Key facts

UNE unit code: GEPL121

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - On Campus
  • Trimester 1 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

There is a real need to design and build sustainable, functional towns and cities for the future.

This unit provides a broad introduction to urban and regional planning, drawing upon its historical development and its contemporary challenges. The emergence of planning through the long history of urban change is a focus, including the development of planning ideas in modern Australian and global contexts.

The unit also considers recent theory about the roles and responsibilities of planning, and examines issues currently confronting this influential field of professional endeavour.

Future proof your career in planning and urban design by gaining a solid foundational understanding of the industry in this unit.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

There are no requisites for this unit.

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Isara Khanjanasthiti
Isara KhanjanasthitiSenior Lecturer, Urban and Regional Planning - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate coherent theoretical knowledge of the fundamentals of urban and regional planning;
  2. explore and analyse the origins of planning, and how it has developed into its contemporary form;
  3. examine the scope, role and operation of planning in Western society, with the ability to transmit this knowledge to others; and
  4. demonstrate competency and judgement in planning skills as a foundation for life-long application in the planning profession.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Essay 1Yes30%All offerings

No. Words: 1200

Essay 2Yes30%All offerings

No. Words: 1500

Take Home ExamYes30%All offerings

No. Words: 1500 (equivalent)

TutorialYes10%All offerings

Assessed online tutorial/Discussion participation

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.

The City Reader

ISBN: 9780367204792

LeGates, R.T. and Stout, F., Routledge 7th ed. 2020

Note: An eBook version is available through the Dixson Library.

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • •Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • •Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • •Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • •Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.