The PhD in City & Regional Planning (English) at Gazi University is a doctoral programme meant for students who want to study cities, regions and planning deeply. The programme mixes theory, research, fieldwork and design thinking. Students explore topics like urban and regional development, environmental planning, transportation, land use, housing and sustainable growth. Through research, seminars and practical projects, students learn how to analyse and improve cities and regions. The programme begins in the fall and continues over several semesters depending on research progress.
Located in Ankara — a city with growing urban dynamics and planning needs — this PhD programme offers a rich academic and research environment. Students work with experienced faculty, conduct case studies and field research, and use data and planning tools to study real urban problems. With its balance of academic research and practical planning work, the programme helps students gain strong analytical, design and policy-oriented skills. Graduates are prepared to contribute to urban planning, regional development and sustainable policy studies at national or international level.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters
- Location: Ankara
- Study Type: Graduate (full-time, research-based)
- Admission semester: Fall semester only
- Area of study: City & Regional Planning, Urban / Regional Development, Environmental & Transport Planning
- Admission modus: Requires relevant master’s degree and research background
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Research Foundations & Literature Review
- Research Methods & Ethics in Planning
- Urban Theory Seminars
- Elective Course I
- Elective Course II
Semester 2 – Advanced Planning Theory & Data Skills
- Urban and Regional Planning Theory
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Spatial Analysis
- Elective Course III
- Seminar / Colloquium
Semester 3 – Thesis Proposal & Research Design
- Thesis Proposal Preparation
- Literature Review & Research Framework
- Field Survey Planning / Data Collection Design
- Elective Course IV
Semester 4 – Beginning of Thesis Research
- Field Work / Data Collection / Case Studies
- Data Processing & Analysis
- Research Meetings / Progress Seminar
- Elective Course V
Semester 5 – Research & Case Studies
- Continued Field Work / Urban or Regional Case Studies
- Data Analysis / Statistical or Spatial Analysis
- Interim Report / Seminar
- Elective Course VI
Semester 6 – Advanced Research & Policy Analysis
- Research or Modelling Work
- Policy Analysis or Environmental/Transport Planning Studies
- Writing Preliminary Chapters of Thesis
- Seminar / Workshop
Semester 7 – Thesis Writing & Drafting Stage
- Writing Main Thesis Chapters
- Further Data Validation / Analysis
- Preparation for Publications or Reports
- Supervisor Feedback and Review
Semester 8 – Final Thesis & Defence
- Final Thesis Writing and Editing
- Oral Defence / Thesis Defence
- Corrections and Final Submission
- Portfolio / Research Summary & Presentation Preparation
Career Opportunities
With a PhD in City & Regional Planning, you can work as an urban or regional planner, research expert, policy advisor, consultant in planning firms, or academic researcher. You may join municipalities, government agencies, international organisations, urban design offices, consultancy firms or research institutes. You can also lead planning projects, develop sustainable urban policies, work on regional development, housing, transport or environmental planning. With strong research and planning skills, you can shape the future of cities and regions worldwide.
Why Choose This Program
This PhD programme in City & Regional Planning is ideal for people who care about cities, communities and sustainable futures. You will learn how to study real urban problems, gather data, analyse spatial and social information, and develop solutions that can improve living conditions for many people. The programme gives you tools to handle complex planning challenges and build skills in research, policy analysis and design thinking.
You also have the chance to specialise in areas such as environmental planning, transport systems, housing, regional development or GIS and spatial analysis — depending on your interests. The English-medium structure and flexible electives make it easier to work globally or join international research teams. This programme helps you build a meaningful career in urban and regional planning, whether in academia, public sector, consultancy or global projects.
Contact Information
Gazi University – Graduate School of Natural & Applied Sciences
Teknikokullar Campus
Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +90 312 202 20 00
Email: info@gazi.edu.tr
Department of City & Regional Planning – Programme Contact
Faculty of Architecture & Urban Planning, Gazi University
Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +90 312 202 20 00
Email: crp@gazi.edu.tr
International Office – Gazi University
Teknikokullar Campus
Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +90 312 202 20 00
Fax: +90 312 202 20 00
Email: international@gazi.edu.tr
