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Unit of study_
PLAN9010: Planning Dissertation 1
2026 unit information
The Planning Dissertation is a capstone unit involving the completion of a substantial piece of independent research undertaken under academic supervision. The unit provides students with the opportunity to investigate an approved topic in urban and regional planning or policy in depth, and to apply advanced research skills to a clearly defined planning problem or question. Through the development of a research question, project scope and research design, students will undertake a critical review of relevant literature and conduct primary and/or secondary research using appropriate methodologies. The unit emphasises analytical rigour, ethical research practice, and the synthesis of evidence to generate original insights relevant to planning theory, policy and professional practice. The Planning Dissertation is particularly suited to students seeking to deepen their analytical and research capabilities and provides a strong foundation for those considering further academic research, policy analysis, or advanced professional practice in urban and regional planning.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Urban and Regional Planning and Policy |
| Credit points | 12 |
|
Prerequisites:
?
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None |
|---|---|
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Corequisites:
?
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None |
| Prohibitions:
?
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PLAN9018 or ARCH9031 or ARCH9045 or ARCH9046 or ARCH9060 |
| Assumed knowledge:
?
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PLAN9068, PLAN9061, PLAN9063, PLAN9045, PLAN9064, ARCH9100 |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Identify, evaluate and synthesise relevant scholarly, policy and professional literature to situate an urban or regional planning problem within its theoretical and empirical context.
- LO2. Critically formulate and refine a clear and feasible research question addressing a significant planning or policy issue.
- LO3. Design and justify an appropriate scope, structure and research design for an independent thesis project that is achievable within defined constraints.
- LO4. Select, apply and reflect on suitable research methodologies and analytical approaches consistent with disciplinary standards and ethical requirements.
- LO5. Undertake, analyse and synthesise primary and/or secondary research data to generate original and well-supported insights relevant to planning policy or practice.
- LO6. Communicate and defend research processes, findings and conclusions effectively in written and oral forms that demonstrate advanced academic and professional competence.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2026
|
Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney | |
|
Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney |
Outline unavailable
|
Find your current year census dates
Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
Important enrolment information
Departmental permission requirements
If you see the ‘Departmental Permission’ tag below a session, it means you need faculty or school approval to enrol. This may be because it’s an advanced unit, clinical placement, offshore unit, internship or there are limited places available.
You will be prompted to apply for departmental permission when you select this unit in Sydney Student.
Read our information on departmental permission.
Additional advice
The dissertation is suitable for students with a grade average at Distinction (75%) level or above or who wish to pursue a research career. The dissertation should be undertaken towards the end of the degree. This unit is for Master of Urban and Regional Planning students only. It MUST be undertaken in conjunction with PLAN9011 Planning Dissertation 2, either in the same or following semester.
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.
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