Course Overview

About This Course

Play a pivotal role in shaping liveable and sustainable cities and regions. With the UNSW Graduate Diploma in City Planning, you'll explore a broad range of urban issues through theory and practice, preparing you for diverse, future-focused careers. Upskill and prepare for a career in planning that improves lives by designing sustainable and equitable cities.

The Graduate Diploma in City Planning at UNSW is a three-term postgraduate program that allows you to build on previous study or professional experience to upskill or progress into a career related to urban and regional planning. City planning is an exciting, varied and progressive profession that plays a pivotal role shaping the future of cities. Through a career in urban and regional planning, you'll improve lives by designing cities that are sustainable, equitable, healthy and inspiring. As part of the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture you'll join a uniquely interdisciplinary and supportive community. You'll work alongside students and professionals from across the built environment, just as you would in the workplace. You'll benefit from UNSW's strong ties to industry and world-leading research in city planning, as you explore diverse subjects including city renewal, city analytics, housing policy and healthy sustainable communities.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

A bachelor degree with a credit average or above (Weighted Average Mark 65+)
If you don't meet these requirements, you may be eligible to study the Graduate Certificate in City Planning, then continue with advanced standing into the Diploma. This will be at the discretion of the Program Director or Academic Coordinator who assesses applications on a case-by-case basis.
Advanced standing may also be granted for completed or partially completed postgraduate awards from UNSW or from another institution.
English language proficiency may be required depending on your educational background and citizenship. Acceptable evidence includes: English language tests and university English courses, prior study in the medium of English, or other qualifications.

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

Accreditation Details

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

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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.

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