Programmes

Urban and Regional Planning

For more information about the programmes and course content, please visit the Faculty yearbook here.

Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning (Coursework/Thesis Option): 11466 – 887(260) (Two-year programme)


The programme capacitates students with a strong theoretical foundation and practical skills to work as urban planners and spatial analysts. The course consists of a range of qualitative and quantitative knowledge on planning-related topics and the use of techniques such as spatial statistical analysis, computer-aided design and geographic information systems (GIS). The programme consists of a coursework component of 130 credits in the first year of study and a 130-credit research thesis in the second year of study which researches a relevant urban and regional planning problem. 

This programme is accredited by SACPLAN and graduates who successfully completed this programme may register as a Candidate Planner and, after obtaining the required post qualification experience, can register as a Professional Planner

Admission requirements:
  • A professional bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or Development Planning, or
  • An honours degree in Geography or Sustainable Development, or an equivalent qualification; and
  • a pass mark of 60%.
  • Students without the required admission requirements may also be granted access to the programme through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Compulsory Modules:


First Year

13299: Social Systems 812(10)
13300: Spatial Economic Systems 812(10)
13302: Urban Systems 812(10)
13301: Urban Form and Function 871(20)
13306: GIS Analysis 812(10)
13310: Planning Practice 871(20)
11434: Planning Legislation 871(15)
11435: Planning Theory 871(15)
11433: Planning Design 871(20)

Second Year

13151: Thesis (Urban and Regional Planning) 876(130)

Closing Date for Applications:
  • South African students:
    • Apply by 31 October of the preceding year.
  • International students:
    • Apply by 31 August of the preceding year.

To apply for the programme, please visit the Faculty admission site here.

For more information about the programmes and course content, please visit the Faculty yearbook here.

Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning (Research Thesis Option): 11466 – 879(180)

This is a research master’s programme consisting of a 35 000 to 45 000 word thesis, which demonstrates the ability to conduct independent scientific research on an urban and regional planning problem. The thesis is assessed according to the regulations of Stellenbosch University.

This programme is suggested for graduate professional planners who hold a SACPLAN-accredited qualification and want to undertake advanced research on a specific research focus area linked to their current research or professional interests.

This is not a SACPLAN-accredited programme.

Admission requirements:
  • A professional bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning or Development Planning; and
  • a pass mark of 60%.
Closing Date for Applications:
  • South African students:
    • Apply by 31 October of the preceding year.
  • International students:
    • Apply by 31 August of the preceding year.

To apply for the programme, please visit the Faculty admission site here.

For more information about the programmes and course content, please visit the Faculty yearbook here.

PhD in Urban and Regional Planning: 11466 – 978(360)

This is a research doctoral programme consisting of a 85 000 to 95 000 word dissertation which demonstrates the ability to conduct independent scientific research on an urban and regional planning problem. The dissertation is assessed according to the regulations of Stellenbosch University.

This programme is suggested for graduate and professional planners who hold a SACPLAN-accredited qualification and want to undertake advanced research on a specific research focus area linked to their current research or professional interests.

This is not a SACPLAN-accredited programme.

Admission requirements:
  • A master’s degree in one of the following fields: Urban and Regional Planning or Development Planning; or
  • an MTech in Urban and Regional Planning or another related discipline; or
  • a master’s degree approved by the Stellenbosch University Senate.
Closing Date for Applications:

  • Apply by 31 October of the preceding year.

To apply for the programme, please visit the Faculty admission site here.