Master of Regional and Urban Planning

Program summary

Program title: Master of Regional and Urban Planning
Award abbreviation: MRegUrbPlan
Degree type: coursework
Study mode: on campus (intensive); online
Duration: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
Commence: Semester 1 or Semester 2
Fee type 2012: postgraduate coursework places
Total courses: 16
USC program code: AR705
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.

Help your community plan for a sustainable future.

The Master of Regional and Urban Planning # provides a postgraduate pathway to enter the planning profession and work as a planner. It focuses on the planning challenges of regional Australia, especially regions subject to high growth with associated environmental and community issues.

The program delivers both planning knowledge and skills and you focus on a specialist planning area. With a strong emphasis on reflective learning, you draw on your formal and informal experiences in planning-related organisations and activities. You develop a specialist area of knowledge and are encouraged to think about major planning issues from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

Courses are delivered in one of two modes. In some courses you need to attend short intensive blocks, which are supported by books of readings and on-line resources. In others you study online and receive study materials, use online resources and complete all assessment using the discussion board or written assessment in the form of reports, essays and urban place exercises.

You complete courses in contemporary planning theory, environmental and planning law, planning practice, and engaging effectively with Aboriginal people. You select a further five courses from research design: methodology of literature review, urban design, water allocation and planning, participation and conflict resolution, applied futures studies and Indigenous peoples and sustainability.

You then complete three courses from a specialist area, such as integrated coastal zone management; or climate change adaptation plus a planning thesis, or a planning research project. The thesis component is only available if you meet the academic standard (GPA 5.5) and wish to complete a thesis. Otherwise you must complete the research project and two electives.

To enter the Master of Regional and Urban Planning you will normally be required to hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised University. You will need to be able to access a computer which enables you to use blackboard and participate in on-line learning sessions.

Graduates can expect to find career opportunities as a planner in a regional council or planning consultancy, or as a policy analyst in the Department of Environment and Resource Management or other government departments.

# This program has interim accreditation with the Planning Institute of Australia.

Enquiries

Faculty of Arts and Business
Tel: +61 7 5430 1259

Program Leader
Associate Professor Johanna Rosier
Tel: +61 7 5459 4877
Email: jrosier@usc.edu.au

Admission requirements

To enter the Master of Regional and Urban Planning you will normally be required to hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised University.

You will need to be able to access a computer which enables you to use blackboard and participate in on-line learning sessions.

Program structure

Program requirements

1. Students are required to successfully complete:
   • four required courses and a further five courses from the list of courses offered
   • select either:
     • Option 1: ^
       Complete a thesis (48 units) plus three electives (36 units); or
     • Option 2:
       Complete a research project (24 units) plus three electives (36 units) from a specialist area of study plus an additional two electives (24 units).
2. Refer to related policies, rules, plans and procedures. 
3. Not available to international students on a Student Visa. 
4. Refer to the University's English language proficiency requirements.

^ Students must have achieved a minimum GPA of 5.5 across the required courses ENP701, ENP702, ENP703 and SCS701 to undertake Option 1.

Required courses: (4)

PLUS select 5 courses from:

PLUS select one of the two following options:

Option 1

PLUS 3 courses from one of the following specialist areas:

Climate Change Adaption (Integrated Coastal Zone Management)

Climate Change Adaption (Climate Change Adaption)

OR:

Option 2

PLUS 3 courses from one of the following specialist areas:

Climate Change Adaption (Integrated Coastal Zone Management)

Climate Change Adaption (Climate Change Adaption)

PLUS select two 700 level elective courses

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer. 

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Arts and Business