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 Microbiology
ENP101 Molecular Biotechnology
ENP103 Special Research Project
GEO100 Workplace Learning I
INT140 Communication and Thought
PED120 Urban Design & Town Planning Principles and Practice
SCS130 Spatial Governance, Planning and Politics
Developing and Graduate courses (17) 228 units
ENP211 Changing Planet Earth
ENP236 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
ENP245 Property Economics
ENP255 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
ENP311 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP336 Regions, Change and Sustainability
ENP355 Landscapes, Place and People
ENP365 Urbanism and Urban Design
ENP411 Planning Theory
ENP455 Strategic Infrastructure Planning(24 units)
ENP460 Neighbourhood Planning and Design Studio(24 units)
ENP470A Participation and Conflict Resolution(0 units)
ENP470B Advanced Planning Policy and Practice(24 units)
ENS253 Community Planning Studio
ENS300 Planning Practicum
HIS200 Planning Project A
SCS225 Planning Project B
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 the undergraduate elective course options.
*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 the undergraduate elective course options.
*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 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology Planning Project course.
- The percentage results achieved by study in ten courses (144 Units) as specified below; and
- ENP211 Environmental and Resource Economics
- ENP255 Heritage: Australian and Global Contexts
- ENP311 Social Research
- ENP336 Planning Project A
- ENP355 Planning and Environmental Law
- ENP365 Urbanism and Urban Design
- ENP411 Planning Theory
- ENP455 Regional Infrastructure Planning
- ENP460 Planning Design Studio
- SCS225 Participation and Conflict Resolution
- 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
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.