Be a part of sustainable solutions for our planet’s future with a Bachelor of Planning from JCU. Planners are responsible for ensuring that the physical spaces of towns and cities are designed to benefit the community as much as possible. Learn how to use infrastructure, transport and urban planning create a balance between lifestyle and sustainability to foster and support communities. You’ll explore the principles of planning and design, and how their application can improve the liveability, sustainability, income and vibrancy of urban and regional communities. Explore the diverse work of planners and the many roles they fill — from town planners, regional planners, city planners, social planners, cultural planners, environmental planners and more. You’ll learn how planners participate in a range of roles that involve the creation and management of cities, towns and communities. Throughout your degree, you’ll become skilled at navigating the fundamental elements of planning public spaces, including environmental impact, sustainability, social welfare, heritage and urban development. In the Bachelor of Planning degree, you will study core subjects including Environmental and Regional Planning, Human Geography, Project Management, Environmental Economics, Geographic Information Systems, Disasters, Communities and Planning, and Urban Design Studio. You will experience urban design and sustainable town planning on multiple levels, including the real-world scenarios incorporated into your assessments, and the opportunity to visit regional towns and international design landmarks like the Helix Bridge in Singapore. You can also expand your knowledge further through project-based learning and internships. In your fourth year of study, you’ll gain hands-on experience in urban planning with the Urban Design Studio subject, which involves visiting regional towns in Far North Queensland with the aim of creating part of a design master plan to improve the town’s liveability. High-achieving students in this subject will have the opportunity to join JCU’s TUDLab Tropical Design Studio, which partners with industry professionals and local councils, have your design segment included in a real-life master plan for that town, and be a part of its journey towards implementation. Experience firsthand what it’s like to be a town planner as you undertake practical work experience in your fourth year of study. You’ll get to participate in a professional placement with State Government, non-government organisations, or private consultancies. Sharpen your skills and network with industry professionals through over 140 hours of work experience. The network connections you make could lead to further opportunities post-graduation. This course is fully accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia. Upon graduation, you will be immediately eligible for membership in the Urban and Regional Chapter of the Planning Institute of Australia. Your in-depth understanding of planning, design and management for public and private spaces in urban and regional contexts will prepare you for a diverse career that makes a difference to tropical communities.

JCU Planning graduates are qualified for high-demand positions throughout Australia and across the world. Graduates pursue diverse careers which include developing cities, regions, and urban environments to enhance social, environmental and economic well-being. You could work as a town planner, an urban planner, or in specialised areas such as social or cultural planning, environmental planning and sustainable planning. You can find work in government organisations, private corporations and public consultancies. Your knowledge and skills will prepare you to make short-term plans about how to use land while keeping in mind the long-term future for population growth, economic improvement and environmental protection. You can work in roles that focus on public policy, informing and educating the public, or even advising state and city councils. Upon graduation, you will be nationally recognised as a planner with the Planning Institute of Australia. Membership enables you to access the relevant skills, emerging knowledge and valuable networks as your career develops.