Graduate Certificate in Development Planning

The Graduate Certificate in Development Planning at Curtin University is a short, focused qualification for people who want to work in urban and regional planning, or who already work in a related field and need formal planning skills. It covers the core ideas behind how land is used, how developments are assessed, and how planning decisions get made in Australia. You'll study planning law and frameworks, urban and regional development processes, and the practical skills planners use every day. The course is delivered over 26 weeks, so it's a quick way to build knowledge without committing to a full master's degree.

As a graduate certificate, this is an AQF Level 8 qualification. It sits above a bachelor degree but below a master's, and it usually consists of four units of study taken over one semester or trimester, depending on how Curtin structures the intake. Each unit carries credit points, and if you decide to continue studying later, those points may count towards a longer qualification like a graduate diploma or master's in planning, subject to Curtin's rules. There's no research thesis at this level. Assessment is typically through assignments, reports, and practical planning tasks rather than a major research project.

The skills you gain are hands-on: reading and interpreting planning schemes, understanding zoning and development controls, writing planning reports, and applying the principles of sustainable development. You'll also get a grounding in how Australian planning systems work across state and local government. Curtin has strong links with the Western Australian planning sector, and some units may include site visits or guest practitioners, though work-integrated learning is not a core requirement of the certificate. If you're already working in local government, property, or community development, this course can sharpen your planning knowledge without leaving your job.

This certificate suits a few types of people. Maybe you've got a degree in geography, architecture, environmental science, or law and want to move into planning. Or you're already working in a council or consultancy and need a recognised planning qualification to progress. It's also a good option if you're not sure about committing to a full master's and want to test the water first. International students should check the English requirements carefully, IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall is the usual standard for coursework postgraduate courses, but confirm the exact score on Curtin's official page. On a student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Always verify fees, intake dates, and entry requirements on the official Curtin or CRICOS page before applying.

• Planning assistant or planning officer in local government or state planning departments, helping assess development applications and prepare reports.
• Development assessment officer in councils, reviewing proposals against planning schemes and policies.
• Urban planning consultant in private consultancies, working on projects for developers or government clients.
• Community development officer in not-for-profits or councils, focusing on social and affordable housing, or neighbourhood planning.
• Property development analyst in development companies, using planning knowledge to evaluate sites and navigate approvals.
• Environmental planner in environmental consultancies or government, integrating sustainability and land use planning.
• Transport planner in transport agencies or consultancies, linking land use with movement networks.

These roles are found across Australia in state and local government, private planning and property firms, community housing organisations, and infrastructure agencies. The certificate can also be a stepping stone to further study, such as a master's in urban and regional planning, which is often the qualification needed for professional recognition as a planner.