University of Queensland
Master of Urban Planning
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Gain advanced knowledge of strategic, structural and statutory approaches to improve built and natural environments.
Course overview
The Master of Urban Planning is designed for recent graduates in any field and for established planning professionals. You'll address current problems facing cities and discuss the needs and capabilities for the future.
Courses cover the legislative frameworks controlling land use and address key issues in resource management and environmental planning. You'll also examine the role of communities in planning processes and explore the design dimension of urban planning.
You can develop your problem-solving skills during the Planning Practicum course and undertake 200 hours of workplace experience in a planning organisation in Australia or overseas.
UQ graduates are sought after by employers for their ability to make environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable decisions and can expect to find employment in a variety of roles across 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
Students must complete 32 units comprising:
- 20 units for all MUPlan Core Courses
- 12 units for MUPlan Research Pathway or 12 units for MUPlan General Pathway
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is valued at two units.
Complete 20 units for all of the following:
- Foundations of Sustainable Development
- Climate Change and Environmental Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Transport Planning
- Citymaking: Theory and Practice
- Community Participation in Planning
- Urban Design Theory and Practice
- Plan Making
- Global South Cities: Development Planning Theory and Practice
And complete one of the following:
- Regulatory Frameworks for Environmental Management and Planning
- International Regulatory Frameworks for Climate Change and Environmental Management
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 Planner
- Regional Planner
- Urban Engineer
- Heritage Conservation Officer
- Resource Manager
- Transport Planner
- Strategic Land Use Planner
- Statutory Planner
- Regional Development Officer
- Development Assessment Officer
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.