With career paths ranging from town planning to environmental conservation, planners contribute to building a better world for present and future generations.
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.
Planners address a wide range of issues – including land use, transportation, infrastructure, housing, environmental conservation, and social equity – with the aim of enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors while promoting sustainability, inclusivity, and resilience.
Our Master of Planning course attracts people with a range of interests and backgrounds. Such as:
- 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. Our Planning course builds skills in environmental law and impact assessment, ideal for careers that involve assessing projects, and providing advice to major development projects on minimising environmental harm.
- 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. By studying Planning. they learn to apply their knowledge in other contexts, such as projects aiming to resolve urban congestion, or improve public and private transport infrastructure.
- 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. By studying Planning subjects like environmental impact assessment, climate change economics, and politics and planning, they can open doors to a range of new roles within councils and governments.
Top 5 Careers for a Master of Planning graduate
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.
The role of a planner is multi-faceted and essential for shaping the future of our communities. A Master of Planning equips you with the tools to navigate complex challenges and create sustainable, equitable, and liveable towns and cities for everyone.