Urban Development Central University of Technology, Free State

Overview

The urban environment accommodates the core of human capital, social and economic activity. This urban growth pattern clearly dominates both developing and development economies of the world. Property development has become an enormously complex process within an uncertain urban environment, and demands a skilled professional to influence and guide this process. 

The Urban Development Graduate would fulfil such a role within society. The process of professional development towards qualifying as an Urban Development Professional starts with the attainment of an advanced qualification that focus on the practice of social and economic infrastructure development within an ever changing and vibrant urban structure with a complex social interactive structure. 

Career opportunities

The Urban Development programme from Central University of Technology, Free State offers such a qualification.  After graduation a programme of training, further study and knowledge development with relevant work experience can be followed as to attain the competencies for registration as a full Professional Consultant within various professional affiliated disciplines, if desired. Such a Professional body is the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Profession (SACPCMP), which has endorse the qualification in principle. Professional registration is not mandatory, though for industry participation, the graduate learner can advance to the highest levels in industry in practicing urban development after gaining the necessary work experience. Employment opportunities for graduates of the programme exist in built environment. These include:

• Urban development consultancies and national departments.
• Development Banks and agencies – International and regional.
• Design and build companies.
• Property developers and consortia.
• Local authorities, regulatory bodies.