Master of Urban Planning and Environment

Master of Urban Planning and Environment

POSTGRADUATE

Make an impact. Create sustainable, liveable and equitable urban places.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$28,800 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Eligible for advanced standing
Fees:

AU$37,440 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Combining studies in urban planning and built environment with the social, economic and political environment, the Master of Urban Planning and Environment equips you to shape efficient, practical, healthy and sustainable cities.

Develop skills in critical analysis and draw from diverse sources to engage in professionally-relevant projects, conduct research, and promote effective policy outcomes. Benefit from practical and experiential learning, working on urban planning problems in the field, and consulting with industry.

This degree is widely supported by industry; the majority of urban planners in Victoria are RMIT alumni, and employers actively seek our urban planning and environment graduates for their unique combination of environmental science and policy skills.

Upon graduation, you will be eligible for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.

This degree is offered online and face-to face. It is primarily taught through evening classes during the week, with some topics delivered through intensive full-day workshops. All core topics and some electives are also offered online in case students aren’t able to study face-to-face.

Why study the Master of Urban Planning and Environment at RMIT?

Real world skills

Benefit from practical and experiential learning, working on urban planning problems in the field.

Flexible offering

Degree offered online and face-to face, enabling you to balance work, study and life commitments.

Be sought by industry

Combine environmental science and policy skills for greater employment opportunities.

City building

PIA – What is Planning

Want to know what Urban and Regional Planning is and what Planners do?  Find out in a few minutes.

RMIT’s Master of Urban Planning and Environment program places strong emphasis on sustainability and teaches students to champion the natural environment within the planning practice and all other aspects of life. This is something that is reflective of my own values and something that led me to choose RMIT to continue my postgraduate studies.
Andjela Matijas, Master of Urban Planning and Environment Graduate Andjela Matijas, Master of Urban Planning and Environment Graduate
Emma Spano, RMIT Master of Urban Planning and Enviroment graduate,leaning against a planter box outside the RMIT basketball courts

How you will learn

Blend studies in urban planning and built environment, and critically explore the social, economic and political dimensions of urban futures.

Details

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Through industry-focused coursework, you’ll learn to connect theory to practice, and develop a holistic understanding of urban environmental issues.

Depending on the topics you study, your learning will be shaped through lectures, workshops, tutorials, industry-based presentations, problem-based learning, independent research and reflective learning techniques.

Your assessment may include project writing and reporting, class presentations, group work, case study research, industry-based assessment, policy submissions, and exams. 

In your final semester, you will complete a project-based capstone topic in which you will bring together your knowledge and skills from all your classes.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

The Master of Urban Planning and Environment is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia.

As a graduate, you will be eligible for membership of the Urban and Regional Planning Chapter of the Planning Institute of Australia, with reciprocal membership of key international planning associations, depending on the studies you undertake within your master degree.

RMIT research

RMIT is a world leader in environment and planning management and policy research, and supports several research projects and networks that maintain links with local and global communities.

The Centre for Urban Research is a thriving interdisciplinary research centre, with an emphasis on the intersecting streams of housing and homelessness, urban and regional planning, and sustainability and climate change. Teaching staff in the Master of Urban Planning and Environment are active researchers in this Centre.

Study tours provide you with the opportunity to explore a range of social, urban and environmental challenges facing developing countries.

Through reading, classes and site visits, you’ll learn about the history, urban geography, economy and environmental challenges that the destination country is currently facing.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Environment is available as an exit award of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Specialise through electives, including:

  • public policy development
  • urban design
  • social planning
  • sustainable water management
  • global cities
  • ecosystems and human impact
  • green cities
  • work placement
  • healthy cities
  • GIS principles
  • climate change responses.

You may also choose electives subjects from a range of interdisciplinary studies.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Urban Planning and Environment
Program code: MC221
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Urban Planning and Environment
City Campus
2 years full-time, Reduced duration available
MC221
079932C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, Reduced duration available
Plan code
MC221
CRICOS
079932C
View plan
Master of Urban Planning and Environment
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC221
079932C
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC221
CRICOS
079932C
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

View of Melbourne CBD in background, with Yarra River and green leafy trees in foreground

Shape the future of urban environments

RMIT graduates employ brave new thinking to shape the future of urban life, and find meaningful careers in government, communities and businesses.

Start a fulfilling career doing something that really matters.

You’ll shape urban environments and impact lives as an urban planner, environmental manager or policymaker, and you will drive positive changes in resource management, and strategic and social planning.

Upon graduation, you might find work in:

  • strategic and statutory planning
  • environmental and social planning
  • state government planning and policy agencies
  • infrastructure providers
  • environmental and natural resource agencies
  • Commonwealth environmental and infrastructure agencies
  • international and local consulting firms
  • local government
  • conservation, environmental and community sectors
  • business and industry.

This is a career-oriented degree, with some students who are already working in the field. Planning practitioners often participate in the degree as guest lecturers.

There will be opportunities to develop professionally through shared knowledge and networks, and you can find related employment after, or even before, graduating. 

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0)

    OR

  • undertaken significant work experience or professional practice

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline with a minimum overall grade point average of 2.5 (out of 4.0).

You may also be considered if you have significant work experience or professional practice.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Statement and CV: If you are applying on the basis of work experience, you must provide a CV and direct applicant statement detailing your experience.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in urban and regional planning, geography, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture/design or environmental studies, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in urban and regional planning, geography, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture/design or environmental studies, you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$28,800 (2025 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information