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Shape cities, spaces and systems through thoughtful design

City planners play a pivotal role in creating, evaluating and implementing policies and strategies that guide land use, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and community wellbeing. With diverse career paths in urban and regional planning, urban design, property development, and community engagement, city planners are increasingly in demand as the areas in which we live, work and play Ìýadapt to population growth, infrastructure demands and environmental challenges.

City planning — also referred to as urban or town planning — is a dynamic and forward-thinking field, driven by innovation and a commitment to creating sustainable, resilient communities. You’ll learn how to make decisions that balance social, economic, environmental and cultural factors, ensuring cities and regions are functional, inclusive and prepared for future challenges.

According to the city planning industry is expected to grow over the next decade as the world becomes increasingly urbanised. City planners are at the forefront of reimagining the future of our cities and communities, constantly responding to emerging priorities such as environmental sustainability, digital transformation and social equity.

City planners work across a wide range of sectors, with a growing array of jobs in urban development and planning available across government, consultancy, and the not-for-profit sector. The field offers diverse career paths, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as transportation, urban economics, environmental conservation and social and community planning.

Potential city planning jobs can include:Ìý

• Strategic and statutory planning roles across local, state and federal government
• Transport planner
• Planning consultant
• Urban designer
• Property development
• Environmental and sustainability consultant
• Community development
• Environmental advocacy
• Urban developer
• Strategic planner

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ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ'sÌýSchool of Built Environment puts you at the cutting edge — with global connections, expert teaching and industry-ready experiences to fast-track your future.

Gain a competitive edge

Study at a Built Environment school ranked #1 in Sydney and #23 globally for Architecture & Built Environment (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025). With access to one of the world’s leading academic environments, ±«±·³§°Â’s city planning courses equip you with the skills, knowledge and credibility to stand out in a competitive job market.

Gain industry experience as you learn

As an undergraduate, you’ll spend a full year working in the town planning industry through our world-renowned professional placement program — giving you real-world insight before you graduate. Postgraduate students also benefit from practical learning opportunities, as well as specialisations in city analytics and urban design available to deepen your expertise and prepare you for leadership in the field.

Access our global network

Connect with a talented cohort of current and future leaders and tap into ±«±·³§°Â’s global network of alumni and industry partners. These connections can accelerate your career, expand your professional opportunities and open doors to city planning jobs in Australia and abroad.

Hands-on, practical learning outcomes

Learn from globally recognised industry professionals through a curriculum grounded in real-world planning challenges. From learning to advisinge governments on land use and infrastructure investment to interpreting building regulations and zoning policies, you’ll graduate with the practical skills and experience needed to make an immediate impact in the field.

Create a future-proof career

Step into a dynamic industry offering diverse opportunities to lead, specialise and excel in your career. Whether your passion lies in sustainable urban design, spatial planning or community engagement, a city planning degree from ºÚÁÏÍø´óÊÂ¼Ç will equip you to lead innovative solutions and drive positive change in the built environment.

Become professionally accredited at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ

Both our undergraduate and postgraduate city planning degrees are professionally accredited by the , ensuring your qualifications are nationally recognised and aligned with industry standards. This accreditation supports your pathway to becoming a certified planner and enhances your career prospects.

City Futures Research Centre

±«±·³§°Â’s is Australia’s leading urban research hub, providing city planning students a bridge to real-world experience. Teaching staff in the city planning program work closely with researchers at CFRC, so our teaching always iIntegrates academic theory with the latest insights from cutting edge urban research. Ìý

The close collaboration between the city planning program and CFRC means students engage in an immersive, interdisciplinary learning environment. This empowers emerging planners to contribute meaningfully to Australia’s urban development landscape — while gaining the skills and qualifications to shape the cities of tomorrow.