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.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available 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.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 11 February 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 (March) 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 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 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 (March) 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.
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.
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
