Build the skillset for success in the dynamic field of planning

Planning is an exciting field that involves the analysis, design and management of cities, towns and communities. As populations grow and demographics shift, we are faced with increasing environmental challenges. It is crucial for professionals in this field to be adaptable and innovative. By staying abreast of industry changes, you can ensure professional growth and success.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses and specialisations in planning. Our programs are designed with a strong focus on key concepts and topics, ensuring you develop the expertise necessary to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities in the evolving worlds of planning and urban and regional development.

Most of our students choose to join our inclusive online community, leveraging their diverse life and work experiences to forge meaningful networks. On-campus students enjoy convenient accommodation, sports facilities and robust support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time study over three trimesters each year.

You will graduate from UNE equipped to tackle the dynamic landscape of planning, ready to seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges that await you in academia, industry or the public sector. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore the planning courses and specialisations on offer at UNE. 

Courses by study level

The environmental problems that we face in a rapidly changing world require solutions developed by skilled scientists and innovators. UNE's Bachelor of Environmental Science gives you a broad foundation in the theories and practice that underpin a multidisciplinary career working to solve environmental issues on regional, national and global environmental scales.

With a range of majors and interdisciplinary minors covering the breadth of environmental science, you will find a program of study that suits you. Access state-of-the-art facilities in our interactive learning environment both on-campus and online, allowing you to tailor your study.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The world requires skilled scientists and innovators to develop the solutions to the complex environmental problems facing a rapidly changing planet. Combined with a contemporary understanding of the theory and practice of law, the UNE Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws will open the door to a wide range of evolving career opportunities. Our double degree provides you with a professionally accredited law degree with a comprehensive grounding in regional, national and global environmental science and natural resource issues. You will graduate with broad knowledge and technical skills to apply to a wide range of professions, and benefit from UNE’s specialist regional, rural and remote perspective in both fields.

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Geoscience plays a crucial role in finding, extracting and managing earth resources. These minerals and energy resources are essential to almost every aspect of our day-to-day modern life. Studying UNE's Bachelor of GeoScience online or on campus will open doors to a range of opportunities for you in this critical field. Our course has a strong practical focus on earth science, geology and GIS, allowing you to upskill and future fit your career. You will expand your knowledge of our planet's composition, structure and natural geological systems, and hone your skills in managing the earth's resource to secure their continuing contribution to our socio-economic wellbeing in the future.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Work with people to build a better world and make a real difference with the Bachelor of Sustainability at UNE. Our degree integrates the social sciences and humanities with environmental sciences and natural resource management to give you a thorough understanding of sustainability and help you build on your experience to develop real-world strategies that work. By broadening your knowledge, plus honing your critical, analytical and problem-solving skills, you can advance your career while working towards finding tangible solutions for environmental and social dilemmas.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Urban and regional planners develop strategies and design communities in which we all live, work and play. Planning helps balance community, environmental and economic needs, while recognising cultural significance in order to improve our quality of life and create sustainable and vital communities. Our Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to critically analyse and solve complex problems — skills that help you adapt as a professional in a changing world.

Duration
  • 2.5 or 3 or 3.5 or 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Designed to provide an opportunity for first-time university study, UNE's Diploma in Town Planning will open doors to a career in planning with employment potential across all Australian regions. This online course provides you with foundation knowledge and skills to put you on track for a career in town planning, including rural planning and urban development, that aims to help communities work and thrive. As a pathway to university study, this diploma is also your springboard to further study and career development.

Duration
  • Up to 2 or up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Be prepared to meet nationwide industry shortages with UNE’s Undergraduate Certificate in Urban and Regional Planning. State and local governments are increasingly seeking to employ paraplanners, or planning assistants, to start in the field while working towards a full planning qualification. Our undergraduate certificate provides you with the foundational knowledge and skills to step immediately into a role in urban and regional planning and secure your career in this rapidly growing field. 

Duration
  • Up to 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Environmental factors play an increasing role in decision making in many fields. The ability to take these factors into account and improve the productivity and sustainability of environmental systems to meet the current and future needs of communities and industry is in demand in the workplace. UNE's Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science gives you a foundation in environmental science, allowing you to upskill and expand your knowledge, whether you wish to pivot in your career or add value to your role.

With future-proofed skills and an in-depth understanding of environmental problems and their management, you will be better placed to anticipate and respond to the challenges we're facing in a rapidly changing world.

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.

Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations. You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online

Planning integrates environmental, economic and social aspects of development with the competing needs of communities, companies and governments. This complex and dynamic field requires planning professionals to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills to keep up with a rapidly-changing environment. Whether you are looking to upskill or enter the planning profession, UNE's postgraduate Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning offers a strong foundation of core units for understanding the complexities of urban and regional planning, and your choice of three from a long list of special areas. This course is fully accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia.

By developing specialist knowledge, plus wider skills including critical thinking and problem solving, you will be well positioned to adapt to a professional environment that is constantly evolving.

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Communities and regions face complex challenges as they work towards improving living standards and wellbeing. Economists play a critical role in community and regional development by informing the decisions of government and non-government agencies as they strive for sustainable economics growth and stability around the world.

UNE’s Master of Economic and Regional Development will equip you with the expertise to help solve the issues faced by regions and nations as they define their directions and chart a course toward a better future.

Duration
  • 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The world is faced by rapidly advancing environmental challenges, with complex interactions between industry, government and communities driving development in the sector. Be ready to adapt and innovate to produce solutions to tomorrow’s environmental problems with UNE’s Master of Environmental Science and Management.

Our course builds on your expertise with advanced interdisciplinary conceptual and scientific knowledge, provides you with opportunities to hone your applied technical skills in the field or laboratory, and consolidates your applied research and problem-solving skills. With units that cover a range of environmental science specialities and the option to complete a research project, you can tailor the course to meet your needs.

Future proof your career and add value to your role by upgrading your professional knowledge in this constantly changing field.

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Planning experts work strategically, often with competing stakeholders, to achieve the best social, environmental and economic outcomes. UNE's Master of Urban and Regional Planning offers a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive course that integrates the knowledge and skills required by planning experts to achieve the best outcomes. You will research and learn new technologies, analyse problems, and generate creative solutions. Your learned, transferable skills in critical analysis, planning, and management will set you up for success in your profession — this course will help future proof your career.

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.

When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.

You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Cross-Institutional

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award with UNE will help you to achieve.

Studying a Non-Award means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load.  Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1
  • Trimester 2
  • Trimester 3
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
  • Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
  • ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
  • ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
  • ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units from any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
  • ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.

Why study with us?

Smiling Bachelor of Agriculture student Greg Kemmett stands on wooden stairwell at UNE Armidale

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.

Greg Kemmett

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Planning

With increasing demand for planners and rapid changes in both rural and urban development, UNE's planning offerings will help you stay at the forefront of the industry. Strengthen your position as an innovative leader in planning, design and policy. Explore your planning options now.

Filter by:
Showing 110 of 20 results
Agricultural Sustainability
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

UNE’s well-regarded agriculture academics will introduce you to recent and future tech advancements in science and farming for food production. Enhance your skills and prepare for sustainable success in the fast-changing world of agriculture.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Agriculture Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Rural Science Minor Undergraduate
Community Engagement and Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities…

Develop the skills to help communities with their resilience and capacity for long-term sustainability with UNE's sustainability experts. Future-proof your career and the planet as those in the field shift their focus to Indigenous communities and enduring sustainability practices.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Sustainability Major Undergraduate
Community Planning
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop visions, goals and plans that make communities more liveable and sustainable with UNE's expert planners. Learn skills in social analysis, research and communication and use advancing technology and practical strategies for future…

Develop visions, goals and plans that make communities more liveable and sustainable with UNE's expert planners. Learn skills in social analysis, research and communication and use advancing technology and practical strategies for future community development in our rapidly changing world.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Data Science and Modelling
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
In a global, digitised world, having an advanced ability to understand, interpret and use high-level data is critical. Learn about data modelling, changes in AI and cloud computing, from the experts at UNE. Be future-fit for a range of industries,…

In a global, digitised world, having an advanced ability to understand, interpret and use high-level data is critical. Learn about data modelling, changes in AI and cloud computing, from the experts at UNE. Be future-fit for a range of industries, from the fields of science to the courts of law.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of GeoScience Minor Undergraduate
Earth Surface Processes
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Prepare for the future with UNE's highly regarded earth science and geography educators. Study the processes that affect the surface of our planet and develop the skills to minimise climate change risks so you are set to contribute to the…

Prepare for the future with UNE's highly regarded earth science and geography educators. Study the processes that affect the surface of our planet and develop the skills to minimise climate change risks so you are set to contribute to the geoscience industry using evolving tech and theories.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of GeoScience Minor Undergraduate
Environmental Analysis and Policy
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Learn from UNE's highly regarded environmental and rural science team and develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to secure your career. Learn about emerging tech and be future-fit to work in a world that is…

Learn from UNE's highly regarded environmental and rural science team and develop the critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills to secure your career. Learn about emerging tech and be future-fit to work in a world that is constantly seeing new environmental challenges.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Economics Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Economics Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Environmental Management and Rehabilitation
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
UNE's experienced geoscience educators will help you develop the expertise in ecology, resource management and sustainable development to secure your place in the rapidly changing world of environmental sustainability; a sector forecast to see…

UNE's experienced geoscience educators will help you develop the expertise in ecology, resource management and sustainable development to secure your place in the rapidly changing world of environmental sustainability; a sector forecast to see many technological and social changes.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Environmental Science Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Specialist Course Undergraduate
Bachelor of GeoScience Minor Undergraduate
Master of Environmental Science and Management Specialist Course Postgraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Environmental Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Undergraduate Certificate in Life and Earth Studies Specialist Course Undergraduate
Geography
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Ensure you are future-fit with practical and effective teaching, planning and analytical skills in anticipation of advancing tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach…

Ensure you are future-fit with practical and effective teaching, planning and analytical skills in anticipation of advancing tech and an expanding emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. UNE’s experts will help you develop your capacity to teach geography to secure your spot in the education sector.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) Teaching Area Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Bachelor of Social Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Master of Arts Major Postgraduate
Graduate Certificate in Arts Major Postgraduate
Geoscience
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Prepare for the increased focus on sustainability and renewable energy in geoscience with the experts at UNE. Future-fit your career by building knowledge and experience in rapidly developing areas of geoscience such as computer modelling and data…

Prepare for the increased focus on sustainability and renewable energy in geoscience with the experts at UNE. Future-fit your career by building knowledge and experience in rapidly developing areas of geoscience such as computer modelling and data analytics.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of GeoScience Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science with Honours Major Bachelor Honours
Human Futures and Global Challenges
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
The experts at UNE will prepare you to tackle the global challenges that face our population today and in the future. Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you'll need to meet growing demand for specialists who can assess and…

The experts at UNE will prepare you to tackle the global challenges that face our population today and in the future. Develop the analytical and problem-solving skills you'll need to meet growing demand for specialists who can assess and mitigate the impacts of our globalised society on the earth.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of International Studies Major Undergraduate

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Planning

Graduating with a planning qualification from UNE is the start of a long future in urban and regional development and related careers. No matter which direction you take, the knowledge and skills in planning and design you will acquire while studying with us will ensure a secure and fruitful career in shaping the built environment.

  • Urban planner
    Develop and implement plans for the efficient use of land, infrastructure and resources in urban areas.
  • Environmental planner
    Assess and manage the environmental impact of development projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and sustainability practices.
  • Transportation planner
    Design and optimise transportation systems, including roads, public transit and pedestrian infrastructure.
  • Community development officer
    Facilitate community engagement and development initiatives to enhance social well-being and quality of life.
  • Policy analyst
    Analyse and evaluate policies related to urban development, land use and sustainability, providing recommendations for improvement.
  • Project manager
    Coordinate and oversee development projects, ensuring timely completion, budget adherence and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • GIS specialist
    Utilise Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse and visualise spatial data for urban planning and decision-making.
  • Development assessment officer
    Assess and review development proposals, ensuring compliance with planning regulations and assessing their impact on the community.

A career in Planning

Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning
Steve Conn

In practice, the ability to manage varying interests and influences into a workable solution is incredibly valuable in the professional world.

Lecturer, Urban and Regional Planning
Sanaz Alian

In terms of my degree, the design of the course was well thought through. It has a variety of units, ranging from demographic units through to urban design, and everything in between.

Director, Planning & Environment
Andrew Johns

The bachelor's degree was a very practical course that gave me a wonderful set of skills to take to my career in town planning.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

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2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.