Flinders University is partnering with the South Australian Government to offer new planning and surveying degrees to help address critical skills shortages in the planning professions.
Flinders has committed to develop a modernised planning program aimed at setting national standards and leading innovation in the field of urban and regional planning. The new Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning, which launched this year, is an important step for the industry as there is currently no undergraduate planning program and a looming workforce crisis. This initiative will complement the surveying double degree, which started at Flinders in 2024.
“The University is currently collaborating with industry experts and professional bodies to develop a curriculum that will meet the future needs of the industry,” says Flinders University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Stirling.
Dr Gerti Szili is a Human Geographer and Senior Lecturer for the new course. With a background in urban and regional planning, environmental studies and anthropology, her core research interests lie in investigating urban and regional regeneration practice and governance, and understanding how communities negotiate landscapes in transition.
“We currently have 16 students enrolled in the inaugural 2025 cohort, and the response so far has been really encouraging,” Dr Szili says.
“Students have engaged positively with the content and are already demonstrating a strong interest in the practical and applied aspects of planning. We’ve had a number of industry touchpoints too, including a 2.5-hour expert panel session where the cohort heard from – and asked questions of – five experienced planners who’ve worked across local
and state government, as well as the private sector.”
State infrastructure projects rely on qualified surveyors to set out bridges, tunnels and roads, so this locally delivered degree will aim to produce the graduates needed to assist in addressing the current skill shortages. Not just for school leavers, the degree is a great fit for anyone passionate about shaping more liveable, sustainable communities.
“It’s especially well-suited to those with an interest in infrastructure (i.e. housing and transport), urban design, environmental management, community engagement
or policy,” says Dr Szili.
“We’ve designed the program to be accessible to both new students and mature learners, including those returning to study from related industries or seeking a career change.
“In fact, we already have students enrolled who are working in local government, and there’s been strong interest generated from people working in local councils, construction and architecture firms who are looking to reskill.”