Study Land Planning and Development at Otago

Why study Land Planning and Development?

Land planning, land administration and the process of land subdivision have significant impacts on the layout and function of human and natural landscapes. These activities influence the way land is used, patterns of residential development and assessments of the economic potential of land. For some, land also has an important cultural value.

This degree provides an excellent foundation for those wanting a career in planning, land development and resource management, especially in relation to the subdivision and administration of land. It differs from other New Zealand planning degrees in that it emphasises engineering design and land administration, from Pākehā and Māori perspectives, as well as covering essential aspects of New Zealand legislation that relate to land development. It encompasses the practical aspects of planning and planning law.

Career opportunities

This is a foundation degree for a career in aspects of surveying that relate to land development. This can lead to work in local government and private practice with surveyors, planners, land developers and urban designers.

Note:

Students wishing to become recognised as fully qualified professional planners have the option to undertake the two year Master of Planning (MPlan) at Otago, leading to membership of the NZ Planning Institute.

What will I study?

100-level

If you wish to complete the BSc in Land Planning and Development, you must take the following papers:

• MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics I
• SURV 101 Introductory Surveying
• SURV 102 Geospatial Science
• ENGL 228 Writing for the Professions

200-level

200-level papers include civil engineering, urban design, geographic information systems, land administration, land tenure and planning.

300-level

Papers at 300-level and above include Resource Management Act processes and offers experience in designing residential subdivisions in concept and detailed layout phases.

Students can add papers from other degree programmes (such as Geography, Economics or Surveying) to complement their programme of study.

How will I study?

Land Planning and Development is a practical course as well as an academic one. You will have lectures, tutorials and workshops using computer software and Computer Aided Draughting packages, and Geographic Information Systems data gathering and analysis (including communicating spatial information).

You will also undertake engineering labs, infrastructure inspections, site visits to view landscape and construction examples and a one week hands on field course at the end of the academic year.

Background required

A background in both human and physical geography is desirable, high standards of literacy and numeracy skills, an enquiring and critical mind and a strong interest in land and the legal, ecological, economic and social environment.

Combining Landing Planning and Development with other areas of study

The Land Planning and Development major lends itself to combining with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Business / Management, Environment and Society or Environmental Management. These compatible subjects are available as minors within the Science degree structure, allowing you to pursue a coherent line of study through to an advanced level, within the three- year degree.

You could also combine Land Planning and Development with a second major e.g., Geography or Geographic Information Systems, if you have a passion for a second area of endeavour.

Qualifications

Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

• Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
• Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)

Key information for future students

• Domestic students
• International students

Contact us

Department of Surveying

Email surveying@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/surveying

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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.