| AQF Level |
Level 9 Masters by Coursework Degree |
| CRICOS Code |
077561G |
| Overview and Aims of the Program |
The Master of Environmental Planning is interdisciplinary and flexible degree aimed at preparing students for a variety of planning positions in the public and private sector. The degree is accredited by the Australian Institute of Planning and builds on urban and environmental studies program that commenced in 1978.
A key feature of the degree is its focus on environmental management and sustainability and how it applies to strategic land use planning and assessment. The degree also enable students to pursue special interests in resources management, sustainable development, urban and regional planning, environmental law and policy, social impact assessment, community consultation and spatial sciences.
A distinctive feature across the degree is the development of skills needed for the practicing planner. These culminate in an applied research project acting as a consultant for a planning organisation and a major work integrated project to demonstrate your knowledge and skills for your new career in the planning profession. The curriculum is based on lectures, workshops, tutorials and importantly field visits to ground theory to practice. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1. demonstrate advanced practical and applied knowledge of environmental planning theory incorporating legal and governance principles, processes and practice (K)
2. critically evaluate planning and sustainability theories and apply this knowledge to contemporary issues across spatial and temporal scales (K, T, P)
3. interpret and apply planning policies and instruments (K)
4. evaluate the implications of contemporary urban and regional planning issues and how they impact on the environment and society (K, T, P, J)
5. demonstrate capacity to make ethical decisions in relation to professional planning practice (E, J)
6. synthesise core principles of urban and regional planning within an interdisciplinary context. (P, K).
SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES
7. evaluate planning instruments and policies, interpreting their impact on urban and regional environments (K, T)
8. undertake research that gathers, analyses and applies data to solve complex planning problems, create strategic plans and assess development proposals (P, J)
9. demonstrate skills of professional literacy, including communication (oral, written, graphical), information technology (e.g. GIS), interpersonal (teamwork, negotiation, resolution) and ethical conduct (C)
10. devise innovative solutions to environmental problems within a planning context (P, J, T). |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
You will be encouraged throughout this program to develop the relevant subject skills, methods, knowledge and understanding through a variety of independent and collaborative activities. The program is structured so that you engage in a set of required units while also being able to choose from a pool of related units designed to increase your overall understanding and to allow you to further specialise in particular areas. Within this structure you will be exposed to diverse teaching and learning approaches that are designed to be student-centred and flexible, providing opportunities to pursue a range of options oriented towards fitting your schedules.
The teaching and learning approaches are designed to encourage creative and critical thinking about environmental and planning issues as well as a range of practical skills oriented towards professional development. Teaching and learning strategies include weekly workshops that typically involve a lecture accompanied by in-class activities involving peer-to-peer learning; block-mode teaching where teaching is condensed into extended blocks involving guest lectures and practical activities spread over two or three days; and field trips to research sites, to collect and analyse data and critically assess the impact of development on the environment. In each case staff work closely with students to ensure the best learning outcomes. The program mixes the knowledge and skills of academic staff with practicing professionals who play a prominent role in many of the teaching and learning activities.
Within the program there is an emphasis on student directed learning through peer-to-peer interaction and discussion, drawing on the diverse skills and backgrounds of people within the class. Students are expected to research subjects outside class time and present that research via a variety of formats in class. Many units are aimed at developing professional teamwork skills and require students to work in small teams to generate and present ideas and research. There are also opportunities to apply skills and knowledge to practical ‘real world’ problems by producing research reports for public, private and community sector organisations.
An important feature of the program is the preparation of two major written reports aimed at transitioning students to employment in the profession. The first is a group ‘consultancy’ where students have to respond to a brief prepared by an environmental or planning organisation and includes a formal presentation to their client. The second provides students with an opportunity to undertake a work-integrated project relevant to urban, social and environmental planning and is designed to develop knowledge and skills for a new career path in the environmental planning profession. This may involve students undertaking a work-placement or project for a range of sectors (government, industry, not-for-profit, professional associations) or producing an applied research project. |
| Assessment |
You will be exposed to a wide range of assessment tasks through this program. The majority of these are individual pieces of work oriented at developing the critical thinking, practical and communication skills required for a career as an environmental planner. The most common assessments involve writing essays and reports on contemporary environmental and planning topics; writing reviews and evaluations of current policies and approaches; and making presentations and participating in discussions with your peers. Other individual assessment tasks may include quizzes, exams, proposals, research projects, academic papers, critical reflections and the application of relevant environmental planning skills. You will also be required to work in groups on group assessment tasks that will reflect your knowledge, as well as teamwork and communication skills.
Clear standards and criteria for coursework are included in the unit guide. Marking rubrics provided for specific assessment tasks to help students clarify what is expected. Feedback on submitted assignments takes a range of forms but will generally involve written notes regarding the strengths and weaknesses of your work as well as either quantitative or qualitative assessment in accordance to the assessment marking rubric. Teaching staff also provide feedback in-class or through personal appointments for further feedback and guidance. Constructive peer feedback may be sought for some assessment tasks, particularly those that require presentations. When conducting research for a public, private or community sector organisation as part of your training, feedback will also be sought from these entities. |
| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl undefined |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Graduate opportunities include work with the following:
• State government - strategic planning, policy development and research, statutory planning, development assessment and control, environmental and social impact assessment.
• Local Government - strategic planning, statutory planning, development assessment and control, environmental impact assessment.
• Federal Government - policy development and research, environmental and social impact assessment.
• Private Sector - specialist and multidisciplinary environmental management, planning and engineering consultancies, development companies and agencies.
• Non Government Organisations - advocacy and lobby groups, peak interest and action groups, research organisations. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
| Accreditation |
This is an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) accredited qualification.
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
Re-accredited by PIA in 2013 for 4 years. |
