City Planning

Planning is an exciting, varied and progressive profession which plays a pivotal role in decisions shaping the future of cities and regions.

Planners need to see the whole picture:

we need to be good thinkers, good analysts and good communicators.

We work with stakeholders across the spectrum of interests - … For more content click the Read More button below.Planning is an exciting, varied and progressive profession which plays a pivotal role in decisions shaping the future of cities and regions.

Planners need to see the whole picture:

we need to be good thinkers, good analysts and good communicators.

We work with stakeholders across the spectrum of interests - from global developers to local communities - to foster feasible, equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Sydney and NSW provide a fantastic laboratory to help understand the crucial role played by planners in addressing complex challenges, systematically placed in its global context through critical analysis and drawing upon best practice.

The Graduate Diploma in City Planning [GDCP] degree is designed for students with an undergraduate qualification in a related discipline seeking to move into a planning or planning-related field.

It is also tailored for professionals working in other sectors, especially those whose work may intersect with the planning system or requires involvement with planning agencies.

Subject to progress, students can articulate from the GDCP into the Master of City Planning.The Grad Dip in City Planning aims to produce high quality graduates who have acquired UNSW Graduate attributes and are capable, through their skills, knowledge and experience, of undertaking a wide range of tasks required of a qualified planning practitioner.

As well as preparing for the profession, a planning degree provides lifelong analytical, collaborative and communication skills much in demand more widely.Read More

Core Courses

Students must take 42 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• PLAN71406 UOCLand & Environment Law
• PLAN71416 UOCLand Use Policy & Practice
• PLAN71426 UOCCity Equity & Wellbeing
• PLAN71466 UOCCity Economics, Urban Development & Finance
• PLAN71486 UOCStrategic Spatial Planning
• One of the followingSUSD00016 UOCSustainable Development and the Urban EnvironmentSUSD00046 UOCSustainability and Habitability
• One of the followingPLAN71436 UOCUrban DesignPLAN71456 UOCCity Building - Infrastructure PlanningPLAN71476 UOCPlanning Techniques & Analysis

Prescribed Electives

Students must take at least 6 UOC of the following courses.keyboard_arrow_down

• ARCH73046 UOCArchitecture and the City
• BEIL60006 UOCMapping Social Justice in the City
• BEIL60016 UOCInternational Planning
• BEIL60026 UOCUrban and Regional Design
• BEIL60066 UOCHeritage Planning
• BENV73076 UOCWriting the City
• BENV77286 UOCGeographical Information Systems and Urban Informatics
• BENV78116 UOCUrban Renewal
• BENV78126 UOCCritical Spatial Thinkers
• CONS00256 UOCInfrastructure Planning, Procurement and Finance
• CVEN94056 UOCUrban Transport Planning Practice
• GEOS90116 UOCEnvironmental Impact Assessment
• IEST50016 UOCFrameworks for Environmental Management
• IEST50026 UOCTools for Environmental Management
• IEST50036 UOCAddressing Environmental Issues
• IEST50076 UOCEnvironment and Development
• IEST69096 UOCEnvironmental Management Systems
• PLAN71446 UOCPlanning History, Theory and Culture
• PLAN71566 UOCHousing Policy and Finance
• REST00046 UOCProperty Investment and Finance
• REST00066 UOCProperty Development and Feasibility Analysis
• SUSD00096 UOCEnvironmental Auditing
• SUSD00106 UOCManaging the Sustainable Built Environment
• UDES00046 UOCHistory and Theory of Urban Development and Design
• UDES00066 UOCCase Studies in Urban Development and Design
• UDES00096 UOCUrban Landscape and Heritage

A Bachelor degree with a credit average or above (WAM 65+). Advanced standing may also be granted for completed or partially completed postgraduate awards from UNSW or from another institution. Students who do not meet these requirements may be eligible to commence their postgraduate planning studies through taking the Grad. Cert.

1.Apply concepts and principles of urban planning in practiceGlobal Citizens

2.Apply disciplinary knowledge and skills in order to address multi-scalar challenges and perspectives shaping space and placeGlobal Citizens

3.Develop innovative and multidisciplinary knowledge and plans to facilitate and influence appropriate social, economic and environmental outcomes LeadersGlobal Citizens

4.Work effectively in a collaborative environment and communicate with a range of stakeholders to inform, consult and engage them in planning processes Professionals

5.Examine and evaluate international issues, perspectives and opportunities within their field of study ScholarsGlobal Citizens

6.Implement systematic knowledge and analytical skills to synthesise complex information and reach appropriate evidence-based decisions to inform planning issues and actions Professionals

7.Practice professional and ethical conduct and personal accountability consistent with the expectations of the planning profession and the community when engaged in planning roles and activities. Global Citizens