Course Overview

About This Course

Across the planet more people now live in cities than rural areas. Western Sydney University programs in Urban Management and Planning aim to provide you, as current and future practitioners, with the scholarship, skills and knowledge to successfully manage the planet’s increasingly complex urban world. You will develop skills in a range of relevant areas including governance, urban finance and sustainable strategies. The Graduate Certificate in Urban Management and Planning gives students the professional and scholarly education to take a leadership role in urban management, strategic planning and policy development. The coursework includes preparation in professional practice, history, the theoretical and legal frameworks for planning. Study and save: Discounted student fees are available through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) when undertaking this course in 2026. Offered as a Grad Certificate/Grad Diploma qualification of 40 credit points, it is normally completed in 1 year full-time and 2 years part-time. It is delivered at Western Sydney University's Parramatta City campus. Graduates pursue roles such as Planning and management in local, state and federal government agencies or the private sector, Zoning, Transportation projects and Sustainability and the environment.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

Open in Maps ↗

Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

$4,768*

Duration

Full Time: 1 Year (Available Part Time)*

Intakes

Autumn 2027 (starts 01 March 2027) | Spring 2027 (starts 19 July 2027)

Study Mode

Full Time / Part Time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Tertiary Education: Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in planning, geography, social science, environmental studies, architecture and landscape studies, urban and regional studies or public policy Or Have a minimum of two years full-time equivalent work experience in planning, geography, social science, environmental studies, architecture and landscape studies, urban and regional studies or public policy
Work Experience (to cover paid work experience, traineeships, work placements): Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application. https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/content/dam/digital/pdf/Statement_of_Service.PDF

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

Planning and management in local, state and federal government agencies or the private sector
Zoning
Transportation projects
Sustainability and the environment

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units5 units

ARCH7001

Developing Sustainable Places

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

BLDG7006

Financing Cities in the Global Economy

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

ARCH7005

Urban Management Practice: Governance and Power in the City

Alternate Subjects — 10 credit points

ENVL7002

Planning and Environmental Regulation

Core — 10 credit points

ARCH7003

Managing Cities: History and Theory

Core — 10 credit points

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Graduate Certificate in Urban Management and Planning available as a standalone course to apply for?

No. The Graduate Certificate in Urban Management and Planning at Western Sydney University is an exit-only qualification, meaning it is not available for direct application and can only be awarded to students who exit from a higher-level postgraduate program after completing the required units.

How would I be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Urban Management and Planning?

This qualification is awarded as an exit point only, typically when a student enrolled in a higher postgraduate degree (such as a Master's program) has completed sufficient units to meet the requirements of the Graduate Certificate but does not continue to the full award.

Who should I contact for more information about this course at Western Sydney University?

Prospective students can contact Western Sydney University directly by calling 1300 668 370 or by writing to Locked Bag 1797, Penrith NSW 2751 for further information about this exit-only qualification.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses

Graduate Certificate in Urban Management and Planning - exit only

About This Course

Available Locations

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students