Master of Urban Planning

Current practices of urban and regional planning have emerged as a human response to the range of circumstances surrounding settlements over time. This subject provides students with a grounding in the main theories of planning over the last two centuries as a means of understanding present-day planning practices and debates in an historical context. Accordingly, students will develop understandings of the contexts in which planning emerged as a response to concerns with a range of circumstances over time. These include: public health, technological change, environmental degradation, economic development, social justice, and conceptions of order and aesthetics. An integrated programme of lectures, readings and tutorials provide students with the materials to answer a series of related questions that chart the development over time of planning. The evolving responses to the enduring questions of planning, such as: ‘what is planning; why plan; how to plan; and what or for whom do we plan?’ are charted over time. The Australia response, in an international context, is emphasised to provide a critical lens upon current Australian planning, providing a basis for subsequent subjects in the Masters of Urban Planning Program.

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This subject surveys some methodological approaches that are relevant to analysis of urban systems and urban planning processes. Students will be equipped to analyse both primary and secondary data, understand and apply essential principles of both qualitative and quantitative methods, and identify the context for their appropriate use. Students will be trained to critically assess shortcomings of data sources and methods, and consider the impact this has on the conclusions drawn. Overall, the subject facilitates the development of skills and knowledge regarding the use, collection, analysis, and representation of information. This will be utilized in future subjects and practice as planners. It is divided into three parts:

Part 1. Universal Concepts in Research

Part 2. Quantitative Research

Part 3. Qualitative Research

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This aim of this subject is to study the legal framework within which urban planning takes place, and the ways that local provisions (e.g. ‘Planning Schemes' in Victoria) are prepared and administered to implement plans. The subject focuses on the legal frameworks and mechanisms used in Australia, with particular emphasis on Victoria. There is some critical comparison with alternative approaches used in other jurisdictions.

The intentions of the subject for students are threefold:
1. To understand the basis of key statutory processes and subsequently be able to undertake key entry-level statutory tasks that are of value to practitioners.
2. To develop skills that can be used for ongoing learning in statutory planning and planning law.
3. To critically consider existing planning processes, and ways they might be changed to achieve better outcomes.

The subject begins by establishing the role of regulation and laws in the processes and governance of urban planning, and the objectives that statutory planning seeks. The possible tensions and conflicts between these objectives, and the different approaches that might be adopted in dealing with these are considered. Through the lens of statutory planning, the challenges of climate change, recognition of indigenous cultural heritage, and professional ethics are examined alongside the pressures of ongoing population growth and development that seeks overall social, economic and environmental goals.

The main processes and roles of Victorian statutory planning process are covered in detail, addressing the amendment of planning schemes, permitting processes, scheme administration and reviews (appeals). Finally, the relationship between these urban planning systems and other regulatory systems, such as Commonwealth environmental legislation and indigenous processes are examined, before turning to the question of possible reforms.

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This subject explores planning and policy making for productive and competitive urban settlements by investigating the economic drivers, activities, and interrelationships of cities and regions. You will examine how making and moving of goods, services, and jobs shapes the vitality, structure and governance of cities and regions. Complex planning issues, requiring judgements about the competing demands of economic development and social needs, are associated with the growth and decline of sectors and places in their particular urban contexts. Various economic perspectives and examples are used to show and interpret how urban activities and sectors – such as manufacturing, transport, services, recreation, and creative activities – have locational and network impacts within and between cities. Special attention will be paid to comparative analysis and innovation in developing cities and regions, and to the implications of market failures and inequalities produced by economic development activities, and to crucial socio-economic agendas including Indigenous issues.

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This subject introduces students to the theories, skills and tools used in strategic planning, from problem identification and site analysis; through demographic, economic, and social background research, including GIS; identification of alternatives and policy development; to creating an implementation, monitoring and evaluation plan.
There is a strong international comparative emphasis to this subject, including a focus on 'the real world' of governance in relation to ongoing debates about inclusive, socially just and environmentally sustainable cities.

This subject involves a site visit (field trip) which will run in place of the lecture and tutorial in week three. The site visit is an assessment hurdle requirement and students will be required to cover the local public transport costs.

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This subject was previously known as Urban Sustainability and Climate Change.

Human activity has altered the earth's natural environment significantly. This has resulted in biodiversity loss and warming of the earth’s climate, the implications of which are often distributed unequally. Organisations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have documented the risks associated with continued climate change. This has given rise to international agreements such as the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5oC. While there are increasing commitments by nation states to address this international goal through the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, actions to date have not been to the scale, and at the pace necessary to achieve it. The role of cities and urban activities in contributing to this goal must be enhanced, and the international goals translated across levels of policy.

This subject will provide students with an understanding of the key factors contributing to climate change and biodiversity loss, and their centrality to urban planning and broader built environment activities. Students will critically analyse the complex interrelationship between environmental processes, climate change, urban change, sustainability goals and urban planning policies. Current urban planning issues including: sustainability, climate change, resilience, and vulnerability; will be critically analysed and applied to current and future urban problems arising from climate change (e.g. sea level rise, urban heat). Local and global examples will be drawn upon. The subject’s learning activities will equip students with the capability to propose urban planning solutions to address climate change – through both the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation to unavoided impacts – to facilitate urban sustainability. Consideration of the equity and justice implications of proposed solutions will be facilitated.

Through completion of this subject students will be provided with exposure to cutting edge urban planning approaches to address and solve climate change and sustainability problems. Students will be well prepared to take elective subjects which focus in detail on environment, resilience and sustainability topics. A field trip to a site of interest to climate change and sustainability within Melbourne will be undertaken to embed learning in a real world urban planning example.

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Urban design is concerned with the shaping of public space at multiple spatial scales from lanes, streets and squares to the neighbourhoods and districts of the larger metropolis. Urban codes are the institutionalised principles governing the formation of public space, including morphology and forms of expression. This subject emphasises the development of urban design knowledge that is of value to urban planners and other related professionals, while critically reflecting on urban design as it is practised. Students will develop understandings of the nature of urban design, and the roles of other professionals in relation to it. The fundamental qualities of urban places are examined from an urban design perspective. These understandings form the basis of skills development in using urban codes as planning tools to achieve desirable urban design outcomes. An integrated program of lectures, studio workshops, fieldwork, and teamwork provide the basis for developing urban design understandings. Students will undertake hands-on urban design work, while reflecting critically upon the role of urban design, and the manner in which planning and urban design are interconnected.

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Urban governance and citizen participation influence both the structure of the planning process (e.g. who participates, and how and when they participate) and the built environment outcomes produced from this process. All practitioners who work in local and regional environments (built, natural, social) need to be aware of the strategies and techniques that can be employed to elicit involvement from the public and private sector, and the modes of governance that shape citizen and stakeholder participation at different scales of government and at different points in the planning process. This subject will impart to students the skills involved in encouraging and managing participation in the overall governance and planning of urban regions.

These skills include:

• Understand the concept of urban governance
• Understanding the influence of different forms of urban governance on processes of citizen participation
• Understand the nexus between the public and private sectors and civil society in planning for and managing cities
• Understand the role of local, State and Commonwealth government, the private sector and civil society in delivering and financing infrastructure and services
• Encouraging and managing citizen engagement using different participatory tools
• Understanding and assessing different characteristics of urban conflict
• Negotiation, mediation, consensus-building between government, the private sector and civil society in complex situations with deep value differences
• Have insight into comparative governance contexts through case studies from other countries
• Evaluation of citizen participatory processes

There will be considerable reliance on hand-on exercises based on case studies from Melbourne and around the world. The subject aims to be relevant to urban and social planners, landscape architects, urban designers, architects, property professionals, community developers, and environmental activities.

This subject replaces ABPL90315 Urban Governance, and was previously known as Participation and Negotiation.

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This individual study based subject is a capstone option for the completion of the Master of Urban Planning. Students will be supervised by an academic throughout the research process. Discussions with a supervisor allow the student to obtain advice and guidance for completion of an independent study.

The thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment:

• The focus of the first semester is developing a research question, undertaking a literature review related to that question and proposing methods to answer the research question (which may require ethics clearance).
• The second semester concentrates on the middle to final stages of research from the implementation of a research plan, to effectively interpreting and presenting results.

NOTE:
The MSD Minor Thesis requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment. Students can commence the Minor Thesis ( ABPL90396 MSD Minor Thesis Part 1) in either Semester 1 or 2 and must continue (ABPL90397 MSD Minor Thesis part 2) in the following semester. Upon successful completion of the MSD Minor Thesis, students will receive 25 points credit.

Further information on thesis supervisor availability and selection process is at https://edsc.unimelb.edu.au/graduate/subject-options/msd-studios/mup-studio

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Please refer to ABPL90396 MSD Minor Thesis Part 1

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Cities are home to more than half the world’s population. Climate change is increasingly impacting urban areas, with urban populations exposed to more severe and frequent heatwaves, extreme weather events, flooding, bushfires, sea level rise and other climate change impacts. Climate change and urbanisation impact urban environmental systems, biodiversity, food production and water supplies. Addressing the increasing urgency and magnitude of climate change and environmental issues facing cities, towns and urban settlements globally is a high priority for urban planners and policy makers.

The subject focuses on urban environmental policy and planning to address the impacts of urbanisation and climate change. It includes environmental policy and governance from the global to the local levels, engages with Indigenous perspectives and environmental justice, and provides case studies of environmental planning issues and responses. Topics such as nature-based solutions, biodiversity and habitat, urban water management, waste and energy are presented and discussed in an integrated manner addressing policy, planning and implementation.

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This subject explores the notion of resilience and its application to the planning, design and management of urban settlements at various scales. The notion of resilience is related to the capacity of systems to adapt to disruptions without them changing to entirely different states, which in the case of human settlements often results in catastrophic consequences for the inhabitants. The subject will explore approaches for enhancing existing settlements, as well as creating new ones, to be better prepared to confront future environmental changes, both predicted and unpredicted, as they occur, with a focus on changes associated with climate change, such as increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, as well as more gradual changes, such as rising sea levels. Students will explore ways of decreasing the vulnerability of urban settlements to these types of risks and while at the same time promoting sustainable development through planning and design interventions.

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This subject prepares students for environmental management roles by providing them with the principles of how human impacts on the environment might be detected and managed. The principles will be placed within the legal and social contexts of environmental impact assessment. At the completion of the subject, students should understand three aspects: prediction of the kind of changes that might occur with human activities; the design and implementation of proper monitoring programs that can detect changes; and assessment of those changes. Additionally, a strong emphasis is placed on the practical implementation of principles.

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This subject explores the principles of ecological systems. It will introduce basic ecological concepts and fundamental ecological systems, and their applications in landscape design. It will include plants and biomes, soils and water, spatial geometries, emergence, resilience, and the ecological performance of designs in relation to design speculations.

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Green infrastructure is the network of natural and designed vegetation elements within our cities and towns, in both public and private domains. Green infrastructure includes traditional green elements such as urban parks, gardens and trees, as well as newer green roofs, green walls and rain garden technologies. Green infrastructure provides a number of significant economic, social and environmental benefits and is an effective means of helping to adapt our buildings, communities and cities to climate change. In this subject students will gain insights into aspects of policy and planning, design and management of green-infrastructure and how it can improve ecosystem service provision in cities. The use of green infrastructure as ‘living architecture’ and the design considerations involved will be discussed. At the building scale, this will include an understanding of the improved energy efficiencies provided by green infrastructure and their role in building star energy rating systems. At the neighbourhood and landscape scale, the role and function of different green infrastructure technologies and systems will be discussed, including roles in ameliorating urban climates, improving urban water retention, use and quality providing more liveable urban communities for people and wildlife.

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Formerly FOOD90026

This subject examines the politics of the global food system, and will focus on the policies, structures, power relations and political debates surrounding the production, distribution and consumption of food. The impacts of food production and consumption on food security, health, the environment, animal welfare, and the livelihoods of producers, will be critically explored. Key theoretical frameworks and concepts for understanding the dominant paradigms and dynamics of the food system will be discussed and evaluated. Integrated policies and strategies for creating more sustainable and equitable food systems, and alternative paradigms and practices of production, distribution and consumption, will also be critically examined. This subject will primarily draw on theories and methodologies from the sociology and politics of food and agriculture, food policy, and the political economy and political ecology of food.

The topics and debates covered include:

• Food policy and governance at the global, national and local levels
• Food security, food sovereignty and the Global Food Crisis
• Global trading relations, free trade and fair trade
• Environmental impacts and sustainable forms of food production and consumption
• Animal production, factory farms and animal welfare
• Supermarkets and alternative retailing and distribution networks
• Agricultural paradigms and technologies: chemical-industrial agriculture, genetically modified foods, organic agriculture and agroecology
• Corporate concentration within and across sectors of the food system
• Competition for food and land: animal feed, biofuels and land-grabbing
• Food processing, food marketing, dietary advice and health
• Local and urban food production and planning
• Alternative paradigms and networks of food production, distribution and consumption

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Cities are responsible for more than 70% of energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The operation of buildings alone represents around 40% of energy use in many developed economies. Reducing energy use and transitioning towards zero greenhouse emissions in the built environment is therefore critical to sustain the Earth’s ecosystems and the general environmental equilibrium of the planet. This is further recognised by the UN sustainability goals, namely Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. With a growing world population, most of which going to live in cities, addressing this current and upcoming challenge is paramount.

The aim of this subject is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to analyse, quantify, visualise and improve the energy performance of buildings, neighbourhoods and cities, at different scales of the built environment, towards zero greenhouse gas emissions.

This subject is designed to capitalise on the multi-disciplinary nature of participants. As such, it uses active discussions, interactive problem solving, peer review and group work, among other teaching and learning activities. In addition, the major assessment task is designed to allow for a significant amount of flexibility as you will be able to determine the focus of your own assignment. You will also be able to vote to determine subject content towards the end of the semester.

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Placemaking is a worldwide movement focusing on the process, development and design of public or shared semi-private places through the active participation of the citizens. The aim of placemaking is to achieve place attachment which is linked to positive citizenship, health and safety. This subject outlines and critiques the placemaking process in relation to the long-term benefits of place. The subject is based on case-studies, and provides lectures and practical exercises on the critical steps of placemaking. Topics include: governance and community engagement strategies, negotiation processes, place evaluation, integrating nature into place and the economics of place. Different models for placemaking will be explored such as tactical urbanism, guerrilla urbanism, creative placemaking and regenerative placemaking. The subject has been written by the Place Agency Consortium, a group of five universities working towards enhancing place co-creation capacity in students and industry.

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This subject explores the histories not only of particular cities but also more broadly the historical development of spatial and social features of cities. Elements developed over time in both Australian and international urban areas are countenanced with a view to understanding how these have worked and might continue to work – through adaptation, reinvigoration, or refinement – in the urban context. The central question of the appeal and value of the city in the past and present is at the forefront. Understanding of city culture and the quality of the urban fabric over time is emphasised.

50% of the assessment of this course comes from a creative work produced individually by students which reflects on, and engages with, themes explored in the course: cities, creativity, society, history, urbanity, and culture.

Please note that this subject is only available to students admitted into a course at the Melbourne School of Design.

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This subject illustrates the body of work and research which links human behaviour to the design of the built environment. It explores the history of this research with a focus on interactions between humans and the physical environment in diverse urban settings. A case study approach is taken to develop insights into ways human environment interaction can be understood and how such information used to inform the evidence-based design of the built environment.

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This subject provides insight into the design briefing process for a range of facilities, with a specific focus on learning and health environments. Key issues addressed include how to effectively engage with users/occupants of buildings, collect data about their organisational objectives, activities and spatial requirements, and strategically link such information to the work of architects and other design consultants.

The subject examines evidence-based design, effective planning processes that include stakeholder engagement and consultation, change management, spatial literacy, and workplace cultures and pedagogies. Participants will develop skills associated with developing strategic briefs that translate organisational objectives and patterns of activity into spatial requirements, including affinity and relationship diagrams.

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This is an interdisciplinary studio-based subject that tackles practical spatial planning and environmental design issues in a real-world project. It focuses on creative analytical methods and communication skills to address urban planning and design challenges in complex socio-ecological systems. Through engagement with relevant industry stakeholders, fieldwork and empirical research, students explore a multitude of urban issues related to climate, biodiversity, circularity, health, equity, and inclusion (of both human and non-human entities as decision-making agents) to develop integrated strategies for regenerative urban futures. In this studio, students will develop systems thinking, and analytical skills for re-thinking the connections between the materiality of urban spaces, ecological entities and knowledge infrastructure. Individual self-guided work will be complemented by working in small groups of interdisciplinary teams for the development of teamwork, negotiation and leadership skills.

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This subject explores different understandings and expressions of social exclusion and inclusion in the city; what these contested concepts mean for urban planning; and how professional practice can respond to fashion inclusive cities. Case studies, working policy and theoretical perspectives are used to highlight key features of planning for inclusive cities, including for specific population groups like youth, Aboriginals, the disabled, older persons, refugees and women. Students will examine the lived experience of disadvantage in the city, analyse urban issues through different theoretical lenses and study relevant urban policy and project responses to promote inclusive cities.

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In recent years, there has been a greatly increased interest in the impacts of the built environment on health and wellbeing. At present, spatial inequalities in regards to access to jobs, affordable housing, social services, and healthy food results in a greater burden of disease for particular social groups and in particular geographic areas. Many of the health problems in cities today, including obesity, violence, and depression, are linked to poor residential and recreational environments, lack of access to jobs and social services, and low social cohesion. Urban decision-makers like planners and designers influence physical, social, natural, cultural, and economic environments. They therefore have a key role in ‘planning health in’, rather than ‘planning health out’, of communities.
This subject will provide a local and international background into current policies and practices related to pursuing health and well-being objectives as a central part of urban planning work. It will cover: the influence of planning over key health determinants, international good practice, the current legislative framework, and Health Impact Assessment. A strong skills focus will ensure that planners, designers and other professionals are able to assess existing sites, plans, and policies from a health perspective.

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Demographic ageing is creating a shift in how to think and define homes, cities and public spaces. This subject explores feasible and sustainable approaches to keep the older segment of the population physically and socially active. Innovative changes in design can lead to significant advancements in service delivery, transportation models and homes that allow people to age in place. In addition, design principles for dementia and palliative care are a few of the many concepts that help minimise stress on people as they age and their families. Students will explore these topics and develop their own ideas about the way design can optimise the ageing process for comfort, security and overall well-being.

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This subject develops the skills to understand and assess the social impacts of development, including international development projects, resource management, and proposed infrastructure or new policies. We do this in two ways: by looking at how to assess the impacts of proposed projects, and through evaluation techniques for existing developments or projects. In each case we develop practical skills and interdisciplinary techniques to appraise and evaluate impacts. These techniques draw from anthropology, development studies, and the policy sciences, and move beyond simple summative assessments and financial accounting. We consider the social and environmental contexts in which any form of appraisal is embedded, and the capacities of different actors (from the state to NGOs and community groups) to avert or mitigate negative impacts through learning, negotiation, and citizen participation. Examples, some presented by guest speakers, are drawn from Australia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. At the completion of the subject students will have developed the conceptual skills to understand the impacts of development; be familiar with the range of methodologies and techniques used in impact assessment; understand development evaluation; and will be able to apply this in critical evaluation of the impact of projects and programmes.

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The subject introduces students to social policy and provides a foundation for future inquiry. Students explore historical and contemporary welfare frameworks, concepts of social equity and theories of care. The subject captures different welfare approaches from the global north and south, and actively engages students in the steps of policy making and reform. Students also consider innovative responses to complex disadvantage and exclusion that are more inclusive, deliberative and devolved. These models include social impact bonds, place-based approaches and co-design/co-production. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and practical application, the subject prepares students to contribute to social policy development and implementation.

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The 2025 STUDIO CO-URBAN examines the various localised innovations and strategies that communities often self-organise to address crises such as climate change, pandemics, and the persistent issue of poverty and resource scarcity in urban areas. The studio will use "comparative urbanism" as a lens, which recognises the diversity of urban experiences and stays away from (often eurocentric) theoretical reductionism. Instead, it learns about urban conditions by closely examining a range of different empirical realities. It then compares these realities across places to develop southern knowledge that is more focused on the experiences of the people who live there. In the Indonesian context, students will investigate three major thematic areas: urban settlements, urban nature, and urban infrastructures. This is a multi-disciplinary studio bringing together students of urban planning, design, and architecture from Melbourne ABP and ITB Indonesia. Co-learning and co-design are at the heart of the studio; therefore, students will do initial research and fieldwork in group settings prior to delving into their individual project.

Note : The approximate cost is estimated at $2000 per person

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This subject investigates the concept of the global city region as a source of issues that require new approaches by planning decision-makers. It does so by establishing the way that global city regions can be identified, how they are shaped by economic and social forces, and in turn how their planning agenda requires new and innovative ideas and approaches.

The subject draws upon international experience in the development of the concept and in the illustration of the outcomes, but at critical stages the subject will refer to Australian examples. Successful learning in the subject will involve an effort to get to know and understand the character and planning issues confronting metropolitan areas that experience global city development forces and students are encouraged to read widely about cities, drawing where possible on web pages of planning agencies to capture recent policy debate.

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This subject explores ways to achieve global housing equity in informal settlements. Urbanisation and densification are the two most powerful processes that impact the quality of life in cities. While cities offer better opportunities through education, healthcare, employment and transport, poorly planned urbanization reinforce the already present challenges of poverty, informality, affordable housing, climate change, and inequity. As one billion urban residents lack access to affordable and secure housing and basic services, urban informality continues to challenge current approaches to urban development.

The Cities Without Slums subject will provide students with intellectual and creative tools to explore and explain the process of urbanization, the importance of housing, policies that give rise to slum formation and the persistence of slums. Specifically, this subject will:

• equip students with a critical mindset to analyse emerging ‘best-practice’ over the years and the roles of institutions in influencing and/or formulating national urbanization, housing and slum upgrading policies.
• engage students in making use of practice-oriented research, to employ case studies from around the globe and explore government-led, community-led, and community/local government partnership approaches to slum upgrading and the delivery of land and provision of basic services in the context of urban governance.
• help prepare students to effectively examine cross-cutting topics that underwrite inclusive and sustainable, well-managed cities, including regulatory frameworks, security of tenure, housing finance, land use and transport interaction and linkages, and affordable house designs.

The widening participation and collaboration that is happening between and across the public and private sectors as well as with civil society and the urban poor communities is an acknowledgment of the diverse roles actors and agencies can play, both in the Global South and the Global North, in shaping better cities for all.

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Many Asia-Pacific cities have undergone rapid urban development and change as they have become integrated into the global economy. The character of that integration has changed over time; at the same time social and political aspirations have been expressed in new demands for services and housing. This course will explore the urban planning implications of these changes in a city. It begins with a review of the global and local forces that have generated change in Asia-Pacific cities. This section will isolate key features for further investigation. These selected features will then be explored in ten days in the selected Pacific Asian city through a series of lectures, field inspections and field work. A third part of the course, involving seminar discussion, will be followed by report writing on planning issues in the selected city.

Approximates costs to students

This subject has international fieldwork component. Students will be required to cover travel (airfare), accommodation and food costs, estimated at $3500 per person.

Travel Location: Seoul, South Korea.

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Cities are at the heart of global challenges, from climate change to health, inequality and economic development, and have become active participants in proposing solutions to address these.

This subject focuses on city leadership, the institutions and trends that underpin it, and a set of strategic skills needed to deliver effective urban governance in the wake of these international challenges. The business of managing ‘who gets what, when and how’ in cities is becoming an increasingly complex and multilevel job that goes beyond the purview of locally oriented urban managers. Instead, it is intertwined with the agendas and influence of private sector, academia and community groups. The politics and governance of cities is changing the world over: from a leadership and brokering role played by private actors, the emergence of entrepreneurial and global cities, to different dynamics in emerging regions in the South, and the importance of international agendas and geopolitics in influencing the future of cities. The course offers students a space to engage with these changes, learn practical leadership skills, and do so in collaboration with expert partners who will collaborate with University lecturers in the delivery of the course content.

City Leadership stimulates students to engage with these themes by offering practical, hands-on, tools for ‘new’ urban management for students pursuing both public and private sector careers. It puts an emphasis on responsibility and collective leadership as key skills for today’s urban practitioners, whilst encouraging sound academic research in urban governance. The course is designed to build capacity with students to take up leadership as a ‘strategic’ activity in urban governance with an explicit international focus to support the development of a globally oriented practice of city leadership

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This subject will introduce students to the range of perspectives on urban planning systems and cultures offered by different disciplines. In a first half, political science, geography, history, business and urban planning disciplinary approaches to the aims and methods of comparison of urban planning systems will be examined. In the second half of the subject, a series of case studies of the main features and legal basis of different national planning systems and cultures of particular nations will be presented depending on staff availability and expertise. These national case studies are intended to illustrate the contrasts that exist in planning systems and cultures across the global north and south. The subject is intended as the basis from which to explore the other subjects available in this specialization.

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This subject was formerly called Transportation, Land Use and Urban Form

This subject examines the linkages between transport systems and the growth and form of urban regions. It introduces the theories linking transport systems to the urban footprint, and reviews some empirical analysis of those theories. The subject also traces the evolution of theories connecting transport and land use as they have evolved over time. The timeline of this subject begins in the 1950s and extends to the present.

This subject also introduces some of the tools used to evaluate and manage land use and transport systems, introduces strategies for integrated transport and land use planning, and examines empirical evaluations of these strategies. Major debates in the topic area are addressed. The subject develops students’ ability to apply and critically analyse the theories, tools, and strategies used in transport and land use planning, and to propose alternatives and innovations to those strategies.

This subject is taught in a seminar format. The format will include two hours of weekly guided discussion during which students are expected to have prepared to discuss several readings. There is also a one-hour lecture in which major skills-based topics are explained. These include accessibility modeling, the four-step transport model, and benefit-cost analysis.

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This subject explores skills required for transport planners who wish to improve the economic, environmental and social performance of urban transport systems. It draws on international experience and research to articulate the principles and practical techniques in two key areas:

• Public transport planning and network design; and
• The preparation of regional multi-modal transport plans.

This subject includes a half-day field trip involving use of public transport services in a chosen suburban region of Melbourne. This trip will be undertaken in small groups in week 3 and is a hurdle requirement. Students will require a valid Myki card, and the cost will not exceed a daily ticket in Zone 1.

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The aim of this subject is to provide students with an introduction to urban traffic engineering and transport planning principles. General theory as well as analytical techniques for solving common transport engineering and modelling problems are presented. The key theme in this subject is how to improve the efficiency and sustainability of transport systems. This includes basics of traffic flow theory, simulation, and operation models, and understanding and predicting travel demand in urban transport networks. Behavioural choice modelling methods are used with real data from the Melbourne Metropolitan Area to predict demand for all modes of transport including public transport and non-motorised transport modes. The concepts of accessibility, efficiency and sustainability are introduced in the context of urban transport systems, and transport safety measures and best practices are also introduced.

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This subject explores the politics of transport planning in cities and regions. It examines recent examples of transport planning in Australian cities and globally with a particular emphasis on how patterns of mobility and automobility have come to influence transport planning decisions. A dilemma is exposed between the political-economy and social desires to maintain automobile-dependency and the challenges this presents for ecological sustainability and social equity in the contemporary city and region. Urban transport politics brings to the foreground the changing roles of the public and private sector in the funding, construction, maintenance and operation of urban transport networks and the implications this has for the city and its people.

The subject examines a series of case studies that showcase the politics of transportation planning. Case examples will enable students to explore in-depth recent examples that showcase the changing political, economic and governance landscape shaping transportation planning. This includes such case studies as: contested tollway and light rail projects in Australian cities and internationally, the rise of car-sharing platforms and the anticipated roll-out of autonomous vehicles.

The subject is delivered in seminar form with readings, lectures (occasional guest lectures) and presentations from students. Students are encouraged to bring their ideas and views into class discussions

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AIMS

There is a need for civil engineers to increase their knowledge and skills in freight systems since they are actively involved in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and management of a range of freight infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports. Civil engineers require expertise in freight systems to reduce the social and environmental costs from freight including safety, noise and emissions. Training in freight systems also provides opportunities for freight networks to become more productive and efficient increasing economic benefits for society.

Freight infrastructure allows the freight system to operate, facilitating vital components of our economy, including production, distribution and trade.

The purpose of the freight system relates to its role in providing a service for the economy. Freight transport is a derived demand; it does not exist for its own sake. The primary demand is for the consumption of goods where there is spatial separation. Goods are generally stored, processed and consumed at different locations. There is a need for goods to move to increase their value for producers, manufacturers and consumers. Freight can be considered as the economy in motion. Goods are transported as part of the economic activities of production, manufacturing and consumption.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Freight networks provide a service for producers and manufacturers allowing access to markets for the consumption of goods. The benefit of goods being transported relates to their increased value at their trip destination. Reduced transport operation costs leads to lower production and distribution costs that creates opportunities for lower priced goods.

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This subject introduces the concepts of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its application in landscape architecture, urban planning and development. It will:

• introduce the origin and development of GIS respect to landscape architecture, urban planning and development;
• introduce basic GIS concepts, data structure, data format, and data management;
• introduce fundamental GIS operations such as digitising, overlay analysis, spatial analysis, hydrological analysis, 3D analysis, etc.;
• address key issues of applying GIS in planning, design and development, such as landscape capacity and suitability analysis, urban heat island analysis, water sensitive urban design, property management, etc.;
• place how GIS will facilitate site analysis, inform decision making and improve efficiency and productivity in planning, design and development.

The subject will be delivered through lectures/guest lectures, lab tutorials, workshops and practical sessions synthesising dominant themes in this fields of using GIS as tool to achieve sustainable design and ecological landscape planning.

Prescribed software programs with no cost
ESRI ArcGIS Pro

Details of software availability and pricing are captured at: https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/current-students/student-experience/it-support

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This subject explores contemporary theories and modes of critique relating to the design of the urban public realm. Emphasis is on how urban physical form responds to the economic, cultural, political, social, aesthetic and natural forces of an urbanised area. Assignments and class papers require students to critically engage with a broad range of theoretical positions, and relate them to local conditions.

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This subject provides an introduction to quantitative data analysis for the social sciences, focusing on the data and techniques commonly used in economic analysis of cities. It develops understanding and skill in the use of the collection, interpretation, analysis, and representation of information. Students learn about common economic data available from secondary sources. Students learn the fundamentals of data analysis, including how to define units of analysis, develop appropriate quasi-experimental designs, and construct reliable and valid indicators. Students also learn techniques for analysing and interpreting economic data, as well as population forecasting techniques. Using the above data, students are introduced to basic statistical analysis of small-sample and large-sample data. Topics include descriptive statistics, confidence intervals and power, hypothesis testing, measures of association, and an introduction to regression techniques.

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Understanding of social process and action is critical to effective land and environment management and social research skills are therefore valued by resource management agencies. This subject aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to design social research, which can be used to improve management of environments, agricultural and food systems. The subject presents a framework for understanding diverse approaches to social research; the relationship between theory and method is given particular emphasis.

The research process is considered step by step including scoping research issues, the evolution of research questions, and selection of appropriate methods. A number of research strategies are considered in more detail including survey research, case studies and action research. Social research ethics, quality in social research and advances in social research methods are examined.

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The subject concerns housing issues. The provision of housing is presented as a complex system of interplay between construction, finance, real estate and bureaucracy (and others). It considers the challenge of providing good homes to all within the context of consistent under-supply over decades and a policy preference for private sector delivery.

This subject has four components

1. The structure of housing provision. The roles and interplay between parts of the housing system including how markets work; the roles of developers, financiers, consumers and government; how the housing market works; supply, demand, role of property developers and the role of banks (including the growth of financialisation).
2. The contribution of housing form and planning for housing to the workings of cities.
3. The implications of market failure for certain population groups.
4. Low-income housing policy (e.g. social housing).

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A series of case studies will be conducted in one or two cities of an Asian country (chosen from China, Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, and Japan), over two intensive weeks.

Case studies are to be carried out in groups. They will cover a range of property, construction and infrastructure topics including project inception, project finance, project valuation and appraisal, urban planning policies and permits, project procurement and delivery, construction planning and management, construction technology and services, construction methods and equipment, construction and leasing contracts, and associated legal matters.

Candidates are required to arrange and pay for their own travel, accommodation and incidentals. The travel cost is estimated to be about AUD 3000 (AUD 1200 for travel and AUD 1800 for accommodation, food, local travel and incidentals). One preferred/ recommended budget accommodation option will be provided.

Note:

• Travelling time: 29 June-10 July 2026
• The student will receive a $500 subsidy in 2026

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As the real estate market becomes increasingly international, it is necessary to understand how specific national markets operate and how they relate to one another within an international system. With globalisation, capital flows with increasing ease between national economies, and many real estate market actors - users, investors, developers and financiers - now search for opportunities across national boundaries. Real estate services, such as agency or research, have become international in order to serve these requirements.

At the global level, the institutional environment of real estate is extremely diverse. There are wide national differences in the economic, political, social and legal contexts within which real estate markets operate. Variations in planning control, landlord and tenant law, methods of valuation, professional education, and the symbolic significance of landed property represent important examples, and there are many others. Real estate market analysis therefore has to translate between different systems, both literally in terms of working language and metaphorically in terms of differences in business practice and culture.

This subject is intended to provide a comprehensive analysis of international real estate markets examining the rationale for their existence and development, its links to economic change, international financial diversification and institutional adaptation. The subject also examines the role of, and changes in, business culture to provide an understanding of the behaviour of real estate markets. The subject allows comparison over time of real estate markets in different countries, showing differences in market characteristics and changes thereof. The entry of international companies and their role in market development is also examined.

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This subject aims to give students the knowledge and skills to be able to operate as a property professional in the area of development advice and decision making in property development. The subject integrates in the context of development climate change risk, sustainability, social and ethical considerations. The core content and competencies focus on:

• the development process and the major players;
• property market research and analysis;
• the decision to build;
• time value of money;
• appreciation of investment and market valuation methods;
• development appraisal including residual analysis and cash flow modelling;
• price and worth; risk, return and risk analysis.

This subject may involve the following software: ARGUS Estate Master, ARGUS Developer. Details of software availability and pricing are captured at https://msd.unimelb.edu.au/graduate-research/resources/it-support#software.

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Property is the choice of investors amongst many avenues of asset classes and constitutes a significant share of the global wealth. The economic performance of most developed countries is influenced by the performance of their real estate markets. The property investment has witnessed numerous cycles of growth and recession, and is now considered as a mature and sophisticated market. In order to attract even wider participation, and to meet the appetite of diverse range of investors, newer instruments (in particular) real estate derivatives, are being developed across the globe. While financial and commodity derivative products are being used widely, financial engineering in property is relatively recent. These products have the potential to offer better returns and diversification, while prone to significant risks as the potential to destabilize the operating environment is large. It would be imperative to have better risk management capacity to configure and utilize these instruments.

The aim of this subject is to expose you to the linkage between structured finance and property markets, and the functioning of financial engineering products prevalent in Property domain, in particular real estate derivates, and to equip you with knowledge, skills required to understand, analyse and value different derivative instruments

This subject is designed to capitalise on the multi-disciplinary nature of participants. As such, it uses active discussions, interactive problem solving, peer review and group work, among other teaching and learning activities. In addition, the major assessment task is designed to allow for a significant amount of flexibility as you will be able to determine the focus of your own assignment. You will also be able to vote to determine subject content towards the end of the semester.

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Realising The Knowledge Economy develops a holistic approach to the understanding and realisation of the urban knowledge economy, i.e., an urban development strategy that draws upon knowledge-intensive sectors and activities. In particular, the implications and impacts of this strategy in property development and management, the planning of housing and infrastructure, and the attraction of human capital and the (re)construction of our built environment will be critically discussed. The subject will cover the various theoretical bases for the centrality of knowledge to the performance of urban economies, these knowledge will be used to analyse different models of planning, development and management of key knowledge spaces. It will also cover how property, the labour market and our built environment react to a knowledge-based development strategy worldwide.

Adopting a student-led learning approach, this subject is designed to capitalise on the multi-disciplinary nature of the student cohort. It uses case studies, active discussions, interactive problem solving, scenario analysis, peer review and group work, among other teaching and learning activities. An essential part of this subject is a group fieldwork around Melbourne to collect data on selected innovation districts and precincts, which requires innovative applications of your learning

Incidental Cost

This subject involves site visit( field work). Students are required to pay for their own travel.

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This subject sets out the key mechanisms by which land use planning can reduce the risks associated with human settlements located in bushfire prone areas. It begins with an overview of bushfire as a natural hazard that occurs in particular landscapes, and the ways that human settlements interact with these to result in spatial and locally particular risk outcomes.

The ways that urban planning mechanisms can influence risk levels in bushfire prone areas are explored. First principles of planning intervention techniques are set out, followed by a detailed explanation of relevant elements of Victorian planning processes. Current regulatory approaches suitable for the treatment of bushfire risk in Victoria are a core learning outcome for the subject, in parallel with developing understandings of the inter-relations between building, planning, response and land management agencies related to bushfire risk reduction.

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This subject covers the fundamentals of how domestic buildings respond to bushfire in a planned environment context and explores how land use planning can help mitigate associated risks. Students work from the science fundamentals through to the policy and legislation frameworks that tackle bushfire risk mitigation through to building design and planning. The course covers essential planning intervention techniques, along with developing understandings of the inter-relations between building, planning, response and land management agencies related to bushfire risk reduction. With successful completion of the course, students will be well equipped to judge and implement design solutions within the scope of building and planning regulations relating to bushfire risk management.

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This subject explores the notion of resilience and its application to the planning, design and management of urban settlements at various scales. The notion of resilience is related to the capacity of systems to adapt to disruptions without them changing to entirely different states, which in the case of human settlements often results in catastrophic consequences for the inhabitants. The subject will explore approaches for enhancing existing settlements, as well as creating new ones, to be better prepared to confront future environmental changes, both predicted and unpredicted, as they occur, with a focus on changes associated with climate change, such as increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, as well as more gradual changes, such as rising sea levels. Students will explore ways of decreasing the vulnerability of urban settlements to these types of risks and while at the same time promoting sustainable development through planning and design interventions.

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The course covers the fundamentals of fire behaviour and the key drivers. Students will examine the importance of the key factors affecting fire behaviour including fuels, weather, topography and ignitions. Methodologies for measuring fuels, fuel moisture, and weather will be examined through theoretical and practical approaches. Using these skills, students will learn computer and manual approaches for predicting the extent and intensity of landscape fires in a range of ecosystems. Finally, we will assess the potential changes to fire patterns under global climate change.

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The course covers the fundamentals of setting and achieving bushfire management objectives for ecological and fire protection purposes in natural ecosystems. It covers the contents of a fire management plan, setting objectives, developing fire prescriptions, undertaking monitoring and evaluation of the management process, and review.

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