Master of Planning

1. Demonstrate advanced practical and applied knowledge of planning theory incorporating legal and governance principles, processes and practice.
2. Critically evaluate planning and sustainability theories and apply this knowledge to contemporary issues across spatial and temporal scales.
3. Interpret and apply planning policies and instruments.
4. Evaluate the implications of contemporary urban and regional planning issues and how they impact on the environment and society.
5. Demonstrate capacity to consider the ethical dimensions of professional planning practice in a principled way.
6. Synthesise core principles of urban and regional planning within an interdisciplinary context.
7. Recognise the diversity of communities served by planners, including Indigenous communities, minorities, special needs, and different age groups.
8. Apply technical, research and problem solving skills to professional tasks.
9. Understand principles of negotiation and community engagement in diverse and multi-cultural environments.
10. Undertake independent research, critically engage with advanced concepts and academic texts, and express complex ideas in written work, oral presentations, and small group discussions.

The Master of Planning will provide you with training in foundations of planning, including planning law, strategic planning, the assessment of development proposals and decision making. You’ll develop in-depth knowledge and skills in social policy, social and environmental impact assessment, First Nations rights and interests, community consultation and regional development. The degree brings together social and environmental science, as well as practitioners’ know-how, to create a rich professional development experience for established and aspiring planners.

Recommended study pattern

You will study the following subjects:

• Cities of the Global South
• Environment and Society
• Urban Dynamics: Population, Housing and Regeneration
• Theory and Methods in Geography and Planning
• Social Impact Assessment
• Healthy Places: Planning for Diversity, Equity and Wellbeing
• Decolonising Planning
• Planning, Principles and Places
• Smart Urbanism
• Climate Change and Society: Vulnerability, Adaptation and Transitions
• Gateway to the Planning Profession
• Environmental Planning Law

You will additionally choose four of the following elective subjects:

• Evaluating Social Policy
• Advanced Introduction to Policy
• Policy Design: Concepts and Case Studies
• Environmental Planning
• Sustainability Consultancy Work Practice
• Energy and Natural Resources Law
• Determinants of Health
• Media Communications Strategies and Campaigns

The order in which you study subjects may depend upon when you commence your degree and the pace of your study. Some subjects are only available at certain times of the year.

Award requirements

This postgraduate coursework program requires completion of up to sixteen subjects.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $14,154

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.

Learn more about Macquarie University.

Explore Macquarie courses.

QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

11

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

9

AQF level 7 bachelor's qualification or recognised equivalent with a WAM of 60

All applicants to coursework programs at Macquarie University are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. The required standard of English for this degree is:

• Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each band, or equivalent from TOEFL, Pearson, Cambridge or OET.

Depending on your prior qualifications or work experience, you may qualify for advanced entry into this program, allowing you to complete the program in 1.5 years full time.