Master of Urban Planning

Last Updated on August 5, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Hi readers! In this post, we will deal with a Master’s Degree program that is related to the field of planning. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of Master of Urban Planning course.

  Technically, it is a Master’s Degree course. It falls under the category of PG (Postgraduate) level course. Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree course are eligible to pursue it.   Here is an overview of the course –

• Name of the course: Master of Urban Planning
• Type of course: Master’s Degree
• Field: Planning
• Duration: 2 years
• Eligibility: Completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree course

Basically, it is a planning course. It is an ideal PG course for Bachelor of Planning graduates. But this PG course is not just limited to Planning graduates! Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree courses (other than Planning) are also eligible to pursue this course!   If you want to build a rewarding career in the urban planning sector, this is an ideal Master’s Degree course for you! There exists may Colleges offering this course across India.   What is Master of Urban Planning all about? What is the scope and potential associated with this domain? What is it like to become an Urban planner? You will find answers to these questions in the next section. Here it is –

Urban Planning

Urban planning is a multidisciplinary field. It primarily deals with the design and development of urban settlements.   Here is a formal definition of urban planning – It is the process that deals with the design and development of land use and the built environment, including air, water and the infrastructure passing into and out of urban areas.   Urban planning is also known by other names such as – town planning, city planning, urban development and regional development. Urban planners are also known to design streets, roads, parks and buildings in urban areas and settlements.   As I mentioned before, Urban planning is a multidisciplinary field. It encompasses elements such as –

• Infrastructure Technology
• Politics and Governance
• Environmental Planning and Management
• Public Welfare
• Sanitation
• Land Management
• Communication
• Water Use and Management
• Transportation Management
• Design
• And more…

In short, it consists of both technical and non-technical elements. Urban planning plays an important role in determining the path of progress of any city of town.   Urban planning has both direct and indirect influence on the social and economic development of a city or town. For example, a well planned city can attract more business and investments. This can lead to better living standards of city dwellers!   Master of Urban Planning course will train you in various aspects related to Urban planning. It will train you in areas such as –

• Architecture
• Urban Design
• Infrastructure Technology
• Water Use and Management
• Governance and Policy
• Planning
• Zoning
• Building Codes
• Management Techniques
• Project Management
• Land Use
• And more…

After completing this course, you will become knowledgeable about various aspects of Urban planning. Being a skilled urban planner, you will be able to plan, design and develop urban structures, buildings and welfare projects. You will also work closely with other professionals such as – Civil Engineers, Architects, Politicians, Civil Servants and other Government officials.   Come, let us take a closer look at the course details. Here it is –

Course Details

Type of course

It is a Master’s Degree course. Technically, it is a Postgraduate level course. You may also check – Master of Urban Housing.

Duration

The academic program is 2 years long. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is six months long. At the end of each semester, a student must face main external examination. The entire program consists of four semesters.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who have completed relevant Bachelor’s Degree courses like – B.Arch., Bachelor of Planning, B.E. or B.Tech. in Civil Engineering, B.E. or B.Tech. in Environmental Engineering, Bachelor of Construction Technology. OR Master’s Degree of equivalent in disciplines such as – Mathematics, Statistics, Operations. OR Master’s Degree in Science or Technology in disciplines such as – Geomatics, Geoinformatics, Geographical Information System OR Master’s Degree in Geography or Economy.

Colleges

This academic program is offered by Planning Institutes across India. There are two such types of institutes in India –

• Government Institutes
• Private Institutes

CEPT is a very popular Institute offering this course in India. Government Colleges are known to charge relatively lower fees than their Private sector counterparts.

Fees

Fees charged for the academic program may vary from one institute to another. Course fees depends upon the following factors –

• Type of institute (Government, Private, Aided etc)
• Location of the college
• Status and rating of the college
• Scholarship status (of student, if applicable)

Government colleges are known to charge low fees. Average fees in private colleges could be anywhere between 60-150K INR per semester.

Admission Process

Reputed institutes rely on merit based admission process. Such institutes make use of relevant entrance test to select deserving candidates. Some institutes are also known to conduct their own qualifying test in order to select deserving candidates. You may also read – Master of Urban Management.

You may also check –

B.Arch. course

M.Arch. course

  Some other institutes are also known to conduct direct as well as donation based admission process.

Syllabus

Here are some of the important subjects present in the curriculum –

• Architecture
• Urban Design
• Infrastructure Technology
• Water Use and Management
• Governance and Policy
• Planning
• Zoning
• Building Codes
• Management Techniques
• Project Management
• Land Use

Career Prospects

After completing this course, you will have access to multiple job opportunities. Prominent opportunities are – Government jobs, Private jobs and Self-Employment opportunities. You may also check – best careers in India.   Here are some of the main Government sector recruiters –

• Urban Development Boards
• Municipal Corporations
• Urban Housing Boards
• District Development Office

Here are some of the prime Private sector recruiters –

• Consultancies
• NGOs
• Construction Firms

Salary

Starting salary of Urban planning professionals depends upon a number of factors. Some of the prominent factors are –

• Institute from which the candidate completed the course
• The domain he/she has chosen
• Job location
• Status of the employer

On an average, starting salary could be anywhere between 50-80K INR per month. In case of a Government job, the salary will be as per the pay scale and grade.