Why Master of Urban and Regional Planning?
Master a discipline that makes a real difference to landscapes and lives. Compose the places people live in.
Urban and regional planners can design cities that support ecosystem function and biodiversity. They can prepare human settlements against climate change. They can protect heritage sites against decline. One day, when we’re on the moon, they could even plan the use of lunar land.
It’s also a planner’s responsibility to know the policies and regulations that guide residential and commercial development. Our Master of Urban and Regional Planning is designed to provide both the technical and professional understanding you need to shape our physical spaces and help to create places.
Overview
Urban and regional planning is a complex, interdisciplinary body of many moving parts. Our master’s degree is designed to offer a broad, deep understanding for planning’s past and present, and to get you speculating about its future.
You’ll study a range of topics as they concern the profession – including history, policy, finance, ethics, climate and society.
You’ll develop your personal conduct in professional contexts. You’ll learn how to make a captivating proposal, how to judge a development project’s feasibility and how to help residents and developers reach a great outcome that balances competing interests.
In your fieldwork, you’ll inspect regenerated urban spaces and assess locations for potential development. Through rigorous research training and an original research project, you’ll make your own contributions to the theories you’re learning from.
At Adelaide University, you’ll find the professionalism, the pragmatism and the creativity to succeed in an exciting profession. You’ll become someone who can make real, lasting change to urban environments.
Key features
Discover the impact that good planning can have on a broad range of concerns – social, financial and environmental. - Contribute to the industry’s body of knowledge with your own original research project.
- Benefit from Adelaide University’s global network, with thousands of industry and professional relationships.
- Learn from leading educators in a program with a decades-long history.
- Refine your research capabilities and build a foundation for further work in research.
- Establish a high-level expertise in a field for which even the sky might not be the limit.
What you'll learn
Our Master of Urban and Regional Planning equips you with the technical and professional expertise to carve out your career. You’ll increase your understanding to an advanced level.
These are your first-year courses:
- Theory and practice in urban and regional planning
- Planning governance, stakeholders, politics and policy
- Integrated transport and infrastructure planning
- Urban design for health and sustainability
- Development economics
- Environmental planning, climate change and sustainability.
There are far-reaching consequences to designing and developing the environments we humans occupy. It’s a practice that has deep roots in the past. You’ll investigate planning’s millennia-long history to appreciate the impact of the past on the future. You’ll explore government policies and regulations to see how the law works to guide the impacts of today’s planners on tomorrow’s world.
You'll choose from available elective topics which could include urban regeneration or a study tour.
In your second year, you’ll build your understanding ever further in the following high-level courses:
- Planning law
- Development assessment
- Social planning and community issues
- Research methods in planning
- Urban planning professional experience
- Urban design and master planning studio
- Research project in planning.
Tighten your grasp on the legal principles that inform the planning industry. Survey complex legislature, including zoning and property rights. Then look deeper into community concerns, assessing the implications that planning can have for equity and social cohesion. You’ll look into the intended and unintended consequences of land use and the policies that govern it.
You’ll refine your own research skills. This not only helps you complete your qualification, it also provides a good foundation for further work in research. Even while working as a professional, there’s no reason you can’t continue contributing to an international body of knowledge.
In your second year, you’ll carry out a research project. You’ll form a research question, perform a literature review, collect or analyse existing data and make conclusions. You will also be provided with work experience at either a private sector planning consultancy, state government regulatory agency or a local council, where you will put your skills into practice and develop your professional network.
With mentored work experience, you’ll gain the freedom, the knowledge and the confidence to find your place in the field. You’ll graduate from your Master of Urban and Regional Planning program with the ability to exercise a critical perspective on the industry’s history, practice, politics and research.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 78 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 78 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Theory and Practice in Urban and Regional Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX303
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planning Governance, Stakeholders, Politics and Policy
|
Course code
ARCHX302
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Integrated Transport and Infrastructure Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Urban Design for Health and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCHX304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Development Economics
|
Course code
ARCHX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVIX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planning Law
|
Course code
ARCH6301
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Development Assessment
|
Course code
ARCH6302
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Social Planning and Community Issues
|
Course code
ARCH6303
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Urban Design and Master Planning Studio
|
Course code
ARCH6305
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Methods in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6304
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6306
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Theory and Practice in Urban and Regional Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Planning Governance, Stakeholders, Politics and Policy
|
Course code
ARCHX302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Transport and Infrastructure Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Urban Design for Health and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCHX304
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Development Economics
|
Course code
ARCHX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVIX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Planning Law
|
Course code
ARCH6301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Development Assessment
|
Course code
ARCH6302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Planning and Community Issues
|
Course code
ARCH6303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6304
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Urban Design and Master Planning Studio
|
Course code
ARCH6305
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6306
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Urban Planning Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6902
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Urban Planning Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6902
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Theory and Practice in Urban and Regional Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Planning Governance, Stakeholders, Politics and Policy
|
Course code
ARCHX302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Transport and Infrastructure Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Urban Design for Health and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCHX304
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Development Economics
|
Course code
ARCHX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVIX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Planning Law
|
Course code
ARCH6301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Development Assessment
|
Course code
ARCH6302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Planning and Community Issues
|
Course code
ARCH6303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6304
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Urban Design and Master Planning Studio
|
Course code
ARCH6305
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6306
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Urban Planning Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6902
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 6 units for all University-wide electives, and
- 6 units for all Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Study Tour
|
Course code
ARCH5700
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Urban Regeneration
|
Course code
ARCHX305
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Theory and Practice in Urban and Regional Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Planning Governance, Stakeholders, Politics and Policy
|
Course code
ARCHX302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Integrated Transport and Infrastructure Planning
|
Course code
ARCHX301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Urban Design for Health and Sustainability
|
Course code
ARCHX304
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Development Economics
|
Course code
ARCHX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Environmental Planning, Climate Change and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVIX300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Planning Law
|
Course code
ARCH6301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Development Assessment
|
Course code
ARCH6302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Social Planning and Community Issues
|
Course code
ARCH6303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Methods in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6304
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Urban Design and Master Planning Studio
|
Course code
ARCH6305
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Project in Planning
|
Course code
ARCH6306
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Urban Planning Professional Experience
|
Course code
ARCH6902
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
After achieving a Master of Urban and Regional Planning, you could work to reshape environments locally, nationally or overseas. Beyond that, your new research skills could reshape the theories that influence practicing planners.
Here are some projects you might pursue:
- Active lifestyle promotion
- City, town and suburb design
- Coastal planning
- Open space and urban forest planning
- Heritage site conservation
- Public transport services
- Regional and rural community development
- Urban regeneration.
When you’re not planning these projects yourself, you could be advising other planners or be assessing development applications prepared by residents and developers. You might appear before public audiences to explain important proposals. Perhaps you’ll meet with social scientists, developers, existing residents, planning lawyers and government authorities to determine the direction of large areas of land.
You’ll never look at a place the same way again. Now you’ll see where improvements could be made and you’ll know how to make them.
Industry trends
The world is on the brink of major social and technological change. Electric cars, autonomous cars, even flying cars promise to revolutionise transport. Decentralisation puts more emphasis on regional areas. Population growth, however, ensures that urban areas remain front of mind (APA, 2024).
Employment opportunities for urban and regional planners are already increasing (Job Skills Australia, 2024). We’ll need planners to help develop adaption, or mitigation, strategies to reduce the effects of climate change. New opportunities could even follow the renewed interest in space activities. We’ll need planners on the moon, whether for human settlement or industrial ventures.
Adelaide University gives you the reach you need to seize these opportunities.
Accreditation
This program has been granted interim accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) .
Graduates are eligible for membership of PIA.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
