Graduate Certificate in City Planning

at University of New South Wales

The Graduate Certificate in City Planning is a consists of four courses, and can be completed in four-terms full-time (or the part time equivalent).

Full program structure
Each university year at UNSW has three terms and an optional summer study period. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.

The Graduate Certificate of City Planning is the shortest in UNSW’s suite of postgraduate city planning programs, and can be completed in two terms full-time.

Below is an example of what you could study in a standard two-term full-time study plan:

Term 1

• 2 Core City Planning courses

Term 2

• 1 Core City Planning course
• 1 Sustainability/Sustainable Development focused elective

Admission pathways

UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals. Learn more.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• English language tests and university English courses
• Prior study in the medium of English
• Other qualifications

2022 Indicative First Year Fee
$20,300

You’ll graduate with improved skills to move into a variety of professional roles related to planning, including in private sector consultancies, environmental planning, urban development, or regional development. 

If you’re a professional working in another sector this program can facilitate career progression, especially if your work intersects with the planning system or requires involvement with planning agencies. You’ll also gain in-demand analytical, collaborative and communication skills, opening up more diverse career opportunities. 

The Graduate Certificate in City Planning provides a pathway into UNSW’s Master of City Planning, from which you can graduate a professionally accredited city planner with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).

Potential careers

• Strategic Planner
• Local Government Planner
• Social and Community Planner
• Environmental Planner
• Urban Consultant
• Urban Policy Analyst
• Urban Policy Officer
• Transport Planning
• Urban Designer
• Heritage Officer
• Property Developer