With more than 180 students in the undergraduate course and approximately 100 postgraduate students, the Department is dynamic, yet small, intimate and highly student-orientated. Lecturers are able to get to know students personally and interact with them on a one-on-one basis. We make a point of not only exposing students to the academic environment, but also ensuring regular interaction with planning practitioners from both the public and private sector. The Department itself is regularly involved in major projects, and endeavours to give students the chance to be part of these projects as and where possible, so as to provide them with exposure to planning practice.  

The approach to education, curriculum development and training followed in the program is in accordance with international trends and the educational philosophy adopted by the University of Pretoria, as well as with the principles contained in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). The Department is, and always has been, regarded as a front-runner in the fields of curriculum development, learner-centred learning, the application of experiential learning techniques and the use of innovative assessment techniques.

Thus, by studying towards a Bachelor degree in Town and Regional Planning at UP, you will have access to:

• Excellent academic staff; 
• Excellent facilities on a beautiful campus;
• Relevant and up-to-date courses, accredited by the South African Planning Council (SACPLAN); and
• Opportunities for further studies (Masters and PhD degrees).