Planners help decide the design and appearance of cities and towns as well as their services, facilities and communities. JCU has large industry networks across a broad range of planning organisations. Course overview In your final year, the James Cook University will coordinate stimulating work placements for you. You will gain practical work experience in such diverse sectors as: local authorities state government departments non-government organisations private consultancies. On-the-job work experience is also an opportunity to make valuable employer and industry networks. This course is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). Graduates are eligible for immediate membership of the Urban and Regional Chapter of the Planning Institute of Australia and, after two years’ professional planning experience, are eligible to become corporate members (MPIA). Course highlights Situated in the heart of tropical northern Queensland, JCU offers a unique setting for planning studies. On our doorstep, World Heritage listed tropics, rainforests and Great Barrier Reef meet rapidly growing cities. This provides an insight into the many planning challenges city regions are facing around the world. You will experience first-hand the delicate balances modern planning must strike, like lifestyle with sustainability. These skills are applicable to diverse international planning environments. So your degree is portable enough to take you anywhere in the world. Career opportunities Australia has a strong demand for planners, so your career prospects are exceptional wherever you choose to take your planning skills. Imagine a career in which you shape the way whole cities develop. This is the work of a planner. Few other careers enable you to make such a profound impact on the public good. Your Bachelor of Planning will help you deliver functional cities, thriving regions and healthy urban environments - right alongside better social, environmental and economic wellbeing. Such important work requires a strong grounding - and JCU is an internationally recognised centre of planning excellence where you will get this foundation. We also hold full Planning Institute of Australia accreditation.