Course overview
In this course, you will gain the expertise that underpins innovative planning practices and contributes to the development of a sustainable future for communities.
You’ll learn how to balance public and private interests, and consider competing social, economic, environmental, legal and political dimensions to formulate strategies for sustainable land use and development. You’ll then implement those strategies through urban management and development control processes.
Upon completing your studies, you'll have comprehensive expertise relating to land-use planning, design, economics, law, professional communication and ethical and professional practices.
This course is ideal if you want to use your critical thinking, expertise and creativity to improve the ways cities and regions respond to current and future challenges.
Career outcomes
Employment for urban and regional planners in Australia is rising by more than 700 positions annually.¹
Careers
- Planner
- Urban designer
- Developer
- Government project and policy officer
- Urban planning and development consultant
Industries
- Community development
- Environmental planning
- Transport planning
- Sustainable development
- Land-use planning
- Regional and rural planning
- Urban design
¹ Source: Jobs and Skills Australia
Professional accreditation and recognition
This course is accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia.
Why study at Curtin?
Only accredited planning course in WA
Curtin is the only university in Western Australia that offers an accredited undergraduate planning course.
Work experience
You’ll undertake fieldwork and practical exercises to gain core skills integral to the planning profession.
Urban and regional planners in demand
There is nation-wide shortage of workers in this area. (Job and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List 2024)
Hear from our students
"I truly value the travel opportunities provided throughout my course, which have enriched my learning experience. I've gained a great deal from the program, not only from the coursework but also through the guidance and expertise of the faculty, who have been exceptionally knowledgeable and supportive. They have consistently offered opportunities to engage with industry and gain work experience while studying. "
Eden Rigo
Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (Honours)
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Upcoming events
22 January 2026
Undergrad Discovery Day
Building 105 (level 3), T.L. Robertson Library, Curtin Perth
Join us at the Undergrad Discovery Day to chat with our course experts, go through your uni application, take a campus tour and find out everything you need to know about studying at Curtin.
29 March 2026
Curtin Open Day
Curtin Perth
Discover where in the world a Curtin Degree can take you at Curtin Open Day. Explore courses that connect with industry, meet people who can guide your career direction and see how your ideas can become a reality.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
Each semester you can complete planning projects with Curtin’s industry partners – such as the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; the City of Bayswater; and the Public Transport Authority. These opportunities will help you learn core industry skills and can provide useful links with future employers.
You may also be interested in opportunities to apply your planning skills in diverse cultural contexts, through overseas internships, fieldwork units and study tours.
You will study core units and specialise in one of these areas:
- Environmental Planning
- Graphics
- International Development
- Landscape and Natural Resource Management
- Social Inclusion and Equity.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:
- course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
- any course-specific requirements
- English language requirement.
Guaranteed entry
If you achieve the guaranteed ATAR/selection rank for this course and meet all other entry requirements, you’re guaranteed a place in this course.
Entry pathways
There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved.
Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Special consideration
If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2025 Domestic indicative fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
*The indicative first-year fee is based on a standard full-time study load of 200 credit points.
This fee is a guide only. Your total fee may vary depending on the units you choose, your study load or if your course includes additional requirements. For more information on fees, see other fees and charges.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
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