GC-DEVPLN

Development Planning

Graduate certificate

Learn how to shape the development and land use of cities, towns and regions.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Graduate Certificate in Development Planning
  • Duration

    Duration

    6 months full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    100
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    023976J
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Deadlines for applying direct to Curtin

Select your preferred campus:

Intake Application open Application close

Semester 1, 2024

1 May 2023

Applications now closed!

Semester 2, 2024

1 March 2024

Applications now closed!

Semester 1, 2025

Applications now open!

12 February 2025

Semester 2, 2025

3 March 2025

9 July 2025

Course outline

Overview

Overview

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.

What jobs can the Development Planning course lead to?

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

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

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.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6.0

Speaking

6.0

Reading

6.0

Listening

6.0

Overall band score

6.5

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.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$5,400*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

$12,758*

Domestic

Domestic

2025 Fee year:

$13,651*

Domestic

Domestic

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

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).

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus

2026

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. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: GC-DEVPLN
  • CRICOS code: 023976J
  • Last updated on: 26 December 2024

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