Do you want to plan cities? Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could build the city of your dreams? Do you want to improve people’s lives by providing better-planned cities? This Blog will walk you through 4 simple steps on how to become an Urban Planner, as well as educational requirements and salary potential in different countries.
Who is an Urban Planner
Urban planners are professionals who develop land-use plans and strategies to aid in the formation of communities, the accommodation of population growth, and the restructuring of physical infrastructure. They are also referred to as City Planners or Town Planners.
Learn more: How to become an Interior Designer
How to become an Urban Planner (4-step guide)
Step 1: Stream to select
To become an Urban Planner take up Science Stream with PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as your subjects).
Step 2: Educational Requirements
After completing your 12th grade, you can pursue the following courses to become an Urban Planner.
- Course in India after 12th
Course | Duration |
B.Planning | 4 Years |
B.Architecture | 5 Years |
B.Tech Civil Engineering | 4 Years |
- Top Colleges for B.Planning
College | Location |
School of Planning & Architecture (SPA) | Bhopal |
School of Planning & Architecture (SPA) | Delhi |
School of Planning & Architecture (SPA) | Mysore |
Sardar Patel University | Gujrat |
Amity University | Noida |
NIT | Bhopal |
Chandigarh College of Architecture | Chandigarh |
SMAID | Gujrat |
NIMS School of Architecture and Planning | Jaipur |
College of Engineering | Pune |
Course abroad to become an Urban Planner after 12th
The duration degrees will last 3-4 years.
- Bachelor in Historic Preservation and Community Planning
- B.S in Urban Planning
- BA in Urban Ecology
- B.S in Urban Studies
- B.S in Planning
- B.S in Sustainable Built Environments & Sustainable Communities Emphasis
- Top Colleges abroad
College | Location |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | US |
Yale University | UK |
Harvard University | US |
Princeton University | US |
University of Michigan | US |
Monash University | Australia |
University of California | US |
University of Liverpool | UK |
Zurich University | Switzerland |
Western Sydney University | Australia |
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Step 3: Certificate Courses to become an Urban Planner
You can do these additional courses to enhance your knowledge in the field;
- Urban Infrasture Management
- Smart Cities Management
- Site Planning
- Ecodesign for Cities and Suburbs
- Public Transportation System
Step 4: Job Preparation
- Internship
You can intern with an Urban Planner or an Architect to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required. It will also help you understand the nature of the job and you will be able to choose your niche for pursuing a master’s.
- Freelancer
You can also work as a freelancer for construction and architecture firms or builders to assist them with their upcoming projects. This will allow you to hone your skills and put your talent to use.
- Portfolio Creation
Get board certification to add weight to your CV, and include your internship experience and freelancing projects to build a strong portfolio. You can also take some certificate courses to broaden your knowledge.
7 Skills needed to become an Urban Planner
- Intrapersonal Skills
- Management Skills
- Analytical
- Decision-Making Skills
- Visualizing Skills
- Mathematical aptitude
- Empathy
Consider exploring JuniorMBA in Entrepreneurship to help you develop analytical and decision-making skills.
Salary of an Urban Planner
Salary in India
An average salary of an Urban Planner in India is ₹6 lakhs per annum.
Salary Abroad
Country | Average Salary |
US | $67151 |
UK | £47103 |
Canada | $63089 |
Australia | $74232 |
Read about: Career as an Architect
Top Recruiters in India
- Central Government
- State Government
- Tata Consulting Engineers
- Aarvee Associates
- BSCPL Infrastructure
- National Institution for Transforming India
- CIDCO Ltd
- Mumbai Port Trust
- AIILSG
- Directorate of Urban Land Transport
Top Recruiters Abroad
- Federal Government
- State Government
- AECOM
- Jacobs
- US Navy
- Stantec
- WSP
- WGI
- Rincon Consultants
- Arup
This is an excellent career path for someone who wants to make their community a better place to live. Best wishes on your journey to becoming an Urban Planner if you want to make a difference.
FAQs about how to become an Urban Planner
How I become an urban planner?
First, complete your 12th from Science Stream with PCM and then pursue a 4 years bachelor in planning degree then you can pursue a master’s program in the same to become an Urban Planner.
Is it hard to become an urban planner?
It does require some determination and dedication to complete your postgraduation in planning to become an urban planner.
What major is best for urban planning?
The best degree would be Bachelor in Planning or Bachelor in Architecture.
Can you get into urban planning without a degree?
You can enter the career if you have a degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Environment Engineering but not without any degree.
Is urban planner a good career?
Urban planning is a unique career with a rewarding salary and a balanced life.