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 programme designed to equip learners with advanced knowledge and practical skills in urban development, sustainable city planning, and smart infrastructure management. Carrying 360 credits, this UK-recognised qualification is suitable for both freshers seeking to launch their careers and professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in the rapidly evolving urban development sector.
This diploma combines theoretical study with hands-on application, ensuring participants gain a deep understanding of urban design principles, spatial planning, transport systems, environmental sustainability, and the integration of digital technologies in city management. Learners will explore key areas such as urban policy, smart city frameworks, GIS and data-driven planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable resource management. By blending traditional urban planning with innovative smart city concepts, the course prepares graduates to address modern urban challenges, improve city livability, and drive sustainable growth.
The programme offers immediate career relevance, enabling learners to apply practical skills in urban project planning, policy implementation, smart infrastructure management, and city development strategies. Graduates can pursue roles such as Urban Planner, Smart City Consultant, Transport Planner, Infrastructure Analyst, or Municipal Project Manager across public and private sectors.
In addition to career readiness, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities creates pathways for further academic and professional progression. Learners can specialise in areas such as sustainable urban design, digital city management, or urban policy development, and can progress to higher-level certifications or postgraduate studies in urban planning, smart cities, or infrastructure management.
Designed to foster long-term professional growth, the diploma equips participants with industry-relevant skills, leadership capabilities, and strategic insight required to contribute effectively to the planning and development of future-ready cities. It is an ideal choice for ambitious individuals seeking a globally recognised qualification that blends innovation, sustainability, and practical urban development expertise.
Why Choose this Qualification
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities is a UK-recognised three-year programme with 360 credits, designed for both freshers and professionals aiming to develop advanced expertise in urban development, smart city planning, and sustainable infrastructure management. This qualification offers comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and international recognition, making it an ideal choice for individuals seeking to progress in urban planning, smart city consultancy, and related sectors.
Key Reasons to Choose This Qualification:
Comprehensive Urban Planning Skills: Gain in-depth understanding of urban design, spatial planning, transport systems, sustainable infrastructure, smart city technologies, and policy frameworks, aligned with global urban development standards.
Practical, Assignment-Based Learning: Develop hands-on expertise through projects, case studies, and workplace-relevant tasks that reflect real-world challenges in city planning, infrastructure management, and sustainable development.
Career Opportunities: Prepare for professional roles such as Urban Planner, Smart City Consultant, Transport Planner, Infrastructure Analyst, or Municipal Project Manager across public, private, and consultancy sectors.
Pathway to Higher-Level Study: Establish a strong academic foundation for progression to advanced diplomas, postgraduate programmes, or professional certifications in urban planning, smart city management, or infrastructure development.
UK-Recognised Qualification: Earn a diploma valued by global employers, ensuring credibility and recognition across industries including urban development, real estate, infrastructure, and consultancy services.
Flexible Learning Options: Study in a way that accommodates personal and professional commitments, enabling learners to balance work, study, and career progression effectively.
Enhanced Employability: Build essential skills in data analysis, strategic planning, problem-solving, and project management, all critical for success in the competitive urban planning and smart city sector.
Future-Ready Knowledge: Acquire up-to-date expertise in sustainable development, digital urban solutions, and innovative planning approaches that respond to the evolving demands of modern cities.
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities equips learners with the technical, managerial, and strategic skills needed for immediate career impact, while providing a clear pathway for long-term professional development, leadership roles, and higher academic progression in the global urban planning and smart cities sector.
Course Overview
UK based Qualification
Study Units: 36 Units
Evidence & Assignment Based
Course Level: Level 6
Qualification Structure
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
Who Should Take This Course
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities is designed for individuals seeking to develop advanced expertise in urban development, smart city planning, and sustainable infrastructure management. This UK-recognised three-year programme, carrying 360 credits, provides both freshers and experienced professionals with the technical, managerial, and strategic skills required to succeed in the urban planning, municipal, and infrastructure sectors. It is ideal for learners aiming to enhance their career prospects, transition into senior urban planning roles, or progress to higher-level academic study in smart cities and sustainable urban development.
Ideal Candidates for This Course:
University Graduates and Freshers
Individuals who have completed higher secondary or undergraduate studies and want to build a solid foundation for a career in urban planning, city development, and smart infrastructure management.
Aspiring Urban Planning Professionals
Those who aim to develop advanced skills in city planning, sustainable urban design, transport systems, smart city technologies, and policy implementation in line with global best practices.
Experienced Professionals
Urban planners, municipal officers, infrastructure managers, or project coordinators who want to upskill or gain formal recognition of their existing expertise with an internationally respected qualification.
Career Changers
Professionals from different industries who wish to transition into urban development and smart city management by gaining structured knowledge and practical competence.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Individuals managing urban development or infrastructure-related businesses who want to strengthen their knowledge of city planning, project management, and resource optimisation to improve project outcomes and compliance.
Learners Planning Further Study
Those aspiring to pursue advanced diplomas, postgraduate degrees, or internationally recognised certifications in urban planning, smart city management, or infrastructure development.
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities provides a flexible and professional learning pathway for diverse learners. It equips participants with technical proficiency, strategic insight, and international recognition, ensuring they are well-prepared for career progression, consultancy roles, or advanced academic and professional development in the global urban planning and smart cities sector.
Certification Route
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities offers two flexible pathways designed to cater to both fresh learners and experienced professionals. Individuals with no prior work experience can follow a structured three-year study route, while those with significant professional experience can opt for a competency-based pathway that recognises their existing knowledge and skills. This dual approach ensures that learners at all stages of their careers can achieve a globally recognised qualification and advance in the fields of urban planning, smart city development, and sustainable infrastructure management.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This pathway is ideal for learners who are new to Urban Planning & Smart Cities and do not have prior professional experience.
- Admission: Learners enrol in the programme through an ICTQual AB Approved Training Centre. Entry requirements, including minimum age, academic qualifications, and English language proficiency, must be satisfied.
- Training: Candidates complete the full three-year, 360-credit programme, covering all core study units through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, and project-based learning. The curriculum includes urban design, smart infrastructure, sustainable development, transport systems, and digital city management.
- Assessment: Learners are evaluated through assignments, urban planning projects, and case studies to demonstrate understanding, practical application, and problem-solving skills aligned with the course learning outcomes.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all required assessments and study units, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
This pathway is designed for professionals with relevant industry experience in urban planning, smart city development, or infrastructure management.
- Eligibility: Candidates must have a minimum of 6 years of verified professional experience in urban planning, infrastructure projects, or related fields.
- Assessment of Competence: The Approved Training Centre evaluates whether the learner’s existing skills and knowledge meet the qualification’s learning outcomes.
- Evidence Submission: Learners submit documented evidence such as project portfolios, planning reports, policy documents, or references that demonstrate competence in urban development, smart city technologies, and project management.
- Knowledge and Understanding: If gaps in learning outcomes are identified, learners may be required to complete targeted bridging modules or focused study to ensure full coverage.
- Certification: Once competence has been verified, candidates are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities without completing the full three-year programme.
Both routes provide a professional, globally recognised, and industry-relevant pathway, enabling learners to gain comprehensive expertise in urban planning or validate their existing professional experience to achieve this prestigious qualification.
Eligibility Criteria
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in urban development, smart city management, and sustainable infrastructure planning. To ensure that all participants are well-prepared for the rigours of the programme, a clear set of entry requirements has been established. These requirements take into account educational background, professional experience, technical skills, and language proficiency, enabling both freshers and experienced professionals to successfully engage with the curriculum and achieve their career goals.
Educational Background
Freshers are expected to have completed higher secondary education (A-levels or equivalent). Graduates in architecture, civil engineering, environmental studies, urban planning, or related fields are highly encouraged to apply.
Professional Experience
Freshers with no prior industry experience can follow the structured three-year programme, gaining practical and theoretical knowledge from the ground up. Experienced professionals with a minimum of 6 years of verified work in urban planning, infrastructure development, or smart city projects can follow the competency-based pathway, which recognises and validates their existing skills and expertise.
Technical Skills
Candidates should have a basic understanding of project management tools, GIS mapping, or urban design software. Familiarity with digital city planning tools, data analysis, and sustainable design principles is an advantage and will support practical application during the programme.
Language Proficiency
As the programme is delivered in English, learners must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehension. Non-native English speakers are recommended to hold an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent to ensure effective participation and successful completion of assignments and projects.
Documentation Required
Applicants must provide a valid ID, proof of prior qualifications, and complete the registration process for enrollment confirmation.
Future Progression
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities equips learners with advanced knowledge and practical competence in urban development, smart city planning, sustainable infrastructure, and project management. By combining theoretical study with real-world application, this qualification prepares participants to design and implement effective urban strategies, manage smart city projects, and contribute to sustainable development goals. It also creates opportunities for career growth, professional recognition, and further academic progression in the urban planning and built environment sector.
Career Opportunities
Urban Planning and Smart City Roles: Qualify for positions such as Urban Planner, Smart City Consultant, Infrastructure Analyst, Transport Planner, Municipal Project Manager, or Sustainable Development Officer.
Immediate Workplace Application: Apply practical skills in areas such as urban design, project planning, smart infrastructure management, GIS mapping, and sustainable city development.
Enhanced Employability: Gain a UK-recognised qualification that enhances credibility and opens opportunities across industries including urban development, real estate, municipal services, infrastructure projects, and consultancy firms.
Progression to Higher-Level Qualifications
Advanced Diplomas and Certifications: Progress to specialised certifications in sustainable urban development, smart city management, or infrastructure project management, as well as higher diplomas in urban planning and construction management.
Specialisation Pathways: Develop expertise in areas such as digital urban planning, green city initiatives, transport and mobility planning, or international urban policy.
Academic Advancement: Create a pathway towards postgraduate study, including MSc or MA programmes in Urban Planning, Smart Cities, Infrastructure Management, or related disciplines.
Long-Term Professional Development
Career Growth: Advance into senior leadership roles such as Lead Urban Planner, Smart City Project Director, Head of Infrastructure Planning, or Urban Development Consultant.
Industry-Relevant Skills: Stay updated with emerging urban planning technologies, sustainable development practices, digital city tools, and global best practices in smart city management.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Utilise urban planning and smart city expertise to establish consultancy services, lead municipal development projects, or implement innovative and sustainable solutions for cities.
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Urban Planning & Smart Cities not only provides learners with immediate career benefits but also offers a structured pathway for lifelong professional growth, advanced study, and leadership success in the global urban planning and smart cities sector.