Master of Planning (Urban Design) at Adelaide University

Master's Degree Urban Planning Full Time

Master of Planning (Urban Design)

at Adelaide University · Adelaide, South Australia

CRICOS course code

062045G

CRICOS provider code

00123M

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$96,200 total

Per year

A$48,100/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Planning (Urban Design) at Adelaide University gives students the opportunity to explore city planning and urban design in a practical context, focusing on how the built environment can shape community wellbeing in Australia. The course covers areas such as sustainable urban growth, transport networks, green spaces, and the relationship between social, economic and environmental elements in planning future cities. You'll also engage with design studios and project-based learning to develop skills in spatial analysis, urban design interventions, and policy development.

This degree is structured over two years of full-time study, split into semesters. You’ll complete several units of study, each worth a set number of credit points as used in Australian postgraduate coursework. The course culminates in a capstone project where you apply theory to a real urban design challenge, often in collaboration with industry partners or government agencies in South Australia. Such projects help demonstrate your readiness for professional roles.

Work-integrated learning is a component of the programme, with opportunities for placement in local planning consultancies, city councils, or development authorities, giving students exposure to Australian planning practice. While professional accreditation is mainly relevant for programs leading directly to Town Planner registration, this course develops core skills valued by employers in urban design, policy, and community development. Students learn stakeholder engagement, site analysis, drafting design guidelines, and using digital tools common in planning practice.

The Master of Planning (Urban Design) suits graduates from architecture, property, geography, or related fields who want to work on the practical side of city-building. International students should confirm English language requirements and can work 48 hours per fortnight during study and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduation. For the most up-to-date details, check the university's official website.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Urban designer in local government or private consultancies
Strategic planner for state and local planning authorities
Urban policy analyst for government and non-profit organisations
Community development specialist
Transport and infrastructure planning
Researcher or advisor in built environment projects

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Planning (Urban Design) at Adelaide University?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$96,200 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Urban designer in local government or private consultanciesStrategic planner for state and local planning authoritiesUrban policy analyst for government and non-profit organisationsCommunity development specialistTransport and infrastructure planningResearcher or advisor in built...

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