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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Urban and Regional Planning?
Urban planners help to create liveable towns and cities by using their advanced community consultation, design and spatial analysis skills, in conjunction with other professionals, to develop and apply land use polices.
You will learn about sustainable development, spatial planning and urban design at a university that has over 70 years’ experience in planning education. That makes us the longest provider of planning education in the country.
You will study in a state that has developed a world-class e-planning system for development assessment based on a fundamental overhaul of procedures, policies, zones and overlays.
If you decide you would like to gain an international perspective there is also the opportunity for you to complete some of your studies at an overseas university in places such as Denmark, Canada, USA, UK, Japan and China. You can also participate in an international study trip to cities in Asia, South America and Europe.
Key features
- Gain real-world experience when you complete work placements in a planning department, working alongside professional planners.
- Be taught by world-class leaders in research – UniSA's research in urban and regional planning is ranked world class1.
- Have the opportunity to participate in an international study trip to cities in Asia, South America and Europe.
- Benefit from our long-standing history – with 70 years’ experience, we’re Australia’s longest provider of planning education.
- Learn about advanced design thinking, land use policy, urban design and spatial analysis.
- Develop analytical, solution-orientated design and communication skills in a range of complex settings that can help state and local governments and the private sector respond to the pressures of population growth, climate change and the rise in chronic diseases associated with lack of physical activity.
- Gain skills working in a multi-disciplinary context.
- Study a degree than has been accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
Building your career is our business, and we have 70 years’ experience in planning education. You’ll be taught by industry professionals. Our academics have a very practical approach to learning, and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience. We’ve also invested millions of dollars in new buildings and facilities, so you’ll use the latest technologies and learn in ultra-modern teaching spaces.
You will study in a city that has developed a world class e-planning system based on a fundamental overhaul of procedures, codes and zones.
We’re Australia’s youngest university to receive five-stars in research2 and this excellence shines through in our teaching. Our people are inspired by challenges and opportunities. We partner with local icons and international heavyweights to focus on real-world projects.
We also have academic alignment to our UniSA Creative Research Centres including the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE) and the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).
1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
2QS Stars Ranking 2015
UniSA offers the following Urban and Regional Planning degrees
Choose your level of study
World-class partners for a world-class university
We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Planners work at local, national and international levels and are involved in a diverse range of professional activities, including environmental, social, heritage, transport and community planning, and urban design. Planners often find employment with councils. You could get involved in:
- planning and designing towns, suburbs and regions
- energy efficient housing
- new public transport services
- the protection of heritage buildings and landscapes
- coastal planning
- environmental and transport planning
- social and community-based planning
- planning for active living and health promotion
- neighbourhood and urban regeneration
- infill and master planning
- development of regional and rural communities.
Global networks
We are a globally connected university and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. Our students have had placements and internships with organisations like:
- SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport
- SA Department for Environment and Water
- Renewal SA
- City of Adelaide
- City of Port Adelaide Enfield
- AECOM
- Aurecon
UniSA's Architecture Museum
Australia’s only Architecture Museum houses historic records and is dynamic hub of research into architectural and built environment history.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
What others are saying
I chose to study at UniSA because it is one of the best universities in Australia to study Urban and Regional Planning. The variety of subjects offered is closely aligned to real life professional practice and the teaching staff are very knowledgeable and supportive.
Farug Ibnul Haqi
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
