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Study online with Curtin University through Open Universities Australia. Explore all degrees, subjects and short courses now.

This degree is designed to develop the requisite skills and knowledge to enter the planning profession. It examines the theoretical foundations of planning, it’s legislative and governance frameworks and develops practical skills required by planning practitioners in government agencies, the private sector and NGOs. It also teaches research skills and develops critical analytical capacities through the completion of a major piece of original planning research. Participation in projects that involve real planning issues and engagement with planning professionals prepare graduates for professional life.
Students will have opportunities to experience local, national and international examples of best and worst practice.
Urban and Regional Planning plays an important role in ensuring that the built environment operates in an efficient and effective manner and balances the demands of economic development, environmental conservation and social inclusion.
This degree is designed to prepare graduates for planning practice. The first year of the degree introduces planning theory, law and practice. It also imparts an understanding of land development, the functions and ethics of practice in the public and private sectors and the development of plans that serve the needs of government agencies and communities. Finally, students acquire critical analytical and research skills in preparation for the final semester of the degree which involves undertaking and presenting a piece of original research.

Become an expert in planning theory, law and practice. Understand land development, ethics of practice and the development of plans that serve the needs of government agencies and communities. Find a career as a planner in the private and public sectors.

Master of Urban and Regional Planning

This degree provides an introduction to the planning principles, practices and techniques used by urban and regional planners. Examples and applications draw on local, national and international examples. It can be seen as a stand-alone qualification in its own right, or as the first step towards the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, which is a full professional qualification. It can also provide mid-career training for practising planners. A distinguishing characteristic of the degree is the use of interdisciplinary knowledge and techniques in addressing environmental, social and design issues of concern to the community. It is now widely accepted that successful human settlements must be properly planned and a range of statutory and non-statutory controls exist at all levels of government to protect the public interest in the development process.
The Graduate Certificate in Development Planning offers an alternative pathway into the Master of Urban and Regional Planning for those from a non-related discipline or with only industry experience.

Examine social and economic planning theories, laws and trends and the importance of an integrated approach. Study land development processes, environmental factors and the implications for community sustainability within a governance framework.

Graduate Certificate in Development Planning

Governance for Planning

Urban Geographies

Participatory Planning

Rural Geographies

Understanding complex issues and challenges affecting rural and remote peoples and environments in Australia and exploring solutions.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Explore the challenge of change in today’s rural Australia. You’ll cover planning, infrastructure, new industries, and innovation. Develop an awareness of the environmental, social and economic complexities of the Australian countryside.

This subject was previously known as Planning Theory and Methodology.Develop an understanding of the relationship between planning theories and practice, critically examine past and present trends in planning theories and practice, and investigate the links between theory and practice by exploring contemporary issues and case studies in urban and regional planning.﻿Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Draw on lessons from the past as you consider the state of planning theory in the present.Incorporate theories from Foucault and Marx. Spot the broad trends that characterise the planning field. Use theoretical thinking to solve a practical problem.

Planning Theory and Context

The origins, evolution and development of the planning of settlements and cities, from indigenous planning to 21st Century planning. The emergence of modern planning as a profession and as a response to the health issues and problems associated with the industrial city. Utopian ideas and pioneer thinkers in planning. An overview of key planning theories, the evaluation of planning documentation and the ethics of planning practice.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Map the origin and evolution of urban and regional planning. Draft arguments about the planning system's strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate real-world documents. Direct your theoretical research towards areas like transport, retail and rural planning.

Introduction to Planning

This subject was previously known as Sustainable Cities. This subject examines various notions of cities within a sustainability framework. Students will explore urbanisation trends in the context of existing and emerging sustainability challenges by reviewing cities worldwide. Its core focus is the issue of automobile dependence in cities and the associated land use, environmental, social, economic and urban design issues surrounding it. Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Define what it is that makes a city sustainable or unsustainable.Look into transport, environmental, urban design and economic concerns. Address cities’ dependence on cars, trucks and motorcycles. Discuss the cities that are making an effort go green.

Future Cities

Explore institutions and principles governing professional conduct in planning practice, and develop specific professional communication skills applied in industry.

Professional Practice in Urban and Regional Planning 1

This subject was previously known as Development Assessment.Introduction to the character of the development control process, to understand its role in the broader planning process, and to develop the necessary skills to apply development assessment to a range of typical development proposals to produce &#39;quality&#39; development outcomes. In addition students will be expected to critically reflect on why we assess and control development.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject, you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://academicintegrity.curtin.edu.au/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Break down the development control process and see where it fits within the broader planning context.Why assess and control development—look locally, nationally and internationally for examples of development assessment practices.

Development Outcomes

This subject was previously known as URP580 Planning Dissertation.
This subject is to design, implement and present an individual research program on an urban and regional planning issue.
This subject should be the final subject you undertake before completing your Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Challenge yourself to design, then orally present an individual research program applicable to an urban and regional planning problem. Further your lifelong learning skill-set.This is the final subject of your Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

Planning Masters Dissertation

Examines the role of community and stakeholder participation in the planning process and governance of urban and regional places. Critical evaluation of participatory practices and theories.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Open up the planning process to include community and stakeholder feedback.Unpack the history of participation in different areas of planning. Design your own participation program and oversee a participatory workshop using established techniques.

An appreciation of the social, cultural and economic dynamics underpinning housing policy and the housing market in general. Exploration of the strategic and statutory planning instruments affecting housing.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>.

Construct a robust understanding of housing policy, markets and planning.Analyse the rental market and get a more concrete picture of housing affordability issues. Read up on regional housing. Take in relevant social, cultural and economic dynamics.

Planning for Housing

This subject was previously known as Transport Systems.Examine the relationship between land use, urban form and travel behaviour, including the policy and institutional contexts related to the planning and regulation of multi-modal urban transport systems. Review integrated land use and transport planning approaches to achieve more sustainable cities and development.Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.Find out more about the <a href="https://www.curtin.edu.au/students/essentials/rights/academic-integrity/aip/" target="_blank">Academic Integrity module</a>

Track the issues that affect integrated land use and transport planning.Rate the powers and responsibilities of infrastructure agencies. Discuss pedestrian and cyclist planning concerns. Place your findings in the context of real transport policies.

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