Postgraduate Urban Planning Programs - Changes from 2027 - School of Architecture, Design and Planning

From January 2027, changes to the Master of Urban Planning, Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning programs and the courses offered will be implemented.

Students commencing their studies in 2027 will enrol in the new program structure, which will be delivered for the first time from 2027.

Information about the program requirements is available online:

New program requirements (from 2027):

Current and previous program requirements:

What does this mean for current students?

If you commenced your studies before 2027 and remain enrolled in your current program, you can continue under your existing program structure and complete your degree as planned.

You may also be eligible to transfer to the new program structure if you believe it better aligns with your interests and career goals. The choice is entirely yours — there is no requirement to change programs.

The School of Architecture, Design and Planning is here to support you in understanding your options and making the decision that is right for you. This webpage, together with the information below, is designed to help you navigate these changes with confidence.

Review the tabs on this webpage to learn more about these changes, what they mean for you, and the answers to frequently asked questions.
To assist with planning your enrolment, transition checklists are available at the end of this page. These checklists outline your options for either remaining in your current program or transitioning to the new program structure.
A padlet has been created for students to ask general questions about the changes. Please note that the Padlet is intended for general enquiries only. Questions requiring personalised advice, including individual study plan reviews or enrolment guidance, will need to be discussed during an Academic Advisor appointment.
Academic Advisors are available to help you confirm your study plan, understand your options, and answer any questions you may have. For more information, see How do I make an appointment with the academic advisor?

What has changed? Master of Urban Planning

For students commencing from 2027, the Master of Urban Planning will include new fields of study, providing greater opportunities to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Eligible students may also be able to complete the program in 1.5 years (24 units).

The 2027 Master of Urban Planning will also be available to students who have previously completed a Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)-accredited undergraduate qualification, creating a more flexible pathway for further professional study.

	Pre-2026	2026	2027
Program Name	Master of Regional and Town Planning	Master of Urban Planning	Master of Urban Planning
Program Duration	32 units, 2 years (or part-time equivalent)	32 units, 2 years (or part-time equivalent)	32 units, 2 years (or part-time equivalent) OR 24 units, 1.5 years (or part-time equivalent) for students with relevant undergraduate study or background who are approved to enter with 8 units credit for MUPlan Foundational Core Courses
Core courses	20 units	20 units	14 units MUPlan Core courses And 8 units MUPlan Foundational Core Courses (32 units duration only)
Plans	12 units from Research or General Pathway	12 units from Research or General Pathway	8 units from one Field of Study: Urban Analytics Environment & Sustainability Research in Urbanism Or 8 units for No Field of Study option
Program and General Elective Courses	Up to 12 units included within Pathways	Up to 12 units included within Pathways	2 units

Program Duration

The Master of Urban Planning (MUPlan) will continue to be a 2-year, 32-unit full-time program.

From 2027, an accelerated 1.5-year (24-unit) pathway will be available for eligible students. Students admitted to this pathway will receive 8 units of credit for the MUPlan Foundational Core courses, which are designed to provide essential planning knowledge for students without a relevant background.

Fields of Study

The 2027 Master of Urban Planning includes the option to complete a Field of Study, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals.

Students can choose from three Fields of Study:

Urban Analytics
Environment and Sustainability
Research in Urbanism

Each Field of Study requires the completion of 8 units of specified courses.

Students who prefer greater flexibility can choose the No Field of Study option. This pathway allows you to complete 8 units of approved courses from the Urban Analytics and Environment and Sustainability course lists, without committing to a specific Field of Study.

Your choice of Field of Study (or the No Field of Study option) will not change the overall duration of the program.

Can I change to new program to complete my program quicker with the accelerated pathway?

You may be eligible to transfer to the 2027 Master of Urban Planning and complete the accelerated 1.5-year (24-unit) pathway if you have a relevant qualification or professional experience.

Eligibility may apply if you have previously completed a program in Urban and Regional Planning, Architecture, Urban Design, Environment, Design, Engineering or Geography, or have at least two years of full-time equivalent professional experience in urban and regional planning.

Before deciding whether to change programs, it is important to understand that moving to the new program structure may not necessarily reduce the overall duration of your studies. This will depend on the courses you have already completed and your individual study progress.

To help compare your options, we recommend completing:

the transition checklist for completing your current program, and
the transition checklist for continuing students moving to the 2027 program structure.

These checklists will help you identify the courses you still need to complete under each option. You can then use the study plan template and course offering information to estimate your remaining study duration and determine which pathway best suits your circumstances.

If you decide to move to the 2027 program structure, you will need to submit a Program Change request (see How can I change to the new program structure?). As part of this process, the Faculty will assess your eligibility for the accelerated pathway and any applicable credit.

I want to choose one of the new Fields of Study

The new Fields of Study — Urban Analytics, Environment and Sustainability, and Research in Urbanism — are only available in the 2027 Master of Urban Planning program structure.

If you are interested in completing one of these Fields of Study, you may be able to transfer to the 2027 program. Whether this is possible will depend on the courses you have already completed and how they align with the new program requirements.

To explore your options, we recommend completing the Transition Checklist for Continuing MUPlan Students (2027 Program Structure). This will help you understand how your completed courses may count towards the new program and whether a Field of Study can be incorporated into your remaining study plan.

If, after reviewing the checklist, you would like to move to the 2027 program structure, please refer to How can I change to the new program structure? for information on the next steps.

What has changed? Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning and Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning

From 2027, the Graduate Certificate in Urban Planning and Graduate Diploma in Urban Planning will include two groups of courses designed to support students with different levels of prior planning knowledge and experience.

Urban Planning Core Courses are intended for students with a relevant background and provide a pathway into the accelerated 1.5-year Master of Urban Planning.

Students without a relevant planning-related background will complete Urban Planning Foundation Courses, either before or alongside the Urban Planning Core Courses. These foundation courses provide the essential planning knowledge required to progress to the standard 2-year Master of Urban Planning.

The 2027 Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma will also incorporate the new suite of Urban Planning courses being introduced as part of the program refresh. Students who remain in the pre-2027 program structures will continue to be supported to complete their studies, with replacement courses identified where existing courses are discontinued.

I want to continue in the existing pre-2027 program structure

If you are currently enrolled in a pre-2027 Urban Planning program, you will be able to complete your degree under the program rules that applied when you commenced.

As the new curriculum is introduced from 2027, some existing core courses will be progressively discontinued and replaced by new courses. This means that you may need to make some adjustments to your study plan to ensure you can continue meeting your program requirements.

To support you through these changes, we have developed a Transition Checklist that outlines:

when existing courses will be discontinued
approved replacement courses
the steps needed to stay on track for graduation.

The transition arrangements have been designed to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by the program changes. While the School is committed to supporting you throughout this process, it remains your responsibility to ensure your enrolment is correct and that you are meeting your program requirements.

If you would like help reviewing your study plan or understanding your options, we encourage you to book an appointment to speak to the Academic Advisor. They can provide personalised advice and help you plan the best pathway to completion.

How can I change to the new program structure?

Some continuing students may choose to move from the pre-2027 program structure to the new 2027 program structure. To do this, you must submit a Program Change request through SI-net during the published application periods (refer to the academic calendar).

Before making this decision, it is important to understand that once your Program Change has been approved, you will not be able to return to your previous program structure.

We strongly recommend that you complete the relevant transition checklist and seek academic advice before deciding whether to move to the new program. This will help you understand how your completed courses will apply to the new program requirements and whether changing programs is the right option for you.

Please note that if you transfer to the 2027 program structure:

You must meet all requirements of the 2027 program.
Some new compulsory courses may not have equivalent courses in the pre-2027 program structure.
Depending on your previous study, you may need to complete additional courses to satisfy the new program requirements.
As new courses are being introduced progressively from 2027, course availability may affect your study plan and, in some cases, your expected graduation timeframe.

The School can provide guidance and support throughout this process. However, it remains your responsibility to ensure your enrolment and study plan meet the requirements of your chosen program.

To change to the new program structure, please complete the following steps:

Complete the relevant transition checklist.
Use the completed checklist to develop a study plan showing how you will meet the program requirements.
Attend an academic advice appointment to review your transition checklist and study plan.
Submit your finalised transition checklist and study plan to enquiries@eait.uq.edu.au.
Submit a Program Change request in SI-net during the relevant application period (see the academic calendar for dates).

Following these steps will help ensure you have a clear understanding of the implications of changing programs before submitting your request.

How do I make an appointment with the academic advisor?

Academic Advisors are available to help you understand your options, review your study plan, answer questions about the program changes, and provide personalised enrolment advice.

To get the most value from your appointment, please complete the following steps before booking:

Review the information and resources available on this webpage.
Complete the transition checklist relevant to your circumstances.
Prepare a draft study plan based on your preferred pathway.

Once you have completed these steps, you can book an appointment with an Academic Advisor here.

As part of the booking process, you will be asked to submit your completed transition checklist and draft study plan. Providing these documents in advance allows the Academic Advisor to review your situation before the appointment and provide more tailored advice.

If you are unsure which transition checklist applies to you, we recommend reviewing the guidance on this webpage before making a booking. This will help ensure you are directed to the most appropriate resources and support.

Will the School be checking if my enrolment is correct?

The School is committed to supporting you through these program changes and has developed a range of resources to help you understand your options and plan your studies. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that your enrolment meets your program requirements and supports your progression towards graduation.

We strongly encourage all students to complete the relevant transition checklist and develop a study plan before enrolling in courses. These resources have been designed to help you understand your remaining requirements and make informed decisions about your enrolment.

Please be aware that formal graduation checks are conducted by the EAIT Faculty when you apply to graduate. As a result, potential issues with an individual student's enrolment or study plan may not be identified before your final semesters of study.

If you have any questions about your enrolment, study plan, or the impact of these program changes, we encourage you to seek advice as early as possible. Academic Advisors can review your circumstances, provide personalised guidance, and help ensure you remain on track to complete your program.

Students considering a move to the 2027 program structure are required to attend an Academic Advisor appointment before submitting a Program Change request. This ensures you have a clear understanding of the requirements and implications of changing programs before making a decision.

Transition checklists and study plans

Please refer to the relevant transition checklist and study plans below to help you understand your options and plan your enrolment.

A blank study plan template is also available to help you map out your remaining courses and progression to graduation.

I would like to continue in the pre-2027 program structure

Use the following resources:

Study plans for continuing students following the pre-2027 Planning programs are available on the Program Information and Study Plans page - ensure you refer to the Planning (pre-2027 program) sub-heading.

I would like to change to the 2027 program structure

Before deciding whether to transfer, we strongly recommend completing the transition checklist and preparing a study plan so that you can understand the implications for your remaining courses and expected completion date.

Use the following resource: