Master of Planning

If you are looking to progress to the next stage of your career, or you want to contribute to tackling local, regional and global challenges, this accredited course will take you there. Planning is an ideal study option for a diverse range of interests and backgrounds, including:

• Ecologists, environmentalists, and conservationists, who may be in operational and front-line roles and want to apply their passion for the environment at greater scale.
• Engineers and similar technical experts, who want a change of profession but still want a career that crosses different disciplines and allows them to draw on their existing skills, and
• Commerce and business students or graduates, who want to apply their corporate knowledge and skills in a way that directly benefits people and communities, often through an environmental and sustainability lens.

Planning at the University of Tasmania focuses on contemporary issues and real-world professional development:

Climate challenges. Climate change is the unprecedented crisis of our times and is emerging as the determining factor in how we plan for cities and regions. Our staff are recognised international leaders, with research interests that extend from climate adaptation to the interaction of climate risk with land-use economics. In studying with us, you will attain knowledge and skills in planning for just climate outcomes.

Equitable places. We promote planning for equitable cities and regions, and the island state of Tasmania provides a unique environment in this regard. Urban diversity, cultural landscapes, natural areas and unique ecosystems are in close proximity and all easily accessible. Leveraging the local diversity afforded by the medium sized city of Hobart, we offer electives in environmental planning, protected area planning, sustainability and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

You will benefit from our close ties with the planning profession, including work placement opportunities and guest lecturers, plus our low student-teacher ratios maximise opportunities for academic interaction and support as you study.

With career paths ranging from town planning to environmental conservation, planners contribute to building a better world for present and future generations.

As a professional planner, you will be in demand by local and state governments, planning consultancies and community organisations in Australia and around the world.

Planners are professionals who work closely with engineers, architects and environmental consultants, providing multi-disciplinary expertise to ensure projects are appropriately investigated and strategically developed. Graduates of our professionally accredited course find fulfilling careers as professional planners, managers and policy makers, in a variety of roles including.

Town or Urban Planner

Town planners focus on the development and sustainability of urban areas. They work within government and industry to make decisions about the changes we make to the built and natural environments. Statutory planners are involved at the level of individual applications, and strategic planners look at the bigger picture of planning our towns and urban areas. Town planners consider the location, design and suitability of developments such as stadiums, hotels, parks, and the full spectrum of residential requests.

Regional planner

A regional planner is like an urban strategist, outlining land use, transportation, and infrastructure for a specific area, creating sustainable communities by considering population trends and environmental factors. They work with governments, communities, and experts to develop policies for balanced regional growth and improved quality of life.

Environmental Planner

Working within local governments, the Parks and Wildlife Service, and other consultancies, environmental planners specialise in environmental considerations. They work to minimise the negative ecological impacts of developments, projects, and policies, and promote sustainable practices. These planners are vital in preserving natural resources, expanding green spaces, and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Transportation Planner

Transportation planners focus on designing efficient and sustainable transportation systems. They analyse traffic patterns, public transit options, and alternative modes of transportation to improve mobility and reduce congestion. By promoting accessible and environmentally friendly transportation, they contribute to creating more liveable and interconnected communities.

Housing and Community Development Planner

Housing and community development planners address issues related to affordable housing, social services, and community revitalisation. They develop strategies with governments, non-profit organisations, and developers to ensure that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing, as well as essential services and amenities

Working at various scales - from individual neighbourhoods to the macro-level of cities and regions - planners are a vital part of the way we drive the physical, social, and economic development of our communities.

The Master of Planning is an externally accredited degree.

This course is accredited by the Planning Institue of Australia.

Graduates may meet the requirements for membership of the Planning Institue of Australia. There may be additional requirements for membership beyond the completion of the course.

For further membership requirements, please visit the Planning Institue of Australia website.

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.

The first year of the Master of Planning (full-time equivalent) comprises Schedule A units (75 credit points), in addition to a choice of elective unit(s) from Schedule B (25 credit points).

The second year of the Master of Planning (full-time equivilant) comprises Schedule C units. If a student meets the requirements for entry into our independent research stream, then the units KGA742 Research Thesis A and KGA743 Research Thesis B will replace KGA703 Professional Research Methods and KGA704 Professional Research Practice.

There is flexibility in the program, particularly for students who already have work experience and would prefer to replace the Professional Placement unit with another unit - chosen from the elective list for Year 1.

Students in this course may be eligible for a reduction in the volume of learning of:

• up to 100 credit points if they have completed a Bachelor Honours (AQF 8) award in a cognate discipline; or
• up to 50 credit points if they have completed a Bachelor (AQF 7) award in a cognate discipline.