The Master of Urban and Regional Planning is an advanced postgraduate qualification that prepares graduates for professional practice in one of Australia's most critically needed fields. The course develops specialised knowledge in strategic and statutory planning, land use management, environmental design, transport, housing, and community development, equipping students to shape sustainable, liveable cities and regions. Programs are typically accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), enabling graduates to seek corporate membership and work as recognised professional planners across public and private sectors. The degree is inherently multidisciplinary, drawing on geography, law, economics, sociology, environmental science, and design to address the complex challenges facing Australia's rapidly growing urban and regional communities.

The course is designed for a wide range of students: recent graduates from any discipline who wish to enter professional planning practice, as well as built environment professionals — including architects, landscape architects, geographers, engineers, and surveyors — who wish to formalise or expand their planning expertise. Programs typically run for one to two years full-time (or part-time equivalent) and are offered on campus, online, or in blended formats. Core coursework covers planning theories and debates, planning law and legislation, environmental planning, urban design, transport systems, housing, and community engagement, often culminating in a capstone project, research dissertation, or practicum placement. Employers of graduates span all tiers of government (federal, state, and local councils), private planning consultancies, property developers, infrastructure agencies, community organisations, and international development bodies.

Most Australian universities require applicants to hold a recognised bachelor's degree or higher qualification. Entry pathways vary: some programs accept graduates from any discipline (providing an open pathway for career changers), while others require a bachelor's degree in a cognate field such as architecture, geography, urban design, landscape architecture, environmental science, law, or economics, typically with a credit average (WAM of 65 or above, or equivalent GPA). Where an undergraduate background in planning or a related field is held, students may be eligible for advanced standing or a shorter program of study. Applicants without a cognate background may be required to first complete a Graduate Certificate in Development Planning or City Planning as a pathway into the full master's degree. Some institutions also consider substantial professional work experience in planning or related fields as part of the assessment process, along with a personal statement and CV.

For international applicants, English language proficiency is a standard requirement. Most programs require an IELTS Academic overall score of at least 6.5 (with no band below 6.0), though some programs — particularly those at more research-intensive institutions — may require a higher overall score of 7.0 or above with commensurate band minimums. Equivalent scores in TOEFL iBT (typically 79–96+), PTE Academic, or other recognised tests are generally accepted. Applicants who have completed prior qualifications entirely in English may be exempt. Prospective students should check individual university requirements carefully, as entry standards and pathway options differ between providers.