University of Queensland
Graduate Certificate in Urban Development and Design
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop skills in urban development and design that enable informed, innovative approaches to shaping cities and communities.
Course overview
Urban design is examined from multiple perspectives to provide a contemporary and integrated understanding of how cities can be improved as places to live and work.
The program reframes urban design beyond problem-solving, encouraging creative ways of understanding cities and exploring alternative futures. It is designed to inspire emerging leaders to shape the next generation of urban environments.
With most of the world’s population now living in cities and increasing pressures from limited resources and climate change, there is a growing demand for urban designers trained to analyse cities strategically and holistically.
While urban design is often treated as a supplementary skill within other professions, it is approached here as a distinct area of expertise, encompassing the capacity to engage with decision-makers and lead meaningful change.
This program responds to the needs of a new generation of designers and is delivered by leading academics and industry professionals.
Studies draw on a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, civil engineering, planning, policy, economics and business leadership, ensuring graduates develop the broad skill set required for transdisciplinary practice.
At any stage of a career, participants gain new perspectives on urban development and design, positioning them to create innovative solutions that make cities more efficient, sustainable and meaningful.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Urban Development and Design, you must complete eight units or four courses comprising:
Two units for all GCUrbDevDes Core Courses
- Contemporary Urbanism (two units)
Two units from GCUrbDevDes Development Courses
- Foundations of Sustainable Development (two units)
- Global South Cities: Development Planning Theory and Practice (two units)
Four units from GCUrbDevDes Design Courses
- Masterclass (four units)
- Urban Design: Urban Futures (four units)
- Urban Design: Responsive Environments (four units)
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline or;
- A graduate certificate or graduate diploma or master's degree in a relevant discipline.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification. Domestic students can commence full-time study in Semester 2 only or part-time study in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
This postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Urban Designer
- Community Engagement Consultant
- Landscape Architect
- Urban Strategist
- Design Advisor
- Urban Planner
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $4,770 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units (four courses) per semester or year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
- You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.