Outline

Overview

The Urban Report is a substantial project involving research conducted over one semester. It takes the form of an illustrated report on an approved subject of the student's choice. The aim of the unit is to allow students to deepen their understanding, and methodological approach in relation to an aspect of urbanism of the student's choice as approved by the Unit of Study Co-ordinator. The subject may be of a practical bent (e.g. review or preparation of an urban design, or urban development project) or more theoretical (e.g. review of a conceptual viewpoint), or it may occupy the middle ground (e.g. exploration of a contemporary issue or review/testing of a method). If of a more practical nature, its theoretical underpinning should be explicit. If more theoretical, it should refer to its practical implications. The report is an opportunity to advance knowledge and skills in a particular area of urbanism and so develop a 'professional edge'. The aim of the report is to enhance abilities and knowledge essential to the practice of urbanism.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	Students must have completed 48 credit points of study in their graduate program
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ARCH9060 or PLAN9018 or PLAN9010 or PLAN9011
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Nancy Marshall, nancy.marshall@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Yuan Wei, yuan.wei@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written work	Chapter 1 Identify, through curriculum mapping and professional practice, what theories/designs/case studies you will study. A written template will be given to you as a guide for this Chapter 1. 1000 words (excl. references).	20%	Week 03 Due date: 11 Mar 2026 at 18:00	First 1000 words of your Final Report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Progress Report Submit the first ~2500 words of your Final Report. This must include an Introduction to your topic plus the literature review component of your topic. Include Harvard References.	30%	Week 06 Due date: 01 Apr 2026 at 18:00	Written progress report - 2500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Final Report This is a professional style report. You should use In-Design for graphic quality. Length is ~5,000- words (depending on the type of report and graphics/maps/images). A full description of the requirements of the assessment will be provided in Canvas	50%	Week 12 Due date: 20 May 2026 at 18:00	~ 5,000 words - Professional Report	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Oral test	Oral Exam Each student is required to present their main findings from their Report. A 3 minute report pitch is all you have to show your mastery of the topic. PDF of slides are submitted into Canvas.	0%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2026 at 18:00 Closing date: 27 May 2026	15 minutes (oral)	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ?

Assessment summary

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.

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	Unit Intro and Topic Design	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Unit Introduction + Research Process	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Identifying a Research Problem	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Problems and Knowledge	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Why Theorise	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Summarising Theory	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Literature Reviews and Professional Writing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Referencing and Al Discussion	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Individual Feedback sessions	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 06	Using Case Studies	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Writing Up a Case Study	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Meet Professionals who do Research	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Independent Study Time	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 09	Industry Standards + Design	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Process Review and Final Assessment Briefings	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Independent Study Time	Self-directed learning (3 hr)
Week 11	Writing up Policy and Plan Implications	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Writing Workshop	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Final Assessment Prep + O+As	Tutorial (3 hr)
Week 13	Oral Exam - Scheduled	Assessment (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Please refer to the Resolutions of the University School: University of Sydney School of Architecture Design and Planning Faculty Resolutions 2022

Referencing: Harvard Referencing. All references are to be in translated into English.

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.

Required readings

There is no textbook or specific references for this unit. All students will be undertaking an independent research or design project where the reading will be specific to that topic. Other useful information and materials will be posted into Canvas throughout the semester.

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. Demonstrate the ability to think critically about an urban problem (theory, policy, design, practice).
LO2. Develop and apply an appropriate methodology or analytical approach to address the problem.
LO3. Identify, access and analyse appropriate sources of information, research and literature relevant to the urban issue and opportunities.
LO4. Undertake research relevant to the topic you are studying.
LO5. Communicate investigation findings verbally, in writing and graphically demonstrating academic and professional competence.

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.

Student feedback has been taken into consideration since this unit was last offered. An Oral Exam Hurdle Task (0 weighting) has been added to meet ADP new policies as approved by Program Director.

Additional information

Supervision meetings are conducted as small groups.

Additional costs

Some costs may be incurred by the student in the production of the report.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visits included in this unit. These may be done by an individual (Covid-safe) if relevant to your topic.

Work, health and safety

As per ADP School policy and procedures.

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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ARCH9092: Urban Report

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - 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

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links