A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban and Regional Planning is a research-based degree that focuses on the planning and development of cities and regions. This program is designed to prepare students to become experts in the field of urban and regional planning through coursework, research, and practical experience.
The program typically takes 4-5 years to complete, and students are required to complete a dissertation or thesis as the culminating project. Students will gain knowledge in urban design, land use planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, housing, community development, and other related areas.
During the program, students will be exposed to both theoretical and practical aspects of urban and regional planning. They will learn how to conduct research, analyze data, develop policies, and make decisions based on a range of factors, such as economic, social, environmental, and political considerations.
Stream | Doctor of Philosophy |
Course | PhD In Urban and Regional Planning |
Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning |
Eligibility Criteria | Master in relevant Subject with 55 % marks |
Duration | 3 Years |
Fees | Notified Soon |
Type | Degree |
Mode | Year |
Some universities may require applicants to take a standardized entrance exam such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) as part of the application process for a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning.
However, it is best to check with the specific university's admission requirements as each institution may have different requirements.
The duration of the program varies by university, but generally, it takes 4-5 years to complete. However, some programs may offer accelerated options for students with relevant work experience or prior coursework.
The selection criteria for a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning may vary by university, but typically include the following:
To apply for a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning, applicants must typically complete an online application and submit the following materials:
To apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban and Regional Planning, applicants should visit the website of the university where they wish to apply and complete the online application form.
They will need to upload all required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume or CV, and writing sample.
Applicants will also need to pay an application fee, which varies by university.
The application fee for a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning varies by university.
Generally, the fee ranges from INR 500-2000 in Indian universities and $50-100 in international universities.
The syllabus for a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning varies by university. However, the core courses may cover topics such as urban design, land use planning, transportation planning, environmental planning, housing, community development, and research methods. In addition, students will be required to take specialized courses in their area of interest and complete a dissertation or thesis.
Graduates of a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning can pursue various career opportunities, such as urban planners, policy analysts, community development specialists, government officials, and professors in academia. The salary for these roles varies depending on the job title, organization, and location. However, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for an urban planner in India is around INR 5-6 lakhs per annum, and in the USA, the average salary is around $77,000 per annum.
Some of the top colleges in India offering a PhD in Urban and Regional Planning include:
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi |
Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad |
CEPT University, Ahmedabad |
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar |
School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada |
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.