If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.

Development Planning
Graduate Certificate
GC-DEVPLN
Outline
Learn how to shape the development and land use of cities, towns and regions.

If COVID-19 restrictions apply, we may need to make changes to units and/or delivery modes.
Accelerated learning
Complete practical exercises and fieldwork.
Top 1 %
Curtin is ranked in the top one per cent of universities worldwide.
Academic Ranking of World Universities 2021.
Get the Curtin edge
Access to leadership programs, specialist facilities and industry placements give you a competitive edge in the job market.
For human settlements to be sustainable and successful, they must be properly planned. Urban and regional planners play an important role in shaping the development and land use of cities, towns and regions, and promoting public interest in the development process.
In the program you will be introduced to the principles, practices and techniques used by urban and regional planners. You will apply interdisciplinary knowledge and techniques to address environmental, social and design issues of concern to communities.
The course is suitable if you do not have a background in planning, or if you are a practising planner outside of Australia.
Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate, you may be eligible for entry into the master degree.
Please refer to the handbook for additional course overview information.
Why study
- This course promotes a balanced view towards: theory and practice; and local and global perspectives.
- Fieldwork, studios and practical exercises are integrated within the curriculum.
- This course provides a pathway to the Master of Urban and Regional Planning for graduates with bachelors from unrelated disciplines and professionals with relevant work experience.
Career information
The future of planning and development
The future of planning and development is underpinned by the need for innovative thinking to plan, regulate and manage the environmental, economic and social impacts of development.
Urban and regional issues are collective, often having multiple stakeholders with differing requirements. We require new ways of approaching land use and resource problems – such as developing sharing and community economies, encouraging a social licence to operate, and innovating our democratic institutions.
Innovation in urban planning and development will also occur through technological advances. Smart technologies, big data and the Internet of Things are opening new ways of developing knowledge and seeing cities and regions. Although these technologies will further enhance the analysis of planning problems, cultural competency and humanism are also critically important for working with communities and formulating responsive designs and solutions.
Industries
- land-use planning
- Development
- Housing
- Transport
- Government
- Community engagement
What you'll learn
- identify and apply the principles, theories and concepts of urban and regional planning and draw upon appropriate knowledge of social, economic and environmental factors within a governance framework to practise planning, particularly in the Western Australian context;
- examine and challenge theories and practices of urban and regional planning, and generate creative solutions to planning issues
- access, evaluate and synthesise information in the context of urban and regional planning
- communicate effectively in writing, graphically and orally with various audiences within a university context
- use appropriate technologies to gather and interpret research and data
- engage in self education within the Urban and Regional Planning profession to continue self development
- compare and contrast developmental processes in local and international contexts
- recognise and consider the needs and aspirations of the diversity of populations served by urban and regional planning, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the cultures of other minority ethnic groups in Australia and internationally
- work ethically as individuals and in teams using skills central to the practice of integrated planning development
Admission criteria
A bachelor degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognised tertiary institution, or vocational skills and knowledge in relevant professional areas where you can demonstrate through professional work experience your capacity to successfully undertake this program.
Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.
IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) | |
---|---|
Writing | 6.0 |
Speaking | 6.0 |
Reading | 6.0 |
Listening | 6.0 |
Overall band score | 6.5 |
You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.
Other requirements and notes for this course
You may be required to participate in site visits and/or field trips on weekdays or weekends.
In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.
Advanced standing
At Curtin, we understand that everyone’s study journey has been different.
You may have already studied some of the units (subjects) listed in your Curtin course, or you may have work experience that matches the degree requirements.
If this applies to you, you can apply for credit for recognised learning (CRL), which means your previous study is recognised and matched against a similar unit in your intended Curtin course.
A successful CRL application exempts you from having to complete certain units within your course and means you could finish your degree in a shorter amount of time.
CRL is also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing and credit transfer.
Use the CRL search to find out how much CRL you qualify for, or contact us at:
Webform: Submit here
Curtin Connect: 1300 222 888
Fees & charges
Domestic fee paying postgraduate
Fee year: 2022
Student type | Cost |
---|---|
Domestic | $11,700* |
Fees are indicative only.
* Based on a first-year full-time study load of 100 credits. The total cost will depend on your course options (i.e. units selected and time taken to complete).
Location
For start dates, please view the academic calendar.
2022
Semester 2
- On campus
2023
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
2024
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
2025
Semester 1
- On campus
Semester 2
- On campus
All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.
The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.
How to apply
Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice
Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. Please view our application deadlines page for further information.
Apply nowHelp is at hand
See our frequently asked questions or get in touch with us below.
- What are the alternative pathways into Curtin?
- What scholarships are available?
- What are my options to manage my study load?
- Browse all FAQs
- Opening hours:
- Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 4.30pm, except Tues: 9.30am – 4.30pm (AWST). Closed public holidays.
The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information. View courses information disclaimer.
- Curtin course code: GC-DEVPLN
- CRICOS code: 023976J
- Last updated on: June 28, 2022
Useful links