Program Overview

Course Overview

The Planning Research Project, denoted as PLAN 590, is a course offered by the School of Architecture within the Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation. This course is designed to enable students to collect, analyze, and synthesize data, and propose planning solutions for an established urban or regional area through supervised research.

Course Details

• Course Code: PLAN 590
• Course Name: Hinonga Rangahau Whakamahere - Planning Research Project
• First Offered: 2024
• Duration: Approximately 600 hours or 16.2 hours per week for 37 weeks
• Points: 60 points

Entry Restrictions

Prerequisites

• Completion of Part 1 of the MURPlan

Corequisites

• None

Restrictions

• None

Course Learning Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Define and address research questions based on the literature and data sources relevant to urban and regional planning profession and practice.
2. Apply planning methodologies and research techniques to analyze an aspect of the built or natural environment.
3. Demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and present their report's findings and relevance for urban and regional planning findings.

How This Course is Taught

• Lectures and tutorials require in-person attendance.
• Lecture recordings will be made available for subsequent revision.
• Field trips require in-person attendance at specified times and locations.

Assessment

• 15,000-word research report (expected workload: 500 hours) - 75%
• 30-minute oral presentation (expected workload: 30 hours) - 25%

Fees

• Domestic Students: NZ$5,505.60
• International Students: NZ$24,195.60

Lecture Times and Rooms

Lectures are scheduled from 23 February 2026 to 8 November 2026, with specific dates and times for each trimester.

What You'll Need to Get

No specific texts or equipment are required for this course.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.