Master of Professional Accounting – Master of Business Administration
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Bachelor of Planning
Townsville, Cairns
INTAKE: Jul & Feb
Program Overview
James Cook University's Bachelor of Planning program is a dynamic undergraduate degree that prepares students for careers in urban and regional planning. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills required to address contemporary planning challenges, such as sustainable development, community resilience, and urban growth management. Through a combination of theoretical learning, practical experience, and industry engagement, students graduate with the expertise to shape future cities and communities in Australia and beyond.
Curriculum: The Bachelor of Planning curriculum at James Cook University covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding the principles and practices of urban and regional planning. Core courses include urban design, environmental planning, land use planning, transportation planning, and social planning. Students also learn about planning law and policy, geographic information systems (GIS), and stakeholder engagement techniques. The curriculum integrates hands-on projects, field trips, and work placements to provide students with practical experience in real-world planning contexts. Additionally, students have the opportunity to tailor their studies through elective courses in areas such as sustainable development, heritage conservation, and indigenous planning.
Research Focus: JCU is committed to fostering research excellence in urban and regional planning through its Bachelor of Planning program. Faculty members within the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences are engaged in research projects exploring topics such as urban governance, climate change adaptation, indigenous planning, and participatory planning processes. Bachelor of Planning students have the opportunity to participate in research activities through research internships, honors projects, and collaborative research initiatives. This research-focused approach allows students to develop critical thinking skills, research methodology, and problem-solving abilities, preparing them to address complex planning challenges in their future careers.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Planning program at JCU emphasizes industry engagement and practical experience to prepare students for professional practice in planning. Through partnerships with local governments, consulting firms, and community organizations, students have access to work placements, internships, and applied research projects. Industry-engaged learning opportunities enable students to gain practical experience in urban and regional planning, develop professional networks, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world planning projects. JCU's strong connections to the planning profession facilitate internship opportunities, mentorship, and career pathways for graduates in diverse planning roles.
Global Perspective: As a globally focused institution, JCU offers Bachelor of Planning students a diverse and inclusive learning environment with a global perspective on urban and regional planning. The program explores international trends and best practices in planning, preparing students to work in multicultural and interconnected contexts. JCU's partnerships with international universities, planning agencies, and non-governmental organizations offer students opportunities for international exchanges, study abroad programs, and collaborative research projects. Through global engagement, students gain a broader understanding of planning principles, cultural diversity in planning practice, and global urbanization trends, preparing them to be effective planners in a rapidly changing world.
Location
Townsville, Cairns
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
AUD 34480
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 19 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 57 with a minimum of 57 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
JCU is supporting international students in their pursuit of higher education. The university offers various scholarships designed to assist eligible students in achieving their academic and career goals.
Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international students across various study areas. It provides a significant reduction in tuition fees and is highly competitive.
Dean's Scholarship for Excellence: This scholarship is aimed at international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance. It offers financial support by reducing tuition fees.
JCU Access Fund Scholarship: This scholarship supports students facing financial hardship, offering assistance to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Tropical Environmental Scholarship: Designed for international students passionate about environmental conservation and research, this scholarship provides financial support for related programs.
Sporting Scholarships: JCU recognizes the importance of sports and offers scholarships to athletes who excel in their chosen sport while pursuing their academic goals.
Indigenous Scholarships: JCU is supporting Indigenous students by providing scholarships that facilitate access to higher education.
Country-Specific Scholarships: JCU offers scholarships tailored to specific countries, encouraging cultural diversity and international collaboration.
External Scholarships: JCU also facilitates access to external scholarships and funding opportunities that international students may be eligible for.
Graduates of James Cook University's Bachelor of Planning program are well-equipped to pursue diverse and fulfilling career opportunities in the field of urban and regional planning.
Urban Planner: Many graduates choose to work as urban planners, collaborating with local governments, developers, and community groups to shape the physical, social, and economic development of cities and regions. Urban planners analyze land use patterns, transportation systems, and environmental factors to develop comprehensive plans and policies that promote sustainable growth, enhance livability, and foster community resilience. They engage in land use planning, zoning regulations, and development approvals, as well as public consultation processes to ensure that planning decisions reflect community needs and aspirations. With their expertise in urban design, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder engagement, JCU alumni make valuable contributions to urban development projects and long-term planning initiatives.
Regional Planner: Some graduates specialize in regional planning, focusing on the development and management of rural and peri-urban areas. Regional planners assess demographic trends, economic opportunities, and natural resource constraints to guide land use decisions, infrastructure investments, and community development initiatives in regional contexts. They work with regional governments, industry stakeholders, and indigenous communities to promote economic diversification, environmental conservation, and social equity in regional development strategies. JCU alumni in regional planning roles play a crucial role in fostering sustainable and inclusive development in rural and remote regions, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and social well-being.
Environmental Planner: For those passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability, a career as an environmental planner offers opportunities to integrate environmental considerations into planning processes and decision-making. Environmental planners assess the environmental impact of development projects, identify conservation priorities, and develop strategies to mitigate environmental risks and enhance ecosystem resilience. They work with government agencies, conservation organizations, and private sector developers to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, promote biodiversity conservation, and promote sustainable land use practices. JCU alumni in environmental planning roles contribute to protecting natural resources, mitigating climate change impacts, and fostering ecological sustainability in urban and regional landscapes.
Transportation Planner: Some graduates specialize in transportation planning, focusing on the design and management of transportation systems to improve mobility, accessibility, and safety in cities and regions. Transportation planners analyze traffic patterns, transit demand, and infrastructure needs to develop transportation plans, transit networks, and active transportation strategies that prioritize sustainable modes of travel and reduce reliance on private vehicles. They collaborate with transportation agencies, urban designers, and community stakeholders to implement infrastructure projects, such as bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and public transit enhancements, that support multimodal transportation and reduce congestion. JCU alumni in transportation planning roles play a critical role in creating more efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation systems that enhance quality of life and promote social inclusion in urban and regional areas.
Community Development Officer: For those interested in working directly with communities, a career as a community development officer offers opportunities to engage with residents, organizations, and local governments to address social issues and promote community well-being. Community development officers facilitate community consultations, develop community plans, and implement projects that address housing affordability, social inclusion, and neighborhood revitalization. They work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to build social capital, empower marginalized groups, and enhance community resilience. JCU alumni in community development roles contribute to creating vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities where residents can thrive and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
