Graduate Certificate in Planning
Source: https://www.uts.edu.au/courses/graduate-certificate-in-planning Parent: https://www.uts.edu.au/courses/graduate-diploma-in-local-government
Kickstart or formalise your urban planning career
Looking for a way to kick-start a future in urban planning? With a degree from another discipline or work experience in related professions, you can enrol in the UTS Graduate Certificate in Planning. This course is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to continue your academic journey and provides you with a direct pathway into the UTS Master of Planning.
Whether you're starting a new path or looking to accelerate your career in urban planning, this program will help you develop a foundational understanding of the role urban planners play in shaping our vibrant urban environments, preparing you for further learning and an exciting future where you'll create the groundbreaking places and spaces of tomorrow.
Part of the Faculty of Design and Society.
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EXPLORE
Graduate Certificate in Planning
CODE
UTS: C11270 (version 3)
CRICOS: 096458E
DURATION
0.5 years full time\ 1 year part time
INTAKE question_mark These are dates to consider when applying for your course, including when applications open and close.
Autumn Session 2026\ Spring Session 2026\ Autumn Session 2027\ Spring Session 2027
COURSE FEES question_mark This indicative tuition fee is an estimate for the entire course, based on full-time study each year. Fees are reviewed annually and may change.
Indicative total tuition fee for domestic students\ $15,920.00
LOCATION question_mark Our classes are held at our City Campus, or specialist off-campus locations. Some of our courses are delivered via online (distance) learning.
City campus
What you’ll study
The UTS Graduate Certificate of Planning is a postgraduate degree designed to be completed over six months of full-time study or one year part-time. This program is designed to give you a foundational and up-to-date understanding of core competencies, approaches and perspectives within the world of urban planning in preparation for further postgraduate study.
You'll study development, laws and regulations and choose to build further insight into community engagement or design. You'll also establish in-demand soft skills, such as teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking.
Subjects at a glance
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Core subjects
| Subject Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 15142 | Property Development Process |
| 17700 | Planning and Environmental Law |
| 15146 | Sustainable Urban Development |
See all subjects and majors in the UTS Handbook arrow_right_alt
Typical course program
The outline below shows an example program for the Graduate Certificate in Planning based on a full-time study load. Please note that your exact program may differ based on your unique circumstances, such as your commencement date, subject selections and recognition of prior learning.
- 3 : Planning foundation core subjects
add 2. 1 : Planning foundation options subjects
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First six months
Throughout this six-month course, you'll complete core subjects to build your urban planning capabilities. You'll study property development, sustainability and design, attaining a solid working knowledge of the relevant planning and environmental laws and regulations.
First six months
Throughout this six-month course, you'll complete core subjects to build your urban planning capabilities. You'll study property development, sustainability and design, attaining a solid working knowledge of the relevant planning and environmental laws and regulations.
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See typical course program in the UTS Handbook arrow_forward
Course highlights
In this degree we teach capabilities covering topics like development feasibility analyses, legislative considerations, and economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The program aims to shape you into an informed, competent urban planning student ready to undertake further learning in the UTS Master of Planning.
- check_circle Urban planning
- check_circle Property development
- check_circle Planning controls and regulations
- check_circle Environmental laws and protections
- check_circle Sustainable development
- check_circle Urban resilience
Admissions information
Admissions information
Use the buttons to expand or collapse the section.
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Course description
This course is designed for professionals with experience in planning or those with unrelated degrees seeking a career change into planning. Opt for this programme to bridge the gap to a Master of Planning, leveraging your professional background to pivot into a new field. Its multidisciplinary approach facilitates a smooth transition across careers.
Stand out with a curriculum that blends strategic and master planning with financial analysis, and addresses the critical domain of sub-regional planning. You'll acquire a robust skill set, preparing you for impactful roles in major developments and projects.
Expect a dynamic learning experience through practical assignments, case studies, and collaborative projects, ensuring you apply theory to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach will enhance your understanding and equip you with practical expertise.
The degree enables professionals to change careers due to the multidisciplinary nature of the learning. - ### Important dates
Find out more about application dates relating to this course - ### Scholarships and prizes
Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.
Scholarships for domestic students
Scholarships for international students - ### Course duration
The course is offered on a one-session, full-time or one-year, part-time basis.
All subjects are offered in intensive blocks. - ### Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor's, bachelor honours degree, or master's degree, or overseas equivalent
OR
- Completed UTS Graduate Certificate or UTS Graduate Diploma in Property Development with a minimum GPA of 5/7
OR
- Completed Australian Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, or overseas equivalent, in a related field of study with a minimum GPA of 5/7
OR
- Completed Australian Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma, or overseas equivalent, in any 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.
OR
- A minimum of 3 years full-time, or equivalent part-time, relevant professional work experience in a profession closely related to Urban Planning
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate professional work experience:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service' signed by the employer
- A statutorydeclarationconfirming professional work experience (for Australian Residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant's accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant's professional work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
Related fields of study and areas of relevant professional work experience include:
Architecture and Urban Environment (Architecture, Urban Design and Regional Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior and Environmental Design, Architecture and Urban Environment, not elsewhere classified, e.g. building conservation, property development), Building Surveying, Building Construction Economics, Valuation, Human Geography, Geomatic Engineering (Surveying, Mapping Science, Geomatic Engineering not elsewhere classified, e.g. Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Land Information Systems (LIS), Photogrammetry, Remote sensing, Spatial Information Systems (SIS)), Environmental Studies (Land, Parks and Wildlife Management, Environmental Studies not elsewhere classified, e.g. environmental impact assessment, environmental science, land conservation, soil conservation), Law, Economics and Econometrics, Real Estate
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, writing 6.0 TOEFL iBT: overall 79, writing 21 UTS College AE5: Pass Pearson PTE: overall 58, writing 50 Cambridge C1A/C2P: overall 176, writing 169 - ### Domestic course fees
2026 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students
As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.
2026 Tuition Fee
- Indicative first-year tuition fee: $15,920.00
- Indicative total tuition fee: $15,920.00
You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.
Additional Costs
Your tuition fees do not include:
- The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
- Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
- Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).
Important Information
- Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
- The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
- Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
- You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table
Alumni Advantage Program
As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program.
If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available
As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.
Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees. - ### Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.
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Entry schemes and pathways
### Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
At UTS, we understand the dedication it takes to reach your current position – forging a path through prior study, work, and diverse learning experiences.
### Jumbunna Admission Program
If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Jumbunna is an alternative application process for our courses that emphasises diverse pathways to success.
### Changing from another postgraduate course
You can apply for our courses using your previous study. You may even be eligible for recognition of prior learning, so you won’t need to repeat subjects.
Careers
Your future career
As a graduate, you'll have an excellent fundamental understanding of urban planning as a discipline, possessing insight into urban and property development, sustainability and regulation. Together, this will ensure you have the thorough knowledge of planning fundamentals to succeed in your further studies through the UTS Master of Planning.
From there, you'll have everything you need to launch a thrilling and rewarding career in the ever-changing world of planning, where you'll get hands-on experience to shape the urban landscapes and places of our future.
Career options
- check_circle Urban Planner
- check_circle Social/Community Planner
- check_circle Environmental Planner
- check_circle Economic Planner
- check_circle Urban Project Officer
- check_circle Town Planner
- check_circle Strategic Planner
- check_circle Transport Planner
- check_circle Urban Planning Consultant
“What I was looking for was to skill up to get that job in planning, and I felt like the UTS course was good for that and I do know the master’s degree helped me get to the next job.”
Nicola Viselli
Master of Planning
“I knew some of the lecturers, and I know I was going to learn a lot because UTS has really good industry connections – they bring in a lot of really good external people to come and speak on different topics.”
Jessica Kotselas
Master of Planning
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Where you’ll study
Our world-class facilities support your future-focused learning and high-impact research. They enable effective partnerships with industry and provide services to our community.
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Our faculty has 6 main computer labs with 218 computers that run Mac (78 computers) and Windows (140 computers) operating systems. They are equipped with software used in Design, Architecture and Building courses.
Find your perfect library study spot and enjoy the quiet away from the campus bustle.
Our campus is a base for your academic, professional and social life.
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Why UTS?
Why study Design, Architecture and Building at UTS
With a Design, Architecture and Building degree from UTS, you'll build connections with industry from the moment you start your studies, and learn the skills to respond to social, cultural, environmental and economic challenges.
Study in purpose-built facilities and access the latest technologies shaping your field, from 3D printing to AI, drones and seamless knitting machines. Our commitment to hands-on practice and professional accreditation means our courses are highly respected by the industry – and our students are too.
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