Our rankings
First in Australia for Architecture/Built Environment in the QS World University Rankings 2021 by Subject.
The University is ranked first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely.
This course will be available for students to study remotely whilst the Australian border remains closed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
About this course
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.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Applying for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
There is no separate application required to apply for a CSP. Once you apply for admission, if you are successful in securing a CSP, you will receive notification via an offer of admission.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is not guaranteed as there are a limited number of CSPs available for postgraduate courses. The number of available CSPs for a course can change each semester/year. CSPs are also not automatically awarded for course transfers and upgrades.
CSPs are awarded for the duration of a course based on academic merit determined by the University and eligibility criteria specified by the Australian Government. Learn more about CSPs. If you do not qualify for a CSP you may be offered a domestic fee-paying place.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 15 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 25 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (August)
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.
A successful applicant for admission to the Master of Urban and Regional Planning will have completed a bachelor's degree in human geography, design or related field with a credit average, or have completed the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning with a WAM of at least 70.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
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
