University of Technology Sydney
Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop foundational skills in urban planning, sustainable development and urban design while learning how planning decisions shape cities and communities.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design is designed for professionals looking to build foundational knowledge across urban planning and urban design. The course examines how planning, development and design decisions influence the way cities, towns and communities grow and change.
You will explore property development and planning processes, sustainable urban development, planning and design theory and urban design fundamentals. The course considers social, economic and environmental factors in urban development, as well as approaches to creating functional, sustainable and people-centred places.
The course comprises four subjects totalling 24 credit points and is studied entirely online on a part-time basis. It can be completed in eight months and provides a pathway into the UTS Online Master of Urban Planning, with graduates of the Graduate Certificate requiring a further 11 subjects to complete the Master's degree.
Key facts
1st March, 2027
1st May, 2027
1st July, 2027
1st September, 2027
1st October, 2027
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design comprises four subjects (24 credit points in total).
Core subjects
Complete the following subjects:
- Property Development and Planning Process
- Sustainable Urban Development
- Planning and Design Theory and Decision Making
- Urban Design Fundamentals
Entry requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed an Australian bachelor's, bachelor's honours degree, master’s degree, or overseas equivalent.
- Completed one of the following UTS qualifications, with a minimum GPA of 5/7:
- UTS Graduate Diploma in Property Development
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Property Development
- Completed Australian graduate certificate or graduate diploma, or overseas equivalent, in a related field of study# with a minimum GPA of 5/7 AND a minimum of 1 year full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional work experience
- A minimum of three years for senior positions or 5 years for mid-career positions, full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional work experience.
Related fields of study and areas of relevant professional work experience include: Architecture and Urban Environment, Building Surveying, Building Construction Economics, Valuation, Human Geography, Geomatic Engineering, Environmental Studies, Law and Economics.
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application.
English language requirements
The English proficiency requirement for local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper-based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet-based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies or employment experience can be acknowledged as credit towards your online postgraduate studies, provided that it meets the relevant course requirements.
If you receive a UTS offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken previous studies at another institution, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning. UTS doesn’t determine recognition of prior learning until an offer of enrolment is accepted.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Apply urban design principles to create vibrant, functional and sustainable environments. Integrate social, economic and environmental considerations to enhance the liveability of cities and communities.
- Analyse urban growth trends and spatial dynamics to inform planning decisions. Use evidence-based strategies to design urban solutions that balance development, infrastructure and sustainability.
- Refine your ability to communicate complex urban planning and design concepts. Work effectively with government agencies, industry professionals and communities to drive inclusive and impactful urban development.
- Utilise cutting-edge planning methodologies, spatial data analysis and digital modelling to visualise and optimise urban spaces. Leverage technology to enhance decision-making and drive innovative design solutions.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design provides foundational knowledge and skills for professionals eager to contribute to sustainable and innovative urban development. This course is ideal for those seeking to expand their career options or transition into the dynamic field of urban planning.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue a variety of roles, including:
- Urban Planner (entry-level roles)
- Development Assessment Officer
- Planning Assistant
- Urban Design Coordinator
- Environmental Planning Officer
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative tuition fee per subject in 2026: $4,559 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total tuition fee in 2026: $18,236 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 24 credit points (normally four subjects) per year.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- 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.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
Who You Will Learn From
Mukesh Ray
Course Director, Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design
Mukesh is an architect, urban planner and educator whose interdisciplinary work spans urban planning, geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing and environmental sustainability. He brings extensive experience in academic and professional roles, combining expertise in computational GIS, remote sensing and urban analytics to address pressing urban and regional issues.
With a strong focus on evidence-based strategies, Mukesh’s research explores sustainable planning solutions for urban growth, land use transformation and mitigating urban heat island effects. As an educator at the University of Technology Sydney, Mukesh guides students to critically assess and navigate complex urban issues through a robust understanding of spatial analysis, urban analytics and planning research methods. His teaching is deeply informed by his research and professional planning experience, fostering future planners and designers equipped to implement sustainable and socially conscious planning solutions.
Student Testimonials
Audrey B.
I thought completing one subject at a time would be much easier for me to juggle with my work. Everything was in one place. The broad coverage of what I studied has been really helpful, because I’m opening my progression up to those new paths.
Ben G.
I continued some friendships with fellow students and also continued the relationship with UTS.