Department of Urban and Regional Planning University of The Free State

Department of Urban and Regional Planning University of The Free State, The Department of Urban and Regional Planning was established in 1979 as a ramification of the Department of Architecture. Prior to this, a postgraduate programme in Urban and Regional Planning was offered within that department. As far back as 1980, we produced the first black planner in South Africa, as well as the first female with a PhD in planning in South Africa. Since 1985, there has been a steady increase in our master’s students, originating from different races and places. We enjoy worldwide recognition, with mutual visits and publications.
Department of Urban and Regional Planning University of The Free State, What is Urban and Regional Planning?Planning enhances people’s opportunities, strives towards justice regarding space, and addresses economic resilience. Planners join local insights with their professional techniques in a collective attempt to improve the quality of places. They develop long- and short-term plans to ensure the best use of land for a specific space.  They calculate the environmental costs of economic growth and keep an eye on the exploitation of resources. Town planners often work in multidisciplinary teams and should have insight in various disciplines, while understanding the needs of the community and be able to persuade decision-makers and politicians.

Honours in Spatial Planning, majoring in Human Settlements

In consultation with the national Department of Human Settlement, we are pleased to announce a new specialisation programme in 2016: a Bachelor of Honours in Spatial Planning, specialising in Human Settlements. The intention of this programme is to equip students with the necessary skills to work as Human Settlement (Housing) specialists.

Opportunities

Department of Urban and Regional Planning University of The Free State, Students with both honours and master’s degrees can find employment in South Africa. This profession has been identified as one of the scarce skills professions. Employment opportunities are available in national, provincial, and local government, NGOs, and the private sector. Graduates from this department are working in Namibia, England, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.

Department of Urban and Regional Planning University of The Free State

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