Why study the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design with UTS Online?
Top 100 University Globally1
Top Performing Young University2
5 star rated for excellence across 8 categories3
5 stars for student retention4
1QS World University Rankings, 2025 2THE Young University Rankings, 2024 3QS Stars Rating 2021-2024 4Good Universities Guide, 2022
Gain the foundations to shape urban environments
Australia's population is predicted to reach between 28.3 and 29.3 million people by 2027. For Australian cities and towns to continue to grow, many of the key decisions required to successfully cater for change are happening right now - showing the demand for more skilled professionals in this area.1
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design is designed for aspiring urban planning and urban design professionals who want to gain the foundational knowledge and skills to become effective planners and/or designers of sustainable urban environments.
Delivered 100% online, with part-time study, this course enables you to work full-time while developing the knowledge and the skills to make a positive difference to the cities, towns and communities of our future.
1Australian Bureau of Statistics
Who is this course for?
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design is suitable for professionals who want to gain the foundational knowledge and skills to become effective planners and/or designers of sustainable urban environments.
Students of this course might come from a range of professional backgrounds and work in roles such as:
- Teacher
- Lawyer
- Project Manager
- Project Officer
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Sustainability Advisor
- Field Officer
- Junior Architect
- Interior Designer
- Environmental Scientist
- Town Planner
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design comprises four subjects (24 credit points [CP] in total)..
Complete the following subjects:
- Property Development and Planning Process
- Sustainable Urban Development
- Planning and Design Theory and Decision Making
- Urban Design Fundamentals
Note: Most UTS Online subjects are valued at 6 credit points each. For detailed subject descriptions and further information, please download a course guide.
Flexible course options
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design comprises 4 online subjects (24 credit points [CP] in total).
Students who complete the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design may qualify to advance to the Master of Urban Planning, requiring only 11 additional subjects to complete the Master's degree.
Students who complete 8 subjects (48 CP) from the master's may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning.
Graduate Certificate
4 Subjects | 8 months
Or continue studying
Master of Urban Planning
+11 Subjects | 30 months
Graduate with a Master's degree
One of our Student Enrolment Advisors can assist you with more information, including alternative pathways.
Learning outcomes
Design people-centred and sustainable urban spaces
Apply urban design principles to create vibrant, functional and sustainable environments. Integrate social, economic and environmental considerations to enhance the liveability of cities and communities.
Develop strategic urban planning solutions
Analyse urban growth trends and spatial dynamics to inform planning decisions. Use evidence-based strategies to design urban solutions that balance development, infrastructure and sustainability.
Engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders
Refine your ability to communicate complex urban planning and design concepts. Work effectively with government agencies, industry professionals and communities to drive inclusive and impactful urban development.
Apply digital tools and emerging technologies in urban design
Utilise cutting-edge planning methodologies, spatial data analysis and digital modelling to visualise and optimise urban spaces. Leverage technology to enhance decision-making and drive innovative design solutions.
Course information
Entry requirements
Currently, this course is only accepting domestic applicants.
Pathway 1
Applicants must have completed a UTS-recognised academic qualification or an equivalent (according to NOOSR or UK NARIC) as follows:
- Bachelor's degree, or
- Graduate Certificate, or
- Graduate Diploma, or
- Master's degree
For applicants holding a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, the qualification must be one of the following:
a)
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Property Development
- UTS Graduate Diploma in Property Development
AND
b) the qualification must be completed with a credit average or above.
Pathway 2
For applicants with no Bachelor degree but holding a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma not listed under pathway 1:
- the qualification must be in one of the following disciplines: architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and regional planning, environmental design, community development, property economics, property development, planning, geography, geographic information science (GIS), environmental science, law, economics
- the qualification must be completed with a credit average or above, and
- applicants should have at least 3 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, work experience in one of the fields listed above and
- applicants need to articulate their work experience and the reasons to study Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design
Those applicants must provide:
- a CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining their work experience, and
- a 300-word personal statement clearly articulating their work experience related to urban planning or urban design and explaining their reasons to study the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design.
Pathway 3
Applicants who do not meet the criteria under pathway 1 or 2 may be considered on the following:
- a minimum of 3 years for senior positions or 5 years for mid-career positions full-time, or equivalent part-time, work experience in a profession closely related to urban planning or urban design; and
- must articulate their work experience and the reasons to study the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design.
Those applicants must provide:
- a CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining their work experience, AND
- employer’s letter confirming the dates of employment, and the position held, AND
- a 300-word personal statement clearly articulating their work experience related to urban planning or urban design and explaining the reasons to study the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design provides foundational knowledge and skills for professionals eager to contribute to sustainable and innovative urban development. This course is ideal for those seeking to expand their career options or transition into the dynamic field of urban planning.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue a variety of roles, including:
- Urban Planner (entry-level roles)
- Development Assessment Officer
- Planning Assistant
- Urban Design Coordinator
- Environmental Planning Officer
$80,000
Average salary
Graduates with a Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning can expect an average starting salary of $80,000, based on entry-level roles such as Urban Planner, Development Assessment Officer and Planning Assistant.
(Planning Institute of Australia)
82%
Increase in urban planners since 2006
The number of urban planners in Australia has grown by 82% since 2006, highlighting rising demand in urban and regional planning.
(Planning Institute of Australia)
1,400
Annual employment growth
Urban and Regional Planning in Australia has seen annual employment growth of 1,400 positions, underscoring expanding opportunities in the sector.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
Upcoming intakes
UTS Online courses have 6 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes. Our next intake is highlighted below.
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Jan
2025 -
Mar
2025 -
May
2025 -
Jul
2025 -
Aug
2025 -
Oct
2025
Meet our Course Director
Mukesh is an architect, urban planner, and educator whose interdisciplinary work spans urban planning, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and environmental sustainability. He brings extensive experience in academic and professional roles, combining expertise in computational GIS, remote sensing, and urban analytics to address pressing urban and regional issues.
With a strong focus on evidence-based strategies, Mukesh’s research explores sustainable planning solutions for urban growth, land use transformation, and mitigating urban heat island effects. As an educator at the University of Technology Sydney, Mukesh guides students to critically assess and navigate complex urban issues through a robust understanding of spatial analysis, urban analytics and planning research methods. His teaching is deeply informed by his research and professional planning experience, fostering future planners and designers equipped to implement sustainable and socially conscious planning solutions.
Mukesh Ray
Course Director, Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
“Knowing that I've got the research behind me through the Master's course is going to give me a lot more confidence when I step into a room where decisions need to be made.”
Joel G, UTS Online Student
“Participating in the course has given me more opportunities at my workplace and has led to me being offered a new role. I absolutely love the flexibility of learning online. Being able to join evening classes; really adaptable to my lifestyle”
Kim M, UTS Online Student
“The flexibility to be able to do it any time, anywhere, just made completing the Masters so much easier.”
Bianca N, UTS Online Student
“I'm really impressed by how the course was structured and the way that I could connect with my peers. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to connect what I was learning, all of the theory to my professional world.”
Sonia D, UTS Online Student
“To be able to connect with these industry experts and also so many different students from so many different industries really allowed you to get stuck in and just explore what else is out there.”
Lauren S, UTS Online Student
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design is designed for aspiring professionals seeking foundational knowledge and skills to become effective planners or designers of sustainable urban environments.
Not necessarily. If you don’t hold a formal qualification, but have 3–5 years of relevant work experience, you may still be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design. This program serves as a foundation course and provides a pathway to the Master of Urban Planning, equipping you with the essential skills to advance your career in urban planning.
Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design can pursue roles such as Urban Planner, Urban Designer, Environmental Sustainability Advisor or Project Manager. The foundational skills gained prepare you for various positions focused on creating sustainable urban environments.
Yes, successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design provides a pathway to the Master of Urban Planning, allowing you to further specialise and advance your expertise.
At UTS Online, your success is our priority, and that doesn't change when you study remotely. We're committed to providing you with a comprehensive range of student support services, guiding you from enrolment right through to graduation.
As a UTS student, you'll enjoy access to an array of support services, including:
Your own dedicated Student Success Advisor, available to answer any course-related questions you may have to keep you on track
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UTS Career Hub for work experience and networking opportunities
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Assignment writing and academic support from teachers & lecturers
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Public speaking and peer learning support
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Confidential medical and mental health services.
Connect with us to learn more about how we support your success while studying for a Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design at UTS Online.
Assignments in our subjects are authentic, relevant and often grounded in your personal clinical context. They vary according to the subject and include, but are not limited to clinical reports, posters, online quizzes and vivas (oral assessment), podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. You will not be required to complete exams or group assignments to graduate the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design.
When studying the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design, your online study experience includes:
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Modules on urban planning, sustainability, and design principles
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Resources for applying concepts in real-world scenarios
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Flexible schedules and peer discussion boards
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
For practical tips on balancing your studies with work and life, click here to learn how to achieve your goals. Remember, our team is just an email or call away to support you every step of the way.
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