Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning

Study the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) and gain knowledge of both Queensland and New South Wales planning legislation and be career-ready to work as an urban and regional planner for cities, regional and rural areas. 

1. review and apply theories, concepts, methods and technologies, with initiative and judgement, to a range of diverse contexts associated with urban and regional planning
2. critically analyse, consolidate, synthesise and evaluate information to generate innovative and sustainable solutions to solve complex Urban and Regional planning problems
3. apply advanced technical and cognitive skills to design, collect, store and manipulate research data
4. accept responsibility for own learning and autonomously apply well-informed judgements regarding professional practices, theories and processes
5. employ a range of advanced oral and written communication skills to clearly and coherently communicate concepts, information and ideas to relevant stakeholders
6. consistently apply academic norms and ethical standards to decision making processes when working collaboratively in a professional capacity.

Graduates will have the skills to work as an Urban and Regional Planner specialising in residential, commercial and retail developments, urban renewal and greenfields projects, transport planning, social planning, regional and rural planning or environmental planning. You will be able to critically analyse, consolidate, and evaluate information to generate innovative and sustainable solutions to solve complex urban and regional planning problems.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia and graduates may seek Planner registration with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).

Secondary education

• Have achieved a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 65.6, or equivalent qualification.
• Subject Pre-requisite: English (Units 3 & 4, C).

English Proficiency Requirements

All students are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. For entry to the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning program, applicants are required to meet the Category 2 English Language Proficiency requirements.

On campus requirements

The majority of the practical and professional experience requirements for the program are contained within the recommended enrolment pattern. These are zero unit courses, which are a compulsory part of the program, however they do not attract a student contribution charge for Australian Residents or a tuition fee for international students.

Practicum placement

Practical experience is desirable and encouraged but is not required for the completion of the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) program. Students are encouraged to obtain practical experience during vacation periods.

Exemptions/credit will be assessed based on the USQ Credit and Exemption Procedure.

Work Experience

Work and industrial experience that has not been formally assessed, does not normally qualify for course credit in the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) program.

Study the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours) and gain knowledge of both Queensland and New South Wales planning legislation and be career-ready to work as an urban and regional planner for cities, regional and rural areas. Develop skills in community consultation, land and human resources sustainability, planning legislation and processes, economics, transport planning, urban design, plan making, place making, and project management. Choose a research project in your fourth year to investigate a specific urban and regional planning issue. Graduates of this professionally accredited degree may be eligible to become a registered planner.

Recommended Study Pattern

Year 1 - Semester 1

ANT1001 Cultural Diversity: an Introduction to Anthropology

GIS1402 Geographic Information Systems

URP1001 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning

ENG1003 Problem Solving in Engineering and the Built Environment

Year 1 - Semester 2

GIS1401 Geographic Data Presentation

ENG1002 Introduction to Engineering and Built Environment Applications

LAW1500 Introduction to Business and Company Law

URP2002 Local Government Planning Practice and Technology

Year 2 - Semester 1

ENV2201 Land Studies

ECO1000 Economics

PRL2002 Community Consultation and Development

URP2001 Planning Structures and Statutory Planning

Year 2 - Semester 2

STA2100 Evaluating Information

SVY1110 Introduction to Global Positioning System

URP3201 Sustainable Urban Design and Development

Approved course (Select from the approved course list)

Year 2 - Practice Courses

GPL2901 GIS and Planning Practice 1

GPL3902 GIS and Planning Practice 2

Year 3 - Semester 1

SVY3202 Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

CMG1001 Introduction to Construction Management and the Built Environment

CLI3301 Climate and Environment Risk Assessment

Approved course (Select from the approved course list)

Year 3 - Semester 2

REN3302 Sustainable Resource Use

URP4001 Movement Network Planning

URP3200 Regional planning

ENG4110 Engineering Research Methodology

Year 3 - Practice Courses

PSG3900 Professional Week 1

Year 4 - Semester 1

SVY4309 Practice Management for Spatial Scientists

URP4002 Urban and Regional Planning Theory

Approved course (Select from the approved course list)

PSG4111 Research Project A

Year 4 - Semester 2

Approved Course (Select from the Approved Course list)

SVY3302 Property Valuation and Development

GIS4407 Web Based Geographic Information System

PSG4112 Research Project B

Year 4 - Practice Courses

PSG4900 Professional Week 2

Award Requirements

Completion of 32 units (including five 0-unit practice courses) as outlined in the Recommended Study Pattern section.

Exit Points

Upon completion of the appropriate 16 units, a student may apply to exit with the Associate Degree of Spatial Science.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Approved Course List

ACC1101 Accounting for Decision-Making

ANT3006 Indigenous Peoples in the Nation

AGR3304 Soil Science

ECO3030 Sustainable Economies

ECO2000 The Macro-economy and Business

LAW2107 Environmental Law

CLI3302 Adaptation to Climate Change

GIS3405 Spatial Analysis and Modelling

GIS3406 Remote Sensing and Image Processing

MGT1000 Organisational Behaviour

PRL3004 Organisational Communication and Culture

SVY1102 Surveying A

SVY4304 Land and Cadastral Law