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.
Previously the Bachelor of Regional and Urban Planning (Honours).
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2023 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
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.
Program structure
Introductory courses (7)
COR109 Communication and Thought
ENP101 Urban Planning & Design 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
Advanced courses (17)
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 towards your minor study area:
PLUS select 2 elective courses 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 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 of Regional and Urban 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 A 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 sequences
Program requirements and notes
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, 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)
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- 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 Planning your study page to manage your progression
- You may wish to use electives to complete an additional major or minor
- Apply for your selected major(s) and/or minor(s)