The key strength of this program is that it produces planners who can understand both urban planning and environmental science issues. Taught via the use of innovative studios, project-based teaching methods and off-campus work experience, the degree is helping to meet the current shortage of town planners across Australia.

It is highly regarded by industry because it gives a foundation in planning related issues such as land use and regional growth management, transport planning and community development together with core environmental issues of land and water management, ecology and conservation biology and pollution.