Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 4 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 423600
- Program code 3362
- CRICOS code 088837E
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ATAR/2025 lowest selection rank
- 80.0 View all admission criteria
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $9,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $39,000*
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,500*
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2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $213,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Practical experience
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PIA accreditation
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Fourth-year thesis
Applications for Term 1 & Term 2 2026 are closed
New applications for New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) for Term 1, 2026 and Term 2, 2026 have closed. International students can still apply for Term 3, 2026. Find out if this closure applies to you.
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Portfolio Entry Information Session
This degree is eligible for Portfolio Entry. Learn how you can put your best foot forward with your application at our information sessions. Join us on campus at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Sydney or online - we'll guide you through what to include in your portfolio, how to apply and tips to help you succeed.
- Tuesday 11 November | Kensington campus | 10am - 11am | Arts, Design & Architecture degrees only |
- Wednesday 12 November | Online | 6pm - 7pm |Ìý
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- Double degrees
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Have you ever wanted to shape the cities we live in, making them easier to navigate, more enjoyable to inhabit, or more sustainable? ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼǒs Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) equips you with the skills and knowledge to influence environmental planning and design, giving you the tools to create meaningful change in our cities and communities.Ìý
Over four years of full-time study, you’ll learn how to design spaces that foster connection, create new ways of living and support sustainable growth. The program combines core courses with electives, giving you a strong foundation in urban planning, land use, environmental management and urban design, while also allowing you to develop specialist knowledge in areas that interest you. You’ll also complete a Practice Year, gaining hands-on experience in diverse workplaces across government, consultancies, NGOs and private organisations.Ìý
From protecting our natural and heritage-built environments to working with communities to cultivate fair, equitable and inclusive neighbourhoods, city planning gets to the heart of what makes great places tick. You’ll graduate ready to shape the future of cities and make a real impact wherever you go.ÌýÌý
Key features
Hands-on experienceÌý
Gain hands-on experience in your third year, working in government, consultancies, NGOs and private organisations. Apply your skills in real-world projects and build connections that support your career.
Leading research and innovation
Learn from academics at the forefront of urban planning research, including the . Your studies are informed by current research, global best practice, and innovative approaches to shaping sustainable, inclusive cities.
Career-ready skills
Develop the expertise, analytical thinking and professional experience required to meet industry standards. Graduates take the first steps toward accreditation with the (PIA) while building skills valued across multiple sectors.
Why study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ?
World-class reputation Ìý
The ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç 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 you 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, giving you opportunities to engage with thought leaders and expand your professional circle.
A dynamic, inspiring environment
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on learning and a vibrant campus community. You’ll study in a creative, collaborative environment designed to challenge and inspire you as you develop skills for shaping the cities of the future.
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Want to see more from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
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- The 2025 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025.
- The 2025 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2025 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2025. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2025 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
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At ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Domestic students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: 48 UoC (equivalent to first year)
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC (equivalent to first year and a half)
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC (equivalent to two years)
Considering your previous qualifications and their relevance to the chosen program at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, the type and amount of credit you can apply for, as well as the duration of your remaining program, will then be determined. 
Assessment by the Program Director is required for RPL applications toward Professional Accredited programs. Please note that eligibility for the full volume of RPL may be subject to accreditation requirements.
Portfolio EntryÌý
At ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç ADA, you will find the freedom and support to design the future you want. An ADA Portfolio Entry submission will demonstrate your passions alongside your best work, to boost your chances of admission to a bachelor’s degree of your choice. For more information and to see specific guidelines for portfolio submissions visit ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Portfolio Entry.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.Ìý
HSC PlusÌý
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree. You may be awarded up to five points.Ìý
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)Ìý
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below andÌýget in touchÌýwith our Future Student Advisers to discuss your path to ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.Ìý
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes ofÌý, or are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person. It adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree and provides early offers and early conditional offers to ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ.Ìý
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.Ìý
University Preparation Program
If you want to study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç but faced challenges in year 11 and 12 that make you eligible for the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç ACCESS Scheme, but you don't meet the cut-off for degree entry, consider the University Preparation Program.
The University Preparation Program is a one-year pathwayÌýto a ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree place. You'll study subjects that allow you to develop your academic skills, including maths skills if needed, so that you can achieve your best results. You also study degree level courses from week one, to give you a realistic introduction to university level study. If you do well in these courses you can earn course credit towards your degree.
English language requirements
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You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove 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
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.Ìý
International direct entry
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score:
Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels:
Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.Ìý
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please for more information.
Please for direct entry requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Typically, international students are eligible to apply for the following volume of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) credits towards their ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç degree that belong in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture:
- 1-year Diploma: Up to 48 UoC
- 1.5-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 72 UoC
- 2-year Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: Up to 96 UoC
Generally, International students must ensure that their prior qualifications are assessed and deemed relevant to the program they intend to pursue. Additionally, they are required to maintain a full-time study load as part of the conditions for their Confirmation of Enrolment.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç journey with confidence. 
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç 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 ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ. 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
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit theÌýEnglish Language RequirementsÌýpage.Ìý
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?Ìý
Program structure
The ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) is a four-year, full-time embedded honours program consisting of 28 courses, including a Practice Year and a self-directed research thesis. Core courses develop your foundational skills in urban planning, land use, environmental management and urban design, while electives allow you to explore specialist areas that match your interests.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 192 units of credit (UOC). Students must complete:
Level 1 core courses – 42 UOC
- Introduction to Planning
- Sustainability and Environment
- Urban Society, History, Theory
- City and Regional Economics
- Design and Communication Fundamentals for Planners
- Development Processes: Feasibility and Finance
- Planning Research: Techniques and Analysis
Level 2 core courses – 42 UOC
- Strategic Planning
- Geographical Information Systems and Urban Informatics
- Urban Design
- Equitable Cities
- Planning Law & Administration
- Urban Management and Development Assessment
- City Building: Transport and Infrastructure
Level 3 core courses – 30 UOC
- Planning Practice: Ethics and Expertise
- Planning Practice: Institutions and Implementation
- Planning Practice: Consultation and Communication
- Planning Practice: Policies and Processes
- Planning Practice: Professional Reflections
Level 4 core courses – 36 UOC
- Plan Making Studio
- Planning Thesis: Research Design
- Planning Thesis: Dissertation
Students must also complete at least 18 UOC of prescribed planning electives, 12 UOC of free electives and 12 UOC of general education.Ìý
Future careers
As the world becomes increasingly urbanised, city planners – often called urban planners – are in high demand. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the urban and regional planning industry is growing by approximately 1,100 roles per year. There are over 4,000 urban planning job opportunities in Australia right now (Seek, 2025).
While many graduates go on to become city planners, this degree offers diverse career paths and can open doors in other areas such as transportation, urban economics, environmental conservation and social and community planning.Ìý
Potential careers
- Strategic planner
- Local government plannerÌý
- Urban planner
- Social and community planner
- Environmental planner
- Urban consultant
- Urban policy analyst
- Urban policy officer
- Transport planning
- Urban designer
- Heritage officer
- Property developer
Our alumni
"Being able to gain first-hand industry experience for such an extended period whilst still mid-way through my degree was an incredible opportunity that enabled me to connect theory and practice, apply my learnings to the real world and in a broader sense, gain exposure to the professional and industry landscape."
Alexander Heath
Senior Urbanist - Planning at Ethos Urban
Hear more about Alexander's experience
Accreditation
Planning Institute of Australia, Graduates are eligible for Corporate Membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), subject to practical experience.
Double degrees
Combine your interests for a unique career connected to your talents and passions. In a double degree, you focus on two areas of expertise to graduate with more knowledge, skills, and career options. 
Despite the name, it's not double the workload. A double degree has the core courses from two programs. You'll graduate with two certificates sooner than studying for one degree followed by another.
The Bachelor of City Planning (Honours) pairs with the Bachelor of Laws. This double degree gives you a broad and comprehensive understanding of professional demands, global trends, and contemporary social issues - such as sustainability, equitable environments, land law, strata and community titles, and construction contracts.
Explore the ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)/Law.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the Ìýand you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January. Visit the for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýourÌý service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date.ÌýFor details, visit the international admissions information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the   for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. For details, visit the .
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Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place: Student Contribution Band 2
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visitÌý.
Scholarships
At ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading universityÌý
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
SCOPR report, 2024
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
