PhD Urban Planning is a doctoral program offered in architecture colleges that lasts at least three years. Candidates will conduct research on a variety of urban planning topics, including urban development, transportation planning, sustainable development, and infrastructure development.
The eligibility criteria for admission to the Doctoral Urban Planning program is a Master's degree in Architecture or a Master's degree in Planning with degree. Overall score of at least 55%. The degree must be completed at a recognized educational institution. Admission is based on grades in addition to entrance exams and personal interviews.
A PhD in Urban Planning and Public Policy (UPPP) is an advanced academic degree program that focuses on preparing students to become experts in urban planning, public policy analysis, and the design and implementation of policies that affect urban areas. This degree program typically requires students to have a strong background in social sciences, economics, statistics, and research methods.
The UPPP program is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the challenges facing urban areas, including issues related to economic development, housing, transportation, environmental sustainability, and social equity. Graduates of the program are prepared to work as urban planners, policy analysts, and researchers in a variety of settings, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private consulting firms.
The UPPP program typically takes 4-6 years to complete, depending on the student's course load and research requirements. During this time, students take advanced coursework in urban planning and public policy, conduct original research, and write and defend a dissertation.
Some of the key skills and competencies that students in a UPPP program develop include:
Here are some of the key highlights of a PhD in Urban Planning and Public Policy (UPPP) program:
Interdisciplinary approach: UPPP programs typically draw on a range of disciplines, including economics, sociology, geography, environmental science, and public administration. This interdisciplinary approach allows students to gain a holistic understanding of urban planning and public policy issues and to develop a broad range of skills.
Focus on real-world problems: UPPP programs are designed to address the complex challenges facing urban areas today. Students in these programs work on real-world problems and develop practical solutions that can be implemented in the field.
Research-oriented: UPPP programs are research-oriented and emphasize the development of advanced research skills. Students in these programs conduct original research, write academic papers, and present their findings at conferences and other academic events.
Career opportunities: A PhD in UPPP opens up a range of career opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private consulting firms. Graduates of UPPP programs are well-equipped to work as urban planners, policy analysts, and researchers, among other roles.
Flexibility: UPPP programs are typically flexible and allow students to tailor their coursework and research to their interests and career goals. Students may be able to choose from a range of elective courses, work on interdisciplinary research projects, and collaborate with faculty members and other students on research.
Networking: UPPP programs offer students the opportunity to network with faculty members, researchers, and professionals in the field. This networking can be invaluable when it comes to finding internships, jobs, and other career opportunities.
Course Level | Doctorate |
Full-Form | Doctor of Philosophy |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination type | Semester System |
Eligibility | M.Arch. or M.Plan masters degree with at least 55% aggregate score |
Admission Process | Merit Basis/ Entrance Examination and Personal Interview |
Job Positions | Urban Planner, Urban Designer, City Planner, Planning Manager, Architects, Survey researchers, Transport Planner, etc. |
PhD in Urban Planning and Public Policy (UPPP) programs may require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a similar standardized test. Some programs may also require applicants to take additional tests, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), if English is not their first language.
UGC NET (June Session)
CSIR UGC NET
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF
Admission requirements for UPPP programs vary depending on the institution, but typically include the following:
The duration of a PhD program in UPPP varies by institution but typically takes 4-6 years to complete. This includes completing coursework, conducting research, and writing and defending a dissertation.
Selection criteria for UPPP programs may include academic record, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement, GRE scores (if required), and interview (if required).
To apply for a PhD in UPPP program, students typically need to complete an online application and submit the following materials:
Transcripts from all previous academic institutions attended.
Resume or CV.
Letters of recommendation.
Personal statement.
GRE scores (if required).
TOEFL or IELTS scores (if required for non-native English speakers).
Application deadlines vary by institution but are typically several months before the start of the academic year. Students should check with each institution to confirm application deadlines and requirements.
The application process for a PhD in Urban Planning and Public Policy (UPPP) typically involves the following steps:
Merit-Based Admission
The procedure for admission to the Urban Planning Ph.D. program on merit is as follows:
Registration: If a vacancy occurs in the Ph.D. program, the Institute will announce the registration date. Registration can be done online by creating a profile including your name, email ID and phone number.
Fill in your details: Fill in the application form with details of all training, internships, professional experience, references, etc.
Document Upload: Important documents such as transfer deeds and certificates must be scanned and uploaded. Documents must be in a specific format and size.
Application Fee: To process your application, pay the minimum application fee online. You can use credit cards, debit cards, and all other popular payment methods.
Admissions: Once the Institute processes and evaluates your application, you will receive a letter of offer of admission. You can join immediately.
Entrance Examination-Based Admission
The entrance tests to the PhD admission process are listed below:
Registration: Registration is done annually based on the number of seats available. Online registration can be done by creating a profile.
Fill in your details: Fill out the application form with your previous educational background, including completed internships, projects, and work experience.
Upload documents: Scan and upload your mark sheet, transfer deed, passport-size photo and signature copy online. Size and format must be considered.
Application/Examination Fee: Pay an application fee or exam fee to process your application. Payments are accepted through all popular online payment methods.
Admission Card and Examination: Once the submitted application is evaluated, an admission card will be issued for the entrance examination. Download past exam questions and the syllabus to take the exam.
Results: Results will be announced in a few weeks.
Personal interview: Results will be announced after the entrance exam. Selected candidates will then be invited to a series of personal interviews where their research proposals will be evaluated.
Admission: If successful in the personal interview round, candidates will be provided with a letter of offer of admission. You can enter by paying the admission fee.
The application fee for UPPP programs typically ranges from $50 to $100 per institution. Some institutions may offer fee waivers for students who meet certain criteria, such as financial need.
The syllabus for a PhD in UPPP program typically includes advanced coursework in urban planning, public policy, research methods, and statistics. Some of the topics covered in these courses may include:
Semester I: Research Methodology
| Semester 2: Seminar
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Semester 3: Methodologies for Architecture and Planning Genesis of Architectural Research Research Topologies in Architectural Research Tools for data collection Sampling Probability and Sampling Measures of association and hypothesis testing Correlations and Regression Graph theory Social and Visual research Methods Quantitative, Qualitative and Spatial Analysis Phenomenological, Behavioral Science and Environmental Psychological Study Concepts and Research Methods in Psychology Decision Making Models | Semester 4: Branch Specific Topics Urban Planning and Design Rural Planning Infrastructure & Transportation Planning Participatory Planning Environmental Management and Impact Assessment NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA |
Graduates of a PhD in UPPP program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of urban planning and public policy. Some of the job titles that UPPP graduates may hold include:
UPPP graduates have a range of career opportunities in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private consulting firms. Some of the career paths available to UPPP graduates include:
Some of the top institutions offering PhD programs in Urban Planning and Public Policy include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.