- 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 2010: Commonwealth supported places, visiting non-award domestic places, international fee-paying places
Recommended prior study: English
Total units: 384
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
USC program code: AR382
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 Health Promotion Principles
COR111 Communication and Thought
Introductory courses
ENP100 Environment, Technology and Sustainability
ENP101 Environmental and Planning Studies
INT140 Planning Principles and Practice
SCS130 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
Advanced courses
ENP211 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
ENP236 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP245 Rural and Regional Sustainability
ENP255 Landscapes, place and people
ENP311 Urbanism and Urban Design
ENP336 Planning Theory
ENP355 Regional Infrastructure Planning
ENP365 Planning Design Studio
ENP411 Participation and Conflict Resolution
ENP455 Professional Planning Practice
ENP460 Community Planning Studio
ENP470 Planning Practicum
ENS253 Planning Project
ENS300 An Introduction to Geographical Information Systems
HIS265 Environmental and Resource Economics
PAM210 Cultural Heritage
SCS225 Property Economics
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
- No more than 10 introductory level courses are to be completed, including core courses, in the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning.
- No courses may be counted to more than one major or minor for the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning.
- Required introductory courses may count towards some majors and minors for the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning.
- 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.
- Refer to the Academic Rules.
- Refer to explanation of terms.
- Refer to the recommended enrolment pattern. For previous recommended enrolment patterns refer to the relevant archived Student Handbook.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including, for example, essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests, and examinations.
- International students need to refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students.
Enquiries
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259
Program Leader
Associate Professor Johanna Rosier
Tel: +61 7 5459 4877
Email: jrosier@usc.edu.au