Bachelor of Planning (BPlan)

Overview

Planners shape the future of our towns and cities to ensure that they work socially, culturally and economically, in harmony with the natural environment. they work closely with individuals and communities in areas such as housing, education, transport, shopping, work, art and sport, to visualise the future and create solutions to identified problems. This degree reflects the interdisciplinary nature of planning. It will give you a solid foundation on which to build a sustainable career.

Highlights

• Gain a professionally recognised qualification that will help you make a real difference to people and the places they live.
• Be equipped to play a part in shaping the future of your country, your city or your neighbourhood.
• Address "real world" issues, working with people and ideas.
• Combine creativity and critical analysis.

What you'll be studying

In the first year of the Bachelor of Planning you will learn the fundamental skills for a career in planning; explore the many meanings of planning; study its history and contemporary issues; learn about politics and policy-making processes; develop an understanding of the interaction between society and economics; consider sustainability and the impact of humans on the natural environment and each other; design an urban neighbourhood; and learn about practical planning.

This is an example of first-year courses that were offered in 2012:

Specialist facilities and resources

The School of Architecture and Planning is equipped with digital design studios, technical workshops, audio-visual equipment and computer labs.There are extensive planning resources housed in the Architecture and Planning Library, including specialist books, periodicals, databases and archival collections.

Career opportunities

As the global population grows, humanity is increasingly urbanised and sustainability becomes increasingly important. Consequently, there is a high demand for qualified planners around the world. With a BPlan you will be able to apply to become a member of of the professionally accredited body of planners, the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI). A wide range of career options will open up for you, including city planner, strategic planner, regional planner, transportation planner, resource consent manager, property development manager, business development adviser, community development officer, environmental planner, heritage and conservation planner, iwi planning officer, policy analyst and urban designer.

Further study

Master of Planning (MPlan)
Master of Urban Design (MUrbDes)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Applying for admission

How to apply
Scholarship opportunities
Important dates

More information