Overview 2024
Location
- What is an ATAR
- Course rules
- CRICOS: 044257M
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For years prior to 2015, please view the Course and Unit Handbook Archive
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This includes the promotion of fair and meaningful participation in decision-making and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and risks. We focus on building the capability for diverse communities and future generations to function and flourish.
If you're looking to update your knowledge and skills, or (re)familiarise yourself with University study before embarking on our accredited Master of Planning, this 1-year course is an ideal stepping stone.
The island state of Tasmania provides a unique learning environment. Urban areas, agricultural landscapes, extensive tracts of natural lands, and internationally significant cultural heritage are in close proximity and all easily accessible, providing opportunities for globally relevant case studies. Low student to teacher ratios maximise opportunities for academic interaction and support, and students benefit from the expertise of our staff and our close ties with the planning profession.
Students completing the Graduate Diploma who wish to extend their planning knowledge and skills can apply for admittance into Master of Planning. This 2-year industry accredited course provides students with all the foundations required for a career in planning. Units from the Graduate Diploma can be used as credit towards this Masters, meaning that following the Graduate Diploma, a Master of Planning can be completed in 1-year (full-time).
Course objectives
The course addresses the central role of environmental planning in achieving environmental, social and economic sustainability. Essential planning theory is integrated with understandings drawn from biophysical, social, cultural, legal and public policy disciplines. Urban, regional and rural environments are considered, and emphasis is given to planning across all land tenures at catchment and landscape scales. Extensive use of case studies provides students with practical examples of major environmental planning issues.
Teaching of units within the course is linked to an active staff and graduate student research program, and with staff involvements in community, government and industry planning activities. Students undertake an industry placement that provides an opportunity to incorporate the knowledge gained in the course into planning practice.
Learning Outcomes
Career outcomes
This course is an ideal stepping stone for those looking to update existing knowledge and skills, or (re)familiarise themselves with University study before embarking on the industry accredited Master of Planning. Students completing the Graduate Diploma who wish to extend their planning knowledge and skills can apply for admittance into Master of Planning. This 2-year industry accredited course provides students with all the foundations required for a career in planning. Units from the Graduate Diploma can be used as credit towards this Masters, meaning that following the Graduate Diploma, a Master of Planning can be completed in 1-year (full-time).
Professional Accreditation
The Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning is not accredited, but is nested with the accredited Master of Planning (accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia).
Course structure
The Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning consists of 75 credit points of core units and 25 credit points of elective units.
Core Units (Schedule A)
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KGA511 Critical Planning: Theory, Process and Applications
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
Elective Units (Schedule B)
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
View all details for KGA517 Protected Area Planning and Management Systems
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Winter school | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 2 | ||||
| Online | Semester 2 | ||||
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
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | ||||
| Online | Semester 1 | ||||
View all details for KGG539 Fundamentals of Spatial Information
Entry requirements
For Domestic students
A Bachelor degree in any discipline or equivalent.
For International students
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 Graduate Diploma of Environmental 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 holds a degree or other tertiary qualifications deemed by the College to be equivalent for this purpose.
Credit transfer
The maximum credit granted will be in accordance with the limits set down in the Student Participation and Attainment Ordinance.
Articulation
Articulation to: Master of Planning (K7P)
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.
If you’re a domestic student, you may 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 contributionStudent 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.
Further informationDetailed 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).
International students
2024 Total Course Fee (international students): $36,450 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
For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships 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
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries