Master of Regional Planning by Research
Drive change for regions of the future via research. The planning profession demands real-world solutions for the constantly changing environment we live in. Conduct research that advances the way town planners approach complex issues, and provide insights into the evolving needs of diverse communities and regions, in Australia and globally.
In this program you will:
- Complete one required research course and an original thesis on a topic of your choice, from coastal management to water allocation and planning, urban planning, design issues, dispute resolution, and more
- Develop advanced skills in research design, analysis and written communication
- Advance the way town planners approach complex issues, and contribute to future planning practice
Location
CRICOS code
Duration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
Annual fee / Estimated total fee- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Duration
- 2 years 2 years
- CRICOS code
- 070697D
- UniSC program code
- AR863
A Higher Degree by Research (HDR) is a supervised research program that requires undertaking original research, resulting in a thesis, or a thesis and exegesis.
During the Master by Research program, Master by Research candidates are required to achieve several milestones that relate to their research training.
Milestones are program requirements and periodic assessments of candidature progression. Milestones are distributed throughout HDR candidature providing structure and mechanism for regular review and feedback on progress towards both the research project and attainment of the University’s Research Graduate Attributes.
In addition to HDR program milestones, some candidates may also have:
- project milestones (such as external progress reports to third party funding providers) that they are required to contribute to; and
- scholarship conditions as specified in their scholarship conditions document
- Coursework (discuss with your proposed supervisor prior to applying)
Information on HDR milestones is available in the USC Higher Degree by Research Candidature Progression - Guidelines.
To be eligible for admission to a research Master degree, an applicant must hold:
(a) a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher on a seven point scale from a recognised higher education institution; or
(b) a Bachelor Honours degree (AQF Level 8) Class IIB from a recognised higher education institution; or
(c) a record of qualifications and/or professional research experience deemed to be equivalent to the standard of (a) or (b) as may be approved by the Research Degrees Committee, or the Chairperson acting on behalf of the Committee.
The prior study must be in an area of study relevant to the discipline area of the Master degree. If the prior study has not included an appropriate preparation in research methodology, the candidate will be required to undertake an appropriate research methodology course, as specified by the relevant Head of School, as part of their candidature.
The admission requirements for a specific Master degree may include additional requirements, such as a Bachelor degree in the relevant discipline, professional registration, a specified number of years of professional practice, or other requirements indicative of a suitable preparation to undertake a research program at Master level. Additional requirements should be discussed with your proposed supervision team prior to applying.
Refer also to the University’s English language requirements.
Admission is subject to availability of appropriate supervision and facilities.
English language requirements
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$29,000
- Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$58,000