Why study the Master of Urban Planning with UTS Online?
Top 100 University Globally1
Top Performing Young University2
5 star rated for excellence across 8 categories3
5 star rated for student retention4
1QS Top Uni Ranking 2025. 2THE Young University Rankings, 2024 3QS Stars Rating 2021-2024 4Good Universities Guide, 2022
Create sustainable urban environments
According to the Jobs and Skills Australia Projections, employment in Urban and Regional Planning is projected to grow by 18.6% in the five years leading up to May 2026, which is higher than the national average.1
The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning is designed for professionals who want to develop their knowledge and practical skills to become effective planners with an integrated approach to creating sustainable urban environments. Learn to navigate real-life opportunities and constraints and understand the importance of economic, social, cultural and political contexts when planning for communities.
Delivered 100% online, with part-time study, you’ll explore the various perspectives of urban planning development, including the environment, legislation and social sustainability in order to achieve good planning outcomes.
Graduate with an industry-recognised qualification
The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), the national body representing planning and the planning profession, with 5,300 members nationally and internationally.
Who is this course for?
The Master of Urban Planning is suitable for professionals from both planning and non-planning fields, who want to develop their knowledge and practical skills to become effective planners.
Students of this course might come from a range of professional backgrounds, and work in roles such as:
- Project Manager
- Project Officer
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Sustainability Advisor
- Field Officer
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online’s Master of Urban Planning comprises 15 subjects online subjects (90 credit points (CP) in total).
*Students who complete eight subjects from the masters may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning.
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Property Development and Planning Process
- Sustainable Urban Development
- Planning & Design Theory and Decision Making
- Urban Design Fundamentals
- Urban Analytics
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
- Urban Economics and Infrastructure Planning
- Planning and Environmental Law in Australia
- Local Strategic Planning
- Structure Planning
- Spatial Analysis (GIS)
- Development Negotiation and Community Engagement
- Urban Redevelopment
- Urban Project A
- Urban Project B
- Planning and Urban Professional Practice
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 Master of Urban Planning comprises 15 online subjects (90 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 4 subjects (24 CP) from the master's may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design.
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's
+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.
Gain in-demand skills
The Master of Urban Planning provides a practical approach to urban planning across an array of subject areas. You’ll learn how to apply sustainable planning practices and urban design principles, and develop the analytic skills to create integrated planning solutions. You’ll explore real-world case studies in online workshops that you can apply in a practical setting.
“I think the ability to broker solutions among many competing stakeholders (neighbours, environmental advocates, housing developers, local businesses) and invent new solutions to complex conflicts is one of the top skills planners need. They also need to be able to assemble and analyse different sorts of evidence to weigh up the outcomes of alternate decisions and support a better-informed public debate.”
- Professor Heather MacDonald, Academic in planning and Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building at UTS
Learning outcomes
Shape sustainable and strategic urban development
Analyse the forces that drive land and property markets and evaluate their impact on urban planning proposals. Apply spatial analysis to design planning solutions that enhance liveability, sustainability and economic resilience.
Lead with ethical and future-focused planning
Develop a critical and ethical mindset to navigate complex urban challenges. Apply socially responsible and forward-thinking planning strategies that anticipate and respond to emerging urban, regional and environmental dynamics.
Engage and influence diverse stakeholders
Refine your ability to communicate planning concepts and strategies effectively. Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds to drive consensus and support sustainable urban outcomes.
Develop data-driven and innovative planning solutions
Harness analytical tools and planning methodologies to create evidence-based urban strategies. Use cutting-edge research and technology to model urban growth, assess risks and develop solutions that shape the cities of tomorrow.
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:
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning
- UTS Graduate Diploma in Planning
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Property Development
- UTS Graduate Diploma in Property Development
AND
- 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
AND
- 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 the Master of Urban Planning.
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 and explaining their reasons to study the Master of Urban Planning.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
Note: If the applicant does not formally meet the above selection criteria but the Faculty deems the applicant to be eligible based on evidence of prior learning and demonstrated capability, the Faculty reserves the right to make an offer to the appropriate course.
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 Master of Urban Planning equips professionals with the expertise to shape sustainable, liveable and inclusive cities. This course is designed for those passionate about driving urban innovation, influencing policy and leading complex development projects.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue a range of career opportunities, including:
- Urban Planner
- Strategic Planner
- Development Assessment Officer
- Urban Design Consultant
- Environmental Planner
- Policy Advisor
$85,000–$105,000
Average salary
Urban Planners in Australia earn an average salary ranging from $85,000 to $105,000, reflecting the financial benefits of expertise in urban planning.
(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 -
Jun
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, Master of Urban Planning
Download your 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 Master of Urban Planning is designed for students 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:
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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 Master of Urban Planning 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 Master of Urban Planning.
When studying the Master of Urban Planning, your online study experience includes:
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Tools for understanding urban design and sustainability principles
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Modules tailored for flexible, part-time learning
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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.
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