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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 UTS Online Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design builds foundational knowledge across urban planning and urban design. It examines how planning, development and design decisions influence the way cities, towns and communities grow and change.

Across four core subjects, you will examine property development and planning processes, sustainable urban development, planning and design theory and urban design fundamentals. You will consider the social, economic and environmental factors involved in shaping functional, sustainable and people-centred places.

The course also develops skills in analysing urban growth and spatial patterns, communicating planning and design concepts and using spatial data and digital modelling to support decision-making. You will consider how planners and designers work with government, industry and communities.

This 24-credit-point course is delivered entirely online and studied part-time over eight months. Students who complete the graduate certificate may qualify to advance to the UTS Online Master of Urban Planning and would need to complete 11 additional subjects to earn the master’s degree.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
8 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,559
More Information
Students must complete 24 credit points comprising four core subjects. Each subject is worth six credit points.
Intake
1st January, 2027
1st March, 2027
1st May, 2027
1st July, 2027
1st September, 2027
1st October, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

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

Currently, this course is only accepting applications from Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Have completed an Australian bachelor’s degree, bachelor honours degree or master’s degree. An equivalent overseas qualification is also accepted.
  • Have completed the UTS Graduate Diploma in Property Development or UTS Graduate Certificate in Property Development with a minimum GPA of 5/7.
  • Have completed an Australian graduate certificate or graduate diploma, or an equivalent overseas qualification, in a related field with a minimum GPA of 5/7 and at least one year of full-time relevant professional work experience, or part-time equivalent.
  • Have at least three years of relevant professional work experience in a senior position or five years in a mid-career position, completed full-time or part-time equivalent.

Related fields of study and professional experience include:

  • Architecture and urban environment
  • Building surveying
  • Building construction economics
  • Valuation
  • Human geography
  • Geomatic engineering
  • Environmental studies
  • Law
  • Economics

Applicants relying on professional work experience must submit a curriculum vitae and one of the following forms of supporting evidence:

  • A statement of service supplied by their employer
  • A completed UTS statement of service signed by their employer
  • A statutory declaration confirming their professional work experience, for Australian residents only
  • An official letter from their accountant or solicitor confirming their professional work experience or involvement with the business, the duration of operations and the nature of the business
  • A business registration certificate in its original language and English, such as ASIC or ABN documentation for an Australian business

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the UTS English language requirements. For local applicants with international qualifications, the English proficiency requirements are:

  • Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall, with a writing score of 6.0
  • TOEFL paper-based: 550–583 overall, with a TWE score of 4.5
  • TOEFL internet-based: 79–93 overall, with a writing score of 21
  • AE5: Pass
  • PTE: 58–64, with a writing score of 50
  • C1A/C2P: 176–184, with a writing score of 169

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.

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: $4,559 (domestic full-fee-paying place)

Indicative total tuition fee: $18,235 (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

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.

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Student Testimonials

Audrey B.

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.

Ben G.

I continued some friendships with fellow students and also continued the relationship with UTS.