I have been accepted into Master of Urban & Regional Planing (Curtin) or Master of Landscape Architecture (Deakin).
Which one should I go for?
I heard that it is hard to find jobs in Landscape Architecture industry… is that right?
Master of Urban & Regional Planing (Curtin) or Master of Landscape Architecture (Deakin) ?
simprosimple on 06/05/2016 - 12:23
Last edited 06/05/2016 - 16:40 by 1 other user
Last edited 06/05/2016 - 16:40 by 1 other user
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I've just had a look on www.joboutlook.gov.au for you and a quick scan through the "Job Prospects data tends to indicate that the outlook for planners is "low" whilst the outlook for architects is "average". However this could be misleading as architects and landscape architects are categorised together and I feel that this will skew the results.
There's plenty of other data there, including salary expectations etc as well as a description of the job tasks undertaken in each field. I
In the end it is just statistical data and doesn't mean that you can draw definite conclusions from it - but it might be worth a browse to give you some background which might influence your thinking. I'd also suggest you contact the professional associations for both fields in order to find out more.
From another point of view, I think you also need to carefully investigate the providers to see how they "fit" you. Since Curtin and Deakin are in different states, are you looking at Online study? Or is one of the courses delivered through an associate institution in the state you are in, so that both can be on campus courses? If how, what are their facilities like, how are their programs organised etc. You will need to know about these factors too before you decide.
Edited to add: I just searched the Deakin Course - it seems to be run at the Waterfront Campus in Geelong and is not available online, whereas the Curtin one seems to be telling me it is a combination of on and off campus at their Bently Campus in Perth! I'm curious about how these factors might influence your decision.
good luck with your choice.
Remember also that supply and demand for any profession is subject to change. I think a few years back there was an engineer shortage but within 1-2 years there was suddenly an oversupply. All things tend to happen in swings and cycles and seasons…
I study Urban & Regional Planning at Curtin and it's a hard slog when it comes to employment opportunities (they are few and far between) although with that being said pretty much every job is like that. I am very lucky as I am currently employed before Ive finished by undergraduate degree but it's a really really tough market at the moment. Good luck!
My understanding is that most planners are like lawyers who specialise in interpreting and applying Planning Schemes and instruments made by governments.
Usually they work for developers (via consulting firms) to get development approvals or they work for local or state governments to assess the development applications or to draft new/updated Planning Schemes.
So planners work in a regulatory, legislative space. Whereas Landscape Architects work in a creative, construction industry space.
But maybe I'm wrong or am just stating the obvious.