Our planning and development courses deliver a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices and techniques used by urban and regional planners.

In these courses you will learn to draw on environmental, economic and social factors to investigate, analyse and propose solutions to development issues within political, administration and legislative frameworks.

You’ll gain an understanding of planning laws and applications, and be encouraged to contribute to real-world projects.

As participatory approaches to planning are now considered vital to successful development, these courses emphasise addressing environmental, social and design issues that affect communities.

Flexible levels of study are offered. You can exit the degree at the graduate certificate level or complete the second level to gain a master degree. Students who complete the master degree to a high standard can apply for doctoral-level studies.

Why study

• This course promotes a balanced view towards: theory and practice; and local and global perspectives.
• Fieldwork, studios and practical exercises are integrated within the curriculum.
• The course will help you achieve core skills recognised by employers in the planning profession.
• This course is eligible for Income Support. Eligible students can access Youth Allowance, Austudy and the Pensioner Education Supplement.

Professional recognition

This course is fully accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia.

The future of planning and development

The future of planning and development is underpinned by the need for innovative thinking to plan, regulate and manage the environmental, economic and social impacts of development.

Urban and regional issues are collective, often having multiple stakeholders with differing requirements. We require new ways of approaching land use and resource problems – such as developing sharing and community economies, encouraging a social licence to operate, and innovating our democratic institutions.

Innovation in urban planning and development will also occur through technological advances. Smart technologies, big data and the Internet of Things are opening new ways of developing knowledge and seeing cities and regions. Apps and digital platforms such as gaming and VR provide new ways of experiencing place and help us organise the way we get around, through Mobility as a Service (MaaS).

Industries

• Land-use planning
• Development
• Housing
• Transport
• Local government
• Community engagement