Planning Theory and Context
PostgraduateCUR-URP5302025
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.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 23 Nov 2025
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 June 2025,
- 1 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $3,464
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Planning Theory and Context
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- explain how planning theories and urban theories shape and inform contemporary planning practice
- contextualise and explain the historical development of the central ideas and practices associated with the field of urban planning
- critically analyse the role of the planner and urban planning practice within broader social, political and global contexts
- apply theory to analyse and address emerging planning challenges
- Justifications for planning
- Theories of Urban Form and Structure
- Utopian Planning
- Rational Planning
- Communicative Planning
- Justice in Planning
- Neoliberalism
- Critical perspectives
- The environment and planning
- Postcolonial, settler colonialism and Southern theory
- Planning futures
- Unit review
This subject was previously known asPlanning 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 Academic Integrity module.
- Case Study (35%)
- Portfolio (30%)
- Oral Presentation (35%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
Start your career with Curtin’s globally recognised courses and extensive industry connections. Through OUA, their online courses offer an interactive and collaborative learning experience that gets you the same degree as if you studied on campus. Curtin is a global university with a vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Learn more about Curtin University.
Explore Curtin courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 13
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 14
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Additional requirements
- Equipment requirements - Audio / Video Conferencing
- Software requirements - Standard Media. Web links. Embedded multimedia. Podcasting / Lecture capture. Online assignment submission.
- Other requirements - Essential Textbook. Online Assessment. Printable format materials. Resources & Links.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
PostgraduateCUR-URP-MAS
Master of Environment and Climate Emergency
PostgraduateCUR-SCP-MAS
PostgraduateCUR-MAA-MAS
Graduate Diploma in Environment and Climate Emergency
PostgraduateCUR-SCP-GDI
Graduate Certificate in Environment and Climate Emergency
PostgraduateCUR-SCP-GCE
Fast track your Curtin on campus study (Postgraduate)
PostgraduateCUR-FAST-MAS
PostgraduateOUA-PSU-GCE
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.