Bachelor of Architectural Design majoring in Urban Planning

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Architectural Design majoring in Urban Planning at the University of Adelaide combines creative design with practical planning skills, preparing you to shape cities that are sustainable, functional, and vibrant. This program is ideal for students who are curious about how urban spaces work, enjoy problem-solving, and want to balance design, policy, and community needs in real-world environments.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in both architectural design and urban planning. Units like Design Studio (Principles) and Design Communication (Principles) develop your creative and technical drawing skills, while courses on design history and environmental awareness introduce you to the social and cultural context of built spaces. These subjects help you understand how cities and communities have evolved over time.

Year 2
The second year takes your skills further, blending design and planning in more complex projects. You’ll explore Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes) and Digital Design Communications to refine your digital and physical modelling abilities, while urban planning units like Planning Governance, Stakeholders, Politics and Policy and Integrated Transport and Infrastructure Planning show you how planning decisions shape the way cities function.

Year 3
In your final year, everything comes together in advanced, real-world applications. You’ll study Urban Design for Health and Sustainability, Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability, and Development Economics, giving you the tools to create resilient, livable, and economically viable urban spaces. This year also encourages you to think critically about the future of cities and your role as a designer and planner.

Focus Areas

Urban and regional planning, environmental sustainability, transport and infrastructure planning, urban design for health and communities, planning governance and policy

Learning Outcomes

Develop sustainable urban solutions, apply planning theory to real projects, create digital and physical design work, assess policy impacts on land use, and communicate effectively with stakeholders and interdisciplinary teams

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree provides a pathway to the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, which is professionally recognised and allows graduates to pursue accredited planning careers in Australia and internationally.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Adelaide is highly regarded for architecture and urban design, with strong employability outcomes for graduates in the built environment and planning sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Adelaide, the Bachelor of Architectural Design majoring in Urban Planning is built around hands‑on practice — so you learn by actually doing, not just listening. From your very first design studios, you’ll work in purpose‑built workshops and studios where physical model making and digital design come together. The School’s facilities support your creative and technical development with high‑end tools, spaces, and expert guidance, and as you progress you’ll tackle projects that mirror real professional challenges:

Design studios and real projects: Across your degree you’ll spend significant time in core Design Studios, such as Design Studio (Principles) and Architectural Design Studio (Urban Landscapes), where you’ll explore physical model making, hand‑drawing and digital modelling as part of your project work. These immersive studios help you apply ideas in practical ways supported by tutors and peers. 
Advanced facilities and tools: You have access to dedicated Computer Aided Architectural Design (CAAD) studios and model‑making laboratories equipped with laser cutters, 3D printers, scanners and industry standard design software — giving you the chance to prototype and visualise projects at every stage. 
Workshops and safety training: Early in your studies you’ll complete hands‑on inductions in workshops where you’ll learn safe use of hand tools and materials, setting you up to create detailed physical models and explore construction techniques. 
Group collaboration and professional skills: Much of your learning happens alongside others in studio environments, where you’ll work in groups, present ideas, critique designs, and build communication and teamwork skills that architects and planners use every day. 
Integration with planning and industry: As part of the Urban Planning major you’ll engage with planning concepts and real‑world scenarios, developing projects that consider transport, sustainability and policy — preparing you to work with communities and stakeholders in future roles.

You’ll be learning in spaces designed for creativity and experimentation — studios, workshops, digital labs and libraries across the North Terrace campus — so you can develop both practical skills and professional confidence. For a full list of facilities available to architecture and built environment students, you can explore the University of Adelaide facilities information on the official website.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Architectural Design majoring in Urban Planning at the University of Adelaide gives you the skills and confidence to start making a real impact in how cities and communities are designed. Many graduates step into roles such as Urban Designer, Para‑planner, Heritage Consultant, or Urban and Regional Planner, applying both creative and analytical skills to real-world projects. This degree sets you up for success in the professional world in several key ways:

Career support tailored to you: The University’s Careers Service provides guidance on resumes, interview skills, job opportunities, and industry networking events, helping you transition smoothly into the workforce.
Graduate outcomes: You’ll leave with a combination of design, planning, and problem-solving skills that employers value in planning consultancies, local government, sustainability firms, and design studios.
Industry exposure and partnerships: Through design studios, planning projects, exhibitions, networking events, and optional study tours, you’ll connect with professionals and organisations that matter, building your professional network early.
Long-term professional pathways: This bachelor’s degree leads naturally into postgraduate study, such as the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, which is recognised professionally and expands your career opportunities.
Career versatility: Graduates are equipped with creative, analytical, and communication skills that are in demand across urban design, heritage consulting, environmental advisory, and planning roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, many students continue into a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, which helps prepare for accredited professional roles in planning and development. Alternatively, postgraduate studies in architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, or property allow you to specialise further, develop leadership skills, and enhance your career prospects both in Australia and internationally.