Program Overview

---

Graduate Certificate in City Planning

The Graduate Certificate in City Planning at UNSW is a short postgraduate program that allows you to bring previous study or work experience to launch a career in urban and regional planning.

Overview

City planning is an exciting, varied and progressive profession that plays a pivotal role shaping the future of cities. Through a career in planning, youll improve lives by designing cities that are sustainable, equitable, healthy and inspiring.

Key Features

You can choose from a broad range of urban issues to explore through theory and practice, preparing you for diverse, future-focused careers. Areas of study include:

• Urban society, theory, history
• City economics and development
• Environment and sustainability
• City building infrastructure and transport
• Strategic spatial planning
• Planning law and administration
• Planning research and analysis
• Urban management and development assessment
• Communication, engagement and participation

Why Study at UNSW?

• Connect with Australias leading urban research centre, the City Futures Research Centre.
• Study in and learn from one of the worlds great cities. Sydney will be your classroom.
• Establish networks through our strong industry links and partnerships.
• Progress into the Graduate Diploma or the professionally-accredited Master of City Planning.
• Study at a Built Environment school ranked #1 in Sydney and #23 globally for architecture & built environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025)
• Prioritise career success - UNSW has been awarded Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 20202025)
• Be supported by our diverse, open and inclusive Arts, Design & Architecture community
• Access world-class alumni connections
• Join a global top 20 university (QS World University Rankings, 20242026)
• Join a community thats part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities

Entry Requirements

To gain entry into the Graduate Certificate in City Planning, youll need a bachelors degree with a credit average or above (Weighted Average Mark 65+).

Alternative Entry Pathways

Applicants with other relevant qualifications not listed may apply for admission to this program as follows. This is in accordance with UNSW Policy and Procedure on Recognition Of Prior Learning.

What Will I Study?

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

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.

Future Careers

Youll 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.

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

Fees & Scholarships

Commonwealth Supported Places

2026 Indicative CSP First Year Fee: $5,000* 2026 Indicative CSP Fee to Complete Degree: $5,000*

Full Fee

2026 Indicative First Year Full Fee: $24,500* 2026 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree: $25,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Scholarships

At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether youre a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.