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 – if you care about any of those things, then you care about planning. Planning is 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.
Planners combine their knowledge of planning practice and theory with a fundamental understanding of a range of subjects to help develop better ways to live in cities and regional areas. Graduates work in local and state government, private firms, research organisations and regional authorities and must develop strong communication and analytical skills to thrive in their careers.
Planning Excellence 2012 Victorian Awards
La Trobe University Community Planning and Development Program picked up two awards out of the nine that were given at the Planning Institute of Australia (Victorian Division) Annual Awards Ceremony, 2012. Find out more about this achievement.
PIA Accreditation
The Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). Graduates would be eligible for membership of the Urban and Regional Planning Chapter of the Institute. PIA course accreditation means that La Trobe's courses in planning provide a strong foundation of theory, skills, and knowledge to allow graduates to work as planners in the field of urban and regional planning.
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.
Courses
Local students
| Offer year | Course title | Campus(es) | Duration | Semester starts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Bachelor of Arts |
Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo Melbourne Mildura Shepparton |
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent | Semester 1 and 2 (February and July) |
Bachelor of Arts continued…
|
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| 2013 | Diploma of Community Development |
Bendigo
|
1 year | Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) |
Diploma of Community Development continued…
|
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| 2013 | Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning |
Bendigo
|
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent. | Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) |
Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning continued…
|
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| 2013 | Diploma of Arts |
Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo Mildura Shepparton |
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent. | Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) |
Diploma of Arts continued…
|
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Want to know more?
Feel free to ask us a question about any course for local students.
Fees and scholarships
Undergraduate courses are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens. The domestic fee calculator can be used to calculate the cost of subjects this year.
There is also a wide range of scholarships available for local students.
International students
Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses
| Offer year | Course title (CRICOS) | Campus(es) | Duration | Semester starts | Annual Tuition Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Bachelor of Arts (002080A) |
Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo Melbourne Mildura Shepparton |
3 years | Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) | $21 350 |
Bachelor of Arts continued…
|
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| 2013 | Diploma of Community Development (077915J) | 1 year | Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) | $ | |
Diploma of Community Development continued…
|
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| 2013 | Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning (057439J) |
Bendigo
|
4 years | Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) | $21 350 |
Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning continued…
|
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| 2013 | Diploma of Arts (075107B) |
Bendigo
Albury-Wodonga Mildura Shepparton |
1 year | Semester 1 (March) | $21 350 |
Diploma of Arts continued…
|
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How to apply?
Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.
There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.
Your study experience
Other ways into undergraduate study
Learn how you can plan a pathway into your preferred degree, including single subject entry. See also La Trobe University Access and Equity programs which support a variety of ways into undergraduate study for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage.
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.
Planning students visit Flinders Island
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.
Scholarships
Lead On Australia (Bendigo Bank) are offering financial assistance to students studying the Bachelor of Community Development at La Trobe University (Bendigo campus) for up to 2 years. Please read the scholarship summary for more information about eligibility and how to apply.
Student and graduate profiles
Students of the Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.
About the academic staff
You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or focus on staff in Planning.


