Drive change through research for regions of the future.

The planning profession demands real-world solutions for the constantly changing environment we live in. Work with industry experts to conduct research that will advance the way town planners approach complex issues, and provide new insights into the evolving needs of diverse communities and regions, both within Australia and globally.

In this advanced program, you’ll complete one required research course and an original thesis on a topic of your choice, from coastal management to water allocation and planning, urban planning and design issues to dispute resolution, and more.

This program is designed for planning professionals who hold a degree accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia and are looking to advance their careers in the planning industry.

In this program you will:

• Produce original research on an area of professional interest
• Develop advanced skills in research design, analysis and written communication
• Advance the way town planners approach complex issues, and contribute to the future of planning practice

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

During candidature you must complete one required course, SCS725 Advanced Social Research, and compile a thesis of 30,000–35,000 words.

You are required to conduct research that can be written up as a scholarly thesis. You must demonstrate research competency and the ability to make a significant and original contribution to the body of knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation.

As a candidate you must clearly articulate in your research outline, the topic, background, rationale, research question, aim and objectives, methodology, research methods and techniques, and timeframe. Your research outline is to include a literature review that relates to the research question and objectives.

The results of your research activities should be presented succinctly and accurately and as necessary could be supported by more detailed annexures. Your syntheses analysis and discussion must clearly focus on the research question and the objectives of the work.

Conclusions and recommendations must be drawn from your analysis and discussion and reflect the attainment of the aim and the way in which the research question is addressed.