The philosophy of the program treats planning from a social science perspective rather than as a specifically technical occupation. The strength of the program is in environmental disciplines. Architecture, building, development control and urban design are all taught. The degree is taught on campus and through distance education. It is thus possible to study from anywhere in the world.
Students can change modes of study at any time.
The program has a 12 week practical experience component. Internal on-campus students are encouraged to seek employment in planning from their third year, and to transfer to distance education mode. Because more than half of students study externally, class sizes on campus are generally small. Each year's cohort consists of about 50 students, half internal and half external. Students and staff are encouraged to get to know each other on first name terms from the first year.