Urban planning courses

Design cities, towns and neighbourhoods that create healthy, vibrant communities

Help me choose a course

Introduction to Urban planning

As Australia’s population continues to grow, we need to think about how we design the places we live.

Whether it’s a major city or a regional area, urban planners play a key role in shaping our built environments. In an urban planning course, you’ll learn the skills needed to help shape healthy communities and have a positive impact for future generations.

Browse online urban planning degrees available with leading universities through Open Universities Australia.

Explore urban planning courses
Open Universities Australia student, Conrad.
Conrad studied construction management with Curtin University through Open Universities Australia

Discover urban planning courses

Online urban planning subjects and short courses

Curtin University

Rural Geographies

UndergraduateCUR-GPH330

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 1 Dec 2025
Curtin University

Planning Theory and Context

PostgraduateCUR-URP530

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 1 Dec 2025
University of Tasmania

Reserve System Planning

PostgraduateTAS-KGA532

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of South Australia

Development Regulation

UndergraduateUSA-BUIL4030

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 30 Jun 2025
View all subjects

Online urban planning degrees

University of Queensland

Theory and practice for sustainable planning

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Curtin University

Master of Urban and Regional Planning

PostgraduateCUR-URP-MAS

Fully accredited by the national professional body for planners, the Planning Institute of Australia

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Macquarie University

Master of Planning

PostgraduateMAQ-PLN-MAS

Plan out inclusive, sustainable, and healthy communities

Study method
100% online
Duration
2 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Queensland

Extend your planning skills and expertise

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
View all bachelor degrees

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Urban planning study FAQs

What is urban planning, and why is it important?

Urban planning—also called town planning or regional planning—is the practice of designing the environments in which we live. Planning is important as it enables us to create places that are liveable and resilient—and that provide for the needs of the people that live there.

As an urban planner, you’ll consider aspects such as infrastructure, transport, green spaces and environmental resources. You’ll help create cities, towns and neighbourhoods that can sustain growing populations into the future.

What will I learn in an urban planning course?

In your urban planning course, you’ll likely cover a variety of disciplines, including architecture, public policy, economics, geography and sociology.

Depending on your exact course, you may explore:

  • History of urban planning

  • Laws and regulations

  • Sustainability and climate

  • Transport systems

  • Housing

  • Planning ethics

  • Project management

  • Heritage conservation

Are there opportunities to gain practical work experience when you study urban planning?

Many online urban planning degrees offered through Open Universities Australia are fully accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (IPA), the professional peak body for planners. This means, when you graduate, you’ll be eligible for membership, and will be able to access professional opportunities that help you grow your career.

To learn more about the work experience opportunities you can gain while studying a specific urban planning course, it’s best to check the individual course page of the degree you are interested in.

What are the entry requirements for urban planning?

The entry requirements to study urban planning vary from course to course, so it’s best to check individual course pages to find out more.

Keep in mind, when you study through Open Universities Australia, you may be able to study the field of your choice without meeting the course entry requirements. Ask us more about this today or read more about studying without entry requirements.

How long is an urban planning course?

It depends on the course and whether you choose something short or long-term. Here’s a general guide: 

Course

Duration

Single subject

10-18 weeks

Short course

10-18 weeks

Undergraduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Diploma

1 year (if full time)

Associate degree

2 years (if full time)

Bachelor degree

3 years (if full time)

Graduate certificate

6 months (if full time)

Graduate diploma

1 year (if full time)

Masters degree

2 years (if full time)

If you study a degree in urban planning through Open Universities Australia, you have the flexibility to choose how many subjects you take per term. This means you can complete your qualification at a faster or slower pace than you would on campus.

What careers can I explore after studying urban planning?

After graduating from your urban planning course, you’ll be able to explore careers including:

  • Urban or regional planner

  • Strategic land use coordinator 

  • Development assessment officer

  • Spatial planner

  • Heritage conservation officer

  • Commercial and industrial development officer

  • Tourism consultant

  • Environmental or geotechnical consultant

  • Social or community planner

  • Statutory planner

  • Strategic planner

How do I enrol?

Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.

When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.

Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.

Please note that enquiries and applications for some courses are handled directly by the university. If this is the case, it will be indicated on the course listing page.  

For more information about enrolment, read our online self-service enrolling instructions. If you get stuck at any time, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

What if I’m not sure urban planning is the right field for me?

Explore these related study areas, which all aim to address human needs, behaviours, and communities:

Student stories and study advice

What is an urban planner?

If done well, you’ll hardly notice the influence of an urban planner—but their work shapes the places around us, from public parks to train stations. 

Meet Michael, our local changemaker

What does an urban planner really do? Michael breaks down the job, and what it takes to see success in the industry.

Piece together your future city with a Master of Urban and Regional Planning

The typical urban planning student is somebody who isn’t satisfied with the status quo. Are you driven to improve the built environment that surrounds you?

Determined to create a better world? Become an Urban Planner

Urban planning affects our lives in a profound way. If you're determined to improve society's everyday experience, read on.

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