Graduate Diploma
The Graduate Diploma in City Planning at UNSW is a three-term postgraduate program that allows you to build on previous study or professional experience to upskill or progress into a career related to urban and regional planning.
City planning is an exciting, varied and...
The Graduate Diploma in City Planning at UNSW is a three-term postgraduate program that allows you to build on previous study or professional experience to upskill or progress into a career related to urban and regional planning.
City planning is an exciting, varied and progressive profession that plays a pivotal role shaping the future of cities. Through a career in urban and regional planning, you'll improve lives by designing cities that are sustainable, equitable, healthy and inspiring.
As part of the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture you'll join a uniquely interdisciplinary and supportive community. You'll work alongside students and professionals from across the built environment, just as you would in the workplace. You'll benefit from UNSW's strong ties to industry and world-leading research in city planning, as you explore diverse subjects including city renewal, city analytics, housing policy and healthy sustainable communities.
If you'd like to gain professional accreditation, you can progress into the Master of City Planning and gain credit points for courses studied.
You'll explore a broad range of urban issues through theory and practice, preparing you for diverse, future-focused careers. Areas of study include:
To gain entry into the Graduate Diploma in City Planning, you'll need a bachelor degree with a credit average or above (Weighted Average Mark 65+).
If you don't meet these requirements, you may be eligible to study the Graduate Certificate in City Planning, then continue with advanced standing into the Diploma. This will be at the discretion of the Program Director or Academic Coordinator who assesses applications on a case-by-case basis.
Once you've completed the Graduate Diploma in City Planning you can apply for entry into the Master's program with credit points applied for courses already completed.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
A Bachelor degree with a credit average or above (WAM 65+). Advanced standing may also be granted for completed or partially completed postgraduate awards from UNSW or from another institution.
Students who do not meet these requirements may be eligible to commence their postgraduate planning studies through taking the Graduate Certificate in City Planning.
Once you've completed the Graduate Diploma in City Planning you can apply for entry into the Master's program with credit points applied for courses already completed.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
The Graduate Diploma is your pathway to the Master of City Planning, from which you can graduate as a professionally accredited city planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). If you're a professional working in another sector this program can facilitate career opportunities and progression, especially if your work intersects with planning.
Studying planning will prepare you for a career through which you can drive solutions to grand challenges like climate change and inequality.
Our graduates are in-demand and work in planning and urban policy-related roles across all tiers of government (Federal, State, Local), as well as private sector consultancies, property development, and other built environment professions where planning skills are required.