Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Planning (Ph.D.)
All tracks (Regular & Direct track, Combined MSc-PhD track, Special track)
The doctoral program is designed for students interested in leading independent, original research in the field of Urban and Regional Planning.
The doctoral program focuses on completing original research and preparing a dissertation. The acquisition of knowledge is generally through guided independent study and reading in areas related to the research topic.
Research must be original, either experimental or theoretical, basic or applied, with an emphasis on the analytic and scientific approach. Candidates must be able to demonstrate excellent research abilities, as well as the ability to conduct original research that has significance to the field. Candidates must also demonstrate qualities of imagination, enterprise, analytical skill, judgment and perseverance, required of an independent researcher. Research will be considered significant if it is of the caliber required for publication in a distinguished international scientific journal, and considerably advances knowledge and insight in the field of research.
The program is open to students with a thesis master’s degree*, according to the Technion Graduate School’s guidelines.
Curriculum
The doctoral program spans 42 months:
- The first year is devoted to background studies, review of the literature and preparing the dissertation proposal.
- The two final years are devoted to research, writing scientific publications and the dissertation.
- + Up to 16 points of courses based on admission committee decision – for students with M.Sc. in Urban Planning
- + 16 points mandatory courses from the core curriculum of urban planning and additional Up to 16 points of courses based on admission committee decision – for students with Master of Science degree in fields other than planning.
Note: The Faculty offers a generous scholarship and tuition exemption to most doctoral students, based on personal excellence.
Admission requirements
*Candidates with a non-thesis master’s degree must meet admissions requirements for exploratory research (as part of non-degree studies), approved by the school, including the following conditions:
- A grade point average of 90 or above in their master’s degree, and a grade of 90 or above on their final thesis.
- At least two letters of recommendation from lecturers at the Technion or other academic institutions or professional in the field, preferable who hold an advanced academic degree. One of the letters of recommendation must be from the student’s master’s thesis advisor.
Acceptance to the PhD program is conditional on finding a doctoral advisor and submitting a description of the proposed field of research, which will be reviewed by the track’s Admission’s Committee.
Applications for the PhD program are accepted year-round.