BSc Spatial Planning

Spatial planning at the University of Mines and Technology teaches you how to shape the places where people live and work. It combines geography, mapping, and community needs to decide what gets built where. This page explains what the programme covers, how competitive entry is, and the careers available to graduates.

What spatial planning covers

Spatial planning is the field that decides how land is used. It covers town and country planning, urban design, and regional development. You learn to analyse maps, satellite images, and population data, and to use computer tools called geographic information systems (GIS) to model different plans. Most programmes of this kind also train you in environmental impact assessment, so you can judge how a new road or housing estate affects the surrounding area. You also study planning law and policy, which in Ghana means understanding how districts prepare their structure plans. The mix of technical and social skills makes the degree useful in both government and the private sector.

Who can get a place

This programme accepts students from General Science, Technical Studies, and Visual Arts backgrounds. You must have credits in any three of these subjects: Economics, Geography, Mathematics, ICT, History, and Government. Entry is less competitive than for many other degree programmes, meaning your WASSCE grades do not need to be as high as they would for a highly competitive course. Still, you should check with the university whether your specific grades meet the current requirement.

What you can do after graduation

Graduates of spatial planning programmes go into town and country planning departments of metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies. Others work as GIS analysts for mining companies, telecoms firms, or land agencies. There are also opportunities in environmental consultancy, urban renewal projects, and real estate planning. Some graduates continue to postgraduate study in planning, geography, or environmental science.