Learn how to manage urban growth by planning for sustainable development, infrastructure and services.
Courses include rural and regional sustainability, regional infrastructure planning, conflict resolution and urban design. Examine issues relating to property and environmental management and infrastructure development with an emphasis on planning at a regional government level. Complete practical projects and a work placement. Complement studies with a minor in property, environmental studies, 3D design, Indigenous studies, sustainability, sociology or justice studies.
- 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.
Courses include rural and regional sustainability, regional infrastructure planning, conflict resolution and urban design. Examine issues relating to property and environmental management and infrastructure development with an emphasis on planning at a regional government level. Complete practical projects and a work placement. Complement studies with a minor in property, environmental studies, 3D design, Indigenous studies, sustainability, sociology or justice studies.
Career opportunities
Depending on the minor chosen, regional planning and policy development, community development, development assessment, land / infrastructure development, environmental impact assessment, planning consultancy.
Membership
Planning Institute of Australia (after two years of professional practice).
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses.
- Complete 5 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 16 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 4 courses towards a minor plus 2 elective courses, or complete 3 courses to complete a Geography major plus 3 elective courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Communication, School of Social Sciences or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- (Optional) Use electives to complete a minor to supplement the required major.
- Register any selected Majors or Minors with Student Administration.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, studios reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (2)
2 required courses:
COR109 Communication and Thought
COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
Introductory courses (5)
5 required courses:
ENP101 Planning Principles and Practice
GEO100 Physical Geography and Mapping
INT140 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
PED120 Property Economics
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
Advanced courses (16)
16 required courses:
ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP236 Rural and Regional Sustainability
ENP245 Landscapes, place and people
ENP255 Urbanism and Urban Design
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)
ENP470A Planning Project
ENP470B Planning Project(24 units)
ENS253 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS300 Environmental and Resource Economics
HIS265 Cultural Heritage
SCS225 Social Research
Minor courses
Select 4 courses towards you Minor study area:
- 3D Design
- Communication Studies
- Environmental Studies
- Indigenous Studies
- Justice Studies
- Property
- Sociology
- Sustainability
PLUS select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
OR
Select 3 courses towards a Geography major study area:
2 required courses:
GEO101 Introducing Human Geographies
GEO201 Hydrology and Geomorphology
PLUS select 1 course from the following:
GEO210 Indigenous Peoples and the Environment
GEO301 Biogeography
GEO302 Coastal Geomorphology
GEO340 Historical Geographies
GEO350 Animals and Society
PLUS select 3 elective coursesfrom either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
TOTAL UNITS 384
Merit Honours
Merit Honours is to be calculated by averaging an individual student’s grades in ENP211 , ENP236 , ENP245 , ENP255 , ENP311 , ENP336 , ENP355 , ENP365 , ENP411 , ENP455 , ENP460 , ENP470A , ENP470B , ENS253 , ENS300 , HIS265 and SCS225 .
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–<6.5 | Distinction 75% - 84.99% |
| Class 2 (Division 2) | 5.0–<6.0 | Credit 65% - 74.99% |
The Grade Point Average (GPA) will be calculated in a manner consistent with the University Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy (Section 5.4).
Students who achieve below the level of Class 2 (Division 2) are awarded Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning.
# Students who have received credit for courses completed in other institutions are eligible to be considered for merit honours where they have completed a minimum of 114 units from the following courses: ENP211 , ENP236 , ENP245 , ENP255 , ENP311 , ENP336 , ENP355 , ENP365 , ENP411 , ENP455 , ENP460 , ENP470A , ENP470B , ENS253 , ENS300 , HIS265 and SCS225 .
They will be subject to the same GPA requirements for eligibility in the award of merit honours calculated on all the required advanced Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning units they have completed at USC.