Bachelor of Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Non-production environment - https://edittrain.usc.edu.au

Bachelor of Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours)

Plan better neighbourhoods and communities of all kinds for our next generation. A career in urban design and town planning enables you to plan, design and shape good places for people to live, work, learn and play. This is not just a planning degree.

In this program you will:

  • Manage urban growth and plan for sustainable development, infrastructure and services
  • Choose a specialisation such as environmental management or geospatial analysis
  • Get hands-on experience through practical projects each year and learn how to use data for better urban design and town planning decision-making
  • Put theory into practice, make connections in the industry and impress potential employers
  • Undertake a five-week industry placement in local government, state government, planning consultancies, non-government or environmental organisations
  • Graduate with a degree qualification that is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia and recognised Australia wide

Location

CRICOS code

095999F

Entry threshold

60.00 60.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

4 years 4 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2023 fees (A$)

A$11,716 - 2023 Fees CSP
CSP
A$24,400 / A$97,600 Annual fee / Estimated total fee
Annual fee / Estimated total fee

QTAC code

011091 014092

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Program to be rolled out. 1st year offered from 2024, 2nd year offered from 2025, 3rd year offered from 2026, 4th year offered from 2027.

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
30
Total units
384
Duration
4 years 4 years
CRICOS code
095999F
UniSC program code
AR406
Program coordinator
Program structure
Introductory courses (7) 84 units

ENP101 Introduction to Urban Design & Town Planning - Studio I
ENP103 Planning Theory, Governance and Politics
ENP104 Urban Economics and System Analytics
GEO100 The Changing Planet
HIS140 Global Citizens: A History of Humanity
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SUS101 Foundations of Sustainability

Developing courses (8) 96 units

ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
ENP245 Landscapes, Place and People
ENP255 Public Space Planning and Design - Studio II
ENS204 Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
ENS253 Geographic Information Science and Technology
HIS200 Heritage: Australian and Global Contexts
SCS225 Social Research
SWK251 Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Graduate courses (9) 132 units

ENP336 Strategic Infrastructure Planning
ENP355 Neighbourhood Planning and Design - Studio III
ENP365 Participation and Conflict Resolution
ENS300 Environmental Economics
ENP411 Advanced Planning Policy and Practice
ENP455 Community Planning and Design - Studio IV(24 units)
ENP460 Planning Practicum(24 units)
ENP470A Planning Project A
ENP470B Planning Project B

Minor courses (4) 48 units


Environmental Management
Geospatial Analysis
Sociology
Sustainability

PLUS select up to 3 elective courses (36 units) from the undergraduate elective course options.*

*The number of electives may vary depending on the minor chosen.

Honours

The Bachelor Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) may be awarded with Honours according to the Bachelor Honours Degree - Academic Policy. The class of honours to be awarded is dependent upon:

  • The percentage results achieved by study in ten courses (144 Units) as specified in the list below; and
    • ENP103 Planning Theory, Governance and Politics
    • ENP211 Planning and Environmental Law
    • ENP255 Public Space Planning and Design - Studio II
    • ENP336 Strategic Infrastructure Planning
    • ENP355 Neighbourhood Planning and Design - Studio III
    • ENP365 Participation and Conflict Resolution
    • ENP411 Advanced Planning Policy and Practice
    • ENP455 Community Planning and Design - Studio IV
    • ENP460 Planning Practicum
    • SCS225 Social Research
  • Planning Project (ENP470A and ENP470B)(24 units).

Students must complete a minimum of eight courses in the list including the planning project for an Honours grade to be awarded.

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Study sequences

This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.

Student profile

Explore the likely peer cohort in the student profile data

No admissions data available

In UniSC admitted new student{{ studentProfile.model.allStudents > 1 || studentProfile.model.allStudents[0] === '<' ? 's' : '' }} at the {{ studentProfile.getLocationByCode() }} campus
Applicant background No. of students % of all students

Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.

Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.

Entry requirements

For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 60.00
Moreton Bay 60.00
Recommended prior study
English
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
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 UniSC 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.
Inherent academic requirements

Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.

Refer to Bachelor of Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) - Inherent Academic Requirement

UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.

What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?

The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.

Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.

UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.

Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.

Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.

Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?

IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.

How does this affect you?

To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.

If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.

If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.

Career opportunities

  • Community development
  • Development assessment
  • Infrastructure development
  • Place maker
  • Planning consultancy
  • Property development
  • Social planner
  • Strategic planning and policy
  • Transport planner
  • Urban designer

Memberships

Graduates may be eligible to become members of:

  • 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.

Headstart Program - Year 11 or 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at USC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Previous qualifications or experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

I identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

You may be eligible for direct entry into a USC degree based on your potential to succeed, under USC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

CSP estimate
A$11,716 - 2023 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2023)
A$24,400
Estimated total tuition fee (A$, 2023)
A$97,600

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Estimated total tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the minimum number of courses required within the programs standard duration.

Annual tuition fees are based on 2023 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to USC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 011091
Moreton Bay 014092
A program shaped by industry
UniSC among world leaders Sustainable Development Goals. Life Below Water (11th), Life on Land (23rd) THE Impact Rankings 2023
1st in Queensland THE Impact Rankings 2023