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Humanities and Social Sciences |
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School of Social SciencesPlanning
What is Planning?Planning involves the study of society and the environment in order to make informed decisions about human settlement patterns, the layout and design of cities and towns, and the sustainable management of natural resources. In its application to land use and development, planning requires a thorough understanding of the integration of social, economic and environmental conditions, the management of change, and how to work with a diverse range of communities and interests. Planners and people skilled in land use planning and environmental management are in high demand and obtain employment with local and state governments, regional organisations and private consultants. Planners work in such diverse fields as policy development, strategic planning, development assessment, environmental studies and evaluation, design and development of major land uses and community consultation. Planning is a profession involving accredited qualifications from the Planning Institute of Australia. TeachingPlanning is currently only available to students at the Bendigo campus. Three planning programs are offered:
Community EngagementCommunity engagement is a fundamental element of planning. The course provides for extensive fieldwork involving community planning initiatives and projects. Guest lectures by planners working in the community are a feature of the course. The course requires 90 days work experience to be undertaken by students. The University has an extensive liaison program with the planning profession and is a sponsor of the Victorian Provincial Planners Network which is part of the Planning Institute of Australia. Career OpportunitiesThis industry based course provides students with a competitive edge in the employment market as they will graduate with professional experience based on the work placement program completed within the course. Graduates have opportunities to work as planning officers, town planners, environmental planners, environmental officers and strategic planners across rural and urban Australia as well as overseas. Career opportunities exist across a range of organisations including local government, state and federal government departments and agencies, private firms, research organisations and regional authorities. Graduates also have the opportunity to pursue directions in areas such as natural resources, urban design or social planning. There is currently a shortage of planners (a recent national survey by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) identified a current 15% shortfall in the numbers of trained planners). Consequently there are opportunities for work in both the public and private sector with starting salaries in the order of $40,000 (PIA survey). Planning courses are professionally accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). Planners can be admitted as a Corporate Member of the Institute and as a 'Certified Practicing Planner' following completion of a PIA accredited course and two years approved work experience. The Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning course has been granted interim accreditation from the Planning Institute of Australia. In accordance with the requirements of PIA this course will be eligible to apply for full accreditation by the Institute with the graduation of the first cohort of students in 2011. Helpful External Websites
Content Approved by: Head of School
Page maintained by: Administrative Assistant Last Updated: 9 July, 2008 |
