Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)/Bachelor of Laws

The Bachelor of City Planning (Honours)/Bachelor of Laws at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a comprehensive double degree that prepares students to shape Australia's urban future while mastering legal expertise. Delivered over seven years of full-time study in Sydney, this program blends theoretical foundations with practical skills in both city planning and law, creating graduates adept at navigating laws and policies impacting urban environments.

This honours-level program is structured with a sequence of units of study, each carrying a set number of credit points that count towards the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) requirements. Students undertake core subjects in both city planning, focusing on sustainable urban design, transport systems, and community development, and in law, covering areas such as constitutional, criminal, and environmental law. The final stages usually involve an honours research thesis or substantial capstone project, allowing students to critically assess contemporary issues and produce original research or practical outcomes under academic supervision.

Australian qualifications such as this often incorporate work-integrated learning components, including professional placements. These practical experiences, particularly in planning and legal settings, enable students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects and build vital industry networks. The UNSW’s proximity to government, industry, and legal precincts in Sydney enhances access to internships, clinics, and guest speakers drawn from Australia’s leading organisations.

This degree suits students with interests in both urban development and the legal frameworks governing society. Graduates gain analytical, research, negotiation, and policy interpretation skills highly valued by employers. International students must demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 7.0+ for law) and should consult the official UNSW page for the most accurate entry requirements. While studying, international students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and upon graduation, may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to gain post-study work experience in Australia.

• Urban Planner or City Planner in local or state government departments
• Environmental or Sustainability Consultant
• Lawyer specialising in planning, environmental, or property law (upon completion of further legal training as required in Australia)
• Policy Analyst for public agencies or think tanks
• Urban Policy Adviser in the private or non-profit sectors
• Strategic Planner for property development or infrastructure firms
• Legal associate or solicitor in multidisciplinary planning consultancies

Graduates are sought after in Australian industries such as government, legal services, urban development, transport planning, and consulting. Sydney's vibrant planning and legal sectors offer diverse career opportunities for qualified professionals.