Outline

In this course you will gain the expertise that underpins innovative planning practices and contributes to the development of a sustainable future for communities.

You'll learn how to balance public and private interests and consider various competing social, economic, environmental, legal and political dimensions to formulate strategies for sustainable land use and development.

You'll then implement those strategies through urban management and development control processes.

Each semester you can complete fieldwork in planning projects that will help you learn core industry skills. Projects may be undertaken with Curtin's industry partners (for example, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; City of Bayswater; and Public Transport Authority) – opportunities that can provide valuable linkages with future employers.

You may also be interested in overseas internships, fieldwork units and study tours – and explore how to apply your planning skills in various global and cultural contexts.

After completing this course, you'll graduate with comprehensive expertise relating to land-use planning, design, economics, law, professional communication and ethical and professional practices.

Course structure

You will study core units and specialise in one of these areas:

Environmental Planning
Graphics
International Development
Landscape and Natural Resource Management
Social Inclusion and Equity.

What jobs can the Urban and Regional Planning course lead to?

Careers

Planner
Urban designer
Developer
Government project and policy officer
Urban planning and development consultant.

Industries

Community development and engagement
Environmental planning
Transport planning
Sustainable development
Land-use planning
Regional and rural planning
Planning law
Urban design.

What you'll learn

apply the principles, theories and concepts of urban and regional planning and draw upon appropriate knowledge of social, economic and environmental factors within a governance framework to practise planning, particularly in the Western Australian context
think critically to analyse and challenge theories and practices of urban and regional planning, and generate creative solutions to planning issues
access, evaluate and synthesise information in order to undertake research relevant to urban and regional planning
communicate effectively in written form, graphically and orally to various audiences (academic, professional and community
use appropriate technologies to practice urban and regional planning
use learned skills to continue self-development in the profession
develop skills in managing and responding to cultural diversity and difference in national and international perspectives
recognise and consider the needs and aspirations of the diversity of populations served by urban and regional planning, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the cultures of other minority ethnic groups in Australia and internationally
work ethically as individuals and in teams demonstrating skills in negotiation and conflict resolution, recognising the contribution of other disciplines and interests

Why study Urban and Regional Planning

Urban and regional planners in demand

There is currently a shortage of workers in this area. (Job and Skills Australia - Annual Skills Priority List 2023)

Work experience

You’ll undertake fieldwork and practical exercises and achieve core skills recognised by employers in the planning profession.

Top 1%

Curtin University is the highest ranked university in WA and in the top 100 universities globally for Architecture & Built Environment (QS WUR 2023).

Professional recognition

This course is accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

Alternative pathways

Portfolio entry
Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.
UniReady
If you don’t meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.
Certificate IV + English Competency
The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency.
Indigenous applicant
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn’t met Curtin’s minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT elements considered are Written English (WE) and Multiple Choice (MC).

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this Bachelor Degree.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Applicants for a Bachelor Degree or Bachelor Honours Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways. Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this Bachelor Degree.

Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

Portfolio entry
Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT elements considered are Written English (WE) and Multiple Choice (MC).

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this Bachelor Degree.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

Portfolio entry
Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin’s ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.
STAT entry
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin’s English proficiency requirements.

STAT elements considered are Written English (WE) and Multiple Choice (MC).

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this Bachelor Degree.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses at Curtin.

Please check our general admission criteria.

Higher education course switcher criteria

Our admission criteria for minimum entry apply to those who are switching courses from another higher education course provider.

Please check our general admission criteria.

ATAR pathway

Minimum ATAR 70
This course has a minimum ATAR of 70
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)
Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.
Desirable WACE subjects
Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren’t essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

Speaking

Reading

Listening

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this Bachelor Degree.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Other requirements and notes for this course

Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this Bachelor Degree.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$9,900*

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth

2024

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Curtin Perth

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

View courses information disclaimer.
Curtin course code: B-URPLAN2
CRICOS code: 003903C
Last updated on: 17 November 2024

Urban and Regional Planning

Bachelor degree pass/honours

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

Semester 2

2025

Semester 1

Semester 2

2026

Semester 1

Semester 2

Outline

Outline

Course structure

What jobs can the Urban and Regional Planning course lead to?

What you'll learn

Why study Urban and Regional Planning

Urban and regional planners in demand

Work experience

Top 1%

Get the latest Curtin updates

Professional recognition

Admission criteria

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

ATAR pathway

Alternative pathways

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

How others gained admission

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Pathways

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Curtin course switcher criteria

Higher education course switcher criteria

ATAR pathway

English requirements

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

Unsure what option suits you?

FAQs

Ask a question

Call us

Visit us

Find your pathway to Curtin

Other requirements and notes for this course

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

Location

2024

Semester 1

Semester 2

2025

Semester 1

Semester 2

2026

Semester 1

Semester 2

How to apply

Got a question? We’re here to help.

How can we help you?