Master of City Planning

About the course

UNSW’s Master of City Planning develops advanced skills to plan, design and manage cities and regions facing growth, infrastructure and environmental pressures. You’ll study contemporary planning theory and practice, engage with policy and governance, and apply spatial and strategic thinking to real urban challenges. The program prepares you for professional practice in city planning within the built environment at master’s level. The programme strengthens advanced engineering design, systems analysis, and innovation management for complex industry projects.

Career outcome

Graduates can pursue careers in strategic and statutory planning, urban policy, development assessment and precinct or transport-oriented planning. Roles may include urban/city planner, strategic planner, policy officer, development consultant, and positions in local or state government, planning consultancies and property or infrastructure organisations. The degree supports professional pathways in city planning and the built environment at master’s level. Preparing graduates for engineering management, technical leadership, and specialist design roles across industrial sectors.

Living Costs in Sydney**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) A$ 17 - 22	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) A$ 2,207 - 2,918	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) A$ 1,599 - 2,115
Transportation (Daily) A$ 9 - 10	Utilities per Month (Electricity, Mobile & Internet) A$ 219 - 290

Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)