With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands in Greater Western Sydney and beyond.
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The Master of Research (Planning) is an internationally recognised degree that provides graduates with the professional and scholarly education to take a leadership role in urban and regional planning research and policy development. The program has accreditation from the Planning Institute of Australia.
Study options
FULL TIME
2 years
PART TIME
4 years
Planning at Western
The first stage combines programwork training in comprehensive research methodology with an advanced major in urban and regional planning. In the second stage, you will undertake a supervised year of higher degree research and produce a thesis. The second stage also includes a series of workshops and seminars designed to enhance your research and professional capabilities.
You will develop the professional communication skills, reasoning and analytical processes required to make valuable contributions to the policy, technical and regulatory aspects of urban and regional planning. The teaching curriculum covers both Australian and international contexts.
Program structure
Stage 1 of the program involves intensive programwork where you will engage with your peers and academics in an interdisciplinary environment. The programwork is designed to help you build your skills as a researcher, master the art of knowledge translation and develop a strong research proposal.
You will undertake core subjects including:
The programwork structure is outlined in our handbook where you can find more information about the subjects you will be studying.
Stage 2 of the program involves completing your own research project under the supervision of an academic expert in your area of research. Your project will focus on the development of a 25,000-word thesis that will be externally examined.
Fees and delivery
You should refer to the Higher Degree Research Fees page for information about tuition fees for this program.
Start your unlimited journey today.
Your career
As a Master of Research (Planning) graduate, you can look forward to career opportunities in settings such as:
- Planning and management in local, state and federal government agencies or the private sector
- Policy analysis, research and development
- University teaching or administration
Your career
Urban Planner
In this role you'll help to shape communities from the ground up. As a specialist in land use you will develop plans to accommodate growth, revitalize towns and cities, make communities more attractive to business and keep them vibrant and healthy.
Policy Analyst, Research and Development
Policy development involves researching, compiling and analysing a range of facts that relate to the benefit of society. It involves working with a range of government agencies and community groups to pinpoint relevant solutions.
Researcher
Research involves compiling data, analysing trends and noting observations in the area of urban trends and geography. This work is recorded in reports that are used to assist with the development of that field.
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Apply now and start your unlimited journey.
*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum, unless the total duration of the program is less than 80CP. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
** Lowest Selection Rank
Acknowledgement of Country
