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M-PLAN in General at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
Howrah, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is General at Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur Howrah?
This Master of Urban and Regional Planning program at IIEST Shibpur focuses on developing skilled professionals for sustainable urban development in India. It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications in planning, design, and policy. The program addresses the rapid urbanization challenges and smart city initiatives crucial for India''''s future, aiming to create experts capable of shaping vibrant and resilient communities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor of Architecture, Planning, Civil Engineering, or Master of Geography/Economics/Sociology graduates seeking entry into urban and regional planning roles. It also suits working professionals from government bodies, consulting firms, or NGOs looking to upskill in specialized planning domains like infrastructure, environment, or housing, contributing to India''''s urban transformation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in urban development authorities, municipal corporations, smart city projects, real estate firms, and consulting agencies across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 lakhs per annum, with significant growth potential. The program aligns with professional body certifications, enabling leadership roles in urban governance, policy-making, and sustainable development initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Foundational Planning Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on core subjects like Planning Theory, Socio-Economic Aspects, and GIS. Actively participate in lectures, engage in critical discussions, and consistently review complex planning models and theories. Build a strong conceptual base essential for advanced studios and projects.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures on urban planning, Reference planning textbooks (e.g., John Ratcliffe), Online GIS tutorials (ArcGIS, QGIS)
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation ensures students can articulate planning rationale effectively, a critical skill for junior planning positions and competitive exams for government roles.
Excel in Planning Studio Work- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to Planning Studio I & II. Develop strong analytical and graphic communication skills by diligently working on site analysis, base map preparation, urban design exercises, and plan drawing. Seek regular feedback from faculty and peers to refine technical skills.
Tools & Resources
AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Illustrator, ArcGIS, Frequent design critiques, Peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong studio skills are directly applicable to planning consultancy, urban design firms, and government planning departments, enhancing employability for practical, hands-on roles.
Build Interdisciplinary Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek knowledge beyond the immediate curriculum by exploring related fields such as environmental science, economics, and sociology. Attend guest lectures, workshops, and seminars organized by the department or other relevant departments. Engage with diverse perspectives to understand the multi-faceted nature of urban challenges.
Tools & Resources
Online courses (Coursera, edX) in related disciplines, Departmental seminar series, Academic journals in urban studies and social sciences
Career Connection
Broad interdisciplinary understanding makes graduates more adaptable and innovative, highly valued in complex urban projects requiring holistic problem-solving.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Elective Specialization- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose an elective (e.g., Peri-Urban Areas, Real Estate, Housing) that aligns with your career interests. Deep dive into the chosen area through additional readings, case studies, and focused discussions. Leverage this specialization to define your niche within the broader planning field.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks, Industry reports (e.g., JLL, Knight Frank India reports), Professional planning bodies publications (ITPI)
Career Connection
Developing expertise in a specific planning domain makes you a more attractive candidate for specialized roles in consulting, real estate development, or housing authorities.
Proactively Seek Internship Opportunities- (Semester 3)
Start identifying and applying for internships with government planning bodies, urban development agencies, or private consulting firms in India. Gain practical experience by assisting with live projects, data analysis, and report preparation. This is crucial for bridging academic learning with professional practice.
Tools & Resources
Institute placement cell, LinkedIn, Professional networking events, Direct applications to organizations like municipal corporations, smart city SPVs
Career Connection
Internships are often a pipeline to full-time employment and provide invaluable real-world experience, enhancing resume value and networking opportunities.
Participate in Planning Competitions and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Actively engage in planning competitions, hackathons, and design workshops at national or regional levels. This provides exposure to diverse problems, fosters teamwork, and hones problem-solving skills under pressure. Such experiences are excellent resume builders and learning opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Announcements from ITPI (Institute of Town Planners, India), University notices, Online platforms hosting design challenges
Career Connection
Participation demonstrates initiative and practical skills, making candidates stand out in a competitive job market and providing tangible portfolio content.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Quality Thesis/Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a research topic relevant to contemporary urban challenges in India. Conduct thorough research, robust data analysis, and present findings clearly and concisely. Aim for a publishable-quality thesis that showcases your analytical and research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (Scopus, Web of Science), Statistical software (SPSS, R), Academic writing workshops, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
A strong thesis is a significant academic achievement, opening doors for higher studies (PhD) or demonstrating advanced problem-solving skills to employers, particularly in research-oriented planning roles.
Network with Industry Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 4)
Attend conferences, seminars, and alumni events to connect with experienced professionals in urban planning. Build a strong professional network that can provide mentorship, job leads, and insights into industry trends in India. Leverage online platforms like LinkedIn for sustained engagement.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional body memberships (ITPI), Institute alumni association events, National urban planning conferences
Career Connection
Networking is vital for career advancement, leading to referrals, mentorship, and access to unadvertised job opportunities in the planning sector.
Prepare for Placements and Government Exams- (Semester 4)
Begin rigorous preparation for campus placements, focusing on resume building, interview skills, and portfolio development. Simultaneously, if interested in government roles, prepare for competitive examinations like UPSC (for town planners) or state-level PSCs. Practice mock interviews and aptitude tests.
Tools & Resources
Institute''''s career services, Online aptitude test platforms, Current affairs resources, Mock interview sessions, ITPI career portal
Career Connection
Proactive and targeted preparation significantly increases chances of securing desired roles in government, PSUs, or leading private sector companies immediately after graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s Degree in Architecture / Planning / Civil Engineering or Master''''s Degree in Geography / Economics / Sociology from a recognized University/Institute. A valid GATE / NET (Architectural & Planning) score is desirable.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP 1001 | Planning Theory & Techniques | Core | 4 | History of planning thoughts, Concepts and theories, Models of urban structure and growth, Planning process and techniques, Spatial analysis, Decision-making in planning |
| URP 1002 | Socio-Economic Aspects of Planning | Core | 4 | Population dynamics, Social structure, Economic base theory, Regional economic analysis, Poverty and inequality, Housing and social infrastructure planning |
| URP 1003 | History of Human Settlement & Evolution of Planning Practice | Core | 4 | Ancient civilizations and settlements, Medieval towns and city forms, Impact of industrial revolution, Garden City Movement, Modern urban planning concepts, Evolution of planning in India |
| URP 1004 | GIS and Remote Sensing in Planning | Core | 4 | GIS fundamentals and applications, Spatial data models and analysis, Remote sensing principles, Image processing and interpretation, GIS for urban and regional planning, Digital mapping techniques |
| URP 1005 | Planning Studio – I | Practical/Studio | 6 | Data collection and synthesis, Base map preparation, Site planning and analysis, Urban design exercises, Graphic communication techniques, Development proposal conceptualization |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP 2001 | Urban & Regional Planning Law & Administration | Core | 4 | Planning legislation in India, Land Acquisition Acts, Environmental laws and regulations, Municipal governance and acts, Urban local bodies and their functions, Role of planning agencies |
| URP 2002 | Traffic & Transportation Planning | Core | 4 | Transportation demand and forecasting, Traffic surveys and analysis, Network analysis and modeling, Public transport planning, Traffic management strategies, Sustainable transportation solutions |
| URP 2003 | Environment, Ecology & Sustainable Development | Core | 4 | Environmental impact assessment, Ecological principles and ecosystems, Climate change and urban resilience, Green infrastructure planning, Sustainable urban forms and practices, Disaster risk reduction and management |
| URP 2004 | Infrastructure Planning & Management | Core | 4 | Water supply and distribution systems, Sanitation and wastewater management, Solid waste management techniques, Power and energy infrastructure, Telecommunications and digital infrastructure, Social infrastructure planning |
| URP 2005 | Planning Studio – II | Practical/Studio | 6 | Regional plan preparation, Urban area development plans, Zoning regulations and master plans, Infrastructure mapping and planning, Analytical mapping and report writing, Public participation techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP 3001 | Urban Design & Conservation | Core | 4 | Urban design theories and principles, Public spaces and their design, Urban aesthetics and form, Conservation principles and practice, Heritage management in urban areas, Urban regeneration strategies |
| URP 3002 | Planning Project – I | Project | 6 | Research methodology and design, Problem identification and formulation, Literature review and conceptual framework, Data collection design and instruments, Preliminary report writing, Project presentation skills |
| URP 3003 | Planning Techniques & Methods for Peri-Urban Areas | Elective | 4 | Peri-urbanization concepts and dynamics, Land use change in fringes, Rural-urban linkages and conflicts, Informal settlements management, Land management strategies, Regional development planning |
| URP 3004 | Real Estate Planning & Management | Elective | 4 | Real estate market analysis, Land economics and valuation, Property development process, Real estate finance and investment, Development control regulations, Project feasibility studies |
| URP 3005 | Housing & Community Planning | Elective | 4 | Housing policies and programs, Housing typologies and standards, Slum rehabilitation and upgrading, Affordable housing strategies, Community development approaches, Participatory planning methods |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP 4001 | Thesis / Dissertation | Project | 10 | In-depth research methodology, Advanced data analysis and interpretation, Critical evaluation of findings, Thesis writing and structuring, Oral presentation and defense, Scholarly communication |
| URP 4002 | Planning Project – II (Summer Internship) | Internship/Project | 8 | Practical exposure to planning organizations, Understanding organizational structure, Project implementation and monitoring, Professional ethics and conduct, Technical report writing, Application of theoretical knowledge |
