Understanding the complex relationships between cities and the agricultural and natural environments on which they depend.
Coordinator: Dr Kathryn Davidson
Overview
Complex relationships exist between cities and the agricultural and natural environments on which they rely.
The Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions specialisation examines such relationships and how they impact upon urban, suburban, rural and regional dweller at different scales in the 21st century. Coursework applies sustainability concepts across various settings including the urban, rural and regional landscapes.
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Designed for
Professionals working in land management, extension, and planning agencies working and/or researching domestically or internationally, or students whose background equips them to move into advanced study of these issues.
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Career outcomes
Study in this stream can lead to employment in regulatory agencies, local, state and national government. national and international consulting companies, and industries. Students can expect to find work in urban, rural, and regional areas.
Example roles:
- Environmental Regulator
- Environmental Consultant
- Government Officer
- Policy Officer
- Environmental Policy Developer
View full list of Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Regions subjects in the Handbook
Example Study plan (200 point pathway)
Year 1 | Semester 1 | Environmental Sustainability | Green Infrastructure for Liveable Cities | Managing Global City Regions | Sustainable Landscapes |
Semester 2 | Designing Green Roofs and Walls | Planning and Building Sustainable Cities | Land Use and Urban Design | Ecological Restoration | |
Year 2 | Semester 1 | The Politics of Food | Climate Change and Impacts | Analytical Methods | Internship |
Semester 2 | Partnerships for Sustainable Futures | Research Project | Urban Sustainability and Climate Change |

Green Wall Company
"The sustainable cities, sustainable regions specialisation allowed me to sample a variety of different classes, which led me towards my career path. I planned my subjects to “skill up” in certain classes that I was less knowledgeable in, such as urban design, policy and planning, which gave me a greater understanding of urbanity and how it functions. This allowed me to develop a different scale of perspective, in regards to identifying how cities function. I then realized that if I was to become an “urbanist”, I would have to understand how our cities would be better prepared for future climate change impacts, which led me to take various green infrastructure subjects. This selection of different classes inadvertently built a passion for my current specialization, green roofs. I then undertook a research project dedicated to building green roof policy, an internship that allowed me to develop a green roof project with state and local government, which all culminated into a career in the green roof and wall industry."