

INTEGRATED-M-PLAN in Urban And Regional Planning at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi


Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Urban and Regional Planning at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi Delhi?
This Urban and Regional Planning program at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi focuses on equipping professionals with skills to manage complex urban and regional development challenges. With India''''s rapid urbanization, the program addresses crucial aspects like sustainable infrastructure, inclusive growth, and smart city solutions. Its comprehensive curriculum differentiates it by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical studio-based learning, responding directly to the high demand for skilled planners in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in Planning, Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related fields seeking entry into urban development. It also caters to working professionals in government bodies, consulting firms, or NGOs looking to upskill in specialized areas like regional planning or smart cities. Career changers with master''''s degrees in social sciences or economics who wish to transition into the urban planning industry will find the program enriching.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue India-specific career paths in government planning agencies (e.g., DDA, state town planning departments), private consultancies, real estate development, and international organizations. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-25+ LPA. Growth trajectories include roles like Urban Planner, Regional Planner, GIS Specialist, or Project Manager. The program also aligns with professional certifications from institutes like ITPI.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Planning Fundamentals with Real-World Case Studies- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core planning theories, socio-economic dimensions, and infrastructure systems. Supplement classroom learning by analyzing Indian urban development projects and policies (e.g., Smart Cities Mission, PMAY) to understand their practical implications.
Tools & Resources
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs reports, NITI Aayog documents, Indian Journal of Urban Planning and Development, Field visits to local urban bodies
Career Connection
Builds a strong theoretical base crucial for understanding planning challenges and provides context for interviews in government and consulting roles.
Develop Proficiency in GIS and CAD Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Go beyond basic assignments to master software like ArcGIS, QGIS, and AutoCAD. Work on self-initiated mini-projects involving spatial data analysis for local areas or creating detailed site plans, showcasing advanced technical skills.
Tools & Resources
ESRI tutorials, QGIS online community, YouTube channels for planning software, Open-source geospatial data portals
Career Connection
Essential for roles requiring data visualization, mapping, and spatial analysis in urban planning firms, improving employability for GIS specialist positions.
Cultivate Strong Research and Report Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay meticulous attention to research methodologies and project formulation. Practice structured academic writing, critical analysis, and proper citation. Seek feedback on drafts of reports and assignments to refine communication skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Peer review groups, Faculty consultations
Career Connection
Crucial for dissertation success, producing high-quality professional reports, and excelling in research-intensive roles in planning agencies or think tanks.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Intensive Studio Work and Applied Planning Projects- (Semester 3)
Fully immerse in the Urban and Regional Planning studios. Take initiative to lead teams, propose innovative solutions for real-world urban issues, and present designs confidently. Participate in inter-disciplinary design competitions.
Tools & Resources
Studio resources, Architectural/planning journals, Design competition platforms (e.g., NASA India), Professional planner forums
Career Connection
Develops practical problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills critical for studio-based job roles in consultancies and design firms.
Pursue Strategic Internships and Field Exposure- (Semester 3 (Summer break after Semester 2))
Secure an internship with a government planning body (e.g., DDA, HUDCO), an urban development authority, or a private planning consultancy during breaks. Actively seek field visits and engage with local communities to understand ground realities.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Professional networks, Government department websites
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry experience, builds professional networks, and often converts into pre-placement offers, accelerating career entry.
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Research- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives that align with career interests (e.g., smart cities, disaster management, housing). Begin preliminary research for the dissertation, connecting it to an emerging area in Indian urbanism.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Specialized journals, Industry conferences, Research databases
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise highly sought after by employers, differentiating candidates for specialized roles and advanced studies.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation and Portfolio Development- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to a high-quality dissertation that demonstrates original research and analytical skills. Concurrently, build a comprehensive professional portfolio showcasing studio projects, internship work, and research outputs.
Tools & Resources
Dissertation supervisors, Academic writing tools, Online portfolio platforms (e.g., Behance, personal websites), Graphic design software
Career Connection
A strong dissertation and portfolio are key assets for job applications and academic pursuits, proving expertise and practical capabilities.
Actively Network and Prepare for Placements- (Semester 4)
Attend campus recruitment drives, participate in mock interviews, and refine resume/CV. Actively network with alumni and industry professionals through conferences, webinars, and professional associations like the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI).
Tools & Resources
Placement cell, LinkedIn, ITPI membership, Career workshops
Career Connection
Maximizes placement opportunities, opens doors to hidden job markets, and helps secure desirable roles post-graduation.
Develop Professional Communication and Leadership Skills- (Semester 4)
Participate in seminars, workshops, and student organizations to hone public speaking, negotiation, and leadership abilities. Practice conveying complex planning concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
Tools & Resources
Public speaking clubs, Communication workshops, Project management tools, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
Positions graduates for leadership roles, client-facing positions, and effective collaboration in multi-disciplinary planning teams.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Planning or Architecture or Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering or Environmental Engineering or equivalent; OR Master’s Degree in Geography or Economics or Sociology or Environmental Science or Social Work or equivalent from a recognized Indian/ Foreign University / Institute, with minimum 55% marks in aggregate (50% for SC/ST/PH).
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP-101 | Evolution of Human Settlements | Core | 3 | Early settlements and urbanization, Urban growth stages and patterns, Colonial urbanism in India, Post-independence Indian urbanization, Theories and approaches to planning |
| URP-102 | Socio-Economic Dimensions of Planning | Core | 3 | Population dynamics and demographic trends, Social structure, culture, and inequality, Economic theories of development, Urban poverty and informal sector, Housing, land markets, and livelihoods |
| URP-103 | Urban Infrastructure and Service Systems | Core | 3 | Water supply and wastewater management, Solid waste management systems, Urban transportation networks, Energy systems and renewable sources, Communication and social infrastructure |
| URP-104 | Planning Techniques I | Core | 3 | Data collection methods and surveys, Sampling techniques and questionnaire design, Cartography and mapping principles, Basic statistical analysis in planning, Introduction to GIS and remote sensing |
| URP-105 | Planning Studio I - Settlement Planning | Studio | 6 | Site analysis and environmental appraisal, Land use planning principles, Conceptual planning and design, Infrastructure integration in settlements, Development controls and regulations |
| URP-106 | Research Methods and Project Formulation | Core | 3 | Research design and types of research, Literature review and hypothesis formulation, Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing and presentation, Project proposal development |
| URP-107 | Computer Applications in Planning | Lab/Core | 3 | CAD software for drawing and mapping, GIS software for spatial data handling, Data visualization and presentation tools, Spreadsheet applications for analysis, Urban modeling basic concepts |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP-201 | Planning Legislation and Governance | Core | 3 | Town and Country Planning Acts, Land Acquisition Act and urban laws, Environmental legislation and policies, Urban governance structures and decentralization, Public participation in planning |
| URP-202 | Urban Development and Management | Core | 3 | Urban development policies and programs, Role of development authorities, Housing development and finance, Slum improvement and rehabilitation, Public-private partnerships in urban development |
| URP-203 | Environmental Planning and Management | Core | 3 | Environmental impact assessment (EIA), Pollution control and waste management, Natural resource management, Climate change adaptation and mitigation, Sustainable urban development strategies |
| URP-204 | Planning Techniques II | Core | 3 | Project appraisal and evaluation, Cost-benefit analysis and financial modeling, Economic base theory and input-output analysis, Demographic and economic forecasting, Decision-making tools for planning |
| URP-205 | Planning Studio II - Urban Planning | Studio | 6 | Urban structure plan preparation, Master plan formulation and review, Zonal development plans and schemes, Site planning and urban design principles, Implementation strategies for urban plans |
| URP-206 | Geo-informatics in Planning | Core/Lab | 3 | Principles of Remote Sensing and GPS, Spatial data models and databases, Advanced GIS operations and analysis, Thematic mapping and visualization, Applications of Geo-informatics in urban planning |
| URP-207 | Transport Planning | Core | 3 | Urban transport systems and characteristics, Traffic surveys and data collection, Transport demand modeling and forecasting, Public transport planning and management, Sustainable mobility and non-motorized transport |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP-301 | Regional Planning | Core | 3 | Concepts and theories of regional development, Regional delineation and classification, Resource regions and economic integration, Regional disparities and balanced growth, Inter-regional planning and policy frameworks |
| URP-302 | Rural Planning | Core | 3 | Rural-urban linkages and continuum, Agrarian economy and rural livelihoods, Rural poverty and development programs, Rural infrastructure and basic services, Panchayati Raj institutions and local governance |
| URP-303 | Smart Cities and Technology | Core | 3 | Concepts and frameworks of smart cities, Role of ICT in urban planning and governance, Big data analytics and urban intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, Digital infrastructure and smart services |
| URP-304 | Planning Studio III - Regional Planning | Studio | 6 | Regional surveys and data analysis, Formulation of regional development strategies, Sectoral plans for region (agriculture, industry), Resource allocation and investment planning, Implementation frameworks for regional plans |
| URP-305 | Elective I | Elective | 3 | Disaster preparedness and risk assessment, Mitigation strategies for various hazards, Emergency response and recovery planning, Rehabilitation and reconstruction, Building urban resilience |
| URP-306 | Elective II | Elective | 3 | Concepts of urban heritage and conservation, Policies and legislation for heritage protection, Architectural and urban conservation techniques, Cultural landscapes and heritage management, Adaptive reuse of historic buildings |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| URP-401 | Planning Studio IV - Project Planning and Management | Studio | 6 | Project identification and feasibility studies, Detailed project report (DPR) preparation, Project scheduling and resource management, Monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment, Stakeholder engagement and public participation |
| URP-402 | Dissertation | Project | 10 | Formulating research questions and objectives, Extensive literature review and theoretical framework, Data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Developing conclusions and recommendations, Academic writing and thesis presentation |




