Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)

The Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) is a 4-year program consisting of 28 courses, a Practice Year and completion of a research thesis in the final year.

The program includes:

• 15 core courses
• 3 Prescribed elective courses (choose from within City Planning)
• 2 Interdisciplinary courses (BEIL)
• 2 General education courses (choose from other schools)
• Practice Year includes 5 practice courses completed during 1 year of practical experience
• Plan Making Studio course
• Thesis

Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time or part-time.

Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.

Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.

Below is an example of what you could study in a standard four-year-year, full-time study plan.

First year

• 6 Core courses
• 2 Electives

Second year

• 8 Core courses

Third year (Practice Year)

• 5 Practice courses
• 3 Electives

During your Practice Year, you'll apply your skills and knowledge in city planning to real-world work experience and bring insights from this experience back into the classroom.  Our students undertake their work experience in diverse public and private sector organisations, including state government, local authorities, urban consultancies, development companies, private practice and NGOs.

Fourth year (Honours)

• 1 Research core course
• 1 Studio core course
• 2 Electives
• 1 Thesis

In your final year, you’ll deepen your knowledge through a self-directed research project. You’ll graduate with strong research skills developed through completion of a thesis that will set you apart as you kick-start your career.

Admission pathways

UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• English language tests and university English courses
• Prior study in the medium of English
• Other qualifications

2022 Indicative First Year Fee
$42,820

As a City Planner you’ll build a career that addresses local and global challenges facing our natural and built environments. You’ll graduate with the confidence, knowledge and career-ready skills to turn creativity and critical thinking into real world solutions. You’ll be prepared to:

• Promote environmental sustainability, address climate change and built resilient cities and communities
• Manage population growth and plan for new homes, jobs and services
• Work with communities and stakeholders in fostering fair, equitable and inclusive neighbourhoods
• Work with the development sector to deliver feasible, people-focused outcomes
• Work with architects, urban designers and landscape architects to deliver well-designed, healthy and inspiring places  
• Address major transport, infrastructure building and urban renewal provisions
• Protect our natural and heritage built environments