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  • 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, part-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, 2026

    21 April 2025

    Applications now closed!

    Semester 2, 2026

    Applications now open!

    2 July 2026

    Semester 1, 2027

    1 May 2026

    28 January 2027

    Semester 2, 2027

    1 March 2027

    1 July 2027

    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 of Urban and Regional Planning.

    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.

    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

    Domestic fee paying postgraduate

    2026 Fee year:

    $15,016*

    Domestic

    Domestic

    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

    2026

    Semester 1
    • On campus
    Semester 2
    • On campus

    2027

    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
    • 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: 13 March 2026

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