These activities have developed out of Griffith's major teaching and research area of environmental science and as a result provide professional training in the growing areas of environmental planning and management, resource planning and natural area planning. The University's activities in Architecture and Building are recognised by the Royal Australian Planning Institute and graduates are able to apply for membership to the Royal Australian Planning Institute. This course has been designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for professional regional and town planning. To meet the requirements of the Royal Australian Planning Institute, you will be required to undertake specialised subjects in planning theory and design, as well as professional practice. First year comprises foundation studies in ecology, physical sciences, human society and policy, together with exposure to planning and environmental case studies.
Equal weight is given to the social and biophysical foundations required for planning.
Local governments employ the majority of planners in Australia. Australian-trained planners also find employment overseas in both developed and developing countries. Developers, community groups, local councils and other government bodies contract planning consultancies. Large development companies increasingly employ their own planners to develop and implement proposals. This degree will enable you to practise in all of these areas.