Cities and Housing

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
ENVI 5004
Course ID icon
Course ID
202248
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Society and Culture
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Course level
1
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.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course explores the nature of where we live, how it has developed over time, how it shapes our lives, and what we can do about it. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to the key concepts of urbanisation and housing in Australia and beyond. During the course, students will be asked to consider the major causal factors influencing urban growth and housing, their socio-economic impacts, and policy interventions used by governments. The course will address important concepts including demographic change and migration, social inequality, social harms and (in)justice, and urban citizenship.  

Course learning outcomes

  • Critically analyse urbanisation processes and their contribution to societal development, economic growth, and human well-being.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different approaches to housing and the role of housing in shaping societal and individual outcomes.
  • Develop conceptual thinking on the complex interactions between cities, housing, climate and sustainability, and well-being.
  • Be able to demonstrate how and why different forms of urbanisation have emerged in different places and at different times, and the implications for society, the economy, and the environment.
  • Critically analyse the relationship between housing policy, planning, property development and urban growth.
  • Access major sources of information, including literature and data, on urbanisation and housing.
  • Communicate both orally and in written form the key aspects of urbanisation and housing processes and policies.

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed SOCI5018 Introduction to Urbanisation OR must not have completed GEOG7020 Cities and Housing at the University of Adelaide