COURSE CURRICULUM

The structure of the Master of Urban Planning and Design integrates the knowledge and skills required for professional recognition by the Planning Institute of Australia, organised across four studio practice units in Part A, four critical contexts units in Part B, two disciplinary practices units in Part C and two elective units in Part D. Part A focuses on project-based studio learning situated in real-world settings and research-led environments, where you work in multidisciplinary groups to synthesise planning solutions within specific spatial, social and regulatory constraints. Through lectures, workshops, seminars, field visits and international case studies, you develop conceptual, analytical, creative, ethical and communication capabilities essential for professional planning practice. Each project deepens applied knowledge across physical, social, cultural, economic and governance dimensions, culminating in written and visual outputs that are regularly critiqued and compiled into a growing course compendium. Part B engages you with the multidisciplinary socio-cultural, political, economic, historical, theoretical and governance contexts that underpin contemporary planning and urbanism. These units draw on diverse literature and case studies from Australia and abroad, ensuring relevance for students seeking careers internationally. Part C strengthens the specific competencies required of an urban planning professional, including research methods, project management, spatial analysis, data collection, policy writing, plan-making, urban design, architectural drawing interpretation and communication techniques. These studies emphasise ethical practice and effective collaboration within complex multidisciplinary environments. Part D provides flexible elective options that allow you to tailor your degree to particular interests, whether through advanced planning studies, interdisciplinary units across the university, or an internship within the Art, Design and Architecture faculty. Electives may cover areas such as transport, architecture, sustainable development, project management, Indigenous perspectives or professional writing. Students interested in research training may undertake an independent research project in place of the final elective, enabling them to conceptualise and present a substantial project grounded in contemporary theory and practice.