Program Overview

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.

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