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Urban Planning and Design unit (KGA521)

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Unit year 2026

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Location: Hobart, Online

Introduction

The principles and practices of urban planning and design shape the physical spaces and social lives of our towns and cities. In this unit, you will learn about the historic and theoretical context of urban design and planning, including Aboriginal approaches and perspectives. By gaining a deeper understanding of urban environments, you will build knowledge of contemporary towns and cities by studying key urban dynamics and processes such as climate adaptation, colonialisation, liveability, and insurgent planning. Focusing on a socio-economically diverse area, you will apply this knowledge in formulating just urban policy and developing a strategic plan for urban change. You will also develop knowledge and skills in urban design by applying design principles in on-the-ground evaluations of urban streetscapes. In this unit, you will benefit from applied case studies, and extensive engagement with professionals.

Summary

Unit name Urban Planning and Design
Unit code KGA521
Credit points 25
College/School Sciences and Engineering
School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator Associate Professor Kate Booth
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 2 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
Online Semester 2 This unit is available through off-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 2 5/7/2026 27/7/2026 30/8/2026 24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate knowledge of the role of planning in colonisation to support the decolonisation of contemporary planning practice
  • Analyse quantitative, qualitative and spatial data to enable evidence-based urban decision-making
  • Critically apply urban design and strategic planning methods and principles to address complex urban problems
  • Execute graphic, written and verbal communication skills tailored to diverse audiences to contribute to just and equitable urban change

Fee Information

Field of Education Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 Domestic Full Fee 4
040103 $2,384.00 $2,384.00 not applicable $5,560.00
  • Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
  • HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility3
  • FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility4

1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

AssessmentShort test or quiz (20%)|Urban Design Journal (40%)|Urban strategic planning (40%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Essential readings will be provided for each session, and you are expected to draw on these in sessions and assessment tasks. All of the sources are made available on MyLO, or in links provided in lecture powerpoints.

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