La Trobe University > Courses > Planning

Planning

Why study planning?

If you care about the neighbourhood you live in, the time it takes to get to work, or just the fact that water from your tap is drinkable, then you care about planning. Planning gives you the opportunity to change the way we live for the better by studying our local environments, cities, geography and community priorities.

Australia is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified planners, and graduates enjoy excellent starting salaries and work prospects. Our graduates work in local and state government, private firms, research organisations and regional authorities.

Accreditation

La Trobe designs its courses with your future career in mind and partners with a range of professional organisations for accreditation and registration. Refer to the detail for each course below to see what professional registration and membership options exist. The Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning received the 2012 award for 'Cutting Edge Teaching and Research' based on our extensive fieldwork and international study tour program.

Real Projects, Real Engagement

Looking for a program where you can apply what you are learning right away? At La Trobe, students start working on planning projects in their first year and are deeply engaged with Victorian communities. With smaller class sizes, a mentoring relationship and close contact with industry, you will gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to work in metropolitan, regional and rural areas, here and overseas. Our staff and students win awards for the work they do. Projects include: City Studio, designing children’s environments, economic strategies, transport plans… it is always changing. Plus students have the opportunity to travel to India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, USA, UK and other countries to immerse themselves in different planning environments.

Career opportunities

Planning officer, town planner, policy development, environmental planner, and environmental officer for government, councils, private firms, research organisations and regional authorities, economic development agencies, research bodies. Graduates also have the opportunity to pursue directions in areas such as natural resources, urban design or social planning.

Short courses

We also offer single subject study. Visit our short courses page to find out more.

Professional practice

The course includes site visits, field trips and assignments that are related to practical situations found in urban, rural and environmental planning. Students are required to participate in projects negotiated with workplaces such as local governments and to prepare material for public presentations. This experience is further developed with work experience placements in the third and fourth years.

Overseas study opportunities

There are many opportunities for La Trobe students to study overseas. Students from overseas can come to La Trobe and do a short term Study Abroad program. Some short courses are also available to international students. Short courses are also available to international students. Visit International Students for more information.

Staff Research and Teaching Awards

  • 2018 College of Arts Social Sciences and Commerce Teaching Award
  • 2018 Planning Institute of Australia National Commendation: Cutting Edge Research and Teaching
  • 2017 Planning Institute of Australia (Vic) Award: Cutting Edge Research and Teaching
  • 2017 La Trobe University - Highly Commended” for Enhancing Student Employability
  • 2017 College of Arts Social Sciences and Commerce Sciences Mid-Career Researcher Award
  • 2013 La Trobe University Community Engagement Award
  • 2012 Planning Institute of Australia (Vic) Award: Cutting Edge Research and Teaching
  • 2018 La Trobe University Teaching and Learning Excellence
  • 2018 La Trobe University Commendation for Teaching and Learning

Awards

  • 2018 Victorian Government International Education Award: International Student of the Year (Regional)
  • 2018 Planning Institute of Australia (Vic): Commendation for Outstanding Student Project
  • 2017 Planning Institute of Australia (Vic): Commendation for Outstanding Student Project
  • 2017 Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association Young Professional of the Year Award – Program Graduate
  • 2017 Bendigo Student Association Award: Community Spirit
  • 2017 Bendigo Student Association Award: Outstanding Achievement
  • 2017 Bendigo Student Association Award: Individual Excellence in a Club Role
  • 2014 Planning Institute of Australia Project (VIC) Young Planner of the Year – Program Graduate
  • 2013 Bendigo Student Association for Individual Excellence in a Club Role
  • 2013 PIA Commendation (Borrie Prize) for Outstanding Tertiary Project
  • 2013 Bendigo Student Association Award: Club of the Year
  • 2012 Planning Institute of Australia (VIC) Community Engagement
  • 2012 Australian Cycling Conference, Best Student Paper Award
  • 2012 Bendigo Student Association Award for Excellence in a Club Role