University of South Australia

Urban and Regional Planning

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 #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

Why UniSA?

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 #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.
2
QS 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.

Your career

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.
Your Career

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.

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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

Farug Ibnul Haqi

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:

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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.

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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.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2022 QS Stars Ratings