Undergraduate Program

Urban Planning

Program Overview

As urban populations rise across Central Africa, the lack of structured development leads to severe traffic congestion, poor sanitation, and housing deficits. The Urban Planning program at ISEST trains creative, analytical professionals to design smart, sustainable, and organised cities. This program teaches students how to balance public infrastructure, economic growth, housing needs, and environmental preservation.

The curriculum combines spatial design with public policy, infrastructure engineering, and data analytics. Enrolling at the HND level and progressing to a B.Tech, students learn how to manage land use, create municipal zoning layouts, map transit networks, and analyse environmental impacts. They graduate ready to transform raw land into highly functional, resilient neighbourhoods and smart-city spaces.

Main Objectives

  • To teach the core principles of urban morphology, land-use theory, and sustainable spatial design.
  • To develop proficiency in using advanced geographic software to map and plan city layouts.
  • To train students in interpreting zoning laws, land use policies, and building regulations.
  • To build skills in managing municipal infrastructure planning, including public transit, water distribution, and waste management systems.
  • To prepare students to conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIA) for large-scale developments.

Program Duration

2 Years

HND in Urban Planning

1 Year

BTech in Urban Planning

Internship

Included at both levels

Study Options

Day and Evening Sessions

Skills Acquired

Graduates of the program will be proficient in:

  • Spatial Design & Layout: Sketching and drafting master urban plans, residential subdivisions, and commercial zones.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Layering spatial data to analyze demographic shifts, traffic bottlenecks, and environmental vulnerabilities using ArcGIS or QGIS.
  • Zoning & Compliance Auditing: Evaluating construction projects against master municipal development plans and local land-use policies.
  • Transportation Network Design: Modeling public transit routes, pedestrian paths, and road expansions to improve city traffic flows.
  • Environmental Planning: Designing green infrastructure, urban parks, and sustainable drainage systems to combat climate challenges.
  • Community & Public Consultation: Coordinating research, public surveys, and stakeholder engagements to drive inclusive municipal development.

Target Audience

  • Baccalauréat/A-Level graduates with an interest in architecture, geography, sociology, and sustainable design.
  • Municipal agents, land registry staff, or construction draftsmen seeking a professional qualification in regional development.
  • Real estate developers and community activists who want to master the legal and technical frameworks of land subdivision.
  • Aspiring smart-city designers, infrastructure project managers, and environmental consultants.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Urban Planning Technician
  • Zoning & Enforcement Officer
  • Municipal Infrastructure Planner
  • GIS Mapping Specialist
  • Real Estate Project Planner
  • Environmental Impact Consultant
  • Community Development Officer

Opportunities for Further Studies

  • Master’s degrees in Urban Design, Regional Planning, Smart Cities Infrastructure, or Environmental Management.
  • Professional Certifications in:
    • American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification
    • Advanced GIS & Spatial Data Modeling certifications
    • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Practitioner license
    • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Design. Organize. Sustain.
Shape the spaces where millions live, work, and connect. Build smart, resilient, and beautiful cities with the Urban Planning program.