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.

Learn more

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

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:

ipad-tablet-ebook-reading-studying-learning-ebook

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-cap

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.

ribbon-blue-commerce

A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings