Program Overview

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Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)

The Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) at UNSW is a four-year, full-time embedded honours program that equips students with the skills and knowledge to influence environmental planning and design, giving them the tools to create meaningful change in cities and communities.

Overview

This program combines core courses with electives, providing a strong foundation in urban planning, land use, environmental management, and urban design, while also allowing students to develop specialist knowledge in areas that interest them. Students will complete a Practice Year, gaining hands-on experience in diverse workplaces across government, consultancies, NGOs, and private organisations.

Key Features

• Hands-on experience: Gain hands-on experience in the third year, working in government, consultancies, NGOs, and private organisations. Apply skills in real-world projects and build connections that support career development.
• Leading research and innovation: Learn from academics at the forefront of urban planning research, including the City Futures Research Centre. Studies are informed by current research, global best practice, and innovative approaches to shaping sustainable, inclusive cities.
• Career-ready skills: Develop expertise, analytical thinking, and professional experience required to meet industry standards. Graduates take the first steps toward accreditation with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) while building skills valued across multiple sectors.

Why Study at UNSW?

• World-class reputation: The UNSW School of Built Environment is ranked #2 in Australia and #23 globally for architecture and built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). Studying here gives access to a university known for research excellence, innovation, and teaching quality.
• Strong networks and partnerships: Connect with a diverse, supportive community of students, alumni, and industry professionals. Access world-class alumni networks, industry collaborations, and professional groups such as PIA Young Planners, providing opportunities to engage with thought leaders and expand the professional circle.
• A dynamic, inspiring environment: UNSW provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning, and a vibrant campus community. Students study in a creative, collaborative environment designed to challenge and inspire them as they develop skills for shaping the cities of the future.

Program Details

• Program Code: 3362
• CRICOS Code: E
• Campus: Kensington
• Total Units of Credit (UOC): 192

Entry Requirements

• 2025 Lowest Selection Rank: 80.0
• 2025 A levels: 10.0
• 2025 IB Diploma: 30.0
• 2025 Lowest ATAR: 68.3*

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Domestic students are eligible to apply for RPL credits towards their UNSW degree. The volume of RPL credits depends on the qualification:

• 1-year Diploma: 48 UOC (equivalent to the first year)
• 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UOC (equivalent to the first year and a half)
• 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UOC (equivalent to two years)

Admission Pathways

• Gateway Admission Pathway: Open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area, or are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons.
• Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: Including Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS).
• University Preparation Program: A one-year pathway to a UNSW degree place for students who faced challenges in Year 11 and 12.

English Language Requirements

Students may be asked to provide evidence of English proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on their educational background and citizenship. English language skills are crucial for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments, and examinations.

International Direct Entry

Qualifications and direct entry requirements for international students:

• International ATAR: 75.0
• UNSW Foundation Studies GPA: 6.9
• Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels): 10.0
• International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB): 28.0

What Will I Study?

The program structure includes:

• Level 1 core courses: Introduction to Planning, Sustainability and Environment, Urban Society, History, Theory, etc.
• Level 2 core courses: Strategic Planning, Geographical Information Systems and Urban Informatics, Urban Design, etc.
• Level 3 core courses: Planning Practice, Ethics and Expertise, Planning Practice: Institutions and Implementation, etc.
• Level 4 core courses: Plan Making Studio, Planning Thesis: Research Design, Planning Thesis: Dissertation

Future Careers

Graduates can pursue diverse career paths, including:

• Strategic planner
• Local government planner
• Urban planner
• Social and community planner
• Environmental planner
• Urban consultant
• Urban policy analyst
• Urban policy officer
• Transport planning
• Urban designer
• Heritage officer
• Property developer

Accreditation

The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) accredits graduates for Corporate Membership, subject to practical experience.

Double Degrees

The Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) can be combined with the Bachelor of Laws, providing a broad and comprehensive understanding of professional demands, global trends, and contemporary social issues.

Fees & Scholarships

• 2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $9,500* (Commonwealth Supported Place)
• 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $40,500* (Commonwealth Supported Place)
• 2026 Indicative First Year Fee: $51,000* (Full fee-paying)
• 2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree: $223,500* (Full fee-paying)

UNSW offers over $83 million in scholarships each year, rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life.