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PH-D in Urban And Regional Planning at B.M.S. School of Architecture
Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Urban and Regional Planning at B.M.S. School of Architecture Bengaluru?
This Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning program at BMS College of Architecture, Design & Planning focuses on advanced research into the complex challenges and opportunities within urban and regional contexts. With India''''s rapid urbanization, the program emphasizes sustainable development, smart city initiatives, and inclusive planning strategies. It aims to generate high-quality research contributing to policy-making and practical solutions for Indian cities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s degree holders in Architecture, Planning, Urban Design, Geography, or allied social sciences who possess a strong research aptitude. It attracts fresh postgraduates aiming for academic careers and working professionals in urban development authorities, government, or consultancies looking to contribute through advanced research and policy influence in the Indian urban sector.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as academics, urban researchers, policy advisors, and planning consultants. In India, demand is high for experts in sustainable development, smart infrastructure, and regional economic planning. Ph.D. holders can command competitive salaries, ranging from 8-15 LPA for entry-level researchers to 20+ LPA for experienced academicians or policy roles, with significant growth trajectories in government, research institutions, and top-tier consultancies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology and Literature Review- (Semester 1)
Thoroughly engage with the coursework on Research Methodology and IPR, and dedicate significant effort to the Literature Review. Attend workshops on research software like Mendeley or Zotero, and quantitative/qualitative analysis tools. This stage is critical for building a robust theoretical foundation for your doctoral work.
Tools & Resources
Mendeley, Zotero, NVivo, SPSS/R, VTU Digital Library
Career Connection
A strong grasp of research methods is fundamental for successful thesis completion and future roles in research, academia, or policy analysis.
Identify a Focused Research Problem- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with your supervisor to identify a novel, relevant, and feasible research problem within Urban and Regional Planning. Conduct preliminary explorations, read widely beyond coursework, and attend departmental research seminars to refine your area of interest. This ensures alignment with your specialization and supervisor''''s expertise.
Tools & Resources
Research journals in Urban Planning, Scopus, Web of Science, Supervisor consultations
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem is the cornerstone of a successful Ph.D., leading to impactful publications and establishing your niche as an expert.
Network with Peers and Faculty- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in departmental seminars, Ph.D. colloquia, and informal discussions with fellow doctoral students and faculty. Seek feedback on your research ideas and learn from diverse perspectives. This builds a supportive academic community and broadens your understanding of ongoing research.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminars, Research groups, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
Building an academic network early on can lead to collaborative opportunities, peer support, and valuable mentorship for your future career.
Intermediate Stage
Develop a Strong Research Proposal- (Year 1-2)
Translate your refined research problem into a comprehensive and coherent research proposal, outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. Seek rigorous feedback from your supervisor and a departmental review committee before formal submission. This prepares you for the comprehensive examination.
Tools & Resources
VTU Ph.D. guidelines for proposal submission, Supervisor''''s guidance, Peer review
Career Connection
A strong proposal is essential for receiving research grants, securing ethical clearances, and providing a clear roadmap for your doctoral journey, enhancing your credibility.
Engage in Academic Publishing and Conferences- (Year 2-3)
Start converting parts of your literature review or preliminary findings into journal articles for peer-reviewed publication. Attend and present your work at national and international conferences relevant to Urban and Regional Planning, gaining exposure and feedback. Aim for at least two publications before thesis submission.
Tools & Resources
Reputable planning journals (e.g., Urban Planning, Regional Studies), UGC-CARE List, Indian Institute of Urban Planners (IIUP) conferences
Career Connection
Publications are vital for academic career progression and grant applications, establishing your research profile and impact in the field.
Participate in Interdisciplinary Workshops and Trainings- (Year 2-3)
Seek opportunities to attend workshops on advanced GIS, remote sensing, data analytics, or urban policy analysis. These specialized skills are highly valuable in Urban and Regional Planning research and practice. Look for programs offered by IIMs, IITs, or specialized research centers.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX), Workshops by IITs/IIMs, Local urban research institutes
Career Connection
Acquiring interdisciplinary skills enhances your research capabilities and marketability for diverse roles in smart city initiatives, planning consultancies, and government think tanks.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Thesis Writing and Data Synthesis- (Year 3-5)
Allocate dedicated time for continuous thesis writing, ensuring logical flow, rigorous analysis, and clear articulation of findings. Regularly meet with your supervisor for feedback on each chapter and focus on synthesizing your data into compelling arguments that contribute to the field.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Grammarly, Turnitin (for originality check), Supervisor reviews
Career Connection
A well-written and impactful thesis is the primary output of your Ph.D., leading to successful defense and potentially a postdoctoral position or a senior research role.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva-Voce- (Year 4-6)
Practice your thesis presentation multiple times, anticipating potential questions from examiners. Engage in mock viva sessions with faculty and peers to refine your responses and strengthen your arguments. Be prepared to defend your research methodology, findings, and contributions rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Departmental mock viva sessions, Previous Ph.D. defense presentations, Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the final academic hurdle, validating your expertise and research contribution, and opening doors to advanced professional opportunities.
Strategize Post-Ph.D. Career Path- (Year 3.5-6)
Begin exploring career opportunities in academia, research institutions, government organizations (e.g., NITI Aayog, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs), or international NGOs. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your research expertise, publications, and specific skills. Network with senior professionals in your desired field.
Tools & Resources
Career services at VTU/BMSCoADP, LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., IIUP), Mentors
Career Connection
Proactive career planning ensures a smooth transition from Ph.D. to a fulfilling professional role, maximizing the impact of your advanced degree.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree in Architecture, Planning, or an allied discipline with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/Cat-1 candidates) from a recognized university. Candidates must also have a valid score in VTU-ET or UGC/CSIR-NET/GATE/SLET or equivalent national level examination.
Duration: Minimum 3 years (Full-Time), 4 years (Part-Time). Maximum 6 years (Full-Time), 8 years (Part-Time)
Credits: 10 credits (for coursework component) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50% (Continuous Internal Evaluation for coursework subjects), External: 50% (Semester End Examination for coursework subjects)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21RMPR1 | Research Methodology and Intellectual Property Rights | Core | 4 | Introduction to Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights and Patents |
| 21RSPAR | Advanced Studies in Architecture and Planning | Departmental Elective | 4 | Theories of Urban and Regional Development, Contemporary Urban Challenges, Planning Legislation and Governance, Sustainable Urbanism and Smart Cities, GIS and Geospatial Technologies in Planning |
| 21RSLR1 | Literature Review and Seminar | Core | 2 | Identification of Research Gap, Extensive Literature Survey, Critical Appraisal of Existing Work, Synthesis of Research Findings, Academic Presentation Skills |
