Graduate Diploma in City Planning

The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

CRICOS 088356M · Duration: 1 Year

Duration

52 weeks

Delivery

Face-to-face (includes blended)

Study Load

Full time / Part time

Intakes

Term 1 & Term 3

Course Overview

About This Course

Planning is an exciting, varied and progressive profession which plays a pivotal role in decisions shaping the future of cities and regions. Planners need to see the whole picture: we need to be good thinkers, good analysts and good communicators. We work with stakeholders across the spectrum of interests - from global developers to local communities - to foster feasible, equitable and sustainable outcomes. Sydney and NSW provide a fantastic laboratory to help understand the crucial role played by planners in addressing complex challenges, systematically placed in its global context through critical analysis and drawing upon best practice. The Graduate Diploma in City Planning [GDCP] degree is designed for students with an undergraduate qualification in a related discipline seeking to move into a planning or planning-related field. It is also tailored for professionals working in other sectors, especially those whose work may intersect with the planning system or requires involvement with planning agencies. Subject to progress, students can articulate from the GDCP into the Master of City Planning. The Grad Dip in City Planning aims to produce high quality graduates who have acquired UNSW Graduate attributes and are capable, through their skills, knowledge and experience, of undertaking a wide range of tasks required of a qualified planning practitioner. As well as preparing for the profession, a planning degree provides lifelong analytical, collaborative and communication skills much in demand more widely.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Canberra

Northcott Dr, Canberra, ACT 2600

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

{"domain":"Minimum Entry Requirements","requirements":[{"domain":{"label":"Minimum Entry Requirements","value":"minimum_entry_requirements"},"type":{"label":"Entry Requirements","value":"entry_requirements"},"cl_id":"b88892e2c38bea90a9607d2a05013163","description":"A bachelor's degree with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65).

\nNote: Graduates of UNSW Bachelor of City Planning (Honours), or equivalent programs accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia are ineligible for admission as they have already met the learning outcomes of this degree.

\nApplicants who do not meet these requirements may be eligible to commence their postgraduate planning studies through taking the Graduate Certificate.

\nAdvanced Standing

\nAdvanced standing may be granted for completed or partially completed postgraduate awards from UNSW or from another institution.

","links":[]}]}

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Our graduates are in-demand and work in planning and urban policy-related roles across all tiers of government (Federal, State, Local), as well as private sector consultancies, property development, and other built environment professions where planning skills are required. Potential careers include: Strategic Planner, Local Government Planner, Social and Community Planner, Environmental Planner, Urban Consultant, Urban Policy Analyst, Urban Policy Officer, Transport Planning, Urban Designer, Heritage Officer, Property Developer.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I progress to a Master's degree after completing the Graduate Diploma in City Planning?

Yes. Once you've completed the Graduate Diploma in City Planning, you can apply for entry into the Master of City Planning with credit points applied for courses already completed. The Master of City Planning allows you to graduate as a professionally accredited city planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).

What is the program structure for the Graduate Diploma in City Planning?

The Graduate Diploma in City Planning is a one-year full-time program (or part-time equivalent) consisting of eight courses across three terms. In Term 1, students take 2 core city planning courses and 1 sustainability/sustainable development focused elective; in Term 2, 2 core city planning courses and 1 planning focused elective; and in Term 3, 1 core city planning course and 1 prescribed elective.

What are the indicative fees for the Graduate Diploma in City Planning?

For domestic students, the 2026 indicative first year full fee is $39,000 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is also $39,000. For international students, the 2026 indicative first year fee is $49,000, and the indicative fee to complete the degree is $50,000. Fees are subject to annual review and may vary.

What areas of study are covered in the Graduate Diploma in City Planning?

The program covers a broad range of urban issues including: urban society, theory and history; city economics and development; environmental management and sustainability; city building – infrastructure and transport; strategic spatial planning; planning law and administration; planning research and analysis; urban management and development assessment; and communication, engagement and participation.

What are the key benefits of studying City Planning at UNSW?

Key benefits include connecting with Australia's leading urban research centre (the City Futures Research Centre), an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription included for the duration of your studies, strong industry links and partnerships, the ability to progress into the Master of City Planning for professional accreditation, study at a Built Environment school ranked #33 globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026), and being part of a university awarded Most Employable students for seven years in a row (AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2026).

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!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $125,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Urban PlannerTown PlannerCity PlannerDevelopment Assessment OfficerStrategic Planner

Key Skills

Spatial analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mappingUrban land use planning and zoning interpretationDevelopment assessment and planning application reviewStrategic and statutory planning report writingCommunity consultation and stakeholder engagement

Full Course Overview

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

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

Hear From the Students

Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.

Priya Sharma

India

Master of Nursing · Griffith University