Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
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The University of Melbourne introduced Australia's first studies in architecture in the 1860s. In 1927 it established the first full-time architecture course. Since then, courses in other disciplines of the built and natural environment have followed. Today, the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning trains architects, builders, quantity surveyors, facility planners and managers, environmentalists, landscape architects and urban planners.
The Faculty aims to produce professionals skilled in investigation, analysis, problem-solving and communication who are motivated to contribute significantly to professional and community life.
As the first part of their training, students undertake the Bachelor of Planning and Design (BPD) degree course, a three-year (minimum) pre-professional program in either architecture or building.
Most of the subjects taken at BPD level in architecture and building are compulsory but there is scope to take a wide range of subjects outside these disciplines. An honours program in fourth year is offered to students who have done particularly well in the BPD (Building). The courses are offered only on a full-time basis.
The BPD provides students with foundation studies in their chosen discipline. To gain a professional qualification, graduates of the BPD must continue their studies in an appropriate post-BPD course at either bachelor or master's level.
Applications for entry to the post-BPD professional courses are also accepted from students who have completed studies elsewhere. Architecture applicants are expected to have completed studies equivalent to the BPD at a recognised school of architecture. Building applicants should normally have completed studies equivalent to the BPD, but may also be considered on the basis of related studies. Both architecture and building applicants require appropriate work experience. For landscape architecture and urban planning, applicants may be graduates of the BPD or another appropriate degree. In cases where a student's qualifications are deficient for direct entry to a post-BPD professional course, preliminary studies of up to one full-time year may be available to compensate for the deficiency.
Entry to the master's programs is normally subject to applicants having achieved an average of 70% in their last year of full-time study. Application for entry to all post-BPD courses must be made through the Faculty Office.
The academic requirements for professional qualification in each discipline are:
Architecture: Completion of the BPD (Architecture) (three years), one year of approved practical experience, and the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) (two years).
Building or Quantity Surveying: Completion of the BPD (Building) (three years) and the Bachelor of Building (BBldg) (one year), or the BPD(Hons) (four years) and the Master of Building (MBldg) by coursework (one year full-time, two years part-time). All students must complete one year of approved practical training before entering the post-BPD course.
Environmental Planning: Completion of the BPD(Hons) (four years) or the Master of Environmental Studies (MEnvS) by coursework - last intake was in 1994 (two years full-time, four years part-time).
Landscape Architecture: Completion of the BPD(Hons) (four years) and the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLArch) by coursework (one year full-time, two years part-time).
Urban Planning: Completion of the BPD(Hons) (four years) and the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) by coursework (one year full-time, two years part-time), or the BPD (Planning) (three years) and the Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning (BTRP) (one year).
The Faculty maintains close links with five professional institutes, each of which recognises and accredits academic qualifications awarded by the Faculty. They are the Australian Institute of Building, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and Royal Australian Planning Institute.
Research activity is maintained at a high level, covering key areas such as planning and design, construction and cost management, history and conservation of the built and natural environments.
Master's degrees by research can be taken in architecture, building, environmental studies, landscape architecture, and town and regional planning. Candidates are expected to complete a major research study and prepare a thesis based on the research project.
Architecture master's candidates may choose to present design work as a part of their research. In all cases, only applicants with an appropriate academic background are admitted. In some cases preliminary studies may be approved as a bridging course for students of other disciplines.
Further information about master's degrees by both coursework and research should be sought from the Faculty Office.
Note: The last intake for the BPD (Planning) was in 1994. The planning program offers returning and continuing students three streams of study: environmental studies, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Students of planning must choose to major in one of these streams in the second year of their course. A combined course of Bachelor of Arts/BPD (Planning) is also offered. Students of planning may obtain the two degrees in five full-time years of study. (Normally, each degree requires three years of study.) The last intake for the Bachelor of Arts/BPD (Planning) was in 1994. The combined course requirements are set out in the section following the BPD (Planning) program.
The general objectives of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning are to:
Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture)
Bachelor of Architecture (Pass or Honours)
Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Building
Master of Architecture
Master of Planning and Design
Doctor of Architecture
The emphasis of the architecture program is on the design of buildings and the management of the building process, involving studies in design, building technology, history and theory, and architectural management. Graduates become architects who can undertake general practice or choose to specialise. The range of specialisations open to architects includes commercial, industrial and institutional developments, housing, historic building conservation and renovation, and building interiors. An architectural qualification is highly portable, with many graduates choosing to work as architects overseas. An architectural education has also proved to be a useful basis for a range of design-related careers such as industrial design, furniture design, interior design, landscape design, and urban design. It is also a useful preparation for careers in design management, in such areas as urban planning, facilities management, project management and development, conservation and heritage management, and public art. Most design-related careers or careers in design management require additional academic qualifications, and it is not unusual for BArch graduates to undertake further graduate or postgraduate studies.
Architecture and building students undertake a common first semester in the first year of their BPD and take common core subjects in every year of their respective courses. The flexible structure of the BPD (Architecture) course allows students to gain experience of the wider professional and cultural context of architectural practice by taking subjects in landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and design. Students, through their choice of these options, are able to avoid up to a semester of preliminary subjects that are currently required of BPD (Architecture) graduates who want to gain entry into the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLArch) and the Master of Urban Planning (MUP).
The Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture) is a three year, full-time course. It is the pre-professional degree leading to entry into the BArch. On completing the BPD (Architecture), students who have obtained the required standard in their BPD pass degree and who wish to pursue a career in architecture are required to undertake a period of practical work experience before enrolling in the twoyear BArch course-the professional degree recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Architects Registration Board of Victoria.
Graduates of the BPD (Architecture) course who have obtained the required standard in their BPD pass degree may choose to undertake a combined professional degree in architecture and building, the BArch/BBldg. Alternatively, they may choose to pursue professional careers in building, landscape architecture, urban design or urban planning by enrolling directly in the BBldg, MLArch, MPD or MUP degree courses. These professionally recognised courses are generally of two years duration (and may require further preliminary studies). BPD (Architecture) graduates may also choose to undertake the BArch followed by the MUP or the MLArch, completing the second professional degree with as little as one year of additional academic study.
The Bachelor of Planning and Design (Architecture) course has as its objectives that graduates:
First Year
Semester 1
702-101 Introduction to Design 12.5 points
702-120 Communications 1A 12.5
702-137 Building Technology 1A 12.5
Plus a subject from Group A, below 12.5
Semester 2
702-103 Architectural Design and Practice 1 12.5
702-121 Communications 1B 12.5
702-138 Building Technology 1B 12.5
Plus a subject from Group B 12.5
Total 100.0
Second Year
Semester 1
702-204 Architectural Design and Practice 2A 12.5
702-237 Building Technology 2A 12.5
702-208 Computers in Architecture 12.5
Plus a subject from Group C or G 12.5
Semester 2
702-206 Architectural Design and Practice 2B 12.5
702-238 Building Technology 2B 12.5
702-219 Built-Environment Sciences 12.5
Plus a subject from Group D or H 12.5
Total 100.0
Third Year
Semester 1
702-303 Architectural Design and Practice 3 12.5
702-337 Building Technology 3A 12.5
702-343 Environmental Design (or a subject from 12.5
Group G)
Plus a subject from Group E or G 12.5
Semester 2
702-340 Design 3 12.5
702-338 Building Technology 3B 12.5
702-305 Theories of Architecture 12.5
Elective (or a subject from Group F) 12.5
Total 100.0
Group A
(Semester 1 subjects available to 1st Year BPD students)
702-102 The City in History A: Architecture, 12.5 points
Landscape, Construction
702-131 European Architecture A: Foundations of 12.5
Western Design and Building
Group B
(Semester 2 subjects available to 1st Year BPD students)
702-132 European Architecture B: The 12.5 points
Renaissance to the Enlightenment
705-216 History of Landscape Architecture 12.5
705-182 The City in History B: Human Settlement 12.5
702-217 History of Building Construction 12.5
or: A second language subject
Group C
(Semester 1 subjects available to 2nd Year BPD students)
702-231 Modern Architecture A: The 19th Century 12.5 points
702-102 The City in History A: Architecture, 12.5
Landscape, Construction
702-131 European Architecture A: Foundations of 12.5
Western Design and Building
702-233 Asian Architecture A: South and 12.5
Southeast Asia (Available in even years
only)
Group D
(Semester 2 subjects available to 2nd Year BPD students)
702-132 European Architecture B: The 12.5 points
Renaissance to the Enlightenment
705-416 Landscape History 12.5
705-182 The City in History B: Human Settlement 12.5
702-217 History of Building Construction 12.5
702-234 Asian Architecture B: China and Japan 12.5
(Available in odd years only)
702-232 Modern Architecture B: The 20th Century 12.5
or: A second language subject
Group E
(Semester 1 subjects available to 3rd Year BPD students)
702-231 Modern Architecture A: The 19th Century 12.5 points
702-331 Australian Architecture A 12.5
702-233 Asian Architecture A: South and 12.5
Southeast Asia (Available in even years
only)
702-102 The City in History A: Architecture, 12.5
Landscape, Construction
702-131 European Architecture A: Foundations of 12.5
Western Design and Building
Group F
(Semester 2 subjects available to 3rd Year BPD students)
702-132 European Architecture B: The 12.5 points
Renaissance to the Enlightenment
705-416 Landscape History 12.5
705-182 The City in History B: Human Settlement 12.5
702-217 History of Building Construction 12.5
705-484 Landscape Heritage 12.5
702-234 Asian Architecture B: China and Japan 12.5
(Available in odd years only)
702-332 Australian Architecture B 12.5
702-232 Modern Architecture B: The 20th Century 12.5
Group G
(Semester 1 subjects not available to 1st Year BPD students)
705-294 Plants and Planting Design 12.5 points
Group H
(Semester 2 subjects not available to 1st Year BPD students)
705-172 Introduction to Planning and Development 12.5 points 705-395 Landscape Technology 12.5 705-317 History of Urban Planning 12.5
The BArch is a two-year, full-time course of 200 points. It is available at both pass and honours levels. The course satisfies the academic requirements for registration by the Architects Registration Board of Victoria and for membership of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. An additional requirement of registration is a minimum of two years of approved professional experience in architecture.
The Bachelor of Architecture course has as its objectives that graduates:
Generally, to gain entry, graduates of the BPD (Architecture) or its equivalent must have: completed one academic year (26 weeks) of approved practical experience undertaken after the completion of the BPD.
Applicants from other institutions may be required to present to the Selection Committee a portfolio of their design work that convincingly demonstrates the ability to complete the BArch course. Such applicants may then be required to attend an interview. Applicants from other institutions may also be required to undertake preliminary studies.
Students are considered to be in a particular year level of the course until they have completed all the compulsory and electives points requirements for that level of study.
First Year
Semester 1
702-403 Architectural Design and Practice 4 25.0
702-420 Design Theory 12.5
Elective 12.5
Semester 2
702-440 Design 4 12.5
702-412 Advanced Services 12.5
702-405 Architectural Practice A 12.5
Elective 12.5
Total 100.0
Second Year
Semester 1
702-503 Architectural Design and Practice 5 25.0
702-519 Construction Law 12.5
Elective 12.5
Semester 2
702-540 Design 5 12.5
702-505 Architectural Practice B 12.5
Electives 25.0
Total 100.0
History subjects
To graduate BArch, students are required to have completed 62.5 points of approved history subjects by the end of the BArch course. All or some of these subjects can be undertaken in the BPD(Architecture) course with any shortfall in the requisite points being undertaken in the BArch course.
Contextual and complementary studies
BArch students are required to use the electives available in the BArch course (totalling up to 62.5 points) to complement their architectural studies. Normally 12.5 points will be given over to an Investigation Program (in Semester 1 of BArch 2nd year). Each student will be expected to develop an approved program of studies for these electives. When developing these elective programs, students-with the approval of the Dean-may choose subjects offered in other faculties (including second language subjects). When developing a program of BArch elective studies, students should be guided by the subject lists published by the Faculty for this purpose.
The elective program in the BArch also permits architecture students to undertake subjects in the MUP and the MLArch. With appropriate course planning, BArch graduates will be able to complete a professionally accredited MUP or MLArch in one additional year of academic study. Electives also provide pathways into research. Appropriately prepared BArch graduates should then be able to complete the MArch research degree (either by thesis or by design) in as little as one full-time calendar year.
The professionally accredited combined architecture and building course (BArch/BBldg) is open to graduates of both the architecture and the building streams of the BPD and allows graduates to complete the two professional degrees in a minimum of seven years (ie six full-time academic years plus the mandatory industry experience requirement of one year). The BArch is recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. The BBldg is recognised by the Australian Institute of Building and also by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (provided that the subject 702-483 Advanced Quantity Surveying is completed).
Having the two professional degrees allows graduates to combine the architecture course's strengths in design with the building course's strengths in management. The career opportunities for graduates with professional accreditation in both architecture and building are considerable. Graduates can operate at a much more effective level of professionalism as either architects or as builders, or as architect/builders; and they can also follow careers in the field of project management, and in package building (such as turn-key operations and design and construction).
Admission to the course is open to graduates of both the BPD (Architecture) and BPD (Building) courses who have achieved an average grade of H3 (65%) or above in the 3rd year of the BPD. Graduates of the BPD (Building) will also need to have completed a recommended architecture design subject as one of their electives, and graduates of the BPD (Architecture) will need to have completed the subject 306-102 Accounting Concepts as their elective. A minimum of a year of logged work experience in the building industry (architecture and/or building) must be undertaken before admission to the BArch/BBldg. For entry from other institutions, applicants will need to hold a similar qualification and may be required to undertake preliminary studies.
The course is of three years duration including a program of prescribed preliminary subjects totalling 100 points. On successful completion of the preliminary year, students will be enrolled in the two-year BArch/BBldg course set out below.
The Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Building course has as its objectives that graduates:
First Year (Preliminary program for BPD (Architecture) graduates)
Semester 1 702-216 Cost Management 2 12.5 702-236 Management of Construction 2 12.5 702-308 Building Structures and Construction 3A 12.5 702-319 Construction Law 12.5 Semester 2 451-102 Introduction to Surveying 12.5 702-310 Building Methods and Equipment 12.5 702-361 Cost Management 3 12.5 702-316 Management of Construction 3 12.5 Total 100.0
First Year (Preliminary program for BPD (Building) graduates)
Semester 1
702-303 Architectural Design and Practice 3 12.5
702-208 Computers in Architecture 12.5
702-343 Environmental Design 12.5
Approved Architectural History Elective 12.5
Semester 2
702-206 Architectural Design and Practice 2B 12.5
702-305 Theories of Architecture 12.5
702-232 Modern Architecture B 12.5
702-338 Building Technology 3B 12.5
Total 100.0
Second Year: BArch/BBldg Year 1
Semester 1
702-403 Architectural Design and Practice 4 25.0
702-411* Advanced Construction 12.5
702-413* Project Administration 12.5
Semester 2
702-412 Advanced Services 12.5
702-440 Design 4 12.5
Approved Architectural History Elective 12.5
(BPD Bldg graduates only)
702-309 Building Structures and Construction 3B 12.5
(BPD Arch graduates only)
Elective 12.5
Total 100.0
Third Year: BArch/BBldg Year 2
Semester 1 702-503 Architectural Design and Practice 5 25.0 702-415 Building Economy 12.5 702-419 Advanced Building Law 12.5 Semester 2 702-505 Architectural Practice B 12.5 702-540 Design 5 12.5 702-414 Project Organisation 12.5 702-418 Land Economy 12.5 Total 100.0
Note: Subjects marked * may be taken in either the 2nd or 3rd year of the course, depending on timetabling.
The Master of Planning and Design (MPD) programs provide BArch, BBldg, and MBldg graduates with additional opportunities to undertake research.
The MPD is a generic degree which provides opportunities for graduates to undertake programs in urban design and industrial design (when introduced) as well as conservation, project management, and facilities planning and management. Students will be able to undertake many of these postgraduate programs as a master's by research.
The MArch may be undertaken either by research and submission of a thesis, or by design involving preparation of a series of designs with accompanying dissertation. Contact the Faculty Office for further details and application forms.
The DArch may be awarded to a person who submits for examination published or unpublished works which provide evidence of research and which constitute a definite contribution to architecture.
Facility planning and management is involved with strategic planning, value management, quality assurance, resource inventory, space planning and space management. Facility planners seek to best fit an organisation's facility requirements with its development plans.
The Graduate Diploma in Facility Planning and Management is a two year, part-time course, and the Graduate Certificate in Facility Studies is a one year, part-time course. For entry into either of these courses, a tertiary qualification is desirable but not essential. All applicants, however, must have industry background experience.
Bachelor of Planning and Design (Building) (Pass or Honours)
Bachelor of Building
Bachelor of Architecture/Bachelor of Building
Master of Building
Master of Planning and Design
The emphasis of the building program is on management of the building process, involving studies in construction management, cost management and building technology. Graduates become project and site managers for building construction projects; advisers for property investment and development; materials and product manufacturers and suppliers; quantity surveyors and cost managers. Builders can specialise in large commercial developments, housing, historic building preservation and renovation, and building interiors. Graduates can also seek careers as academics and/or researchers.
There are three major studies in the building program-building technology, construction management and cost management. Building technology covers the characteristics of materials and structures, the design of structural elements, construction detailing, the performance of building services such as air-conditioning, building methods and equipment, and land surveying. Construction management deals with business administration, industrial relations, law and contracts, and project management. Cost management includes economics, accounting, estimating, life-cycle costing, property investment analysis, and quantity surveying.
A professionally accredited qualification in building takes a minimum of five years. The Bachelor of Planning and Design (Building) is the pre-professional degree leading to entry into the BBldg. It is a three-year, full-time course. On completing the BPD (Building), students who wish to pursue a career in building are required to undertake a period of practical work experience. They may then enrol in the one-year BBldg course-the professional degree recognised by the Australian Institute of Building and the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
Those BPD (Building) students who are offered entry into the BPD(Hons) course can also complete the mandatory requirement for work experience and a professionally accredited MBldg within five years.
Alternatively, graduates of the BPD (Building) course who have obtained the required standard in their BPD pass degree may choose to undertake a combined professional degree in architecture and building, the BArch/BBldg.
The Bachelor of Planning and Design (Building) course has as its objectives that graduates:
First Year
Semester 1
702-101 Introduction to Design 12.5 points
702120 Communications 1A 12.5
702-137 Building Technology 1A 12.5
702-102 The City in History A: Architecture, 12.5
Landscape Construction
Semester 2
451-102 Introduction to Surveying 12.5
702-117 Management of Construction 1 12.5
702-138 Building Technology 1B 12.5
702-116 Cost Management 1 12.5
Total 100.0
Second Year
Semester 1
327-201 Organisational Behaviour 12.5 points
702-237 Building Technology 2A 12.5
702-216 Cost Management 2 12.5
702-236 Management of Construction 2 12.5
Semester 2
306-102 Accounting Concepts 12.5
702-238 Building Technology 2B 12.5
702-219 Built-Environment Sciences 12.5
Elective 12.5
Total 100.0
Third Year
Semester 1
702-308 Building Structures and Construction 3A 12.5 points
702337 Building Technology 3A 12.5
702-319 Construction Law 12.5
Elective 12.5
Semester 2
702-309 Building Structures and Construction 3B 12.5
702-310 Building Methods and Equipment 12.5
702-361 Cost Management 3 12.5
702-316 Management of Construction 3 12.5
Total 100.0
Entry is at the beginning of Semester 2 of the third level of BPD (Bldg). Normally an average of 70% (H2B) at second level and Semester 1 level 3, is required for selection into the BPD (Building) (Hons) program.
(Selection into BPD (Honours))
Semester 1
Listed subjects for Semester 1 of 3rd 50.0 points
year of BPD (Bldg)
Semester2
Listed subjects for Semester 2 of 3rd 50.0
year of BPD (Bldg)
702-451 Introductory Research Project (First 12.5
half of BPD (Honours) subject)
Total 112.5
Semester 1
Four subjects from this list:
702-411 Advanced Construction 12.5 points
702-415 Building Economy 12.5
702-413 Project Administration 12.5
702-419 Advanced Building Law 12.5
702-413 Project Administration 12.5
702-414 Project Organisation 12.5
702-418 Land Economy 12.5
702-451 Introductory Research Project(Second 12.5
half of subject)
Semester 2
702-453 Case Studies in Building B 25.0
(Note: This subject may be undertaken
during the 6-month period of practical
experience requirement for entry into
the MBldg.)
Total 87.5
(Total points for completion of BPD and BPD (Honours): 100.0)
The BBldg is normally a one year, full-time course of 100 points and is available at pass level only. It is recognised by the Australian Institute of Building and by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (provided that 702-483 Advanced Quantity Surveying is undertaken as the elective). All prospective students (including BPD graduates) must apply through the Faculty Office.
Entry from the BPD requires completion of the BPD (Building) and one year of approved practical experience in the building industry. Entry from other faculties and institutions normally requires that applicants hold a three-year degree in an appropriate discipline (such as building, quantity surveying, architecture, engineering) and have practical experience in the building industry. Applicants may be required to undertake preliminary studies to compensate for deficiencies in their previous studies.
The Bachelor of Building course has as its objectives that graduates:
Subject Points
702-411 Advanced Construction 12.5
702-412 Advanced Services 12.5
702-413 Project Administration 12.5
702-414 Project Organisation 12.5
702-415 Building Economy 12.5
702-418 Land Economy 12.5
702-419 Advanced Building Law 12.5
Elective 12.5
Total 100.0
The academic requirements for membership of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors are satisfied by completing the following subject as the elective:
702-483 Advanced Quantity Surveying 12.5
The Graduate Diploma in Planning and Design (Building) provides a preparatory program of studies for entry to BBldg or MBldg. It is open to graduates of bachelor degrees in building, quantity surveying, architecture, civil or structural engineering, or the equivalent. Applicants who do not have such formal qualifications, but do have considerable relevant professional experience, may also apply.
The graduate diploma is a one year, full-time course or a two year part-time course of 100 points. Upon successful completion of the course with at least a grade average of 70%, applicants may apply for entry into the Master of Building.
Please note: The graduate diploma on its own does not satisfy the professional requirements of the Australian Institute of Building or the Australia Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
The MBldg can be completed either by coursework or by thesis. Applicants normally must be either graduates with a BBldg degree of four years standing with a grade average of 70% (H2B) or hold a BPD(Hons) degree in building, or its equivalent. Other applicants with relevant professional experience may also apply, but may be required to do preliminary studies before being accepted for entry.
Candidates who enrol in the MBldg will need to have undertaken a minimum of a year of practical experience in the building industry to complete the requirements for membership of the Australian Institute of Building.
Candidates who have completed the BPD (Building) (Hons) degree, as noted above, may enrol in the MBldg by coursework to meet the academic requirements for membership of the Australian Institute of Building or the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
Within the planning program, three areas of specialisation are offered: environmental studies, landscape architecture, and urban planning. All students undertake the same core subjects in the first year of the course. Students choose to specialise in one of the three disciplines in the second year. A combined degree of Bachelor of Arts/BPD (Planning) is also available.
Please note that a series of changes in this program are currently being implemented. In summary these changes are as follows:
Students are advised to consult the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning prior to enrolment.
The Bachelor of Planning and Design (Planning) course has as its objectives that graduates:
Bachelor of Planning and Design (Pass or Honours) - last intake 1994
Graduate Diploma in Planning and Design (Environmental Studies)
Master of Environmental Studies- last intake 1994
The emphasis in Environmental Studies is on environmental planning and management. The courses offered aim to give graduates the necessary understanding and skills for working in these areas.
Students learn how society uses the natural world to satisfy its needs, how the use of it is constrained by its limitations, and how human manipulation of the natural environment has caused environmental stresses which are often cumulative and compounding in their effects.
They discover that although conservation and development are both ways of satisfying human needs, they are not necessarily in conflict and can be complementary. The courses develop skills in applying the multidisciplinary approaches necessary to tackle these complex problems.
In the Environmental Studies stream of the three year BPD, students are encouraged to apply their knowledge to solve problems in new areas. Much time is devoted to project work and emphasis is placed on helping students to take initiative.
Graduates are qualified to work in environmental planning and management with private firms or government ministries and statutory authorities.
Students who obtain the required standard in their pass BPD degree are permitted to enrol for an additional honours year of the BPD. Honours students doing environmental studies focus on economic, social, environmental and resource evaluation; policy development; and decision-making in areas of conflict. The work includes individual research projects in which students tackle specific problems and report on their findings.
BPD(Hons) graduates have much to offer private and government sectors in environmental planning and management and can expect to move quickly into creative and demanding jobs in these areas.
Students taking the BPD pass degree in environmental studies will normally complete the program listed below. Note that all planning students study common subjects in first year. Choice of specialisation in one of the three planning disciplines (environmental studies, landscape architecture or urban planning) occurs in second year.
First Year
Environmental Planning 705-274 Introduction to Urban and Landscape Design 12.5 points 705-273 Introduction to Planning and Development 12.5 Natural Environment 705-181 Human Ecology 12.5 705-182 Human Settlement 12.5 Additional compulsory subject: 705-102 Understanding Cities, Towns and Regions, or an Economics subject (to be determined) 12.5 Electives 37.5 Total 100.0
Second Year
Environmental Planning 705-202 Land Development and Transport 12.5 points 705-236 Urban and Landscape Design 2B 12.5 Natural Environment 121-212 Geomorphology 12.5 121-213 Plants, People and Environment 12.5 705-201 Conservation and Development 12.5 Additional compulsory subjects: 705-271 Planning and Community 12.5 705-281 Urbanisation and Urban Structure 12.5 Elective 12.5 Total 100.0
Third Year
Environmental Planning 705-371 Development Planning 12.5 points 705-335 Urban and Landscape Design 3A 12.5 Additional compulsory subjects: 705-382 Urban Sociology and Politics 12.5 705-399 Environmental Law 12.5 Natural Environment 705-392 Environmental Resources and Pollution 12.5 Plus one of the following: 121-340 Principles of Ecological Biogeography 12.5 121-349 Principles of Environmental Hydrology 12.5 211-444 Parks and Recreation 12.5 211-441 Agroforestry 12.5 Electives as required 25.0 Total 100.0
Entry requires completion of the BPD (Planning) program, normally with a grade average of at least 65%, especially at the third year level. Appropriate work experience may also be taken into account.
Candidates wishing to enter the honours year with a view to going on to complete a Master of Environmental Studies should have completed a major in Environmental Planning, a pass in 705-199 Computing and Statistics for Planning and Design (12.5 points) and a major in either Natural Environment or another BPD subject combination approved by the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning.
Honours Year
705-481 Ecology and EnvironmentalAssessment 12.5 points 705-482 Economic Assessment 12.5 705-489 Urbanisation and Urban Development 12.5 705-487 Resource Management 12.5 705-414 Environmental Planning Research Project 25.0 Electives 25.0 Total 100.0
Assessment: The overall result in BPD honours courses is calculated on the average mark achieved during the student's honours year. The system of grades and marks used by the Faculty is as follows:
H1 80+ H2A 75-79 H2B 70-74 H3 65-69 N(Fail) below 65
The MEnvS offers higher-level study in environmental planning and management to BPD graduates, as well as those from other disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, law, agricultural science and engineering.
The DipPD(EnvS) provides a program of advanced studies by coursework in environmental analysis and management for graduates from the above range of disciplines.
The MEnvS may be taken by coursework or by research (by submission of a major thesis). The coursework degree may be completed over two years full-time or four years part-time, with at least 200 points of study approved by the Faculty.
A four-year honours degree or equivalent is normally required for direct entry into the MEnvS program. Students with a pass degree should first complete the DipPD(EnvS)-see below-which also replaces the former preliminary studies requirement. To be eligible to proceed to the second year of the MEnvS it is necessary to achieve a minimum honours level (70% average) in the DipPD. Students who have completed the BPD(Hons) in Environmental Studies may also complete the MEnvS program in one year.
The DipPD(EnvS) consists of 100 points of coursework over one year full-time, or two years part-time. Applicants with a three year or four year pass degree in an appropriate field may be admitted to this course. The graduate diploma may also be entered as a stepping stone to a master's course. Students require a minimum honours-level pass in the DipPD(EnvS) to be eligible to continue in the final year of the MEnvS program.
The DipPD(EnvS) course and the BPD(Hons) year are both similar to the first year of the MEnvS course, except that for BPD(Hons) students an honours research project replaces the electives. Second-year MEnvS students take the subject Environmental Evaluation and Management, together with three further elective studies, and undertake a group research project (incorporating a substantial individual component) involving a multi-disciplinary approach to a program in environmental planning or management.
Further information about the master's degree by coursework or research, or the graduate diploma may be obtained from the Faculty Office.
Bachelor of Planning and Design (Planning) (Pass or Honours) - last intake 1994
Graduate Diploma in Planning and Design (Landscape Architecture)
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master of Planning and Design
Landscape Architecture involves the planning, design and management of the natural and built environment.
Landscape architects work with open spaces and manufactured and natural materials including soils, landforms and plants. They try to understand how urban, rural and natural landscapes are evolving, and the interaction between people and nature. They learn how people use different spaces, and plan and design public areas, malls, riversides, boulevards and parklands.
Students learn how to simulate changes using computers to predict more accurately their potential impact. Exposure is also given to complementary skills in urban planning and environmental analysis and planning.
At the conclusion of the BPD degree course, graduates are qualified to work in areas of landscape and environmental planning, design, and management, either in private practice or in local or State government instrumentalities.
Students who obtain the required standard in their pass BPD degree are permitted to enrol in the honours year, where studies in urban and regional planning and design, ecology, environmental assessment, information and monitoring, and a research project are undertaken.
Students taking the BPD pass degree in landscape architecture will normally complete the program listed below. Note that all planning students study common subjects in first year. Choice of specialisation in one of the three planning disciplines (environmental studies, landscape architecture, urban planning) occurs in second year.
First Year
Environmental Planning:
705-274 Introduction to Urban and Landscape 12.5
Design
705-273 Introduction to Planning and Development 12.5
Natural Environment:
705-181 Human Ecology 12.5
705-182 Human Settlement 12.5
Additional compulsory subject:
705-102 Understanding Cities, Towns and 12.5
Regions, or an Economics subject (to be
determined)
Electives 37.5
Total 100.0
Second Year
Environmental Planning:
705-202 Land Development and Transport 12.5
705-236 Urban and LandscapeDesign 2B 12.5
Natural Environment:
121-212 Geomorphology 12.5
121-213 Plants, People and Environment 12.5
705-201 Conservation and Development 12.5
Additional compulsory subjects:
705-271 Planning and Community 12.5
705-294 Plants and Planting Design 12.5
Elective 12.5
Total 100.0
Third Year
Environmental Planning:
705-371 Developmental Planning 12.5
705-335 Urban and Landscape Design 3A 12.5
Additional compulsory subjects:
705-395 Landscape Technology 12.5
705-399 Environmental Law 12.5
705-316 History of Landscape Architecture 12.5
Natural Environment:
705-392 Environmental Resources and Pollution 12.5
Plus one of the following:
121-340 Principles of Ecological Biogeography 12.5
121-349 Principles of Environmental Hydrology 12.5
211-444 Parks and Recreation 12.5
211-441 Agroforestry 12.5
Electives as required 12.5
Total 100.0
Entry to the BPD(Hons) in Landscape Architecture requires completion of the BPD (Planning) program, normally with a grade average of at least 65%, especially at the third year level. Appropriate work experience may also be taken into account.
Candidates who wish to enter the honours year with the aim of later completing a Master of Landscape Architecture should have successfully completed a major in Natural Environment and passes in 705-199 Computing and Statistics for Planning and Design (12.5 points), 705-294 Plants and Planting Design (12.5 points) and 705-395 Landscape Technology (12.5 points), plus a major in either Environmental Planning or another BPD subject combination approved by the School of Environmental Planning.
Honours Year
705-435 Urban and Landscape Design 4A 12.5 points
705-425 Urban and Landscape Design Theory 12.5
705-410 Landscape Evaluation and Management 12.5
705-436 Urban and Landscape Design 4B 12.5
705-415 Perceptions of the Australian Landscape 12.5
705-414 Environmental Planning Research Project 25.0
Plus one of the following:
705-426 Landscape Simulation 12.5
705-411 GIS for Planning and Management 12.5
Elective 12.5
Total 100.0
Assessment: The overall result in BPD honours courses is calculated on the average mark achieved during the student's honours year. The system of grades and marks used by the Faculty is listed below:
H1 80+ H2A 75-79 H2B 70-74 H3 65-69 N(Fail) below 65
The DipPD(LArch) is a course in landscape planning and design. It is available to students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds who have reached a satisfactory academic standard.
The coursework degree may be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time with compulsory core subjects and a range of electives. A limited number of places is available in any year. (The graduate diploma is not accredited by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.)
The MLArch degree can be completed either by coursework or by research with submission of a major thesis. The coursework degree is a two-year full-time or four-year part-time program of at least 200 points of study approved by the Faculty.
The degree by coursework is recognised by the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects for corporate membership of the Institute following completion of a prescribed period of practical experience.
Students who complete BPD(Hons) may complete the MLArch degree by coursework in one year. Entry to the MLArch is also open to candidates with a BLArch from another institution or to those who complete a first degree in another discipline and do a preliminary studies year (full or part time).
Graduates from other disciplines typically have backgrounds in agricultural science, geography, architecture, arts, engineering and similar areas, but others may apply. The program has four specialisations:
Urban design and urban landscape design: planning and designing public spaces and understanding the economic, social, political and environmental contexts; assessing project feasibility and land economics; and planning and designing complex projects.
Regional landscape policy and design: planning and designing regional areas and landscapes, understanding their ecology and environment, evaluating regional landscapes, heritage assessment and planning, regional project planning and design, and related computing techniques.
Environmental perception and simulation: theory of landscape perception; computer simulation techniques as planning tools; and related computer/video skills.
Research: research methods (such as surveys); research projects leading to publication; major research projects, and community interaction.
The Master of Planning and Design program provides graduates with the opportunity to pursue further studies by research in the landscape architecture area.
Bachelor of Planning and Design (Planning) (Pass or Honours) - last intake 1994
Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning
Graduate Diploma in Planning and Design (Urban Planning)
Master of Urban Planning (by coursework)
Master of Town and Regional Planning (by thesis) - last intake 1994
Master of Planning and Design
Town planners help shape cities and towns by trying to ensure that transport facilities, shops and industry are conveniently placed, that houses are built away from factories, that historic buildings are preserved, that recreation areas are available, that land prices are kept down, and so on.
To do this, they use a system of land-use strategies and zoning, along with negotiating skills, to mediate and help resolve conflicts between residents, developers, industrialists, farmers, conservationists and government departments.
Students are trained in data collection, information analysis, plan generation, plan testing and plan selection. They study people, societies, the economy, legal systems, environmental problems and organisational behaviour. They also learn report writing, communication and research methods. The main part of their studies is in urban systems, dealing with how cities work, the processes and techniques of intervention, and planning, design and management.
It is possible to gain worthwhile employment in local councils, government departments, planning consultancies or development companies after completing the three year BPD. However, most town planning students study for at least four years in order to qualify for membership of the Royal Australian Planning Institute.
Upon completion of the BPD, students who have obtained the required standard may enter either the BTRP or the BPD(Hons) majoring in urban planning. The honours course concentrates more on research skills to prepare stronger students for an MUP degree, but apart from this the two courses are identical.
Students taking the BPD pass degree in urban planning will normally complete the program listed below. Note that all BPD (Planning) students study common subjects in first year. Choice of specialisation in one of the three planning disciplines (environmental studies, landscape architecture, urban planning) occurs in second year.
First Year
Environmental Planning:
705-274 Introduction to Urban and Landscape 12.5 points
Design
705-273 Introduction to Planning and 12.5
Development
Urban Systems
705-181 Human Ecology 12.5
705-182 The City in History B: Human Settlement 12.5
Additional compulsory subject:
705-102 Understanding Cities, Towns and 12.5
Regions, or an Economics subject (to be
determined)
Electives 37.5
Total 100.0
Second Year
Environmental Planning:
705-202 Land Development and Transport 12.5 points
705-236 Urban and LandscapeDesign 2B 12.5
Urban Systems:
421-240 Urban Transport 12.5
705-281 Urbanisation and Urban Structure 12.5
Additional compulsory subjects:
705-201 Conservation and Development 12.5
705-271 Planning and Community 12.5
Electives 25.0
Total 100.0
Third Year
Environmental Planning:
705-371 Development Planning 12.5 points
705-335 Urban and Landscape Design 3A 12.5
Urban Systems:
705-382 Urban Sociology and Politics 12.5
Additional compulsory subjects:
705-392 Environmental Resources and Pollution 12.5
705-399 Environmental Law 12.5
Electives 37.5
Total 100.0
The BTRP is a one year, full-time course of 100 points. The course is available at pass level only.
Entry from the BPD normally requires graduates to have completed a major in Environmental Planning, a major in Urban Systems and to have passes in an approved Economics subject (12.5 points), 705-101 Communication for Planners (12.5 points), 705-199 Computing and Statistics for Planning and Design (12.5 points) and 705-399 Environmental Law (12.5 points).
Applicants who do not meet these requirements may become eligible by undertaking preliminary studies. In special circumstances, the Faculty may permit a student to undertake one or more of the above subjects concurrently with the BTRP.
Entry from other faculties and institutions normally requires applicants to hold a three-year degree with majors in planning or related areas (such as urban studies, transport engineering, urban economics, urban geography).
Applicants may first be required to undertake preliminary studies to compensate for any deficiencies in their previous study.
Course Objectives
The Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning course has as its objectives that graduates:
BTRP Year
705-441 Origins of Modern Urban Planning 12.5 Points
705-489 Urbanisation and Urban Development 12.5
705-443 Planning in Modern Industrial Societies 12.5
705-445 Planning Law and Statutory Planning 12.5
705-446 Planning Investigation Project 25.0
Electives 25.0
Total 100.0
Entry normally requires completion of the BPD (Planning) with a grade average of at least 65%, especially at the third year level. Appropriate work experience may also be taken into account.
Candidates who wish to enter the honours year with the aim of later completing a Master of Urban Planning should have completed the following: a major in Urban Systems, passes in an approved Economics subject (12.5 points) or 705-102 Understanding Cities, Towns and Regions (12.5 points), 705-101 Communication for Planners (12.5 points), 705-199 Computing and Statistics for Planning and Design (12.5 points) and 705-399 Environmental Law (12.5 points), plus a major in either Environmental Planning or another BPD subject combination approved by the Faculty of Architecture, Building andPlanning.
Honours Year
705-489 Urbanisation and Urban Development 12.5 points
705-445 Planning Law and Statutory Planning 12.5
705-436 Urban and Landscape Design 4B 12.5
705-411 GIS for Planning and Management 12.5
705-441 Origins of Modern Urban Planning 12.5
705-414 Research Project 25.0
Plus one of the following:
705-431 Transport and Landuse Planning 12.5
705-430 Project Evaluation and Management 12.5
Total 100.0
Assessment: The overall result in BPD honours courses is calculated on the average mark achieved during the student's honours year. The system of grades and marks used by the Faculty is as follows:
H1 80+ H2A 75-79 H2B 70-74 H3 65-69 N(Fail) below 65
The DipPD(UP) is a course in urban studies and planning. It is available to students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds who have reached a satisfactory academic standard.
The coursework degree may be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time with compulsory core subjects and a range of electives. A limited number of places is available in any year.
The MUP degree is a two-year, full-time or four-year, part-time coursework master's degree of at least 200 points of study approved by the Faculty. It is recognised by the Royal Australian Planning Institute for membership (after a period of practical experience).
To enter the MUP degree course, candidates must complete the BPD(Hons) in Urban Planning (which allows exemptions from the first year of the MUP) or complete a four year BTRP or similar degree from the University of Melbourne or another institution (which may allow exemption from some MUP subjects) or complete a first degree in another discipline and do a preliminary studies year, full or part-time (which may allow exemption from some subjects).
Graduates from other disciplines typically have backgrounds in planning or related areas (such as urban studies, transport engineering, urban economics, urban geography), but those with other backgrounds may apply.
Two alternative streams are offered: urban policy and planning; and physical planning and urban design. The first year consists of a strong emphasis on urbanisation and planning theory.
In the second year there is a strong emphasis on the study of contemporary planning issues, research methods and research to investigate the role of planning in contemporary society.
The Master of Planning and Design program provides graduates with the opportunity to pursue further studies by research in the urban planning area.
The combined course enables students to enrol in one of the Planning streams of the BPD (environmental studies, landscape architecture, urban planning) and also undertake a Bachelor of Arts majoring in related subjects. The BA/BPD in one of these streams requires five years of equivalent full-time study to complete. It is designed to offer students flexibility in choosing subjects from both faculties.
Students need to complete a minimum of 500 points to meet the requirements for the combined course. Within these 500 points, students must complete:
Note: Candidates may not use any one subject to satisfy requirements under both the above prerequisites.
From 1995 the Faculty of Arts will offer a Diploma in Modern Languages to students undertaking courses in faculties other than Arts. Further details are available from the Arts Faculty Office.
Combined course students may, with the approval of the respective faculties, be granted credit towards either component of the combined course for subjects previously passed.
The total credit for these subjects will not exceed 125 points towards the Architecture and Planning component or 83 points towards the Arts component. The same subject cannot be counted as credit towards both components.
For students who apply for 1995 and later entry, the following VCE subjects are prerequisites:
Architecture: English, Mathematical Methods and one from the acceptable group of subjects set by the University;
Building: English, Physics, Mathematical Methods and one from the acceptable group of subjects set by the University;
Planning: English, and three from the acceptable group of subjects set by the University.
Students who do not complete these subjects satisfactorily during their VCE will not be eligible for entry to the Faculty's courses from 1995 onwards.
For environmental studies, landscape architecture and urban planning a background in any of economics, geography, history, politics or law is a valuable asset. In all of the professional streams a capacity for creative problem-solving, an imaginative understanding of people's needs and aspirations, and an ability to communicate and organise are all highly desirable.
The PhD degree is administered and awarded by the University (not the Faculty). It may be taken in any discipline in which the Faculty offers an undergraduate degree. For further details contact the Faculty or the University's School of Graduate Studies.
A typical role for an architect is to head the team which designs buildings (which may consist of structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, quantity surveyors, land surveyors, property consultants and interior designers).
An architect in a small firm, however, may design buildings, document them (which takes an extensive knowledge of structures, materials and law), administer contracts, run an office and keep the business financially viable.
Many architects combine careers (architect/developer, architect/builder, architect/lawyer, architect/planner). Some enter service industries, specialising, for instance, in furniture design and manufacture or programming for computer-aided design.
Graduates in building, depending on their majors, find employment in construction or project management or in the cost management of building projects (quantity surveying). They may begin on site (often as a coordinator or construction programmer) or in a contractor's office (as a contract administrator, estimator, or cost or project planner).
As construction managers they consult with designers on how a building will be erected, plan the job and the logistics, and manage labour, materials and equipment.
As quantity surveyors they take responsibility for the financial feasibility of potential projects and, when under construction, for cost monitoring and cost control.
Building graduates also work as directors of real estate firms in sales, leasing, property management and valuation; as computer systems designers; as consultants in historic buildings; as commercial arbitrators; as commercial property and volume home building contractors; in specialist subcontracting, maintenance and renovation; and as teachers, researchers and academics.
Planning graduates work in government agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Environment and the Ministry for Planning and Development, or for local government instrumentalities. They may also work in private practices.
Environmental planners are involved in land-use planning and management. They assess, plan and manage our resource use, such as water and energy, and develop local conservation strategies. They work as consultants, preparing environmental impact statements and assessing the economic, social and ecological effects of proposed developments. Some work as economists and environmental lawyers.
Landscape architects work with open space and natural materials such as soils, landforms and plants. They seek to understand how urban, rural and natural landscapes are evolving and the interaction between people and nature. They plan and design public areas such as malls, riversides, boulevards and parklands. They redesign and revegetate derelict parts of cities and towns, and they conserve and protect heritage gardens and historic buildings.
Urban planners help shape cities and towns and solve urban problems. They work to ensure that transport facilities are well located, shops and jobs are conveniently placed, houses are built away from factories, which developments should proceed, and which buildings or spaces should be preserved.
With a three year BPD they may work in government or private industry, but most elect to study for at least four years. This qualifies them to work as accredited town planners for local councils, government departments, planning consultancies or development companies.
General Manager, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052 Victoria. Telephone: +613 (03) 9344 6430/6450
Closing dates for applications are:
BPD degree: 29 September 1995 through VTAC.
BArch, BBldg, BTRP degrees, DipPD, DipFPM, CertFPM: 31 October 1995 through Faculty Office.
All master's degrees by coursework: 31 October 1995, through Faculty Office.
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Handbook 1996 : Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
Status: Official 1996 Date created: Oct 1 1995 Last modified: Oct 1 1995 Authorised by: Academic Registrar Email enquiries: Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Maintained by: Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1995,1996.