University of Technology Sydney
Master of Urban Planning Online
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 2.5 years
- Course Type: Master's
Build skills in sustainable planning, urban design, spatial analysis and policy to develop evidence-based solutions for cities and communities.
Course overview
The Master of Urban Planning develops knowledge and skills for addressing the complex challenges involved in planning and shaping cities and communities. The course examines how urban development is influenced by social, environmental, economic and regulatory factors, with a focus on creating sustainable and liveable urban environments.
You will study areas including sustainable urban development, urban design, planning and environmental law, urban economics and infrastructure planning, spatial analysis, strategic planning and community engagement. You will also explore property development and planning processes, environmental and social impact assessment and approaches to urban redevelopment.
Later in the course, you will bring this knowledge together through urban project subjects that develop your ability to analyse planning issues and apply planning approaches to complex urban contexts. The course is completed online and is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
Key facts
1st January, 2027
1st March, 2027
1st May, 2027
1st July, 2027
1st August, 2027
1st October, 2027
What you will study
The UTS Online’s Master of Urban Planning comprises 15 online subjects (90 credit points in total).
Core subjects
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Property Development and Planning Process
- Sustainable Urban Development
- Planning and Design Theory and Decision Making
- Urban Design Fundamentals
- Urban Analytics
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessments
- Urban Economics and Infrastructure Planning
- Planning and Environmental Law in Australia
- Local Strategic Planning
- Structure Planning
- Spatial Analysis (GIS)
- Development Negotiation and Community Engagement
- Urban Redevelopment
- Urban Project A
- Urban Project B
Entry requirements
Currently, this course is only accepting applications from Australian citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed an Australian bachelor's degree, bachelor honours degree or 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 Diploma in Planning
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Design
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Planning
- UTS Graduate Certificate in Property Development
- Completed an 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 three years 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
Applicants who need to demonstrate professional work experience must provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a 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 statutory declaration confirming professional work experience, for Australian residents only.
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on company letterhead confirming the applicant’s professional work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations and nature of the business.
- A business certificate of registration in the original language and English, such as ASIC documentation, an ABN or similar documentation for Australian businesses.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee an offer of a place.
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
- Analyse the forces that drive land and property markets and evaluate their impact on urban planning proposals. Apply spatial analysis to design planning solutions that enhance liveability, sustainability and economic resilience.
- Develop a critical and ethical mindset to navigate complex urban challenges. Apply socially responsible and forward-thinking planning strategies that anticipate and respond to emerging urban, regional and environmental dynamics.
- Refine your ability to communicate planning concepts and strategies effectively. Build collaborative relationships with stakeholders from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds to drive consensus and support sustainable urban outcomes.
- Harness analytical tools and planning methodologies to create evidence-based urban strategies. Use cutting-edge research and technology to model urban growth, assess risks and develop solutions that shape the cities of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Master of Urban Planning equips professionals with the expertise to shape sustainable, liveable and inclusive cities. This course is designed for those passionate about driving urban innovation, influencing policy and leading complex development projects.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue a range of career opportunities, including:
- Urban Planner
- Strategic Planner
- Development Assessment Officer
- Urban Design Consultant
- Environmental Planner
- Policy Advisor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative tuition fee per subject in 2026: $4,559 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Indicative total tuition fee in 2026: $68,385 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 90 credit points (15 subjects).
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
Professor Heather MacDonald
Academic in planning and Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building at UTS
I think the ability to broker solutions among many competing stakeholders (neighbours, environmental advocates, housing developers, local businesses) and invent new solutions to complex conflicts is one of the top skills planners need. They also need to be able to assemble and analyse different sorts of evidence to weigh up the outcomes of alternative decisions and support a better-informed public debate.
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 from fellow students and also continued the relationship with UTS.