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Program handbook

Description

The Graduate Certificate in Town Planning is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in urban and environmental planning within the Australian context. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and policies that shape urban environments, focusing on sustainable development, community engagement, and innovative planning solutions.

The program covers essential topics such as land use planning, zoning regulations, environmental impact assessment, and urban design. Students will gain insights into the legal and regulatory frameworks governing urban development. Students will learn to apply these tools to real-world urban and environmental problems.

The program promotes ethical and sustainable planning practices, encouraging students to consider the social, economic, and environmental impacts of their decisions. Graduates will be equipped to create inclusive and equitable urban spaces.

The program fosters professional growth by emphasising critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication. Graduates will be prepared to articulate planning concepts and proposals to various stakeholders, including policymakers and community members.

Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for careers in urban and environmental planning, environmental consulting, public policy, and community development. They will be equipped to work in government agencies, private sector firms, and non-profit organisations, contributing to the sustainable and equitable development of urban areas.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Explain how environmental law is incorporated into policies of national and state governments.
  • Explain the social, economic and environmental impacts of urban and regional development demonstrating an understanding of the implications of working on Country.
  • Analyse and evaluate urban and regional development issues by critically assessing policies and case studies and formulating evidence based recommendations.
  • Summarise and discuss the legal and regulatory frameworks governing urban and environmental planning including environmental regulations and public policy.
  • Effectively communicate planning concepts and proposals to a variety of audiences, including policymakers, community members, and stakeholders, using clear and concise language.

Details

Information correct as atSep 6, 2025 1:22 am
Program code50084
AQF level

Level 8 Graduate Certificate

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 1 year part-time.
Term typeSemesters and Trimesters
Fees
Relevant University rules and policies

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Admission to the program will be available for applicants who:

  • Have a completed AQF level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) tertiary qualification OR
  • Have a completed AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in a cognate* area plus a minimum of one year relevant experience, OR
  • Have a completed AQF Level 5 Diploma in a cognate* area plus a minimum of two years relevant experience, OR
  • Have at least 5 years full time relevant professional work experience

Work experience can be evidenced through a detailed Curriculum Vitae, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.

*Cognate Fields include Architecture, Public Administration, Environmental Planning, Geography, Urban design and transportation planning.

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6

Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

40 units

Program duration

1 year part-time up to 4 years maximum.

Program requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Town Planning is a one year program, students are required to complete 40 units, which is comprised of:

  • 20 units of Core courses;
  • 20 units from the Course List. 

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Program structure

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Core

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
ENVS6510Environmental Legislation and Policy
  • Trimester 2 - 2025 (NAIHES)
  • Trimester 2 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
GEOG6080Cities and Regions
  • Semester 1 - 2025 (Callaghan)
10 units

Course List

Choose 20 units from the courses listed below. You must complete GEOG6080 before enrolling in SURV6730.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
ABOR6001Aboriginal Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing
  • Semester 1 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
ABOR6004Blak Community Development
  • Semester 2 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
ARBE6618Disaster Governance and International Frameworks
  • Trimester 2 - 2025 (Callaghan)
  • Trimester 2 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
ARBE6801Indigenous Collaboration
  • Semester 1 - 2025 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
ARBE6803Decolonised Country Guided Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2025 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
ENVS6530Environmental Management
  • Trimester 2 - 2025 (NAIHES)
  • Trimester 2 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
ENVS6545Impact Assessment and Climate Change Policy
  • Trimester 3 - 2025 (NAIHES)
  • Trimester 3 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
GEOG6090Society and SpaceNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6020Environmental Law
  • Semester 1 - 2025 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
SOCA6590Environmental Justice
  • Semester 2 - 2025 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2025 (Online)
10 units
SURV6730Town Planning
  • Semester 2 - 2025 (Callaghan)
10 units

Graduate Certificate in Town Planning

Program Code 50084

Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 50084

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date
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Important: Our academic calendar is changing in 2026, with Semester 1 commencing on 27 January. Find out more.

Program Code 50084

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Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)(PT)

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English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 50084

This criteria is based on a international student attending campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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