URP, SPA Bhopal

The Department of Urban and Regional Planning at SPA Bhopal was established in 2008, with the launch of the B.Plan programme. The Master of Planning programme began in 2010. The first batch of both B.Plan and M.Plan graduates of the department, graduated in 2012. The Department represents a dynamic confluence of academic rigour and practice-oriented planning education in India’s spatial development landscape. The Department offers B. Plan, M. Plan, Integrated B.Plan - M. Plan Dual Degree and Doctoral Programmes. Established to cultivate professionals capable of addressing the complexities of rapid urbanisation and regional transformation, the Department advances an interdisciplinary pedagogy that integrates planning theory with studio-based, field-driven application. The curriculum exposes students to evidence based decision making in planning. It is grounded in empirical research, data analytics and geospatial modelling. The department fosters critical inquiry, policy engagement, and a commitment to sustainable and equitable urban futures, shaping planners who are both technically proficient, socially responsive and value driven.

Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan)

The Bachelor of Planning (B.Plan) is a four-year undergraduate program designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills in the field of planning. The curriculum integrates theoretical concepts with hands-on learning through projects, studios, and fieldwork. Over eight semesters, students develop a comprehensive understanding of urban and regional development, infrastructure, environmental planning, and policy analysis.

Graduates of the B.Plan program are prepared to contribute effectively to municipal planning bodies, private consultancies, and non-governmental organizations, engaging in drafting, spatial analysis, GIS mapping, and urban development initiatives.

Integrated B.Plan – M.Plan Dual Degree

The Integrated Bachelor of Planning – Master of Planning (B.Plan – M.Plan) is a comprehensive five-year dual degree program aimed at shaping highly skilled planning professionals. This integrated course merges undergraduate and postgraduate studies, reducing the overall tenure by one year compared to pursuing both degrees separately.

Students follow the standard B.Plan curriculum for the first six semesters. In the 7th semester, they undertake an extended internship or mini-project. Based on their interests and academic performance, students opt into one of the following specializations for the Master of Planning degree:

Urban and Regional Planning (URP)
Environmental Planning (EP)
Transport Planning and Logistics Management (TPLM)

From the 8th to 10th semesters, students engage in specialized coursework, research, and thesis writing, transitioning seamlessly into advanced study. The integrated curriculum is structured to develop planning competence alongside research acumen, enhancing readiness for leadership roles in government, consultancy, think tanks, and academic institutions.

Master of Planning: Urban & Regional Planning (M.Plan - URP)

Two Year Post-Graduate Programme

The Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) is a specialized postgraduate programme focused on developing knowledge, skills and values. Through advanced studios, theoretical discourse, application of analytical tools and independent research, it equips graduates to deliver data-driven, inclusive, and context-responsive planning solutions.

Key Programme Highlights

Studio Centric Pedagogy : Studio-based planning education addressing issues through spatial strategies, policy frameworks, and implementation tools.
Diverse Specialisations : Knowledge ecosystem fostering innovation in diverse specialisations including mobility planning, land economics, real estate, infrastructure systems, climate resilience and inclusive development.
Data Analytics & Advanced GIS : Application of GIS, remote sensing, urban modelling and data driven decision-support systems for evidence-based planning.
Knowledge, Skills & Values in Research : Application of knowledge, skills and values to engage in critical thinking to address real-world spatial challenges, through seminars and thesis
Industry & Government Interface : Multi-disciplinary collaboration with firms, research organisations, think tanks and SPA Bhopal’s multi-disciplinary centres to promote internships and live project exposure.

Doctoral Programme (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. program in Urban and Regional Planning is designed to foster advanced research in critical areas of urbanization, infrastructure development, sustainability, governance, and policy analysis. It allows scholars to engage in rigorous academic research under expert supervision, contributing to advancing planning theories and practices.

ADMISSIONS