Design the cities and places of the future
Urban designers and town planners create precincts and spaces that bring people together, and connect communities to the places around them. Set yourself apart with a specialist degree in urban design – the only undergraduate degree of its kind accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Previously the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning (Honours).
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
Urban designers and town planners create precincts and spaces that bring people together, and connect communities to the places around them. Set yourself apart with a specialist degree in urban design – the only undergraduate degree of its kind accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
- Learn how to manage urban growth and plan for sustainable development
- Study how town planning relates to politics, economics and the law
- Explore how to design safe, healthy and vibrant urban places
- Understand the impacts of a changing climate on the places we live, work and play
- Focus on the planning needs and challenges of diverse communities and regions
- Get practical experience through at least 160 hours of supervised professional work
Scholarships
USC offers scholarships specifically for planning students, including the Vantage Holdings and UDIA Regional and Urban Planning Bursary. Find out more about USC scholarships and how to apply.
Career opportunities
Urban planning, town planning, urban design, regional planning, policy development, property development, planning consultancy, environmental management, community development, development assessment, heritage protection, infrastructure planning
Membership
Graduates may apply to join the Planning Institute of Australia after two years of professional practice.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) is fully accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
COR109 Playing with Words : an Introduction to Creative Writing Craft
ENP101 Playing with Genre
ENP103 Communication and Thought
GEO100 Introduction to Screenwriting: The Art of Visual Storytelling
INT140 Editing for the Communications Professional
PED120 Writing for Young Adults
SCS130 Creative Writing for the Illustrated Book
Developing and Graduate courses (17) 228 units
ENP211 Writing the Short Story
ENP236 Writing Poetry
ENP245 Writing Your Novel
ENP255 Creative Writing and Editing for Publication
ENP311 Professional Creative Writing Practice: Industry Engagement
ENP336 Creativity, Design and Communication Project
ENP355 Communication and Thought
ENP365 Urban Design & Town Planning Principles and Practice
ENP411 Spatial Governance, Planning and Politics
ENP455 Changing Planet Earth(24 units)
ENP460 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics(24 units)
ENP470A Property Economics(0 units)
ENP470B Introduction to Indigenous Australia(24 units)
ENS253 Planning and Environmental Law
ENS300 Regions, Change and Sustainability
HIS200 Landscapes, Place and People
SCS225 Urbanism and Urban Design
Major/Minor courses plus Electives (6) 72 units
Option 1
Select 4 courses (48 units) towards your minor study area:
PLUS select 2 elective courses (24 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
The remaining elective* courses may be chosen from either (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
*The number of elective courses may vary depending on the minor chosen.
Option 2
Select 6 courses (72 units) towards your major study area:
The remaining elective* courses may be chosen from either (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
*The number of elective courses may vary depending on the major chosen.
Honours
The Bachelor Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) may be awarded with Honours. The class of honours to be awarded is dependent upon:
- The student receiving at least 60% in ENP470 Planning Theory Planning Project course.
- The percentage results achieved by study in ten courses (144 Units) as specified below; and
- ENP211 Strategic Infrastructure Planning
- ENP255 Neighbourhood Planning and Design Studio
- ENP311 Participation and Conflict Resolution
- ENP336 Advanced Planning Policy and Practice
- ENP355 Community Planning Studio
- ENP365 Planning Practicum
- ENP411 Planning Project A
- ENP455 Planning Project B
- ENP460 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
- SCS225 Environmental and Resource Economics
- Where the student has achieved a credit or higher from this calculation, the following classes of honours may be awarded:
| Class of Honours | Required Grade Point Average # | Corresponding Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 6.5–7.0 | High Distinction 85% and above |
| Class 2 (Division 1) | 6.0+ | Distinction 75% - 84.99% |
| Class 2 (Division 2) | 5.0+ | Credit 65% - 74.99% |
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units), including the core course
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)