Outline

Overview

Heritage Law and Policy focuses on the system of legal protections and policy instruments that underpin heritage conservation. The unit introduces students to the ideas of cultural property and shared environmental resources and the ways in which these are balanced with private property rights in heritage policy. It critically assesses legal frameworks using real world case studies, drawing on the knowledge of a range of guest lecturers from industry and government. Classes address the varying levels at which heritage protections operate, from international protocols down to local planning schemes. Students will become familiar with legislation, regulations, planning instruments and policies as well as the use of registers, inventories and other records of significant items. The unit will also address the roles of various government agencies involved in heritage conservation. We consider how heritage protections relate to different scales and types of places, including Indigenous heritage, landscapes, and individual buildings. We also consider how different sanctions and incentives achieve policy aims and support statutory obligations; and we explore innovative legal and policy mechanisms for encouraging the meaningful protection of culturally significant places.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Caitlin Allen, caitlin.allen@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Case studies	Heritage Protected Aboriginal Places/Resources A short analysis of case law connected with Aboriginal cultural heritage.	30%	Week 04 Due date: 30 Aug 2026 at 23:59	1,500-2000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test	In class written test A short in-class written test that will assess your knowledge of heritage law and policy.	30%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Sep 2026 at 20:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Public Submission A public submission objecting to, or supporting, a proposed development that demonstrates your knowledge of heritage law and policy in NSW.	40%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 23:59	2,000-2,500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

1. Heirtage Protected Aboriginal Places/Resources

2. In Class Quiz

3. Public Submission

Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator. Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

5% of total marks per day

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Introduction – Semester overview, the changing nature of heritage, heritage discourse and the law	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	International Frameworks	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	National Heritage Frameworks: Categorising and Listing Cultural Heritage	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Introduction to Aboriginal heritage law and policy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	State and Local Heritage Protections	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	The Land and Environment Courts	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Aboriginal heritage - governance and real world impacts	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	In Class Test (Assessment Task 2) Writing a Submission (How to Approach Assessment Task 3)	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Develop Submission Writing Skills. Mock Planning Panel	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Heritage and Property Rights	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Inclusive Heritage Policy - City of Sydney Case Studies	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Policy making and law reform: recent heritage Act and strategy reviews - considering community participation, intangible heritage and cultural landscapes	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/architecture/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Critically analyse heritage legislation, policy frameworks, and planning instruments across international, national, state, and local contexts, and evaluate their effectiveness in protecting cultural heritage. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 6 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Depth of disciplinary expertise; Critical thinking and problem solving; Research and inquiry
LO2. Assess the extent to which existing legislative and policy frameworks are fit for purpose in addressing contemporary understandings of cultural heritage, including Indigenous heritage, cultural landscapes, living practices, and place-based values. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 6 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Critical thinking and problem solving; Cultural competence; Interdisciplinary effectiveness
LO3. Interpret and apply heritage law and policy frameworks to real-world case studies, demonstrating understanding of statutory processes, decision-making pathways, and the roles of relevant government agencies and stakeholders. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 2, 4, 5, 7 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Depth of disciplinary expertise; Problem solving; Communication; Professional competence
LO4. Evaluate the interaction between public heritage interests and private property rights, including the use of regulatory controls, sanctions, incentives, and non-statutory mechanisms in achieving heritage policy objectives. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 2, 4, 6, 7 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Critical thinking; Ethical reasoning; Professional responsibility; Influence
LO5. Integrate Indigenous and cross-cultural perspectives into heritage law and policy analysis, demonstrating culturally competent, ethical, and reflective approaches to heritage governance. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes 3, 7 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Cultural competence; Ethical reasoning; Inclusive leadership; Interdisciplinary effectiveness
LO6. Communicate clear, persuasive, and well-reasoned arguments about heritage protection appropriate to professional practice, including the preparation of submissions, policy critiques, and advisory materials. Relates to Course Learning Outcomes: 5, 7, 8 Relates to Graduate Qualities: Communication; Influence; Professional competence; Research and inquiry

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Some minor changes to scheduling and guest lecturers, inclusion of more interactive materials including class discussions, exercises and addition of a mock planning panel to help prepare students for their final assignment.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH9081: Heritage Law and Policy

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links