Planning

Core areas of the BPlan degree 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, students in the BPlan Program learn to analyse and understand the built environment as well as to imagine new ways of shaping 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 BPlan degree 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 BPlan degree at the BE remains one of Australia's most respected.

Dual Degrees

The BPlan contains a percentage of open electives that may be replaced by courses in other programs to qualify for a combined degree. Prospective students should contact UNSW BE for detailed information on these dual degrees.

Bachelor of Planning / Bachelor of Laws
 

• Four additional semesters of study to gain the additional qualification.

Bachelor of Planning / Master of Environmental Management
 

• Two additional semesters of study to gain the additional qualification Master of Environmental Management.

Bachelor of Planning / Master of Urban Development and Design
 

• Two additional semesters of study to gain the additional qualification Master of Urban Development and Design.

The BPlan aims to create an awareness of the context in which urban planning and development operate. Students learn how planning can influence the community and the physical environment. The course equips students with the competence to apply their knowledge in a wide range of situations and the ability to create an understanding of the contribution other disciplines can make to planning and vice versa. Students develop skills in policy formulation, research and evaluation, design and communication.

Key Areas of Study:

• Economics of planning and development
• Urban design
• Urban sociology and social planning
• Urban development processes and policy
• History and theory of planning
• Environmental systems and resource management
• Research, analysis and communication skills

For information on the structure of the degree and courses taught, please refer to the UNSW Online Handbook.

Electives in the Planning Program

In addition to the General Education requirement which applies to all single degree programs across UNSW, planning students have to complete a number of 'elective' courses, in accordance with Faculty regulations and Program guidelines.

There is considerable flexibility in your choice of electives. You can choose from the range of Faculty Electives, from courses offered in other Faculties, and even from relevant courses offered outside the University. Planning Program staff will also offer special electives from time to time, and other special projects are feasible within the elective framework. The main constraints will be timetabling, available places, pre-requisites, and approval for, and the possible costs of, options 'external' to UNSW.

With nearly 20% of academic credit earned in open electives, students are strongly encouraged to use elective courses to develop a minor program of study - a specialisation in addition to their core planning studies.

For more information, see Guidelines for Elective Study.