Town, Urban & Regional Planning is a future-focused field that shapes cities, towns, transport systems, housing, and sustainable development. In South Africa, the qualification is professionally aligned and leads to careers in municipal planning, spatial development frameworks (SDFs), land-use management, and policy planning.
If you want to design inclusive, efficient, and sustainable cities, this is the degree to consider.
What Is Town / Urban & Regional Planning?
Urban and Regional Planning focuses on:
- Spatial planning and land-use management
- Sustainable urban development
- Housing and human settlements
- Transport and infrastructure planning
- Environmental and regional development
- Urban policy, governance, and community planning
Graduates often work closely with municipalities, provincial governments, consulting firms, and development agencies.
Universities Offering Town / Urban & Regional Planning
South Africa currently has two leading universities offering accredited Planning programmes:
1. University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Pretoria
- Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning (BTRP) – 4 years
- Professionally accredited and highly regarded
- Strong focus on spatial planning, land-use law, GIS, and urban policy
- Graduates are eligible for professional registration pathways
Ideal for: Students interested in municipal planning, government policy, and large-scale spatial development.
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of the Witwatersrand
- Urban and Regional Planning (within the Built Environment)
- Emphasis on urban design, metropolitan planning, and social justice
- Strong research culture and real-world urban case studies
- Excellent exposure to Johannesburg’s complex urban environment
Ideal for: Students interested in urban transformation, housing, inequality, and city-scale planning.
Admission Requirements (General Guide)
Requirements vary slightly, but typically include:
- National Senior Certificate (Bachelor’s pass)
- Strong performance in Mathematics
- English proficiency
- Competitive APS scores (often 30+ at these institutions)
👉 Always confirm requirements directly on the university website for 2026.
Career Opportunities in Urban & Regional Planning
Graduates can work as:
- Town / Urban Planners
- Spatial Development Officers
- Land-Use and Zoning Officers
- Housing & Human Settlements Planners
- Transport and Infrastructure Planners
- Policy Analysts and Development Consultants
Employers include:
- Local and provincial government
- Planning and engineering consultancies
- Property development firms
- Research institutions and NGOs
Is Town & Regional Planning a Good Career?
Yes. Planning is a scarce and critical skill in South Africa, especially with:
- Rapid urbanisation
- Housing backlogs
- Infrastructure development
- Climate-resilient city planning
The degree combines technical skills, policy analysis, and social impact, making it highly valuable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re passionate about shaping cities and communities, Town / Urban & Regional Planning is a powerful and impactful career path. With University of Pretoria and University of the Witwatersrand leading the way, South Africa offers world-class training in this discipline.