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104 weeks
Online and On-campus
Full time / Part time / Online / On-campus
Trimester 1 – February 2026 | Trimester 2 – June 2026 | Trimester 3 – October 2026
Course Overview
Download course brochure Planning experts work strategically, often with competing stakeholders, to achieve the best social, environmental and economic outcomes. UNE's Master of Urban and Regional Planning offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive course that integrates the knowledge and skills required by planning experts to achieve the best outcomes. The course is accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia and graduates are eligible for membership of the Institute's Urban and Regional Planning Chapter. Why study the Master of Urban and Regional Planning with UNE? We offer a diverse range of admission pathways. If you have a bachelor's degree or higher, you can pivot to the field of urban and regional planning via this course. If your qualification is in a relevant discipline, you may also be eligible for advanced standing, reducing the length and cost of your course. Our job is to ensure you are future-fit for a rapidly changing world of work. As part of your studies, you will be working on real-world planning projects in collaboration with industry partners. Together, we will explore a range of complex planning problems, developing knowledge and skills across a range of integrated study areas that contribute to finding sustainable planning solutions for communities, business and governments. You’ll be steps ahead to apply your structural and statutory knowledge to built and natural environments within the legislative framework controlling land use. UNE is an industry leader in the provision of online learning for teachers and our students consistently award us 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide . What makes our course different? Our approach with the Master of Urban and Regional Planning is both flexible and multidisciplinary: our course integrates economic, scientific, legal and sociological considerations — knowledge that is required by planning experts to achieve optimum outcomes. When studying our course, you'll have the chance to: Develop in-demand, transferable skills in critical analysis, planning, and management which will set you up for success in your profession, ensuring you are future fit for your career. Gain specialist knowledge across a range of important study areas including geography, sociology, law, public policy and economics so you can competently deliver the best professional planning outcomes for small- and large-scale developments across urban and regional contexts. If admitted under Rule A or Rule B, shape your degree by choosing coursework alone, or combining coursework with a dissertation component to increase your skill as a researcher. During your dissertation you will have direct (one-to-one) supervision of an academic staff member. Choose when and how much you study each year, with three teaching periods each year, commencing in February, June and October. Our trimester system ensures that the UNE Master of Urban and Regional Planning can be completed in a faster timeframe than any comparable Australian planning degree. Study flexibly on campus or online, at your own pace. You can complete your course in 1.5 years full-time or take up to six years (part-time). Study online Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world. Study on campus Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
Where You Can Study
Sydney
211 Church St, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Eligibility
Select the option that best describes you. I want to study on campus If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia: You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course. This course is offered under three admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A . Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B . Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule C: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification(AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in urban and regional planning or a relevant discipline*, and the qualification contains at least 12cps @ 500-level. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C . Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to: Architecture Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering Environmental Science Geography Landscape Architecture Law Planning Surveying Urban Design Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy . Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms. English Language Requirements When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course. International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa. Additional requirements for all applicants These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above. Intensive Schools Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit. Visa Information On-Campus study If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa . The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions. I want to study online If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia): You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course. This course is offered under three admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A . Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B . Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule C: You have completed a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification(AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in urban and regional planning or a relevant discipline*, and the qualification contains at least 12cps @ 500-level. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C . Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to: Architecture Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering Environmental Science Geography Landscape Architecture Law Planning Surveying Urban Design Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy . Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms. English Language Requirements When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course. International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa. Additional requirements for all applicants These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above. Intensive Schools Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit. Visa Information Online study in your own country If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa . If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay. Online study in Australia If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units). Supporting documents Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application: A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification. Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card. Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information. Advanced standing and credit for prior learning Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies. Course Entry Advanced Standing Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest. If you are admitted under Rule B , you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. If you are admitted under Rule C , you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing. Individual Unit Advanced Standing If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing. If you are admitted under Rule A , you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing. This may include up to 6 credit points of Advanced Standing based on professional experience. If you are admitted under Rule B , you can apply for up to a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing. This may include up to 6 credit points of Advanced Standing based on professional experience. Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for Advanced Standing cannot be granted for research and/or reading units. > Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing This course is offered under three admission rules, each with its own Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline. If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A . Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in a relevant discipline.* If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B . Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study). Rule C: You have completed a Graduate Diploma or Bachelor with Honours qualification (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent) in Urban and Regional Planning or a relevant discipline*, and the qualification contains at least 12 credit points at 500-level . If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule C . Please see the Rule C Course Structure (Program of Study).
Relevant disciplines include, but are not limited to: Architecture Civil Engineering Environmental Engineering Environmental Science Geography Landscape Architecture Law Planning Surveying Urban Design Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy . Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms. Additional requirements for all applicants These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above. English Language Requirements When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course. Intensive Schools Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit. Supporting documents Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application: A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification. Advanced standing and credit for prior learning Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies. Course Entry Advanced Standing Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest. If you are admitted under Rule B , you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. If you are admitted under Rule C , you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. You cannot apply for further Advanced Standing. Individual Unit Advanced Standing If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing. If you are admitted under Rule A , you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Advanced Standing. This may include up to 6 credit points of Advanced Standing based on professional experience. If you are admitted under Rule B , you can apply for up to a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing. This may include up to 6 credit points of Advanced Standing based on professional experience. Please note: Advanced Standing cannot be granted for Advanced Standing cannot be granted for research and/or reading units. > Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Career & Study Pathways
Quality & Recognition
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Accreditation Status
AccreditedCourse Content
Local Environmental Infrastructure
Cradle to Grave: Population Geography
Integrated Planning Practice 1
Economic Change and Urban Development
Architecture and Urban Design
Principles of Development Control
Planning Theory and Practice
Environmental Planning and Administration
Applied Research Methods
Regional Development: Processes and Policies
Transport and Land Use Planning
Foundations in Cultural Heritage Management
Benefit-Cost Analysis
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Land Assessment for Sustainable Use
Environmental Impact Assessment
Water in the Environment
Global Climate Change and the Future
Environmental Change in Australia
Disaster Resilience
Catchment to Coast
Urban Living
Population, Health and Environment
Rural Planning and Resource Management
Understanding Research
Environmental Biogeography
Introduction to Architectural Design
Community Planning and Participation
Place-making for People and the Environment
Planning Policy for Hazards
Special Reading Unit in Planning
Integrated Planning Practice 2
Spatial Analysis and Modelling
Heritage Conservation
Public History
The Ethics of Environmentalism
Pollution Management
The City and Social Change
Australian Social and Public Policy
Dissertation
18 credit point dissertation unit with direct one-to-one supervision of an academic staff member
Common Questions
Yes, the course is accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia and graduates are eligible for membership of the Institute's Urban and Regional Planning Chapter.
The course can be completed in 1, 1.5, or 2 years full-time depending on your admission rule and advanced standing, or up to 6 years part-time. UNE's trimester system means the course can be completed in a faster timeframe than comparable Australian planning degrees.
Yes. If you are admitted under Rule B, you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing automatically. If admitted under Rule C, you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing. If admitted under Rule A, you can apply for up to 48 credit points of Individual Unit Advanced Standing, which may include up to 6 credit points based on professional experience.
Yes. If admitted under Rule A or Rule B, you can shape your degree by choosing coursework alone, or combining coursework with an 18 credit point dissertation component (HASS518) to increase your skill as a researcher. During your dissertation you will have direct one-to-one supervision of an academic staff member.
The course has three intake dates: Trimester 1 in February 2026, Trimester 2 in June 2026, and Trimester 3 in October 2026. You can study online or on campus at Armidale. The Sydney Campus does not offer this course.
Application
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.
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