Course Overview

About This Course

The future of our urban and regional centres relies on agile, creative thinkers who can bring communities together to collectively work toward solutions to the challenges they face. In doing so, they need to navigate political, administrative and legislative frameworks in an ethical, sustainable way. In this Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) accredited course, you'll explore the social, economic and environmental challenges affecting communities and help solve real-world problems with the support of several industry partners. You'll gain an understanding of planning laws and applications, and be encouraged to contribute to real-world projects. The course is designed for students with an undergraduate qualification in an area related to the built environment, such as architecture, landscape architecture or geography, who seek to gain PIA accreditation to work as a planner. It is not intended for those who hold a PIA-accredited bachelor degree in planning. Those who hold a bachelor degree in an unrelated field must apply for the Graduate Certificate in Development Planning before progressing to the master degree. Students who complete the master degree to a high standard can apply for doctoral-level studies. You may also exit the degree at the graduate certificate level.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Curtin Perth, Kent Street, Bentley WA 6102Curtin Perth, Perth, Western AustraliaBentley

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Typically applicants with a Bachelor or postgraduate degree with 100 credits (or equivalent) content closely related to urban and regional planning will be allowed direct entry into the Master of Urban and Regional Planning.
Applicants from degrees without urban and regional planning content will be able to apply for entry via the Graduate Certificate in Development Planning.
Applicants with considerable work/life experience in urban and regional planning are able to apply for up to 33 percent credit value of the course or one year (whichever is the lesser) after completing the Graduate Certificate in Development Planning.
The course is designed for students with an undergraduate qualification in an area related to the built environment, such as architecture, landscape architecture or geography.
It is not intended for those who hold a PIA-accredited bachelor degree in planning.
Those who hold a bachelor degree in an unrelated field must apply for the Graduate Certificate in Development Planning before progressing to the master degree.
Applicants will be assessed on a case by case basis.
English language requirement: IELTS Academic with an overall band score of 6.5, with minimum scores of 6 in Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Careers: Planner, Urban designer, Consultant in urban planning and development, Community development, Project and policy officer (government). Industries: Community development and engagement, Environmental planning, Transport planning, Sustainable development, Land use planning, Regional and rural planning, Planning law, Urban design.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Master of Urban and Regional Planning accredited by a professional body?

Yes, this course is fully accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), meaning graduates gain the necessary accreditation to work as a professional planner.

Who is this course designed for?

The course is designed for students with an undergraduate qualification in an area related to the built environment, such as architecture, landscape architecture or geography, who seek to gain PIA accreditation to work as a planner. It is not intended for those who already hold a PIA-accredited bachelor degree in planning.

What if my undergraduate degree is unrelated to the built environment or urban planning?

Those who hold a bachelor degree in an unrelated field must apply for the Graduate Certificate in Development Planning before progressing to the master degree. Applicants with considerable work/life experience in urban and regional planning are also able to apply for up to 33 percent credit value of the course or one year (whichever is the lesser) after completing the Graduate Certificate in Development Planning.

How much does the Master of Urban and Regional Planning cost for domestic students?

For domestic fee-paying students, the indicative 2026 annual tuition fee is $29,748, based on a first-year full-time study load of 200 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options, including units selected and time taken to complete. Domestic fee-paying students may be eligible for FEE-HELP assistance.

How long does the Master of Urban and Regional Planning take to complete?

The course is one and a half years (1 year, 6 months) of full-time study, or equivalent part-time study, totalling 300 credits.

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!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $58,000 to $72,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $72,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $115,000 per year

Career Paths

Urban and Regional PlannerTown PlannerDevelopment Assessment PlannerStrategic PlannerLand Use Planner

Key Skills

Strategic and statutory planning practicePlanning law interpretation and application (zoning, land use, development assessment)Community engagement and stakeholder consultationEnvironmental impact assessment and sustainability planningUrban design principles and built environment analysis

Full Course Overview

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