• Program summary
• Program overview   
• Career opportunities
• Special features
• Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation
• Program structure
• Program requirements and notes
• Enquiries

Program summary

QTAC code: 011091
OP/Rank for 2009 entry: OP-17 / Rank-66
Award abbreviation: BRegUrbPlan
Degree type: undergraduate
Mode of study: on campus
Duration: 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Fee type 2009: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places
Recommended prior study: English
Total units: 384
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
CRICOS code: 066284D

Program overview

The Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning (4 year) responds to an ongoing shortage of qualified planners in Australia. As the population grows, there is an increasing demand for professionals who can manage urban growth effectively, by planning for sustainable development, infrastructure and services.

The regional and urban planning program introduces you to broad planning theories, as well as the day-to-day practical skills that are critical in managing built and natural environments. You will undertake courses in ecologically sustainable development, planning theory and ethics, urban design and mediation skills. The political and legal framework of planning is an important component of the degree and emphasises the rights of Indigenous Australians, as these relate to land management.

You will have opportunities to gain practical perspectives on field trips, and will be able to practice your work-related skills in a series of studio workshops.

The Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning (4 year) is structured to meet the graduate attributes identified by the nation’s peak professional body, the Planning Institute of Australia. From 2009, the University intends to offer the fourth year in the program, which will allow graduates full accreditation as planners (subject to final approval). Students in this fourth year will refine highly sought-after professional skills such as communication, project coordination, negotiation and policy development.

Introduced in 2008, the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning (4 year) is subject to the Planning Institute of Australia’s standard accreditation processes. USC has applied to the PIA for interim accreditation, with the aim of receiving this by mid-2009. Reviews for full accreditation usually occur after the first cohort of students graduate. Once full accreditation is attained, graduates in the first cohort will be eligible for accelerated membership of the PIA. 

Career opportunities

Graduates will be capable of working in planning teams in public and private sectors, both in Australia and overseas. Opportunities can be found in local, state and federal government; private consultancy; and property development, and may involve work in the following areas:

• development assessment
• preparation of regional plans and policies 
• advocacy 
• community development/education 
• corporate/strategic development 
• ecotourism 
• education 
• environmental planning/management 
• para-professional planning 
• policy development/analysis 
• research 
• social planning

Special features

• gain qualifications in an industry with a nation-wide shortage of qualified professional
• field trips and studio workshops provide practical perspectives and experience

Program structure

Core courses

COR109 Communication and Thought
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability

Introductory courses

ENP100 Environmental and Planning Studies
ENP101 Planning Principles and Practice
INT140 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia

Advanced courses

ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP236 Rural and Regional Sustainability
ENP245 Landscapes, place and people
ENP255 Urbanism and Urban Design (Studio/Workshop)
ENP311 Planning Theory
ENP336 Regional Infrastructure Planning
ENP355 Planning Design Studio
ENP365 Participation, and Conflict Resolution
ENP411 Professional Planning Practice
ENP455 Community Planning Studio (24 units)
ENP460 Planning Practicum (24 units)
ENP470 Planning Project (24 units)
ENS253 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
ENS300 Environmental and Resource Economics
HIS265 Cultural Heritage
PAM210 Property Economics
SCS225 Social Research

A minor

Select a minor (4 courses) from one of the following areas:

• Environmental Science
• Communication Studies
• Justice Studies 
• Property and Asset Management
• Sustainability
• Sociology

Electives courses

Select 2 elective courses from any Faculty

Course substitution: the GO (Global Opportunities) Program

You may apply for approval to participate in the GO Program and undertake the equivalent of 48 units of your program with an overseas partner higher education provider.

Requirements and notes

1. No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning.
2. No courses may be counted to more than one major or minor for the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning.
3. Required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors for the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning.
4. An introductory level course has a number less than 200 in its course code. An advanced level course has a number greater than 200 and less than 400 in its course code.
5. Refer to the Academic Rules.
6. Refer to explanation of terms.
7. Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
8. Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
9. International students need to refer to the English language requirements.
10. Only a full-time study option is available to international students.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

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