Diploma in Urban and Regional Environments

On successful completion you will be able to:

1. Understand, at a introductory level, the skills required for professional planning practice in diverse urban, regional and rural settings.
2. Recognise spatial concepts and methodologies and apply these, at an introductory level, to understanding, analysing and solving social, economic and environmental problems.
3. Identify and analyse simple problems related to urban, regional and rural governance and policy developments.

After graduation, you could work in the planning and environment management departments of local and state governments, regional bodies, research organisations, and the private sector.

Possible roles include:

• Planning assistant
  • Provide support with research, community engagement, and reporting for planning projects and initiatives.
• Planning administration officer
  • Help planning teams deliver their vision by contributing to projects, administration, and operations.
• Community property assistant
  • Help to manage publicly owned properties and land.

Higher education via OUA

Successful completion of two of the following four Open Access Pathway subjects:

• PLA1ELE Exploring Living Environments
• PLA1ISP Introducing Plan Making
• GEG1SPP Society, People and Place
• GEG1MAV Mapping, Analysing and Visualising Data

Secondary education

Demonstrate proficiency equivalent to Year 12 prerequisites.

VET studies

Work and Life

Satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice if you:

• are not currently studying an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent)
• have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or
• do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

Refer to the La Trobe University STAT page for further information.

La Trobe University will consider applications for advanced standing, or credit for prior study. Credit may be applied to a current degree if you have undertaken previous tertiary study and completed and passed subjects similar in content and standard to those offered at La Trobe, from either another recognised tertiary institution or a different La Trobe course.

Note: Applications for credit will not be considered until you have successfully been admitted to a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) in a La Trobe course offered through OUA.

Assessing whether you should apply for credit for subjects in your course:

Credit may be granted for relevant subjects. The following steps will help you to decide which subjects you wish to apply for:

1. Identify subjects within your course that you think align with subjects you have already studied and have completed within 8 years of your La Trobe University course commencement year.
2. Provide subject outlines with detailed information for each subject that you wish to submit for assessment for credit, identifying which subject within your course that you have identified as a match. Include subject learning outcomes/objectives and subject content for each subject.
3. Provide your academic transcript for your previous studies.

*Note that a subject studied can only be used once for credit

La Trobe’s Diploma in Urban and Regional Environments introduces you to urban and regional planning, with a focus on sustainability and environmental considerations.

Whether you’re looking for an entry-level qualification or a pathway into the Bachelor of Planning (Honours), you’ll develop key skills in planning and design while building your understanding of sustainability from a regional, urban and global perspective.

Examine the consequences of human interactions with natural environments. From there, delve into the ongoing challenges of climate change, as well as its many causes and impacts. Explore the range of scientific, social and commercial approaches to addressing this critical issue.

Learn how environmental assets such as soils, water, vegetation and biodiversity are improved and protected through natural resources management. Then, be introduced to the important issues surrounding indigenous heritage management.

Gain a career advantage by learning vital project management skills, along with up-to-the-minute technical expertise in mapping, data visualisation and social and demographic analysis.

We’ll be there to support you every step of the way. Get tailored advice from a dedicated support adviser and connect with discipline-based peer mentors. Receive assistance enrolling, choosing your subjects and navigating university systems and requirements. What’s more, you can access La Trobe’s Careers Service for help in shaping your future.

Graduate ready to start your career supporting the development of inclusive and sustainable communities. You can also use the diploma as a stepping stone to further study and move directly into the second year of the Associate Degree in Urban and Regional Environments or the Bachelor of Planning (Honours).

You'll learn:

• Planning practice
  • Develop entry-level planning skills for working in urban, regional and rural environments, such as understanding places, people and policies.
• Planning policy and governance
  • Learn how to interpret and apply planning policies and frameworks.
• Sustainability
  • Build your understanding of sustainable development and the role planners play in contributing to sustainable futures.

Recommended Study Pattern

Students who wish to enrol in a part time load are recommended to enrol in two subjects per study period. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook to review the full structure.

Students who are studying and want to take a break (minimum one study period) must submit a leave of absence covering the relevant dates.

Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first study period as a CSP student:

LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module

ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education

Award Requirements

To qualify for the award of Diploma in Urban and Regional Environments, students must complete 8 subjects (120 credit points) as follows:

• 7 core subjects
• 1 elective subjects

Students who have been accepted in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) are required to complete the following 2 modules in their first study period as a CSP student: 

LTU0AIM Academic Integrity Module

ABS0WOM Wominjeka La Trobe: Indigenous Cultural Literacy for Higher Education