Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
This course provides a sound educational foundation for entrants into the planning profession which is intellectually stimulating and supports graduates in achieving the analytical and communication skills to operate effectively in a complex planning environment.
It deals in particular with an environment where there is increasing pressure for community involvement in government decision making, with an increasing reliance on the private sector for infrastructure investment and management, and develops the skills to manage this public / private / community interface. Cognisant of the increasing demand and impact of the use of energy and water on a limited resource base, the course develops the theoretical base for understanding economic and environmental markets and their role in policy and planning.
The degree includes a semester of work experience placements in state (provincial) and local governments in Australia or internationally. It builds on the University of Canberra and the Centre for Developing Cities’ strengths in governance, finance, economics, built environment, law and the environment.
Course: Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (956AA)
Award: Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning
Course Level: 10
Division: Health, Design & Science
University Admissions Centre (UAC) Course Code: 363203
CRICOS Code: 062890C
Offered Locations and Delivery Modes:
-
UC Bruce Campus
- Full Time, Face-to-Face - Convener: AProf Kath Wellman (Ph: +61 2 6201 2575)
- Part Time, Face-to-Face -
Introduction
This course provides a sound educational foundation for entrants into the planning profession which is intellectually stimulating and supports graduates in achieving the analytical and communication skills to operate effectively in a complex planning environment. It deals in particular with an environment where there is increasing pressure for community involvement in government decision making with an increasing reliance on the private sector for infrastructure investment and management, and develops the skills to manage this public/private/community interface. Cognisant of the increasing demand and impact of the use of energy and water on a limited resource base the course develops the theoretical base for understanding economic and environmental markets and their role in policy and planning.
Students will have:
The critical analytical ability to dissect and analyse complex problems, understand the underlying issues and be able to make rational decisions based on reasoned argument.
The creative ability to broaden the context of any problem or opportunity and be able to think laterally of possible solutions.
The communication ability (both written and spoken) to be able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
A knowledge of land-use planning and the social, economic and environmental factors which impact on this.
A knowledge of the role of government, community and the private sector in governance, particularly as it relates to land use planning and regional development policy.
An understanding of the responsibilities across government and inter-governmental relations.
Knowledge of policy instruments, advocacy, incentive, legislation and the market and their role in implementing policy.
An understanding of good governance principles of accountability, transparency, accessibility, equity, efficiency, effectiveness and the processes and relationships which support these.
An understanding of environmental law, and in particular statutory planning law.
Knowledge of the history of planning and the role of planning in society, particularly in balancing private and public good.
A basic knowledge of microeconomics and finance including the role of competitive markets, particularly in balancing private and public good.
An understanding of natural processes and the ability to leverage these to support more efficient, sustainable human and natural systems.
An understanding of cultural history and place and an ability to support rich, humane, accessible, culturally rich public places.
An appreciation of the issues facing indigenous Australian communities and an understanding of indigenous policy particularly in relation to land, housing and employment.
Course Requirements
96 credit points comprising:
(a) Required (81 credit points) as follows:
Planning Major 21 credit points
Four economics units totalling 12 credit points as follows:
6355 Introduction to Economics
6394 Business Economics
6382 Intermediate Microeconomics
6401 Contemporary Issues in Microeconomics
The following required units (total 48 credit points):
4919 Advocacy & Inclusion
4916 Science, Environment & Society
5123 Business Statistics
7534 Social Policy: Government, Wealth and Welfare
5784 Community Devel't Principles & Practice
7050 Property Law
4922 Ethical and Professional Issues
6989 Urban Design
7778 Governance for Environmental Sustainability
7973 Planning Work Experience State Level 6cp
7974 Planning Work Experience Local Level 6cp
7975 Urban Finance
6917 Environmental Conflict and Management
7907 Environmental and Planning Law
(b) Restricted choice (3 credit points) as follows:
6878 Indigenous Australia: Contemporary Issues or similar unit of Indigenous policy
(c) Open electives (12 credit points) as follows:
In choosing electives, students are asked to note that no more than 30 credit points at Level 1 can be counted towards course completion.
Course Duration
8 semesters full-time; equivalent part-time. Maximum 20 semesters.Typical Course Structure
Sample course structure:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| YEAR 1 | |
| Planning Major unit 1 | Planning Major unit 2 |
| 6355 Introduction to Economics | 6394 Business Economics |
| 4919 Advocacy & Inclusion | 5123 Business Statistics |
| 4916 Science, Environment & Society | 7534 Social Policy: Government, Wealth and Welfare |
| YEAR 2 | |
| Planning Major unit 3 | Planning Major unit 4 |
| 6382 Intermediate Microeconomics | 6401 Contemporary Issues in Microeconomics |
| 7907 Environmental and Planning Law | 5784 Community Devel't Principles & Practice |
| Elective | 7050 Property Law |
| YEAR 3 | |
| Planning Major unit 5 | Planning Major unit 6 |
| 4922 Ethical and Professional Issues | 6989 Urban Design |
| 6878 Indigenous Australia: Contemporary Issues | 7778 Governance for Environmental Sustainability |
| Elective | Elective |
| YEAR 4 | |
| 7973 Planning Work Experience State Level (6cp) | 7975 Urban Finance |
| 7974 Planning Work Experience Local Level (6cp) | Planning Major unit 7 |
| 6917 Environmental Conflict and Management | |
| Elective |
