Our rankings
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
Ranked top 20 in the world for Architecture/Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings 2020 by Subject.
The Master of Urban and Regional Planning is your pathway to the professional world of planning and is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Urban and Regional Planners develop specialised knowledge in environmental design and strategic planning for well-structured cities, including the sustainable management of towns and cities. This program focuses on developing an understanding of the ways that cities and sites are constructed physically, socially and environmentally.
You will develop the professional communication skills, reasoning and analytical processes required to make valuable contributions to the policy, technical and regulatory aspects of urban and regional planning. The teaching curriculum covers both Australian and international contexts.
A specialisation is also available by selecting from the range of options offered in the Heritage Conservation stream. The program is a member of the United Nations Habitat University Network Initiative.
Commonwealth Supported Places
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) are available for postgraduate study for eligible domestic students. This means that your course fees are subsidised by the Australian Government and you pay a student contribution amount (SCA). CSPs are limited in number and are allocated based on academic merit.
Candidates for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning complete 72 credit points (cp) made up of at least six core units of study (48cp) and four elective units (24cp) from those available within the school, subject to meeting prior learning requirements and timetabling. Areas of study include history and theory in urban planning, planning procedures and planning law. All master's students will complete a planning report or planning dissertation.
Indicative course progression
| Unit code | Unit of study | Sem | CP |
| PLAN9063 | Strategic Planning and Design | 1 | 6 |
| PLAN9068 | History and Theory of Planning and Design | 1 | 6 |
| ARCH9100/ PLAN9061 |
Urban Design Foundations Studio or Planning Principles, Systems and Practice | 1 | 6 |
| Elective | 1 | 6 | |
| PLAN9045 | Economics for the Built Environment | 2 | 6 |
| PLAN9064 | Land Use and Infrastructure Planning | 2 | 6 |
| ARCH9100/ PLAN9061 |
Urban Design Foundations Studio or Planning Principles, Systems and Practice |
2 | 6 |
| Elective | 2 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit of study | Sem | CP |
| PLAN9018 | Planning Report | 1 | 12 |
| Elective | 1 | 6 | |
| Elective | 1 | 6 |
Credit points required per semester: 24
Indicative progression based on a 72 credit point master’s degree with a Semester 1 enrolment.
This course is for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in human geography, design or related field seeking a professional education in urban and regional planning. It is also ideal for graduates of the Bachelor of Architecture and Environments or for those working in the field who wish to expand their knowledge and skills.
The program is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia and graduates are eligible, subject to professional experience requirements, for corporate membership of the institute
Indicative Postgraduate Student Contribution Amount
The student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. For further information about how to calculate your specific total student contribution, please refer to the University's Tuition Fees website.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.
Indicative Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
The tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increase
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
Indicative International Tuition Fees for Postgraduate Students
The tuition fee for international postgraduate students is an indication only of the fees payable in Year 1 for a standard full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). Depending on the calendar year in which you undertake your study, and if your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL, your tuition fee will differ from the indicative amount.
Annual review and fee increases
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and will increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental costs and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental costs additional to the tuition fees. Some of these incidental costs are significant, for example, course-specific materials, tools, protective clothing, and equipment. Further information about these costs is available from https://sydney.edu.au/students/materials-and-equipment.html. In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through a government approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government. Further information is available from https://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/living-costs/health-insurance.html.
Visa/MasterCard/American Express/JCB surcharge
Please note that a surcharge of 1.53% will apply for payments made by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB. The surcharge is subject to review and may change. Information about payment methods and the surcharge is set out at: http://sydney.edu.au/study/finances-fees-costs/fees-and-loans/paying-your-fees.html.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about fees.
