Bachelor of Planning - University of New South Wales

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Program code: 3360
Faculty: Built Environment
Min. years: 5 years
UOC (per year/total): 48/240
Semester 2 entry: No
Est. first year tuition: A$21,600
Est. fee to complete: A$124,040
Assumed knowledge: None

What is Planning?

Planning the lived environment is a complex, dynamic activity. It requires a broadranging understanding of political, economic, cultural, design, environmental and legal issues. For cities, suburbs and regions, planning encompasses the development, improvement, conservation and general management of the environment.

Program Description 

The Bachelor of Planning (BPlan) Program at the FBE provides graduates with a wealth of interdisciplinary knowledge and the necessary vocational skills to practise planning in today's complex world. Students learn to balance the different and sometimes conflicting needs of communities within a context of sustainable environmental practice.

Core areas of study include Planning Theory and Methodology, Sociology, Planning Law, Transport Planning, Environmental Science, Economics, Heritage Studies, Urban Design and Planning History.

Within this broad scope of coursework, each student in the BPlan Program learns to analyse and understand the built environment as well as to imagine new ways of shaping it and improving it. In the final year, a major thesis project allows students to focus on a particular area of specialist interest and expand upon the critical ideas and knowledge they have already gained.

The Bachelor of Planning Program also includes a mandatory year of practical experience. During these 12 months of paid, full-time work, students are able to apply their integrated theoretical and technical skills to real-world practice. This invaluable vocational experience when combined with the analytical and cross-disciplinary skills developed throughout the program ensures that the Bachelor of Planning Degree at the FBE remains one of Australia’s most respected. 

Program Structure

YEAR 1
Development Processes, Environmental Systems and Process, Local Planning, Planning Theory and Practice, Understanding Design, Urban Geographical Information Systems, Urban Society
YEAR 2
Economics of Planning & Development, Electives: General Education Courses; History, Heritage and the Built Environment; Integrated Planning 1

– Communication in Planning; Quantitative Methods, Resources, Planning & the Natural Environment; Urban Design
YEAR 3
Development Assessment, Electives: Integrated Planning 2

– Strategic Planning; Planning Law and Administration; Transport and Land Use and Environment; Work Experience (6 months)
YEAR 4
Electives:Integrated Planning 3

– Master Planning;
Qualitative Methods; Social Planning; Work Experience (6 months)
YEAR 5
Electives: Ethics Politics and Professionalism; General Education Courses; Research Design; Spatial Policy; Thesis Project

Career Opportunities

Planning graduates occupy diverse decisionmaking roles in urban and environmental research, development and administration with state government departments and authorities, local councils, development companies,consultant firms and commercial consultancies.

Professional Recognition

The program is recognised by the Royal Australian Planning Institute (RAPI) as an academic qualifi cation for corporate membership (one year of practical experience required for full membership). This recognition extends internationally.