Human Geography and Planning is about understanding and guiding the development of cities and regions.
Introduction
This course is concerned with the creation of liveable communities, vibrant economies and sustainable places. Development must grapple with the challenges of ecological sustainability, a culturally diverse world, new demographic pressures and global markets. The Human Geography and Planning major develops varied skills and knowledge, drawing on geography, economics, architecture, sociology and environmental science.
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Course description, features and facilities
Human Geography and Planning focuses on some of the major challenges facing society, including the population explosion, rapid urbanisation, poverty and homelessness, land use conflict, cultural diversity, economic development, and ecological sustainability. Students are also provided with the knowledge and skills to help resolve major urban and regional problems. Ultimately, graduates will contribute to the creation of liveable communities, vibrant economies and sustainable places. Teaching methods consist of lectures from leading experts and industry partners, practical and computer classes, portfolio development, as well as tutorials. This major also includes field work and three field trips of two to three days. UWA is well equipped for teaching and research in human geography and planning and our teaching is supported by the world class research of the Centre for Regional Development and the Urban Design Centre of Western Australia (UDC). UWA has strong links with the Planning Institute Australia (WA). This major provides a pathway to full recognition as a professional planner.
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Student profile
Student profile – Nicola Bawden
I enjoyed studying Geography in high school, but found it difficult to decide on a particular Uni course as my interests also lay in several other areas. Human Geography and Planning proved the perfect compromise as it has a multidisciplinary nature; understanding how environments, economies and societies interact at a variety of geographic scales, ranging from the local to the global.
There are many new challenges facing society today such as urbanisation, climate change and globalisation, which will have important implications for both urban and regional planning in the future. Throughout the course you develop both the knowledge and skills needed to resolve such issues and conflicts in a combination of theory and practical field trips.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Professional Recognition
The Human Geography and Planning major provides a pathway to full recognition as a professional planner. Students who follow on to complete honours in Urban and Regional Planning will be eligible to apply for professional membership to the Planning Institute of Australia. Graduates will also be eligible to apply for membership to the Institute of Australian Geographers.
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Career opportunities
Planners and Geographers are employed by local governments, state governments (such as the Department of Planning) and in private practice, in areas such as regional development, public administration, public policy, social research, teaching, and land development. Graduates with this major are also employable internationally, helping to solve social, economic and environmental problems in other parts of the world.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
Students with a Human Geography and Planning major can pursue further studies at
Honours level (in either Human Geography or Urban and Regional Planning) or at Masters level (either by coursework or by research). Students with honours in Urban and Regional Planning will be eligible to apply for professional membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
| Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) | 80 |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
|---|
French Baccalaureat
| 12 |
International Baccalaureate
| 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
| 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
| 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
| 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
| 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
| 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
| 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
| 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
| 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
| 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
| 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
| 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
| 15.70 |
German Abitur
| 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
| 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
| 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
How to apply
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
How to apply
This contains text about How to Apply - International
Fees
$24866, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
- About UWA
- Find out what makes UWA an internationally recognised university.
- Foundation and preparatory courses
- There are a range of programs available to help give you the opportunity to gain the academic qualifications or prerequisites required for admission to UWA.
- Social life on campus
- There are over 20,000 students enrolled at UWA - lots of new friends not only from Perth and Western Australia but from all areas in Australia and around the world.
