Master of Planning (K7P)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 2 Years, up to a maximum of 5 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2
Online
Semester 1, Semester 2

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 2 Years, up to a maximum of 5 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Entry requirements

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

"Studying at the University of Tasmania gives the advantage of the most beautiful pristine environment being at our back door, within in a hour I can be in a remote location doing field work".

Lauren McCall
Master of Planning
In the professionally accredited Master of Planning, you will gain knowledge and skills in planning for diverse communities, and just and sustainable futures. Your learning experience is grounded in Tasmania’s rich heritage of environmental and social justice.

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.

In this professionally accredited course, you will learn theoretical, technical and communication skills required by planning professionals. You will learn a range of essential planning competencies from the legal or statutory side of planning to the bigger picture or strategic side. These two sides of planning, legal and big picture, combine in a powerful way to enable planners to vision and action more sustainable futures.

There are multiple opportunities for authentic learning and contact with the wider planning community - in class, on professional placement, and in your individual research tasks.

Supported by your teachers and the Planning Institute of Australia’s Young Planners, your course will bridge from a learning environment into workplaces. This helps grow your professional network and actively shape your career path.

  • 1 Synthesise complex bodies of knowledge to support equitable and sustainable planning decision-making.
  • 2 Analyse complex planning problems to devise tailored and evidence-based solutions and strategies.
  • 3 Execute professional communicative, procedural and technical skills to advance best planning practice.
  • This course is specifically designed to prepare you for your career as a planner. As part of everyday teaching, you will receive direct engagement with planning and allied professionals to prepare you for the daily interactions experienced by career planners.

    You will undertake a semester long industry placement that provides opportunities to incorporate the knowledge gained in the course into planning practice. You will also collaborate in-class and via distance to gain a breadth of knowledge. Self-directed activities enable you to develop your personal interests.

    Classroom work is often done in collaboration with professional planning partners, such as local government and the operations side of the University. This helps expand your professional network and gives you exposure to the complexities and multi-discipline nature of real-world challenges.

    "The social interaction for this course is fantastic. There is plenty of time for one-on-one with students and lecturers."

    Rick Perrin - Master of Planning graduate.

    Whether it is making design recommendations for your local urban area, addressing a regional problem through case analysis, or preparing a strategic plan for a community of your choice, you will develop practical skills under the guidance of experts.

    The course includes KGA709 Professional Practice. In this unit students negotiate placement in a government or private sector organisation which is approved by the University. There they work on one or more practical tasks under the supervision of a suitably qualified professional. Understanding of environmental planning and/or management including organisational structure and functions, the role and responsibilities of planners and/or managers, and basic administrative processes are developed.

    Students are encouraged to make contacts within the profession and among stakeholders. Generic issues concerning workplace values, ethics and professional practice are discussed. Assessment draws on students' engagement with the scholarly literature, their documented preparations, outputs and critical reflection throughout the placement. This unit is also part of the current planning courses S6L and S7U.

    Career outcomes

    "I had the opportunity to take on a Graduate Planning Officer role at Brighton Council during my studies. After graduation I have continued on at the Council as a fully qualified Planning Officer."

    Andreas Perez-Roca
    Master of Planning graduate

    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.

     

    Course structure

    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.

    This unit provides a theoretical and conceptual foundation for advanced studies in urban and environmental planning. The unit covers the diverse functions and purposes of planning. You will have the opportunity to think critically about the philosophical and historical underpinnings…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit will give you an insight into the legal basis of planning in Tasmania. We cater to people wanting to practice as planners and also those wishing to become more informed citizens by better understanding the key legal principles…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The principles and practices of urban planning and design shape the physical spaces and social lives of our towns and cities. In this unit, you will learn about the historic and theoretical context of urban design and planning, including Aboriginal…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Choose one 25 credit point unit or two 12.5 credit point units

    This unit provides students with a practical understanding of key systems for protected area planning and management. Terrestrial, freshwater and marine protected areas are considered. The global context of protected areas is analysed, including issues of definition, scope and governance.…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to undertake planning for protected area systems. We will explore the frameworks, processes and methods used to identify areas for inclusion in national reserve systems. Students will have the…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineWinter school

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces legal, administrative, scientific, and social aspects of environmental impact assessment (EIA) using case studies. The unit emphasises the practical aspects of environmental impact assessment in Tasmanian contexts, but environmental impact assessment processes and legislation are similar in…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to provide students studying at the graduate level with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of spatial information. This unit will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and basic remote sensing analysis, with a focus…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Climate change is an unprecedented crisis that is impacting the places where we live and work. We are experiencing physical impacts such as shifting weather patterns, coastal inundation and increasing risk of natural disasters. These are reconfiguring economies, politics and…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Students in this unit will undertake the equivalent of an unpaid, professional placement of 80 hours duration, which gives them a work integrated learning experience – providing intended learning outcomes that could reasonably be expected from a placement within a…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Research pathway is by invitation if required GPA is reached in Year 1.

    This unit focuses on learning research methods to solve real problems. You will come to understand how to design research, define an argument in response to the problems, use scholarly databases, consider ethical issues in data collection, generate field data,…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit provides postgraduate students with the skills and knowledge to undertake policy-based research - a key transferable employability skill. Practical skills development focuses on undertaking research to inform evidence-based policy positions for a topical real-world issue. Upon completing this…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The independent research stream requires a coursework average of 75% or over to be achieved in the first year and approval of a research topic from both a supervisor and the Unit Co-ordinator.

    Research and project management skills are core professional competencies. Undertaking a thesis as part of your Masters will equip you with the experience needed to undertake research independently or as part of a team, and the skills to design and…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Research and project management skills are core professional competencies. Undertaking a thesis as part of your Masters will equip you with the experience needed to undertake research independently or as part of a team, and the skills to design and…

    Credit Points: 25

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Entry requirements

    Candidates for the Master of Planning shall be qualified for entry if they have qualified for:

    • a bachelor degree in any discipline at the University of Tasmania or
    • hold other tertiary qualification(s) deemed by the College to be equivalent for this purpose.

    COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

    This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

    • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

    Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

    English Language Requirements

    For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

    English Language Requirements are:  IELTS (Academic) 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)

    Course Specific Requirements

    Candidates for the Master of Planning shall be qualified for entry if they have qualified for:

    • admission to a bachelor degree in any discipline at the University of Tasmania or
    • hold other tertiary qualification(s) deemed by the College to be equivalent for this purpose.

    COURSE PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 

    This course includes compulsory Work Integrated Learning (professional experience placements). In order to participate in placements, all students must:

    • Complete a Safe to Practice Agreement declaring they have the medical, physical or psychological capacity to safely participate in professional experience practice. 

    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.

    Students completing the Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning are eligible for entry into the Master of Planning.

    Students completing the thesis pathway of this course can also apply to undertake a PhD in related fields.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic postgraduate student, you might be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    An important note on Youth Allowance and Austudy

    The Department of Social Services has approved some accredited and professionally-oriented Master courses for student payments through Youth Allowance or Austudy. This means if you enrol in one of these courses, you may be eligible for student payments. However, please be aware that this is not the case for all Master courses. Please visit our Scholarships, Fees and Costs website for further information.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    Domestic students enrolled in certain postgraduate coursework programs may not be eligible for student payments through Youth Allowance and Austudy. Visit the Department of Social Services website to find out more about eligibility for Centrelink support and the list of eligible courses

    International students

    2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $ 74,176 AUD *.

    Course cost based on a rate of $36,450 AUD per standard, full-time year of study (100 credit points).

    * Please note that this is an indicative fee only.

    International students

    International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

    Scholarships

    Domestic Students

    Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all background, including those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.

    For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

    International students

    There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

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