Urban planners create places and use their advanced observational and analytical skills to put their ideas into practice.

A key component of this master degree relates to the promotion and development of sustainable cities. You will also develop advanced research skills when you complete an individual research project under the guidance of a qualified research supervisor.

The courses studied pivot around real-world issues and provide you with relevant skills that are transferable in the workplace. You will get the opportunity to practice these skills when you complete a work placement during your final year.

What you'll learn

This master degree will equip you with the knowledge, skills and practical expertise needed to embark on a career in the field of urban and regional planning.

You will learn about:

• sustainable design and development
• social policy and planning
• urban transportation planning
• research techniques

You will also develop an advanced knowledge of research methodologies and their applications in the fields of architecture, art and design.

Planners work at local, national and international levels and are involved in a diverse range of professional activities, including environmental, social, heritage, transport and community planning, and urban design. Planners often find employment with councils.

This degree opens up excellent career opportunities for graduates – in fact, employment prospects for planners is expected to rise by 14.7 percent through until November 20201.

Graduates may be involved in:

• planning and designing new towns and suburbs
• energy efficient housing
• new public transport services
• the protection of heritage buildings and landscapes
• coastal planning
• planning of healthy cities
• regeneration of run down or abandoned former industrial areas
• development of regional and rural communities

1Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2015

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and provides full exemption from the educational requirements for membership of the Institute. Holding a professionally accredited qualification enables graduates to apply for Corporate membership of PIA and subsequently undertake training to gain status as a Professional Certified Planner. Graduates will be required to undertake continuing professional development which is offered by PIA.