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
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.
- 2.5 or 3 or 3.5 or 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
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.
- Up to 2 or up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
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.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
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.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
The world requires skilled scientists and innovators to develop solutions to the complex environmental problems facing a rapidly changing planet. Our Bachelor of Environmental Science is a highly flexible course that provides you with a broad foundation in the core theories and specialised applied skills that underpin environmental science, together with a strong scientific understanding of local and global environmental issues and their management.
Future fit your career for life with the knowledge and practical skills you will need to thrive as an environmental scientist, and help to find the solutions we will need to build environmental, socially and fiscally sustainable systems.
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
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.
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
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.
The course is accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia and graduates are eligible for membership of the Institute's Urban and Regional Planning Chapter.
- 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Planning integrates environmental, economic and social aspects of development with the competing needs of communities, companies and governments. This complex, 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, our Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning offers a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of urban and regional planning. This course is accredited with the Planning Institute of Australia, with graduates eligible for membership of the Institute's Urban and Regional Planning chapter.
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.
- 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- Online
- On Campus
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.
- 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- 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.
- 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- 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.
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- 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.
- 0.5 or 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- 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.
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- 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.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- Online
- On Campus
Practice-based research drives better decisions, stronger services and measurable outcomes. UNE’s Professional Doctorate provides foundational research training with a research thesis, supporting experienced professionals to contribute to the development of original knowledge that improves professional practice in their fields.
Co-design a workplace-embedded project with your UNE supervision team and your organisation, aligning rigorous methods with real-world challenges. Your examinable output is tailored to your discipline — for example, a thesis, a dissertation with artefacts, or an exegesis with a portfolio of creative, technical or performance works.
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- 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.
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
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 unit with UNE will help you to achieve.
Non-Award study 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.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
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.
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2026
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2026
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2026
- On Campus
- Online
Why study with us?

The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
Greg KemmettFind 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.
- 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 |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Tackle climate challenges by developing advanced decision-making skills and soil science knowledge with UNE’s environmental scientists. Build the analytical and practical skills needed to adapt as carbon accounting becomes central to sustainability…
Tackle climate challenges by developing advanced decision-making skills and soil science knowledge with UNE’s environmental scientists. Build the analytical and practical skills needed to adapt as carbon accounting becomes central to sustainability and regulatory compliance.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Natural Resource Management | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Prepare to strengthen communities against disasters by exploring climate change impacts, natural hazards and strategies for community planning and participation. With UNE you will gain in-demand practical skills to foster the resilience and…
Prepare to strengthen communities against disasters by exploring climate change impacts, natural hazards and strategies for community planning and participation. With UNE you will gain in-demand practical skills to foster the resilience and sustainable solutions for people and the environment.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 GeoScience | Minor | Undergraduate |
- 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 |
- 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 | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Economics | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Master of Economics | Major | Postgraduate |
- 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 |
| Diploma in Earth and Environmental Science | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Harness the latest in earth observation, spatial analysis, and remote sensing with guidance from UNE’s environmental science experts. Build the technical skills to interpret complex data and respond to rapid advances in monitoring technologies…
Harness the latest in earth observation, spatial analysis, and remote sensing with guidance from UNE’s environmental science experts. Build the technical skills to interpret complex data and respond to rapid advances in monitoring technologies shaping environmental management.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Environmental Science and Master of Natural Resource Management | Minor | Undergraduate |
Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
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
Graduates with expertise in planning strong demand in a multitude of private and public sector business settings. Undertaking study in this field will open the door to career opportunities in small business, government and the corporate sector, in Australia and overseas.
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.
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.
In practice, the ability to manage varying interests and influences into a workable solution is incredibly valuable in the professional world.
The Australian Government’s Employment Projections predicts demand for Urban and Regional Planners will grow by 15.1% by 2033, making now an excellent time to upskill into this vital field.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025Browse other disciplines within Earth and Environment
What happens next?
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.
2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.