Currently, this course is open to domestic students only. To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident.

Yes, the Master of Urban Planning is designed for aspiring professionals who want to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to become effective planners. This program equips you to create sustainable urban environments and make a meaningful impact.

If you have no formal qualification but a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant work experience, you may be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design. The Graduate Certificate is a foundation course that provides a pathway to studying the Master of Urban Planning. Learn more here.

Yes, you can still apply for the Master of Urban Planning with a degree in a non-related field. However, it’s recommended to start with the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design, where you’ll study the first four subjects of the master’s program. Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate provides a pathway to the Master of Urban Planning.

Yes, if you prefer on-campus learning, you can explore the Master of Planning, delivered at the UTS Ultimo campus in NSW. This program offers a traditional classroom experience with the same rigorous curriculum.

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

• UTS Career Hub for work experience and networking opportunities

• Assignment writing and academic support from teachers & lecturers

• Public speaking and peer learning support

• Confidential medical and mental health services.

Connect with us to learn more about how we support your success while studying for a Master of Urban Planning at UTS Online.

A Master’s in Urban Planning can be worthwhile for people who want to influence how cities grow, address housing challenges, shape transport systems or respond to climate and environmental pressures. It helps build skills in strategic planning, policy, spatial analysis, community engagement and urban design, which are increasingly relevant as cities become more complex.

The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning is an example of a postgraduate option that develops these capabilities, providing a structured pathway for those wanting to contribute to planning work across government, consulting and the private sector.

Yes. Urban planning is in demand across Australia due to rapid population growth, housing shortages, infrastructure expansion and the need for more climate-resilient and sustainable communities. Organisations are seeking planners who can balance environmental, social and economic needs while managing planning frameworks and regulatory processes.

A master in urban planning, such as the UTS Online Master of Urban Planning, can help people gain skills in contemporary planning issues, including strategic development, digital planning tools and sustainability.

A master in urban planning typically takes around two years part-time when studied online, depending on the structure of the university’s program and the required number of subjects. People already working in built-environment fields, such as construction, surveying, or property, often choose part-time or flexible online options so they can build planning knowledge while continuing their careers, as their workload can fluctuate based on project cycles.

The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning follows a flexible part-time structure, allowing students to complete the qualification in a manageable timeframe while working.

The best urban planning course is one that teaches planning theory, spatial analysis, policy, regulation, sustainability and community engagement, while also offering recognised accreditation. Courses that provide analytical tools and insight into how planning systems operate tend to be most useful for professional practice.

The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning includes these core areas and is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia, offering a recognised pathway for those seeking a professional urban planning qualification.

To become an urban planner in Australia, you generally need a planning-related qualification, ideally one accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia. Many planners come from backgrounds such as architecture, geography, environmental studies, engineering or public policy before completing a planning qualification. Skills in regulation, spatial analysis, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning are essential.

The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning satisfies PIA accreditation requirements and provides a recognised pathway into planning roles across government and industry.

Urban planning can suit introverts because it involves a significant amount of independent analytical work, such as research, mapping, modelling, spatial analysis, policy review and report writing. These tasks allow for deep focus and structured problem-solving. While engagement with communities and stakeholders is part of the role, much of the work is reflective and analysis-driven.

The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning also helps learners build communication and stakeholder skills so they can participate confidently in collaborative planning environments.

An architect focuses on building design, working at the scale of individual structures to create functional and aesthetic spaces. An urban planner works at a broader scale, neighbourhoods, districts or entire cities, focusing on land use, policy, infrastructure, transport, environment and long-term community outcomes. While architects design buildings, planners design the systems and frameworks that shape how cities function.

The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning centres on spatial planning, policy, regulation and strategic development rather than architectural design.

Assignments in our subjects are authentic and relevant. They vary according to the subject and include, but are not limited to, posters, online quizzes and vivas (oral assessment), podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. You will be required to complete exams for a few of the subjects in the course or related certifications. There are also group assignments as part of the assessments to graduate with a Master of Urban Planning.

When studying the Master of Urban Planning, your online study experience includes:

• Tools for understanding urban design and sustainability principles

• Modules tailored for flexible, part-time learning

• Peer collaboration and academic support

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.