Built environments play a significant role in how we function as groups of people – suburbs, towns, cities, societies. Additionally, there is growing concern about how we respond to the natural environments within which all human activity takes place.
Land and land use decisions have cultural, social, legal, economic and ecosystem implications and this BSc degree offers a broad perspective on these issues.
While it may be noticeable if our built environments are poorly designed, through studying this degree, you will recognise the attributes of excellence in planning and urban development.
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:
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.
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.
Recommended background
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.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Notes: These requirements apply to students who are commencing this programme in 2023. Students who enrolled in this programme in 2022 or earlier will normally complete the programme under the regulations in force when they first enrolled. Pre-2023 programme requirements can be found in the 2022 University of Otago Calendar and the 2022 Guide to Enrolment. If you have any questions regarding the structure of your degree, please contact surveying.advice@otago.ac.nz for further information.
126
Total
360
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026)
More information
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