The PhD in Planning prepares students to be academics and scholars who research contemporary urban problems, and contribute new ideas and innovative solutions to problems related to land use, transportation, housing and real estate, economic development, the environment, sustainability, and the design of livable communities. The program will qualify graduates to teach at the university level, conduct research and participate in high level decision making in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. 

The PhD in Panning Programme integrates analytical methods, research design, a rigorous understanding of urbanization dynamics, and an examination of broader social theories, processes and policies. Students address complex systems that typically encompass an array of spatial, environmental, social, political, technical, and economic factors. The emphasis is on theory, analysis, and action. Each student is also expected to demonstrate an understanding of the literature, theory, and research in a specialization area within the larger discipline of urban and regional planning. The programme operates under the premise that concepts and methods from a wide range of professions and academic disciplines are applicable to urban and regional systems. 

OBJECTIVES

The program is designed to:

1. Provide students with an environment for the development of theory and contribution to the practice of planning. 
2. Train students to develop skills in teaching and research
3. Equip students with knowledge of social justice and environmental sustainability across all specializations of planning.
4. Attract a varied, representative, experienced, creative, and critical student body every year.

COURSE DISTRIBUTION

FIRST YEAR

FIRST SEMESTER

SECOND SEMESTER

SECOND YEAR

THIRD YEAR

Programme Requirement 

Admission Requirements

To qualify for admission into the PhD Planning programme an applicant shall be expected to have completed a master’s degree in a related field including, but not limited to

Urban Planning 

Regional Planning 

Architecture

Real Estate 

Or other qualifications considered by the Senate as equivalent to (a) or  (b) or (c) or (d) above.

  Duration of the programme

The duration of the programme shall normally be a minimum of three and maximum of five academic years for full time students.  Part-time students shall be registered for minimum of four and maximum of seven academic years.

  Course  Structure

The programme shall consist of coursework, examination and thesis. 

Courses are structured in units in which a unit is defined as one lecture hour, or two tutorial hours or three practical hours per week.

All coursework shall normally be done within the first three semesters for both full-time and part-time students.

Candidates for the PhD programme may be exempted from part of or all coursework requirement provided the Senate is satisfied that the candidate had done and passed at Masters level course equivalent to the proscribed courses.