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Overview

Discover what it takes to build the urban world - planning, policies, statistics, analyses, visualization, and more - with this revolutionary two-year program. Shape the future of cities as you transform into an industry-ready urban planner that contributes in creating sustainable, efficient, equitable, and healthy communities in this rapidly urbanising world.

Shape the future of urban transformation

What You'll Learn

The M.Plan program is your key to developing independent and critical thinking of city issues, and mastering major techno-managerial and software skills required by the urban planning industry.

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of the philosophy and fundamental principles of the multidimensional and multifaceted nature of planning.
  • Apply planning knowledge in physical, spatial, environmental, socio-economic, legal-political, cultural, governance, development and management aspects of planning of urban areas with regards to the national vision and demands of the society.
  • Demonstrate data-based situation assessment, analytical problem-solving and critical thinking to develop planning solutions.

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Programme at a Glance

Find out what the M.Plan program has in store for you.

Highlights

Cutting-edge Training

Among the many unique aspects of this full-time program is the cutting-edge training you’ll receive on how to appreciate the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental aspects of urban settlements, understand their challenges, and develop planning solutions for planned urban development.

A Unique Pedagogical Approach

A pedagogical approach of combining theory inputs with practical field explorations and working on real case studies through studios, field visits and professional training ensures that students are made employment-ready.

Studios for Practical Application

Studios are developed for practical application of theory in real-life cases in urban settlements. Innovative thinking, originality, and research are also fostered through the proposed curriculum through the Planning Project in two phases - Dissertation and Thesis.

Distinctive Curriculum

Leveraging NICMAR University's industry connect, our expert planning faculty have curated a curriculum that focuses on inculcating skills to make you industry-ready.

Expert Participation & Feedback

Throughout the duration of the program, practicing professionals will be invited to become part of the studios, and even theory courses wherever possible to bring their expert feedback through case studies.

Technical Skills

As a student of this program, you will also receive training on technical skills such as needs assessment, data collection, survey, spatial mapping, quantitative methods, analysis, plan preparation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Present industry needs such as Spatial Mapping and Geoinformatics, Data Analytics, Development/Project Finance, Sustainability, Project Structuring, Research methods, Technical Writing and relevant software skills such as Programming have also been incorporated as part of the curriculum.

Location & Duration

Pune Campus


Seamlessly blending with Baner’s elite, cutting-edge lifestyle, our Pune campus will leave you enchanted with its state-of-the-art learning and living facilities.

Duration: Two years full time

Courses

Semester 1

Kick off the first semester with foundational subjects related to fundamental knowledge of planning, such as Planning Theory and Techniques, Urban Infrastructure and Service Delivery, GIS and Spatial Analysis, Land Use and Transportation Planning, and Urban Land Economics. Additionally, students will engage in practical learning through the Planning Studio and the Social Immersion project.

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  • Planning Theory and Techniques

    This course explores foundational planning theories and techniques, enabling students to critically assess various approaches to urban planning. It provides a basis for understanding the role of planning in shaping urban environments, introducing students to methodologies, frameworks, and tools that guide planning decisions.

  • Urban Infrastructure and Service Delivery

    This subject focuses on the essentials of urban infrastructure systems, covering the planning, design, and management of infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation, energy, and waste management. The course also delves into service delivery mechanisms, policies, and strategies to ensure the sustainable management of urban services.

  • GIS and Spatial Analysis

    This course equips students with the skills needed to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis in urban planning. It introduces spatial data collection, visualization, and interpretation techniques that are essential for land use planning, environmental management, and decision-making processes.

  • Land Use and Transportation Planning

    This subject provides students with an understanding of the relationship between land use and transportation systems. It covers methods for integrating transportation planning with land use development, considering factors such as mobility, accessibility, and the environmental impacts of transportation networks.

  • Urban Land Economics

    This course reviews the economic forces that shape urban and regional development, focusing on the role of land economics in the preparation of urban development plans. It also examines the impact of real estate markets, property values, and land use regulations on urban growth.

  • Planning Studio – I (Sub-City/Local Area Plan)

    The Planning Studio emphasizes practical application of planning concepts learned in theory. Students will engage in hands-on work by developing a sub-city or local area plan, conducting site visits, physical surveys, and data analysis to create comprehensive planning solutions for real-world urban challenges.

  • Social Immersion

    This course encourages students to immerse themselves in a community setting to understand the socio-cultural dimensions of planning. Through fieldwork, students will engage with local communities to address specific social challenges, gaining insights into participatory planning and community engagement.

  • MOOC / Indian Knowledge System / Foreign Language

    This course offers students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and skills by taking an online course in areas such as Indian Knowledge Systems, foreign languages, or other relevant subjects. It aims to provide interdisciplinary knowledge and additional perspectives valuable in planning practice.

Semester 2

Gear up to acquire advanced competencies in Environmental Planning, Housing, and Disaster Management through the courses in this semester. Along with exposure to planning legislation, professional practice, and research methods, this semester also includes electives that allow students to explore specialized areas of interest. The studio this semester focuses on the preparation of a development or master plan. Conclude the semester with a professional training or internship to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

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  • Environmental Planning and Disaster Management

    This course provides an understanding of the interplay between environmental factors and urban planning. It equips students with knowledge about environmental policies, ecological principles, and disaster management frameworks. The focus is on integrating sustainable development practices into urban and regional planning to mitigate environmental risks and disasters.

  • Housing and Community Planning

    This course explores the key concepts of housing policy, affordability, and community development. Students will gain an understanding of the housing challenges faced by urban areas, the role of the public and private sectors, and how policies and planning can help create inclusive and sustainable communities

  • Planning Legislation

    This subject covers the legal frameworks governing urban planning and development. It introduces students to the laws, acts, and regulations that shape land use, zoning, environmental protection, and urban governance in India. The course also emphasizes the role of legislation in resolving planning disputes and ensuring sustainable urban development.

  • Professional Practice

    This course prepares students for the practical aspects of planning as a profession. It includes discussions on ethics, project management, and stakeholder engagement, along with providing an understanding of the various professional roles and responsibilities that planners assume in the real world. Case studies and real-world examples form a core part of this subject.

  • Research Methods and Statistics

    This course introduces students to both qualitative and quantitative research methods, with a focus on statistical analysis for urban planning. Students will learn to apply various research techniques, data collection methods, and statistical tools in urban planning research and policy development.

  • Planning Studio – II (Development/Master Plan)

    The Planning Studio in this semester is centered around the preparation of a development or master plan for a selected urban area. Students will conduct extensive site surveys, spatial analysis, and stakeholder consultations to create comprehensive development strategies that align with the city's future growth objectives.

  • Students will choose Professional Elective - I from the following courses:
  • Urban Renewal and Redevelopment
  • Regional and Rural Development Planning
  • Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
  • Students will also choose one Open Elective from the following courses, offering further opportunities to explore interdisciplinary topics:
  • Public Private Partnerships
  • Data Analytics

  • Audit course or MOOC course MOOC / Indian Knowledge System / Foreign Language

    This course allows students to broaden their knowledge and skills by taking a MOOC or exploring Indian Knowledge Systems, foreign languages, or other interdisciplinary subjects to enhance their academic and professional profiles.

  • Professional Training

    Students are expected to undergo professional training during summer in a planning organisation. This not only enhances student employability but also prepares them to work on live planning and development projects in a collaborative setting.

Semester 3

This semester introduces you to advanced planning courses focused on both theory and practical applications. The emphasis is on regional or special area planning, governance, and project management. Students will also begin their thesis work by formulating their research problem as part of the Project Work/Thesis.

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  • Project Formulation and Appraisal

    This course trains students in the systematic approach to project formulation and evaluation. It covers the key stages of project planning, from initial concept to detailed project proposals, including financial analysis, cost-benefit assessment, and risk management, enabling students to critically assess the viability of urban development projects.

  • Urban Governance and Finance

    Urban governance and finance are critical to the sustainable functioning of cities. This course explores governance structures, financial models, and mechanisms for effective urban management. Students will learn about municipal finances, budgeting, public-private partnerships, and the role of governance in shaping urban infrastructure and service delivery.

  • Social Values in Placemaking

    This subject introduces students to the role of social and cultural values in the process of placemaking. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the community's needs, aspirations, and identity in designing and developing public spaces. Students will explore participatory approaches and innovative design strategies to create inclusive and meaningful places.

  • Managing Planning Projects

    This course focuses on the key principles of project management in the context of urban planning. It covers project lifecycle stages, stakeholder engagement, resource management, and time-cost-quality balancing, equipping students with the skills needed to lead and manage complex planning projects effectively.

  • Professional Training Seminar

    This seminar provides an opportunity for students to interact with industry professionals and gain insights into real-world planning challenges. The sessions will focus on practical aspects of the profession, with experts sharing their experiences and strategies for successful project execution and career development.

  • Project Work/Thesis: Problem Formulation

    In this course, students will initiate their thesis or project work by identifying and articulating the research problem. This phase involves an in-depth review of relevant literature, the development of research questions, and setting the groundwork for their final project or thesis.

  • Planning Studio – III (Region/Special Area Plan)

    This studio involves the preparation of a regional or special area plan. Students will apply their theoretical knowledge to practical planning issues at a larger scale, incorporating data collection, spatial analysis, stakeholder consultations, and proposal development to create comprehensive plans for regions or special areas.

  • Students will choose one Professional Elective from the following courses, allowing them to specialize in a specific area of interest:
  • Real Estate Development and Management
  • Public Policy
  • Urban Tourism Planning
  • Students will also choose one Open Elective from the following courses, offering further opportunities to explore interdisciplinary topics:
  • Applications of BIM
  • Water - Energy - Food Nexus

Semester 4

Primarily oriented at imparting the skills necessary for professional practice, the final semester offers advanced courses designed to help you seamlessly transition into your urban planning career. With a strong focus on project work and the application of software in research, this semester will equip you with the tools needed for both academic and professional success.

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  • Project Work / Thesis: Final

    This course represents the culmination of your thesis or project work, where students will complete their research or planning project and present their findings. Emphasis is placed on the integration of all theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the course, leading to a well-researched, comprehensive output. The final submission and defense of the project will form a critical part of this course.

  • Software Applications in Research

    This course equips students with advanced software skills essential for conducting research in urban planning. From GIS and remote sensing tools to statistical and modeling software, students will learn how to use these applications effectively to analyze data, interpret findings, and support their thesis or project work.

Pedagogy

1. The program is based on the concept of ‘Learning through hands-on experience’ supplemented with case studies, tutorials, software workshops, energy labs, videos, peer to peer learning and so on aimed with an immersive application-oriented learning based on practical challenges and industry relevant issues.

2. Supervised by a Faculty mentor, every working group will critically evaluate, explore and analyze ideas to incorporate the learnings into project work and orient them towards getting industry ready.

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An enriching environment

Class Profile

Join a diverse community of learners who are passionate about solving complex problems of urban areas. The class is a mix of graduates from diverse streams such as architecture, civil engineering, planning, sociology, economics, geography, environmental engineering, and geoinformatics, among many others.

  • 25

    Average age

  • 6

    Average Courses Each Semester

  • 20

    Average Credits Per Semester

department-details

Our leader

Shruti Vaishampayan
Head, M.Plan

Shruti is an architect-urban planner with 15+ years of diverse experience of working with industry, academic institutions, and non-governmental organisations in both USA and India. She holds a master’s degree in Urban Environmental Planning from Arizona State University, USA and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi..

Passionate about cities and planning education, she brings extensive knowledge of urban planning, outstanding research and analytical skills, exceptional communication and academic writing abilities in her current role as an academic. Her teaching and research interests include Urban Housing, Regeneration and Redevelopment, Gentrification, and Valuation of Properties. She also takes keen interest in the areas of Green Buildings, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Management, and Planning for Smart Sustainable Cities. She is a member of the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) and Council of Architecture (COA).

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Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Planning, or Civil Engineering, or Architecture (from any University / Institutions in India or Abroad or its equivalent recognized by the Government of India); OR Master’s degree in Economics, or Sociology, or Geography (from any University / Institution in India or Abroad recognized by the Government of India). Candidates seeking admission are required to have secured minimum 55% aggregate marks (50% for the candidates from reserved category) at graduation level. Final year eligible graduating students can also apply. However, such candidates must have completed (passed) their Graduation before the commencement of program.
  • Admission criteria for Master of Planning (Urban Planning) include performance in NICMAR PG-NCAT, GD and PI as per the standard admission procedure. GATE qualification will be preferred but not compulsory.

Your trajectory

Career opportunities

As an Master of Planning (Urban Planning) graduate from the School of Architecture, Planning, and Real Estate at NICMAR, Pune, you can pursue the following careers:

Sector Job Category
Public Sector - State and central government agencies
- Metropolitan planning organisations
- Transit agencies
- Other regional agencies
Private Sector - Planning and architectural consultancies
- Management consultancies
- Real Estate firms
- Startups
Research and Education - Multilateral and bilateral Institutes
- Development banks
- Non-profit advocacy groups
- Think tanks
- Centrally funded technical institutes
- Public/private universities and research institutes

FAQs

  • What is urban planning and what do urban planners do?

    Urban planning involves futuristic planning for the regulation and management of towns, cities, metropolitan regions and special regions for maintaining healthy and vibrant quality of life for its citizens.

    Urban planners make decisions about how the built environment including physical/social and transportation infrastructure will be shaped considering long term socio-economic-environmental sustainability of the development for an urban area or region. They must work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including citizens, policy makers, government officials, architects, engineers and developers.

  • I am an architect or a civil engineer. Is the Master of Planning program the right career choice for me?

    Architects are skilled in architectural design development, technical drawings and graphic communication of plot-based projects whereas civil engineers are trained in designing civil engineering structures and systems. Further expanding the skill sets into urban planning, architects and civil engineers can broaden their knowledge and understand larger scales such as neighbourhood, township and city level. Urban planning graduates play a key role in managing and developing the places we live in to make them safer, more sustainable and healthier.

    The Master of Planning program develops thorough understanding of theory and urban infrastructure systems, and inculcates technical skills in surveying, mapping, GIS, research design, feasibility and impact studies, quantitative methods, technical writing, and related software skills along with managerial skills such as team work, communication, consensus building and leadership skills. These added skill-sets open a new horizon of opportunities for architects and civil engineers in public as well as private sectors.

  • How are the placement prospects of the Master of Planning (Urban Planning) program?

    Urban planning has been recognised as a top priority by our nation in recent years. The central government has many ambitious schemes such as Smart Cities, AMRUT, GIS based master plans, Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns, Satellite Towns around select Megacities, National Urban Information System, Urban Mapping Scheme and so on.

    Apart from the government agencies and parastatals, planning and design consulting firms, real estate developers, management consultants, international consulting advisories, national and international non-profits, and bilateral financial institutions all actively recruit skilled urban planners. With a track record of having good placements, NICMAR Pune campus is visited by over 200 companies for on-campus placements. Students are provided with placement assistance both for internships and placements.

  • Is this program approved by the Institute of Town Planners India"?

    Yes, this program has been duly approved as per the standard procedure of the Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI), New Delhi.

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Graduates

Take a look at our talented learners that transformed into lifelong leaders after passing out with flying colours.

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News & Updates

NICMAR University is Recognised as State Private University by UGC.

NICMAR University Pune Act (Mah. Act No. XXXVI of 2022) was passed by Maharashtra State Government on 16th March, 2022 and appeared in “Maharashtra Government Gazette” on 12th May 2022 .