Course Overview

About This Course

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 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. Upon completing your studies, you'll have comprehensive expertise relating to land-use planning, design, economics, law, professional communication and ethical and professional practices. This course is ideal if you want to use your critical thinking, expertise and creativity to improve the ways cities and regions respond to current and future challenges.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth WA 6102Curtin PerthBentley

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Guaranteed ATAR/Selection rank: 70
Must meet any course-specific requirements
Must meet Curtin's English language requirements
IELTS Academic: Overall band score 6.5 (Writing 6, Speaking 6, Reading 6, Listening 6)
Prerequisite subjects: None (essential or desirable)
Fieldwork requirements: Must meet Working with Children requirements to undertake fieldwork placements
Can apply with secondary education if you meet Guaranteed ATAR/Selection rank of 70, Portfolio entry, or ATAR adjustment factors
Can apply with university study via Curtin course switcher criteria or Higher education course switcher criteria
Can apply with work/life experience (Written English and either Multiple Choice Verbal or Quantitative assessed, or Portfolio entry)
Can apply with vocational education if you've completed AQF Certificate IV (with separate evidence of English language proficiency), AQF Diploma, or AQF Advanced Diploma
If you don't meet the above entry pathways, you may be able to enter through a bridging or enabling pathway
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants aged 17 or older may be eligible for an Indigenous enabling course

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Employment for urban and regional planners in Australia is rising by more than 700 positions annually. Career roles include: Planner, Urban designer, Developer, Government project and policy officer, Urban planning and development consultant. Industries include: Community development, Environmental planning, Transport planning, Sustainable development, Land-use planning, Regional and rural planning, Urban design. There is a nation-wide shortage of workers in this area (Job and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List 2025).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course accredited by a professional body?

Yes, the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning is accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia. It is also the only accredited planning course offered at an undergraduate level in Western Australia.

What specialisations are available within this course?

You can specialise in one of the following areas: Environmental Planning, Graphics, International Development, Landscape and Natural Resource Management, or Social Inclusion and Equity.

Will I get practical work experience during this course?

Yes, each semester you can complete planning projects with Curtin's industry partners — such as the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the City of Bayswater, and the Public Transport Authority. You'll also undertake fieldwork and practical exercises, and there are opportunities for overseas internships, fieldwork units and study tours.

What are the English language requirements for this course?

You must meet Curtin's English language requirements. For IELTS Academic, you need an overall band score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening. If you've completed a different English test or qualification, you may be able to use it to meet this requirement.

What career outcomes can I expect after graduating?

Graduates can pursue careers as planners, urban designers, developers, government project and policy officers, and urban planning and development consultants. Employment for urban and regional planners in Australia is rising by more than 700 positions annually, and there is a nation-wide shortage of workers in this area according to Jobs and Skills Australia's Occupation Shortage List 2025.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $58,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Urban PlannerPlanning OfficerTown PlannerStatutory PlannerStrategic Planner

Key Skills

Land use analysis and strategic spatial planningUrban design principles and public realm planningApplication of planning law and development regulationsGeographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysisEnvironmental impact assessment and sustainability evaluation

Full Course Overview

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