.
  • Urban transport and sustainability.
  • Urban design processes.
  • Rapid urbanisation.
  • Investment in housing development.
  • Project and programme management.

    George Washington University:
    The George Washington University in the United States of America offers a Master of Professional Studies in Sustainable Urban Planning. This is an inter-disciplinary qualification that offers five (5) modules that focus on a number of aspects. They are:
  • Principles of Sustainable Urban Planning Electives.
  • Economics of Sustainable Communities.
  • Statistics and Research Methods.
  • Sustainable Transportation Systems.
  • Planning Resilient and Low-Carbon Cities.

    Themes covered include:
  • Sustainable urban development challenges.
  • Approaches to designing and conducting research.
  • Climate change.
  • Urban mitigation and adaptation responses.
  • Roles of public and private sectors in achieving sustainability.

    Ryerson University:
    The Ryerson University in Canada offers Urban Development (Master of Planning). This qualification offers core modules on issues of the nature in urban planning and development and electives plus a major research paper or project. The qualification is very flexible with various core modules and electives.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with international qualifications offered in the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Canada. The scope of the qualification is similar in terms of modules offered. They also include research studies as a core of the qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers systemic articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by other institutions provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Related Master's Degree at Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctoral Degree in Town and Regional Planning at Level 10 or related field. 
    		•

    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. 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.