Urban and Regional Planning degrees

Planning courses involving urban, regional, or town planning revolve around shaping the future of communities and landscapes. UniSQ’s Urban and Regional planning degrees are part of the Surveying and Built Environment suite and these degrees equip students with the skills  to create sustainable, functional, and liveable environments. Urban planning is a specialised field that focuses on the development, design, and management of urban areas, which include cities, towns, and their surrounding regions.

Urban planning degrees at UniSQ give you the opportunity to delve into a diverse array of disciplines and practices essential for crafting vibrant and resilient communities.

Town planning is a specific subset of urban planning covered in UniSQ degrees,  placing emphasis on the planning and development of individual towns within larger urban areas. Through town planning courses, you will learn of a town's requirements, considering factors such as land use, infrastructure, transportation, and community services. This knowledge empowers you to create well-designed and cohesive towns that enrich the quality of life, nurture a sense of community, and preserve each town's distinct character and heritage. 

Regional planning courses, takes a broader perspective and encompassing the planning and development of larger geographic regions that consist of multiple cities, towns, and rural areas. Our regional planning courses cover coordinating land use, economic development, transportation networks, and environmental conservation at a regional scale.

Technology plays a significant role in urban and regional planning. It helps planners collect and analyse data, create digital maps, model transportation systems, simulate urban growth, and visualise planning scenarios. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, data analytics, and computer-aided design (CAD) software are some examples of technologies used in planning processes. Technology enhances efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness in decision-making and allows for better visualisation and communication of planning concepts.

Urban and Regional Planning courses plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development. It aims to create communities that are economically vibrant, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable. Planners work to integrate land use, transportation, and infrastructure to reduce congestion and promote efficient resource use. They prioritise green spaces, walkability, and public transportation to enhance quality of life. Through sustainable development practices, planners strive to minimise environmental impacts, address social inequities, and create resilient and liveable communities. 

• Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities: The capacity to analyse complex information, identify patterns, and think critically.
• Spatial reasoning and visualisation skills: The ability to think in spatial terms and visualise how different elements interact within a physical environment.
• Research and data analysis skills: Proficiency in conducting research, gathering relevant data, and analysing it using appropriate methods and tools enables evidence-based decision-making and the development of well-informed planning proposals.
• Knowledge of planning principles and regulations: A solid understanding of planning principles, land-use regulation and environmental policies.
• Problem-solving skills: The ability to identify challenges, analyse alternative solutions, and develop innovative approaches to address complex planning problems.  

Urban and Regional Planning degrees from UniSQ can lead to a range of career options, including:

• Urban planner
• Regional planner
• Transportation planner
• Environmental planner
• Land Use planner
• Community development specialist
• Housing policy analyst
• Economic development specialist
• Real estate developer
• GIS specialist.

UniSQ understands the need for flexibility to balance your education with other commitments. We provide a range of study options, including on-campus, external, and online which gives you the option to learn your subject theory where and when it suits you.  As an external student, you’ll experience the same level of support and opportunity to connect with others.

You can also adjust your degree enrolment to meet your needs. Take one subject at a time, or study extra subjects when life allows it.

At UniSQ, we offer comprehensive Urban and Regional Planning courses that have been developed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring our graduates are highly employable in the field of town planning. Our degrees integrate state-of-the-art technologies such as satellite imagery to create 3D maps and visualisations of the natural and built environments. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the planning legislation in Queensland and New South Wales, preparing you for a diverse range of career opportunities as an Urban and Regional planner. These opportunities extend across various sectors, including state and local government, property development, not-for-profit organisations, financial institutions, and agencies.