BPlan - Bachelor of Planning

BPlan

why study here

A primary goal of the Planning and Urban Development Program is to equip students with the knowledge of how planning as a multi-faceted activity can contribute to the quality of urban life at various scales, and introduce them to the broad range of skills expected of a practitioner.

Students come from a variety of backgrounds: not only direct from school, but also after twelve months of post-secondary employment or learning, after several years in the workforce, and to undertake a second degree. Students gaining entry in the latter categories often choose town planning because it is not a narrowly technical program, injects human and public dimensions into an integrated schedule of academic and vocational education, and offers the prospect of making a positive difference to the environment.

In terms of entry standards, quality of teaching, student satisfaction, and the employability of graduates, the Bachelor of Planning (BPlan) degree has an established reputation for excellence in undergraduate planning education in Sydney, NSW and Australia. In recent years approximately 40-50 students have entered the program annually. Most come from the greater Sydney region, but there is also a mix of students from regional NSW, interstate and overseas countries such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Fiji.

The five year program includes a 12 month employment placement. This component enables students to graduate already boasting significant practical experience, maturity and clear professional and life goals. Many students in senior years retain part-time positions in the planning, development, consulting and public administration sectors.

Planning qualifications are in strong demand. The Planning and Urban Development Program at UNSW is very well regarded by employers and has an enviable record for graduate employment.

The BPlan degree is recognized by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) as an academic qualification permitting admission to full (corporate) membership of the Institute, after one additional year of post-graduation employment.

Program History

UNSW has been a leader in planning education in Sydney since the late 1950s. The first courses were taught in Architecture degrees. The Bachelor of Town Planning degree program was established in 1966 and a School of Town Planning within the Faculty of Architecture in 1971. In 1996 this was renamed the School of Planning and Urban Development and in 1998 a major restructuring saw Planning and Urban Development emerge as one of the core 'Programs' within a unified Faculty of the Built Environment.

The Bachelor's degree has undergone both significant restructuring and 'fine tuning' through the years to ensure that it remains in step with industry needs, community expectations, and educational changes. This process has continued into 2001-2002, with the outcome being a significantly revised and streamlined curriculum from 2003 plus a degree name change to Bachelor of Planning.

In May 2002 the Bachelor of Town Planning degree was re-accredited by a Visiting Panel of the Royal Australian Planning Institute until 2007. This professional accreditation continues from 1 July 2002 under the auspices of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and also applies to the Bachelor of Planning degree.