Course overview
This course brings together the critical areas of environment, climate change, and development planning to provide a strong foundation for future leaders and professionals working towards sustainability.
During your studies, you’ll examine sustainability challenges and their relationship with urban and regional development and land use. You’ll learn the principles and practices used by urban and regional planners, and apply interdisciplinary knowledge and techniques to address environmental, social and design issues of concern to communities. You will build your expertise and develop solutions to issues such as biodiversity loss, extreme climatic events, and the impacts on both environments and human settlements.
There is a strong emphasis on professional practice to strengthen your career opportunities and professional development. You will become familiar with real-world practices through lectures and workshops delivered by consultants from industry and government. You will also learn practical skills in social research, field work, analysis and stakeholder engagement.
This graduate certificate can be studied full-time or part-time, and is suitable whether or not you have a background in planning or environmental disciplines. It is also ideal for practising planners and sustainability practitioners from outside Australia. After completing the course, you may enrol in a master degree in either Urban and Regional Planning or Sustainability and Climate Leadership.
Career outcomes
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.
Careers
- Urban and regional planners
- Transport planner
- Heritage consultant
- Civil engineer
- Train service disruptions officer (government)
Industries
- Land-use planning
- Development
- Housing
- Transport
- Government
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Upcoming events
1 October 2026 to 13 October 2026
University for Adults Info Evenings
Armadale University Study Hub, Ellenbrook Study Hub and Mandurah Universities Centre (dates and times vary by location)
Come along to an info evening to get personalised answers to everything you’ve ever wanted to know about uni.
14 October 2026
MBA Information Evening
Curtin Murray Street
Expand your career with a Curtin MBA. Join our MBA Information Evening to explore Curtin’s internationally accredited MBA program and discover where the course can take you.
22 October 2026
Curtin Postgrad Expo
Medical Building – 410.101, Curtin University
Thinking about upskilling, changing careers or discovering new professional opportunities? The Curtin Postgrad Expo is your chance to explore your study options and get tailored advice to help you take your next step with confidence.
Entry requirements
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Your application pathway
To apply for this course, you’ll apply directly to Curtin via our online applications portal.
Choose your preferred campus to find the application opening and closing dates for this course before you apply.
Select your preferred campus
| Intake | Applications open | Applications close |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | Applications now open | 28 Jan 2027 |
| Semester 2, 2027 | 1 Mar 2027 | 4 Jul 2027 |
Location and delivery
Thinking about starting soon? Course availability can vary by location and study period. Check the course handbook for details on when and where you can start your studies.
For full entry requirements, fees and information for international students, visit the course page.
Explore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.