City and Regional Planning
The City and Regional Planning program at METU aims to educate planners capable of perceiving holistic relationships within urban and regional systems and of producing creative, sustainable designs for future cities and regions. The curriculum combines studio-based planning courses with theoretical and analytical training in urban sociology, economics, geography, environment, transport, and regional development. Students develop skills to analyze socio-economic and spatial dynamics, design urban and regional plans, and propose integrative solutions to contemporary urban challenges.
Situated in Ankara within METU’s Faculty of Architecture, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking — blending social sciences, economics, design, environment, and technology. Graduates are prepared to contribute to urban and regional planning, development policies, sustainable design, and governance — both in public and private sectors, locally or internationally.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in City and Regional Planning
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters (4 years)
- Location: Ankara (METU main campus)
- Study Type: Undergraduate, full-time, English-medium
- Admission semester: Fall semester (as per METU academic calendar)
- Area of study: Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, Transport & Infrastructure Planning, Environmental & Socio-economic Analysis, Regional Development
- Admission modus: National / international admissions according to METU’s standard undergraduate admission criteria
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Planning
- Planning Studio I
- Introduction to City and Regional Planning
- Graphic Communication for Planners
- Basic Mathematics I
- Introduction to Information Technologies
Semester 2 – Core Urban Studies & Communication
- Planning Studio II
- Urbanization and Urban Sociology
- Computers in Planning
- Basic Mathematics II
- English for Academic Purposes II
Semester 3 – Analytical & Technical Skills
- Planning Studio III
- The City in History
- Urban Transport Planning
- Probability and Statistics for Planners
- Academic Speaking Skills
- Summer Practice (Mapping & Topography)
Semester 4 – Applied Planning Tools
- Planning Studio IV
- Creative Thinking for Planners
- Economics for Planners
- GIS for Planning
- Urban Geography
Semester 5 – Urban Analysis & Theory
- Planning Studio V
- Urban Economics
- Planning Techniques
- Planning Theory
- Elective Courses
Semester 6 – Housing, Infrastructure & Law
- Planning Studio VI
- Principles of Housing
- Engineering for Planners
- Legal and Administrative Aspects of Planning
- Elective Courses
Semester 7 – Advanced Urban Studies & Practice
- Planning Studio VII
- Urban Conservation Planning
- Urban Politics
- Elective Courses
- Summer Practice (Municipal/Public/Private Office)
Semester 8 – Graduation & Specialization
- Planning Studio VIII (Graduation Project)
- Elective Courses
- Portfolio Development & Presentation
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are qualified to work in urban and regional planning offices, municipal and governmental planning departments, environmental and infrastructure agencies, transport and housing development projects, NGOs focused on urban issues, consultancy firms, and private sector companies. They may also engage in research or continue with graduate studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in urbanism, regional development, environmental planning or related fields.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing City and Regional Planning at METU offers a comprehensive education blending design studios, analytical courses, social and economic context awareness, and technical planning skills. The program’s interdisciplinary nature — combining urban design, socio-economic analysis, environment, transport, and spatial planning — provides a versatile foundation.
With English-medium instruction, broad elective options (e.g. urban policy, transport, environment, regional development), and access to planning studios and summer practices, the program equips students for professional, research or policy-oriented careers in urban and regional planning.
Contact Information
Middle East Technical University – Faculty of Architecture
Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Architecture
Dumlupınar Boulevard No:1, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 2222
Email: architecture@metu.edu.tr
Department of City and Regional Planning – Program Office
Middle East Technical University, Department of City and Regional Planning
Faculty of Architecture, METU Campus, 06800 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 2228
Email: crp@metu.edu.tr
International Office – Middle East Technical University
METU International Cooperations Office (ICO)
Middle East Technical University, 06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1060
Email: ico@metu.edu.tr
