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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

153899 v.6 Bachelor of Arts (Urban and Regional Planning)

BA(Curtin) or BA(Hons)(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 003903C
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 4 Years


Course Overview

Bachelor honours degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications. The honours component prepares students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional work, research and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course provides the background for those entering the urban and regional planning profession. It has accreditation from the Planning Institute of Australia. The distinguishing characteristic of this course is the use of interdisciplinary knowledge and techniques in addressing environmental, social and design issues concerning the community. It is now widely accepted that successful human settlements must be properly planned and a range of statutory and non-statutory controls exist at all levels of government to protect the public interest in the development process. The involvement of individuals and community groups in the preparation and implementation of plans is now considered vital to successful development outcomes.


Professional Recognition

The course is recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia as fulfilling the educational requirements for membership of the Institute.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways. Admission to the Honours stream is by invitation and follows high achievement within this bachelor degree.


STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates with a bachelor degree may qualify for entry to some graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master by coursework degrees. Graduates with a bachelor degree with honours may also qualify for entry to a master or doctorate by research. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Embedded bachelor honours degrees typically comprise an honours stream equivalent to one year of full-time study undertaken during the last year (or two) of study.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply the principles, theories and concepts of urban and regional planning and draw upon appropriate knowledge of social, economic and environmental factors within a governance framework to practise planning, particularly in the Western Australian context

2. think critically to analyse and challenge theories and practices of urban and regional planning, and generate creative solutions to planning issues

3. access, evaluate and synthesise information in order to undertake research relevant to urban and regional planning

4. communicate effectively in written form, graphically and orally to various audiences (academic, professional and community

5. use appropriate technologies to practice urban and regional planning

6. use learned skills to continue self-development in the profession

7. develop skills in managing and responding to cultural diversity and difference in national and international perspectives

8. work ethically as individuals and in teams demonstrating skills in negotiation and conflict resolution, recognising the contribution of other disciplines and interests


Duration and Availability

The course is four years' full-time or equivalent part-time study.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
311057 v.1   Introduction to Planning 101 2.0 25.0
311922 v.2   Academic and Professional Communications 100 3.0 25.0
12717 v.3   Suburban Analysis 111 3.0 25.0
307865 v.2   Planning Graphics and Design 111 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
310072 v.1   Environmental and Coastal Planning 112 3.0 25.0
313879 v.1   Diversity and Cultural Planning 114 3.0 25.0
12721 v.3   Urban Analysis 112 3.0 25.0
310028 v.1   Governance for Planning 112 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
310073 v.1   Planning for Housing 211-1 3.0 25.0
310029 v.1   Planning for Economic Development 211 3.0 25.0
307905 v.2   Planning for Sustainability 211 3.0 25.0
12727 v.3   Local Planning 211 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
310062 v.1   Landscape Planning and Heritage 212 3.0 25.0
12729 v.3   Participatory Planning 212 3.0 25.0
12730 v.3   Transport Planning 212 5.0 25.0
12731 v.3   Site Planning 212 3.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
307914 v.1   Urban Regeneration 311 3.0 25.0
307915 v.1   Rural Resource Planning 311 3.0 25.0
307890 v.1   Regional Planning 311 3.0 25.0
  SELECT ELECTIVE UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF:   25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
307892 v.1   Professional Practice 312 3.0 25.0
307918 v.1   Development Assessment 312 3.0 25.0
308628 v.1   Planning Report 314 2.0 25.0
  75.0
Year 4
315031 v.1   Honours Stream Urban and Regional Planning 200.0
  OR  
315020 v.1   Urban and Regional Planning Fourth Year Stream 200.0
  200.0



Further Information

For more information about the program contact the Faculty of Humanities on (08) 9266 3400, email: humanities@curtin.edu.au, or visit our website: www.humanities.curtin.du.au.


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.