ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities is a comprehensive three-year, 360-credit programme designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in urban development, smart city planning, and sustainable infrastructure management. This internationally recognised qualification prepares learners to design, manage, and implement innovative urban projects that integrate technology, sustainability, and social planning to meet the demands of modern cities.
This programme is ideal for both new learners entering the field of urban planning and professionals seeking to specialise in smart city development and urban infrastructure management. Learners explore core topics such as urban design principles, spatial planning, transportation systems, environmental sustainability, digital infrastructure, and smart technologies, while gaining hands-on experience with planning software, GIS mapping, and data-driven decision-making tools.
Through a combination of practical exercises, case studies, and project-based learning, learners develop the ability to address complex urban challenges, improve city livability, and optimise resource allocation. The course emphasises innovation, technology integration, and sustainable development, enabling learners to create urban environments that are efficient, resilient, and adaptable to future growth.
Graduates of Urban Planning & Smart Cities programme are well-prepared for professional roles in urban planning, smart city consultancy, infrastructure management, and municipal project coordination. The qualification reflects ICTQual AB’s commitment to high-quality education and assessment, providing learners with a globally recognised diploma that aligns with international urban planning and smart city standards.
With its learner-focused approach, practical application, and emphasis on technological and sustainable solutions, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities empowers learners to advance their careers, lead innovative urban projects, and contribute meaningfully to the development of future-ready cities worldwide.
Course overview
Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation in Urban Planning & Smart Cities
- Principles of Urban Planning and Smart Cities
- Introduction to Urban Development Projects
- Construction Materials and Methods in Urban Infrastructure
- Spatial Planning and Design Principles
- Project Planning and Scheduling in Urban Projects
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness
- Communication and Stakeholder Management in Urban Planning
- Digital Tools and Construction Technology Fundamentals
- Financial Management in Urban Projects
- Quality Assurance and Control in Urban Development
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Urban Planning
- Professional Ethics and Conduct in Planning
Year 2 – Intermediate Urban Planning & Smart Cities Practices
- Advanced Urban Design and Planning Techniques
- Resource Management and Allocation in Projects
- Project Cost Estimation and Budgeting in Urban Development
- Construction Contract Administration
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management in Urban Projects
- Project Risk Analysis and Mitigation
- Leadership and Team Management in Urban Planning
- Site and Infrastructure Management
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
- Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Urban Projects
- Communication and Negotiation Skills in Planning
Year 3 – Advanced Urban Planning & Strategic Leadership
- Strategic Urban Planning and Smart City Management
- Advanced Infrastructure and Project Planning
- Urban Transport and Mobility Systems Management
- Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Smart Cities
- Advanced Risk and Crisis Management in Urban Projects
- Contract Management and Legal Compliance
- Leadership in Urban Planning Projects
- Advanced Project Control and Performance Measurement
- Project Governance and Compliance in Smart City Projects
- Research Methods and Project Analysis in Urban Planning
- Capstone Project in Urban Planning & Smart Cities
- Professional Development and Career Planning
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities:
Year 1 – Foundation in Urban Planning & Smart Cities
Principles of Urban Planning and Smart Cities
- Understand fundamental concepts of urban planning, smart cities, and sustainable development.
- Analyse urban growth patterns, city structures, and planning strategies.
- Explore the integration of technology in modern city planning.
- Apply basic planning principles to conceptual urban projects.
Introduction to Urban Development Projects
- Identify types of urban development projects and their objectives.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of urban planners and project managers.
- Analyse project feasibility and stakeholder requirements.
- Develop basic project proposals for urban initiatives.
Construction Materials and Methods in Urban Infrastructure
- Describe common construction materials and methods used in Urban Planning & Smart Cities projects.
- Evaluate material selection for durability, sustainability, and cost.
- Apply knowledge of construction techniques to project planning.
- Understand the impact of material choices on project timelines and budgets.
Spatial Planning and Design Principles
- Apply design principles to urban layouts and spatial arrangements.
- Integrate functionality, aesthetics, and accessibility in planning.
- Develop conceptual site and urban designs.
- Assess spatial plans for efficiency and compliance with standards.
Project Planning and Scheduling in Urban Projects
- Develop basic urban project plans with timelines and milestones.
- Use scheduling tools to sequence project activities effectively.
- Identify dependencies and critical paths in urban initiatives.
- Adjust schedules to accommodate changes or resource constraints.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness
- Demonstrate knowledge of HSE regulations in urban projects.
- Apply safe working practices in site inspections and planning activities.
- Conduct preliminary environmental impact assessments.
- Promote sustainable and safe urban design solutions.
Communication and Stakeholder Management in Urban Planning
- Identify key stakeholders and their expectations.
- Communicate urban planning proposals effectively using visual and written methods.
- Manage stakeholder feedback and requirements.
- Resolve minor conflicts to maintain positive project engagement.
Digital Tools and Construction Technology Fundamentals
- Understand technological applications in urban planning and smart cities.
- Evaluate digital tools such as GIS, CAD, and modelling software.
- Apply technology to improve planning efficiency and accuracy.
- Explore emerging software solutions for urban design and management.
Financial Management in Urban Projects
- Interpret project budgets, financial statements, and cost reports.
- Apply cost estimation and control principles in urban development projects.
- Monitor expenditures and identify variances.
- Support financial decision-making for resource allocation.
Quality Assurance and Control in Urban Development
- Understand quality management principles in urban planning.
- Implement quality control processes to meet project standards.
- Monitor adherence to design and regulatory specifications.
- Recommend improvements to enhance project quality.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Urban Planning
- Understand statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements in urban projects.
- Apply compliance measures to planning and design activities.
- Identify potential legal risks and mitigation strategies.
- Evaluate the impact of regulations on project outcomes.
Professional Ethics and Conduct in Planning
- Recognise professional ethical standards in urban planning.
- Apply ethical decision-making in project scenarios.
- Promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in planning processes.
- Understand responsibilities to communities, clients, and colleagues.
Year 2 – Intermediate Urban Planning & Smart Cities Practices
Advanced Urban Design and Planning Techniques
- Develop complex urban designs using advanced planning methods.
- Apply GIS, 3D modelling, and digital tools in project design.
- Integrate multidisciplinary considerations into urban projects.
- Optimise designs for functionality, sustainability, and community impact.
Resource Management and Allocation in Projects
- Manage human, material, and financial resources efficiently.
- Analyse and allocate resources for urban development projects.
- Monitor utilisation and productivity across project teams.
- Adjust resource plans to meet project objectives and timelines.
Project Cost Estimation and Budgeting in Urban Development
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for urban planning projects.
- Monitor and control project budgets and expenditures.
- Conduct cost-benefit analysis for decision-making.
- Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Construction Contract Administration
- Understand various types of construction and service contracts.
- Administer contracts in line with regulatory and project requirements.
- Monitor contractor performance and deliverables.
- Resolve disputes and enforce compliance professionally.
Procurement and Supply Chain Management in Urban Projects
- Plan procurement processes and select suppliers effectively.
- Manage contracts and optimise supply chains for urban projects.
- Monitor supplier performance and ensure timely delivery.
- Align procurement with project budgets and schedules.
Project Risk Analysis and Mitigation
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for urban projects.
- Develop and implement mitigation strategies and contingency plans.
- Monitor risk factors and evaluate effectiveness of strategies.
- Adjust plans to reduce risk impacts on urban development.
Leadership and Team Management in Urban Planning
- Demonstrate leadership skills in multidisciplinary project teams.
- Manage team dynamics and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Motivate and guide team members to achieve objectives.
- Foster collaboration, accountability, and high-quality outputs.
Site and Infrastructure Management
- Plan and supervise site operations and infrastructure projects.
- Ensure safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance on site.
- Coordinate workforce, materials, and equipment effectively.
- Monitor daily operations and report progress to stakeholders.
Sustainable Development and Environmental Management
- Apply sustainable planning principles in urban development projects.
- Evaluate environmental impacts and implement management strategies.
- Integrate eco-friendly solutions into design and planning.
- Promote energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in cities.
Project Monitoring and Reporting
- Track project progress against established objectives and timelines.
- Prepare professional reports for stakeholders.
- Analyse performance data to identify delays or issues.
- Recommend corrective actions to maintain project alignment.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Urban Projects
- Apply analytical techniques to address urban planning challenges.
- Make informed decisions using data, modelling, and simulations.
- Evaluate alternative solutions for feasibility and impact.
- Document decisions and outcomes for accountability and learning.
Communication and Negotiation Skills in Planning
- Demonstrate effective written, verbal, and visual communication.
- Apply negotiation strategies to achieve project objectives.
- Engage stakeholders in collaborative decision-making.
- Resolve conflicts and secure consensus on planning decisions.
Year 3 – Advanced Urban Planning & Strategic Leadership
Strategic Urban Planning and Smart City Management
- Develop strategic plans for large-scale urban and smart city projects.
- Align planning objectives with governmental, community, and organisational goals.
- Analyse socio-economic, environmental, and technical factors impacting cities.
- Apply strategic frameworks to optimise urban project workflows.
Advanced Infrastructure and Project Planning
- Lead infrastructure project planning integrating multiple disciplines.
- Incorporate technical, financial, and regulatory considerations.
- Coordinate teams across design, engineering, and municipal functions.
- Optimise planning efficiency through digital tools and simulation models.
Urban Transport and Mobility Systems Management
- Design and manage urban transport systems and mobility solutions.
- Analyse traffic flows, public transport networks, and logistics.
- Integrate smart mobility technologies into urban planning.
- Monitor and improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability of transport systems.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Smart Cities
- Identify opportunities for technological innovation in urban planning.
- Apply digital solutions, IoT, and data analytics for city management.
- Promote creativity and continuous improvement in project teams.
- Evaluate new technologies for practical and sustainable urban implementation.
Advanced Risk and Crisis Management in Urban Projects
- Conduct high-level risk assessments for urban projects.
- Develop contingency and mitigation plans for crises and emergencies.
- Manage unexpected events to maintain continuity and compliance.
- Evaluate risk management strategies for improvement.
Contract Management and Legal Compliance
- Understand complex construction and service contracts in urban projects.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
- Negotiate and resolve disputes professionally.
- Apply legal knowledge to minimise project liabilities.
Leadership in Urban Planning Projects
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in complex urban initiatives.
- Mentor, motivate, and develop team members effectively.
- Implement strategies for collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
- Promote ethical conduct and professional standards in project leadership.
Advanced Project Control and Performance Measurement
- Monitor and control urban project progress using advanced tools.
- Measure performance using KPIs, benchmarks, and analytical dashboards.
- Identify deviations and implement corrective actions.
- Produce professional reports for decision-makers and stakeholders.
Project Governance and Compliance in Smart City Projects
- Apply governance frameworks to ensure accountability and transparency.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and client requirements.
- Establish monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
- Review and improve governance practices for continuous enhancement.
Research Methods and Project Analysis in Urban Planning
- Conduct research to support evidence-based urban planning decisions.
- Analyse project data to improve design, implementation, and management.
- Apply statistical and analytical methods to interpret findings.
- Present research outcomes in professional reports or presentations.
Capstone Project in Urban Planning & Smart Cities
- Integrate knowledge and skills from all units into a practical project.
- Demonstrate competence in planning, design, project management, and innovation.
- Apply leadership and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
- Produce a professional portfolio, report, and presentation of project outcomes.
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities equips learners with advanced knowledge in urban development, smart city technologies, infrastructure planning, and sustainable city management. Graduates gain the skills to design, manage, and implement modern urban projects that integrate technology, sustainability, and socio-economic planning. This qualification prepares learners for professional roles where strategic planning, innovative solutions, and digital tools are essential for shaping future-ready cities.
Career Opportunities and Professional Roles
- Urban Planner or City Designer: Develop sustainable, functional, and efficient city layouts, integrating technology and environmental considerations.
- Smart City Consultant: Implement smart technologies and digital infrastructure solutions to optimise urban living and city services.
- Infrastructure Project Manager: Plan and manage large-scale urban development or municipal infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Transport and Mobility Planner: Design and manage urban transport systems, smart mobility solutions, and traffic flow optimisation.
Specialist Career Paths
- Sustainability and Environmental Planning Consultant: Integrate eco-friendly strategies into urban development, including energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and resilience planning.
- Digital Urban Modelling Specialist: Use GIS, BIM, and other digital tools to model, simulate, and optimise urban planning projects.
- Risk and Compliance Officer: Monitor, analyse, and mitigate risks in urban projects while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
Professional Development and Recognition
- Opportunity to gain industry-recognised credentials in urban planning, infrastructure, and smart city development.
- Develop advanced skills in strategic decision-making, project governance, and stakeholder management.
- Strengthen professional credibility for leadership roles in municipal, consultancy, or private sector urban projects.
- Prepare for career progression into senior operational, advisory, or management positions, contributing to the development of technologically advanced and sustainable urban environments.
This Urban Planning & Smart Cities qualification ensures learners are ready to transition into specialised urban planning roles, lead innovative smart city initiatives, and make a meaningful impact on the development of sustainable, future-ready cities worldwide.
To ensure consistent quality, effective delivery, and robust learner support, centres offering this programme must meet the following standards:
1. Centre Approval and Accreditation
- Hold current approval from ICTQual AB to deliver Level 6 Urban Planning & Smart Cities qualifications.
- Comply with ICTQual AB’s quality assurance, assessment, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain documented policies and procedures for internal audits, continuous monitoring, and improvement.
2. Academic and Teaching Staff
- Employ qualified and experienced instructors in urban planning, smart city development, infrastructure management, and digital modelling.
- Staff should hold a minimum Level 6 qualification or equivalent professional experience in urban development or related disciplines.
- Maintain records of continuous professional development (CPD) for all teaching staff.
- Ensure adequate staff-to-learner ratios to provide effective teaching, supervision, and mentorship.
3. Learning and Teaching Resources
- Provide access to up-to-date textbooks, GIS software, CAD/BIM tools, urban planning case studies, and digital simulation resources.
- Maintain a conducive learning environment, either physical or virtual, for collaborative and practical exercises.
- Ensure learners have access to technology and software tools required for assignments and project work.
4. Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Implement robust assessment procedures aligned with ICTQual AB guidelines.
- Maintain accurate records of learner progress, submissions, and feedback.
- Conduct internal verification of assessments and participate in ICTQual AB’s external quality assurance processes.
5. Health, Safety, and Welfare
- Ensure a safe and accessible learning environment, adhering to local health and safety regulations.
- Provide supervision and guidance for practical exercises and site visits.
- Support learner well-being throughout the programme.
6. Administrative and Operational Requirements
- Maintain secure systems for learner registration, records, and data management.
- Provide clear information on course structure, duration, fees, and learner support services.
- Ensure accessibility for learners with special educational needs or disabilities.
7. Continuous Improvement
- Regularly review course delivery, assessment outcomes, and learner feedback.
- Stay updated on urban planning industry trends, smart city technologies, and regulatory changes.
- Promote staff development to enhance teaching, assessment, and learner support capabilities.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to the Urban Planning & Smart Cities and do not have prior work experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: Learners enrol in the programme at an ICTQual AB Approved Training Centre.Entry requirements, including minimum age, educational background, and language proficiency, must be met.
- Training: Complete the full three-year, 360-credit programme, covering all study units through lectures, practical exercises, and project-based learning.
- Assessment: Learners submit assignments, urban planning projects, and case studies to demonstrate knowledge, application, and problem-solving skills aligned with course learning outcomes.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all assessments, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For candidates who already have relevant work experience in the Urban Planning & Smart Cities, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: Learners must have at least 6 years of verified professional experience in urban planning, infrastructure development, or related fields.
- Assessment of Competence: The approved centre evaluates whether the learner’s existing skills and knowledge meet the learning outcomes of the qualification.
- Evidence Submission: Learners provide documentation of projects, responsibilities, and outcomes demonstrating competence in urban planning, project management, and smart city technologies.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres ensure learners are familiar with all course learning outcomes; additional targeted training may be provided if gaps are identified.
- Certification: Upon successful verification of competence, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities without completing the full training programme.
Both certification routes provide a globally recognised and industry-relevant pathway, enabling learners to either gain comprehensive urban planning expertise or validate their professional experience to achieve the diploma.