UnitLevel 5Postgraduate

UPD5301 Economics and the city

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

UPD5301 Economics and the city is a level 5, 6-credit-point, postgraduate unit from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, offered in 2026 in Semester 1 at Caulfield. It has no prerequisites.

Credit points
6
Offered in 2026
Semester 1
Caulfield
Assessment
No exam
3 tasks

This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Before UPD5301

Corequisites

Pass these before, or take them in the same semester.

Prohibitions

You can't enrol if you have passed any of these.

After UPD5301

No unit lists UPD5301 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.

Overview

This unit develops skills and knowledge around the historic and current economic structures of cities. You will undertake research into economic approaches to urban development, city infrastructure and service delivery, as well as critically reflect on the economic drivers of cities in Australia and overseas.

Offerings in 2026

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterCaulfieldFlexible

Assessment

  • Planning project 1Project
    30%
  • Planning project 2Project
    30%
  • Planning project 3Project
    40%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    Demonstrate understanding of historical and contemporary factors that shape urban economies within Australia and in the broader global context;

  2. 2

    Describe the potential impacts of planning controls on housing and land development;

  3. 3

    Analyse urban and metropolitan economies, demonstrating practical application of economic concepts;

  4. 4

    Effectively communicate concepts related to urban development using oral, written and graphic communication formats;

  5. 5

    Reflect on the ethical dimensions of economic decisions including their impacts on communities and the implications for urban planning practice;

  6. 6

    Adapt to evolving challenges, seek new knowledge and engage in continuous self-directed learning.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials36 hours
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
  • Teaching approachResearch activities
  • Teaching approachActive learning
  • Teaching approachIndustry-based learning
  • Teaching approachField trips

12 hours per week including 3 contact hours plus 9 hours of independent study, or equivalent.

Where it fits

UPD5301 is part of 1 area of study in the 2026 handbook.

Contacts

Unit Coordinators
Professor Carl Grodach
Chief Examiners
Professor Carl Grodach

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for UPD5301?

None, but you must take OHS1000 before or alongside it.

When is UPD5301 offered?

In 2026, UPD5301 runs in Semester 1 at Caulfield.

Does UPD5301 have an exam?

No. UPD5301 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.

Which majors and minors include UPD5301?

UPD5301 is part of Policy studies.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
5
Study level
Postgraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
Organisational unit
Department of Architecture
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 2
Study abroad
Available