Program summary
Design the cities and places of the future
Urban designers and town planners create precincts and spaces that bring people together, and connect communities to the places around them. Set yourself apart with a specialist degree in urban design – the only undergraduate degree of its kind accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
- Learn how to manage urban growth and plan for sustainable development
- Study how town planning relates to politics, economics and the law
- Explore how to design safe, healthy and vibrant urban places
- Understand the impacts of a changing climate on the places we live, work and play
- Focus on the planning needs and challenges of diverse communities and regions
- Get practical experience through at least 160 hours of supervised professional work
Scholarships
USC offers scholarships specifically for planning students, including the Vantage Holdings and UDIA Regional and Urban Planning Bursary. Find out more about USC scholarships and how to apply.
Career opportunities
Urban planning, town planning, urban design, regional planning, policy development, property development, planning consultancy, environmental management, community development, development assessment, heritage protection, infrastructure planning
Membership
Graduates may apply to join the Planning Institute of Australia after two years of professional practice.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) is fully accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Application and admission advice
Contact Student Central
information@usc.edu.au
+61 7 5430 2890
Ground floor, Building C, Sippy Downs
Related news
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First graduate from urban design program
Growing up in Noosa left Billy Glover with an appreciation for the environment and the built form, which he believes will shape a long career in urban development.
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USC projects to open global opportunities
From mapping flora and fauna in the heart of Borneo to assessing the impact of solar power in the slums of India, more than 150 USC students will soon gain valuable work and study experiences in the Indo-Pacific region.
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19 Jun 2018
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Horse study wins award for USC planning graduate
A USC graduate’s innovative research into drought-proofing the nation’s horse properties has won a state award for emerging town planners.
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7 Jun 2018
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Coast needs considered expansion, says academic
As the Sunshine Coast expands to accommodate half a million residents by 2050, it needs to hold on to what makes it special, says the man teaching the next generation of urban planners.
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17 May 2018
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Perfect planning puts Bethany back in Bundaberg
A university internship at Bundaberg Regional Council has evolved into a job as one of the city’s strategic planners for new USC graduate Bethany Williams-Holthouse.
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2 Nov 2017
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Ambitious students ready to help others Meet USC
People interested in studying at USC in 2018 will hear the fascinating experiences of current students from a variety of degrees at a Meet USC event on Tuesday 14 November.
What will I study
Select your location, starting year and starting semester below to display your program structure and a recommended study sequence.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units
COR109 Communication and Thought
ENP101 Urban Design & Town Planning Principles and Practice
ENP103 Spatial Governance, Planning and Politics
GEO100 Changing Planet Earth
INT140 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
PED120 Property Economics
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
Developing and Graduate courses (17) 228 units
ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP236 Regions, Change and Sustainability
ENP245 Landscapes, Place and People
ENP255 Urbanism and Urban Design
ENP311 Planning Theory
ENP336 Strategic Infrastructure Planning
ENP355 Neighbourhood Planning and Design Studio
ENP365 Participation and Conflict Resolution
ENP411 Advanced Planning Policy and Practice
ENP455 Community Planning Studio (24 units)
ENP460 Planning Practicum (24 units)
ENP470A Planning Project A (0 units)
ENP470B Planning Project B (24 units)
ENS253 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
ENS300 Environmental and Resource Economics
HIS200 Heritage: Australian and Global Contexts
SCS225 Social Research
Major/Minor courses plus Electives (6) 72 units
Option 1
Select 4 courses (48 units) towards your minor study area:
PLUS select 2 elective courses (24 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
The remaining elective* courses may be chosen from either (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
*The number of elective courses may vary depending on the minor chosen.
Option 2
Select 6 courses (72 units) towards your major study area:
The remaining elective* courses may be chosen from either (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
*The number of elective courses may vary depending on the major chosen.
Honours
The Bachelor Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) may be awarded with Honours. The class of honours to be awarded is dependent upon:
- The student receiving at least 60% in ENP470 Planning Project course.
- The percentage results achieved by study in ten courses (144 Units) as specified below; and
- ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
- ENP255 Urbanism and Urban Design
- ENP311 Planning Theory
- ENP336 Strategic Infrastructure Planning
- ENP355 Neighbourhood Planning and Design Studio
- ENP365 Participation and Conflict Resolution
- ENP411 Advanced Planning Policy and Practice
- ENP455 Community Planning Studio
- ENP460 Planning Practicum
- SCS225 Social Research
- Where the student has achieved a credit or higher from this calculation, the following classes of honours may be awarded:
| Class of Honours | Required Grade Point Average # | Corresponding Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 6.5–7.0 | High Distinction 85% and above |
| Class 2 (Division 1) | 6.0+ | Distinction 75% - 84.99% |
| Class 2 (Division 2) | 5.0+ | Credit 65% - 74.99% |
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequence
This recommended study sequence ONLY represents the CURRENT program structure. Students in previous structures should use this sequence to inform order of courses and current course details. For courses in your commencing structure not included in the current sequence, search the course code for current course offerings and requisites.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses (120 units), including the core course
- You must select and register your compulsory major(s)/minor(s) as soon as possible
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)
How to apply
Am I eligible to apply?
- Confirm that you meet the program specific admission requirements, prerequisites and recommended prior study outlined on Why study this program?
- Confirm that you meet the general undergraduate admission requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements
- Refer to the application dates for cut-off dates and deadlines
- Check your eligibility for credit
- Refer also the the Student Profile for a representation of the likely peer cohort studying this program.
Domestic students
Apply via Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) — Use the relevant QTAC code specified on Why study this program?
Exceptions
The below applicants can apply online directly to USC:
- Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) student currently enrolled in, or have had an enrolment in the previous two years
- USC students who have completed an undergraduate program within the last two years, or are due to complete their program prior to their proposed semester of commencement
- USC / TAFE Articulation program students
- USC students who are currently enrolled in one program and want to study another program concurrently
- Former USC student who has been excluded from study at USC
International students
Apply direct to USC International
More information
- Search for answers, ask questions or contact Student Central
- International students should contact USC International
How to enrol
New to USC?
Once you have applied and received your offer of a place from USC, follow the steps to Get Started at USC to respond to your offer, plan your study and enrol in the correct courses (subjects).
Continuing students
Before you enrol it's important to check your commencing program structure and the published recommended study sequence to make sure you study the right courses at the right time and will be ready to graduate from your degree when you plan to.
To better understand your program structure and for instructions on how to review your progress and plan your remaining courses, visit the Managing your progression page.
Visit How do I enrol? for enrolment instructions and key dates.
Need assistance?
View step-by-step instructions to enrol at How do I enrol?
Refer to the Academic Calendar for key dates, including the last day to add, drop or swap a course or class and Census dates.
Search for answers and ask questions about enrolling or contact Student Central.