Research Methods in Planning

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ARCH 6304
Course ID icon
Course ID
202226
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus West
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Arch and Built Env
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Alpana Sivam
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

To develop an advanced understanding of how to conceive a research project with a clear rationale, apply diverse research methodologies, and exercise critical judgement in the context of urban and regional planning. 

This course equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct research pertinent to urban and regional planning. It introduces a variety of methodological approaches and theoretical frameworks for designing planning research, encompassing both formal scientific models and practice-based approaches. Learners will engage in conducting a relevant literature review, formulating research questions, and identifying and justifying an appropriate research design that considers a broad spectrum of methodological options. The course aligns with the program’s objective of developing planning principles and research skills to investigate and address the dynamic relationship between society and space through qualitative and quantitative research. 

  • Foundations of research  
  • Literature review
  • Research design

Course learning outcomes

  • Conduct literature review and identify existing knowledge gaps to inform new research direction, themes and/or theoretical conceptualisation.
  • Develop research aim/s and key questions to guide the research project, considering scope and limitations.
  • Select an appropriate research methodology and method and explore the applications and limitations
  • Explore ethical research in planning research projects, including respectful and culturally responsive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Country
  • Communicate a research proposal using academic language that includes the framework for a Planning Research Project.

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus West

Class number
Class number 23155
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 60
Available
Available 50
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 3:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus West Sir Hans Heysen, HH3-08
4 May - 1 Jun Monday 3:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus West Sir Hans Heysen, HH3-08
Class number
Class number 23156
Section
Section TU01
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 25
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus West Sir George Kingston, GK2-12
4 May - 1 Jun Monday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus West Sir George Kingston, GK2-12
Class number
Class number 28804
Section
Section TU02
Size
Size 30
Available
Available 25
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-29
4 May - 1 Jun Monday 4:10pm - 6pm Adelaide City Campus West Barbara Hanrahan, BH4-29

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course