University of Queensland
Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Develop skills through a program shaped in consultation with industry, combining theory and hands-on learning to support confident entry into professional practice.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning is suited to recent graduates from any discipline, as well as experienced professionals seeking to expand their skills and expertise. The program also provides preparation for progression into a master’s degree.
Delivered over one year of full-time study, the program offers a choice of more than 20 courses, enabling the development of specialised knowledge alongside practical skills aligned with selected areas of study.
Graduates of the Urban Planning program are highly regarded by employers for their ability to make environmentally, socially and economically sustainable decisions, with career opportunities available across a wide range of roles in both the public and private sectors.
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 Diploma in Urban Planning, you must complete 16 units or eight courses comprising:
14 to 16 units from GDipUPlan Flexible Core Courses
- Foundations of Sustainable Development (two units)
- Regulatory Frameworks for Environmental Management and Planning (two units) or;
- International Regulatory Frameworks for Climate Change and Environmental Management (two units)
- Climate Change and Environmental Management (two units)
- Environmental Impact Assessment (two units)
- Transport Planning (two units)
- Citymaking: Theory and Practice (two units)
- Community Participation in Planning (two units)
- Urban Design Theory and Practice (two units)
- Plan Making (two units)
- Global South Cities: Development Planning Theory and Practice (two units)
Zero to two units from GDipUPlan Program Elective Courses
- Industry Placement (two units)
- Foundations in Microeconomics (two units)
- Economics for Commerce (two units)
- Conservation Planning and Management (two units)
- Applied Demography (two units)
- Global Population Issues (two units)
- Spatial Analysis and Modelling (two units)
- Geographical Information Systems (two units)
- Environmental Hazards (two units)
- Managing Organisational Behaviour (two units)
- Wise Leadership (two units)
- Leadership: Theory and Practice (two units)
- International Field Course: Understanding Development Complexities (two units)
- The Global Metropolis (two units)
- Dynamics of Governance (two units)
- Dynamics of Public Policy (two units)
- Indigenous Politics within and beyond the State (two units)
- Corporate Sustainability (two units)
- Destination Management and Marketing (two units)
- Integrated Urban Water Management (two units)
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, other than qualifications accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
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 and Regional Planner
- Development Assessment Officer
- Urban Designer
- Land-use Planning Coordinator
- Heritage Conservation Officer
- Transport Planner
- Regional Development Officer
- Spatial Planner
- Commercial and Industrial Development Officer
- Strategic Planner
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $10,520 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 16 units (normally eight courses) per 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.