Curtin University

What you'll study

This programme combines theory, technical skills and professional practice to prepare students for contemporary planning challenges. Core study areas include urban and regional planning theory, planning law and policy, strategic and statutory planning, environmental and natural resource management, transport and infrastructure planning, and urban design principles.

• Spatial analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) for planning
• Research methods and quantitative techniques for planning
• Community engagement, participation and stakeholder facilitation
• Planning policy, governance and statutory frameworks
• Land economics, development assessment and project appraisal
• Studio/project units focused on plan-making, masterplanning or precinct design
• Major research project or capstone applied planning project

Study is delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops, studio work, field visits and industry-linked projects. The programme emphasises practical tools such as GIS, spatial data analysis and plan preparation, and typically culminates in a major applied project that demonstrates professional competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised bachelor degree in planning, architecture, geography, environmental science, engineering, construction, or a closely related discipline. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in another discipline but with relevant professional experience or prior postgraduate study in a related area may also be considered.

• Academic requirement: a recognised undergraduate degree (honours or equivalent) or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional experience: relevant work experience in planning, development, design or policy is advantageous and may be considered in lieu of academic prerequisites.
• English language: international applicants must meet Curtin's English language requirements (for example, commonly an overall IELTS score in line with postgraduate study standards, or an equivalent recognised test).
• Additional requirements: applicants may be asked to provide a statement of purpose, CV, and examples of relevant work or academic projects.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning move into a wide range of professional roles across public, private and community sectors. Typical career pathways include:

• Town planner / urban planner in local, state or regional government
• Strategic or statutory planner working on policy, zoning and development assessment
• Transport and infrastructure planner
• Environmental and natural resource planner
• Urban designer, precinct or place manager
• Planning consultant in private practice or multidisciplinary consultancies
• GIS and spatial analyst supporting planning and data-driven decision-making
• Policy advisor, community engagement specialist or roles in non-government organisations

The degree is designed to meet the competencies required by professional planning bodies, supporting graduates who seek formal professional recognition and registration where applicable.

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin is a research-led university located in Perth with strong links to industry and government across Western Australia and the Asia‑Pacific region. The university emphasises applied learning and prepares students with practical skills in GIS, spatial analysis and studio-based plan-making. Students benefit from industry-engaged projects, fieldwork opportunities and access to Curtin's research and professional networks in urban, regional and environmental planning.

Students on this programme are supported by academic staff with professional planning experience and research expertise, and have opportunities to engage with real-world planning challenges through partnerships with government agencies, consultancies and community groups.