1. University of New South Wales
  2. Program
  3. Bachelors
  4. Bachelor of City Planning Hons

Bachelor of City Planning Hons

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

This program is ideal for students who want to shape the future of cities by combining urban design, sustainability, and policy-making to create better communities. You will learn how to plan and design environments that are socially inclusive, environmentally responsible, and economically viable, preparing you to influence how cities grow and function.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You begin by building a strong foundation in planning principles, exploring subjects such as Introduction to Planning, Sustainability and Environment, and Urban Society, History and Theory. This year focuses on understanding how cities function socially, economically, and environmentally.

Year 2
Your learning becomes more applied, with modules such as City and Regional Economics, Development Processes: Feasibility and Finance, and Planning Research Techniques. You start developing analytical and decision-making skills used in real-world planning scenarios.

Year 3 (Practice Year)
A key highlight of the program, you complete a Practice Year, gaining hands-on experience in government agencies, consultancies, NGOs, or private firms. This allows you to apply your knowledge in real planning environments while building professional networks.

Year 4 (Honours Year)
In your final year, you undertake a research thesis alongside advanced planning studios. You’ll work on complex urban challenges such as land use, infrastructure, and sustainable development, refining your expertise and professional portfolio.

Focus areas (in a string):

Urban planning, land use planning, environmental management, urban design, sustainability, transport and infrastructure planning, policy and governance

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop strategic planning skills, analyse urban systems, design sustainable cities, apply planning law and policy, conduct research and data analysis, and engage with communities effectively

Professional alignment (accreditation):

Fully accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), supporting your pathway to becoming a certified urban planner

Reputation (employability rankings):

Ranked #23 globally for Architecture & Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), with strong industry connections and research-led teaching

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, learning is deeply integrated with real-world practice—you won’t just study cities, you’ll actively work on solving urban challenges through applied projects, research, and industry exposure. The program blends studio learning, analytical training, and professional placements, ensuring you graduate with both technical knowledge and practical experience:

  • A dedicated Practice Year (Year 3) with placements in government, consultancies, NGOs, and private organisations
  • Studio-based learning focused on urban design, planning strategies, and community engagement
  • Exposure to real planning challenges such as sustainability, infrastructure, and land use policy
  • Access to the City Futures Research Centre, one of Australia’s leading urban research hubs
  • Collaboration with industry professionals and participation in professional networks (e.g., planning associations)
  • Development of analytical and communication skills through planning research and data analysis tools
  • Interdisciplinary learning alongside architecture and built environment students

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program are highly sought after across both public and private sectors, with the ability to influence how cities are designed, managed, and developed. Typical roles include urban planner, environmental planner, strategic planner, and development assessment planner:

  • Access to UNSW’s strong industry networks and alumni connections, supporting career placement
  • Career readiness through Practice Year industry experience
  • Opportunities across sectors such as government planning departments, consultancies, NGOs, and private developers
  • Skills aligned with high-demand areas like sustainability, infrastructure planning, and urban policy
  • Strong foundation for leadership roles in urban development and planning

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can progress to postgraduate programs such as a Master of City Planning, urban design, or related built environment fields, further enhancing specialisation and career advancement

Program Key Stats

$51,000
$9,500


Eligibility Criteria

BCC
3.0
29
77 - 87

1370
6.5
90
83

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Environmental planner
  • Land use planner
  • Strategic planner
  • Urban planner
  • Social planner
  • or development assessment planner

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