Course Overview

About This Course

The two-year, accredited UNSW Master of City Planning deepens your analytical, policy and communication skills. It prepares you to work across government, industry and communities to investigate and resolve urban and regional planning challenges. You'll graduate with the skills to design sustainable, equitable, healthy and inclusive spaces that improve quality of life and contribute to real-world issues. As part of UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture, you'll work alongside students and professionals from across the built environment, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and approaches. You'll explore key areas of contemporary planning, from city renewal and city analytics through to housing policy and healthy, sustainable communities. UNSW's strong industry connections and world-leading research through the City Futures Research Centre position you to enter Australia's planning sector with confidence.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

A bachelor's degree with a credit average or above (Weighted Average Mark 65+)
Applicants who have already completed an Australian planning degree accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia are not eligible for this program
If you have an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, or have partially completed a relevant postgraduate program, you may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) — RPL is limited to 24 Units of Credit (UOC), equivalent to 4 subjects
Cognate disciplines include: built environment (architecture, landscape architecture, construction, property development, urban design); social, economic and environmental sciences (geography, urban studies, sociology, demography, economics, social policy, politics, communication studies, health studies, international development, environmental ecology, environmental management, environmental sustainability); Law/Jurisprudence; environmental and civil engineering (including surveying and spatial science)
If entry requirements are not met, applicants may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in City Planning as a pathway into the Master's degree (at the discretion of the Program Director or Academic Coordinator)
English language proficiency evidence may be required depending on educational background and citizenship; acceptable evidence includes English language tests, prior study in the medium of English, or other qualifications

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

City planners play a key role in addressing complex urban challenges, such as climate change, housing affordability and sustainable development. Graduates work in planning and urban policy-related roles across all tiers of government (Federal, State, Local), as well as in private sector consultancies, property development and other built environment professions. The typical salary for an urban planner in Australia is $90,000 per year (Seek, 2026). Potential career roles include: City analyst, Development assessment planner, Environmental planner, Heritage officer, Housing policy advisor, Local government planner, Property developer, Social and community planner, Strategic planner, Transport planner, Urban consultant, Urban data analyst, Urban designer, Urban policy analyst, Urban policy officer.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units10 units

Land & Environment Law

Core course covering legal frameworks relating to land and environment in planning (6 UOC)

Land Use Policy & Practice

Core course exploring land use policy and its practical applications (6 UOC)

City Equity & Wellbeing

Core course examining equity and wellbeing in urban contexts (6 UOC)

Urban Design

Core course in urban design principles and practice (6 UOC)

City Building - Infrastructure Planning

Core course on infrastructure planning for cities (6 UOC)

City Economics, Urban Development & Finance

Core course covering economics, development and finance in urban settings (6 UOC)

Planning Techniques & Analysis

Core course in planning methodologies and analytical techniques (6 UOC)

Strategic Spatial Planning

Core course on strategic approaches to spatial planning (6 UOC)

Sustainable Development and the Urban Environment

Core course on sustainability in urban development (6 UOC) — one of two options

Sustainability and Habitability

Core course alternative on sustainability and habitability (6 UOC) — one of two options

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of City Planning accredited by any professional body?

Yes, the Master of City Planning is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). Course offerings satisfy key competence areas required by the PIA, ensuring graduates receive professional accreditation alongside analytical, collaborative and communication skills valued across multiple sectors.

What specialisations are available in the Master of City Planning?

Students have the option to incorporate a City Analytics or Urban Design specialisation into their degree. This involves completing four courses in the chosen specialisation instead of four prescribed electives. In the final year, students also complete a major capstone project, choosing between an independent research thesis or a major urban design studio.

What are the fees for the Master of City Planning?

For domestic students, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available, with a 2026 indicative CSP first year fee of $9,500 and an indicative CSP fee to complete the degree of $19,500. For domestic students paying full fees, the 2026 indicative first year fee is $39,000 and the fee to complete the degree is $80,000. For international students, the 2026 indicative first year fee is $49,000 and the fee to complete the degree is $102,500. All fees are subject to annual review.

What does the program structure look like and how many units of credit are required?

The Master of City Planning comprises a total of 96 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students complete 54 UOC of core courses, 24 UOC of prescribed electives or an optional specialisation, and 18 UOC of capstone courses. The capstone can be either an independent research thesis or a major urban design studio, both offering the opportunity to deepen expertise in a specialised area.

What research and industry connections does the program offer?

The program is backed by UNSW's City Futures Research Centre, one of Australia's leading urban research centres. UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture also has an unmatched network of 1,000+ industry partnerships with non-profit, public sector and corporate organisations, providing students with opportunities to engage with industry and develop skills that reflect current and emerging planning challenges. Students study in Sydney, which serves as a living classroom and world city.

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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