Program Overview

Urban and Regional Planning

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning by research (MSc URP [Res]) is a 1 year full-time or 2 year part-time degree.

Overview

In general, the school recommends that Planning Masters students take programmes with a coursework component in order to receive foundational training in advanced subjects. In exceptional circumstances Planning Masters applicants can be considered for a research-only programme (i.e. with no coursework), the Master of Urban & Regional Planning by Research.

The School of Architecture and Planning is equipped to supervise Masters and PhD by research with expertise in the area of architectural, urban and planning theory and sustainable development.

The School has a pool of academic members of staff who can supervise research towards our research-based postgraduate degrees. Admission to the School for any of the research-only degrees therefore depends on the availability of a supervisor from within the staff who is capable of and willing to supervise in the area of study.

Entry Requirements

An honours level degree in Architecture, with a minimum of 65% aggregate in the honours year of study, and a proven ability to write academically. The School only accepts candidates for whom it is able to provide supervision.

• A 3-5 page research proposal covering the following:
  • a preliminary title of the research,
  • a context/background section,
  • a motivation section,
  • an outline of the research problem (question and aims/objectives),
  • a method overview section,
  • an appraisal of sample readings and a list of sample references/bibliography.

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre. Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

• Applications must be complete in terms of requested documentation.
• The application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees are available. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments.

• For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award.
• The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students.
  • NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.
  • External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Programme Details

• Faculty: Engineering and the Built Environment
• School: Architecture and Planning
• Qualification: MSc(URP)
• Duration: 1 - 2 years
• Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time

Closing Date

Offered throughout the year with multiple intakes. Research students are encouraged to apply at least 6 months in advance (foreign students should apply a year in advance to allow for visa application etc.), and if admitted, to register at the beginning of the year.

Facilities

All research students have access to the computer labs and library facilities and the School has an active student body, including a forum by research students, which is represented in the School Postgraduate Committee.