Key information
Start dates
March
Delivery mode
In person
(City)
Build a career sustainably shaping cities and regions.
Australia’s first three-year accredited* Urban and Regional Planning degree will teach you how to develop and implement plans and policies for the use of urban and rural land, and advise on economic, environmental and social factors affecting land use.
You'll learn how to work alongside government, architects and other specialists to design new public spaces and revitalise existing ones, conserve heritage sites, and enhance community value.
*Accreditation is pending Planning Institute of Australia approval
Become a planner faster
This is Australia's first three-year accredited* Urban and Regional Planning degree. This means you could enter a planning career as soon as you graduate, compared to the typical five-year pathway at other institutions.
Real-world design projects
From as early as your second year, you'll experience work placements and real-world design projects. You could find yourself across metropolitan SA, in emerging developments, on regional field trips and more.
A socially responsible degree
This degree is socially conscious, with a focus on sustainability and Australian First Nations perspectives. These perspectives are incorporated throughout your learning, and taught by First Nations staff themselves.
A diverse range of careers are waiting for you
Over 20,000 Australians are employed as urban and regional planners, shaping the cities and communities we live in. With growing demand for smarter, more sustainable spaces, new career opportunities are available for graduates.
Urban planner
Urban planners design and shape the future of cities and communities, making these more liveable, connected, and sustainable. Planners decide how neighbourhoods grow, placing roads, parks, schools, and more in ways that improve people's quality of life. Planners solve real-world problems, balancing social, environmental, and economic needs. Using data, maps, and tech tools, they develop smart solutions for growing communities.
If you're creative, analytical, and passionate about making a positive impact, urban planning offers a meaningful path for shaping better futures through thoughtful, tech-driven design and development.
Community development officer
A community development officer enhances community well-being by planning and executing programs that promote social, economic, and environmental growth. They collaborate with residents, local organisations, and government bodies to identify needs and create inclusive strategies. Duties include organising meetings, managing projects, securing funding, and fostering partnerships.
Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills are key. This role suits those passionate about social impact and building resilient communities. Community development officers are vital in driving positive change and supporting sustainable, community-led growth.
Sources: Seek Australia 2025, Jobs & Skills Australia 2025
Sustainability officer
A Sustainability Officer promotes eco-friendly development, integrates green infrastructure, and supports climate resilience. They collaborate with planners and communities to implement sustainable land use, reduce emissions, and enhance liveability in cities through innovative, long-term environmental strategies.
Other careers could include:
- planning officer
- development assessment planner
- heritage consultant
- urban design advisor
- environmental manager
- town planner.
What will you study to start your career in urban and regional planning?
Study a variety of core topics and electives, and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
Accreditation
Upon successful completion you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Planning Institute of Australia.*
*Accreditation is pending Planning Institute of Australia approval
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
In this course, you'll explore a suite of core planning topics including Introduction to Planning Futures; Design Principles; Planning Law; and Urban Design Project. Other core topics include GIS; Smart, Liveable and Resilient Cities; Sustainable Regional Development; and Indigenous Environmental Management. You'll also be able to choose from a number of option topics in your second and third year of study including Australian Public Policy; Adapting to Climate Change; Sustainable Development; and AI and the Future of Work.
- This is Australia's first 3-year accredited* undergraduate planning degree, and the only undergraduate planning degree in SA and NT
- You'll experience integrated learning and real-world interdisciplinary projects at second and third year
- This course articulates with the first integrated and comprehensive ePlanning platform and online system in Australia
- Compile and analyse data on economic, legal, political, cultural, demographic, sociological, physical and environmental factors affecting land use
- Confer with government authorities, communities, architects, social scientists, legal professionals, and planning, development and environmental specialists
- Devise and recommend use and development of land, and presenting narrative and graphic plans, programs and designs to groups and individuals
- Advise governments and organisations on urban and regional planning and resource planning
- Review and evaluate environmental impact reports.
There is a critical skills shortage across the sector due to a retiring workforce and increased demand in both South Australia and the nation. For instance, the top 3 most cited skills shortages for local governments in 2022 were engineers (46%), urban and regional planners (40%) and surveyors (36%) (SGS Economics & Planning, 2022; PIA, 2023).
How our cities, towns and regions respond to climate change and ensure land uses that will not be threatened and those that will need to be adapted or abandoned will place an increased need for urban and regional planning skills. Specifically, there will be an increased demand for strategic planners, social planners and policy planners to support decision-makers and the community in implementing these changes.
Yes! The course has been designed along with industry, government and the Planning Institute of Australia. There are multiple opportunities to work with industry throughout the degree, including placements ('work integrated learning') and interdisciplinary projects.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.25 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 80.33 | 81.70 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 71.35 | 71.35 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 8 | 50% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 5 | 31% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | 0 | 0 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 0 | 0 |
| International Students | 0 | 0 |
| All students | 16 | 100% |
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
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