Macquarie University in Sydney is opening a new Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning for the 2027 intake. The degree is intended for students who want to help create cities and regions that are more liveable, inclusive and sustainable.
Planners play an important role in responding to issues such as housing availability, transport, climate change, population growth and infrastructure. Urban and regional planning therefore involves more than the physical appearance of a city. It also considers communities, the environment, public policy and economic development.
What will Macquarie University’s new programme offer, and why might it interest Indonesian students?
A New Programme for 2027
The Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning is expected to become available from Session 1, 2027. It replaces the previous Bachelor of Planning pathway with a more streamlined structure.
While the earlier programme generally required four years of full-time study, the new degree is designed to be completed in three years. For international students, the shorter duration could remove one year of tuition and living expenses. Students must nevertheless calculate the complete cost using the latest tuition fees, health insurance, accommodation, transport and everyday expenses.
What Will Students Learn?
Urban and regional planning examines how cities, suburbs and regional areas develop over time. Students learn to understand the relationship between land use, housing, transport, public services, environmental conditions and community needs.
Relevant areas of study are expected to include:
- Urban and regional planning
- Strategic planning
- Housing and urban development
- Transport and infrastructure
- Planning policy and law
- Sustainable development
- Climate adaptation
- Environmental assessment
- Community engagement
- Spatial data and GIS
- Heritage and place identity
The degree may appeal to students interested in geography, the environment, communities, urban design, public policy or sustainability. Communication, research, data analysis and stakeholder-management skills are also important in this profession.
More Than 150 Hours of Professional Experience
A significant feature of the new degree is its practical orientation. Launch information for the programme states that students will complete more than 150 hours of professional experience through industry and community projects.
Students may also learn through Sydney field visits, case studies, guest lectures and interaction with practitioners. These activities can help them understand how planning decisions have real consequences for both the environment and local communities.
Sydney provides a relevant setting for planning studies. Like many major cities, it must address urban growth, housing demand, density, transport connectivity, infrastructure development and climate resilience.
Career Opportunities for Planning Graduates
Urban and regional planning graduates may pursue employment across government, consulting, development, community organisations and the environmental sector.
Potential roles include:
- Urban planner
- Regional planner
- Strategic planner
- Transport planner
- Environmental planner
- Development assessment officer
- Housing policy officer
- Heritage planner
- Sustainability consultant
- Community planner
- Place planner or placemaker
- Policy analyst
- GIS or spatial planning officer
Employers may include local councils, state and federal agencies, planning consultancies, property developers, infrastructure companies and non-governmental organisations.
Employment outcomes will depend on professional experience, technical ability, work rights, market conditions and any applicable professional requirements.
What About Professional Accreditation?
Macquarie University’s previous Bachelor of Planning has been accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia. Applicants should check the latest university and PIA information regarding the professional-accreditation status of the new Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning.
Accreditation matters because it indicates that a degree meets specified academic and professional standards. Prospective students should request written confirmation of the new programme’s accreditation or accreditation process before enrolling.
Entry Pathways for Indonesian Students
Admission requirements may vary according to an applicant’s secondary-school curriculum, academic results and English proficiency.
Macquarie University also lists routes through its Standard Foundation Program and Intensive Program. According to the university handbook, students who successfully complete the relevant pathway and achieve the required WAM may articulate into the Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning from Session 1, 2027.
Indonesian applicants should prepare:
- Senior-secondary transcripts and completion certificates.
- Evidence of English proficiency, such as IELTS, PTE Academic or another accepted test.
- A valid passport.
- Any additional documents required for the application.
- A realistic budget for tuition and living costs in Sydney.
- Sufficient time for admission, offer acceptance, payment and the student-visa process.
Applicants should not rely on requirements from an earlier course or intake without checking them. Entry scores, English requirements, fees, scholarships and deadlines may change.
A New Route for Future City Planners
Macquarie University’s new Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning offers a shorter pathway to planning studies in Sydney. Its combination of interdisciplinary learning, professional experience, community projects and field activities may help students understand urban challenges from both technical and social perspectives.
The degree may be worth considering for Indonesian students interested in careers involving cities, transport, housing, the environment, public policy or sustainable development.
Would you like to know whether your academic results meet the programme’s requirements? Speak with RIM Education to review your study plan, pathway options, estimated costs and potential scholarships before applying to Macquarie University.