Planning

PlanningWhy study Planning?

Our courses place an emphasis on understanding contemporary issues such as facilitating change, sustainable development, climate change, indigenous communities and water management within the context of a changing society in both urban and rural areas.

We give strong recognition to the growing importance of understanding and working with communities, of community development agendas and of the need to achieve social, economic and environmental improvements with a focus on supporting and facilitating sustainable development for liveable communities in rural and regional areas in Australia and overseas with a particular emphasis on the countries of South and South East Asia.

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PIA Accreditation

The Master of Community Planning and Development (Urban and Rural Planning stream) is accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). The Master of Spatial Planning, Management and Design has been granted interim accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia. The PIA course accreditation means that La Trobe's courses in planning provide a strong foundation of theory, skills, and knowledge to allow graduates to work as planners in the field of urban and regional planning.

 

Career opportunities

Planning officer, town planner, policy development, environmental planner, and environmental officer for government, councils, private firms, research organisations and regional authorities, economic development agencies, research bodies. Graduates also have the opportunity to pursue directions in areas such as natural resources, urban design or social planning. 

Courses

Local students

Planning courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Graduate Certificate in Community Planning and Development Bendigo
6 months full-time or part-time equivalent. Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Graduate Certificate in Community Planning and Development continued…

Course description
Community planning and development is about shaping and working with cities, towns and rural areas to improve them as places to live physically, socially and economically. This course is designed specifically to provide training in the discipline from sub-professional to post-professional level, creating a pathway for those without formal planning qualifications. It emphasises contemporary issues such as change facilitation, sustainable development, climate change, indigenous communities and water management within the context of a changing society in both urban and rural areas.
Prerequisite
Australian Bachelor's degree or approved relevant professional experience.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $6260 (60 credit points).
Additional information
Mid-year entry (July intake) is also available.

How to apply
Contact the Faculty for application closing date. Apply direct to the University. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB). Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Community Planning and Development (Graduate Certificate)Bendigo
2013 Graduate Diploma in Community Planning and Development Bendigo
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent. Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Graduate Diploma in Community Planning and Development continued…

Course description
Community planning and development is about shaping and working with cities, towns and rural areas to improve them as places to live physically, socially and economically. This course is designed specifically to provide training in the discipline from sub-professional to post-professional level, creating a pathway for those without formal planning qualifications. It emphasises contemporary issues such as change facilitation, sustainable development, climate change, indigenous communities and water management within the context of a changing society in both urban and rural areas.
Prerequisite
Approved Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $12,520 per 120 credit points.
Additional information
Mid-year entry (July intake) is also available.

How to apply
Contact the Faculty for application closing date. Apply direct to the University. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB). Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Community Planning and Development (Graduate Diploma)Bendigo
2013 Master of Community Planning and Development Bendigo
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent Semester 1 and 2 (March and July)

Master of Community Planning and Development continued…

Course description
This course is designed to facilitate skills and leadership capacities relevant to a range of middle and senior management positions in local government, government departments, agencies and the private sector. Graduates work with communities in urban, regional and rural areas, with community development planning agencies and in international settings. They also work with non-government organisations on rural and regional development issues, community development, land use planning and environmental and social policy at local, regional, national and international levels.
Prerequisite
Approved Australian Bachelor's degree or approved international equivalent.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
Indicative (2012): $12,520 per 120 credit points.
Additional information
Mid-year entry (July intake) is also available.

How to apply
Contact the Faculty for application closing date. Apply direct to the University. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form (PDF 3.3MB). Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required. To be considered for a fee reduction scholarship, applications for Semester 1 must be received by February 8 2013.
Professional recognition
The Planning stream is constructed to be eligible for Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) accreditation. Students choosing this stream must take specific subjects to facilitate accreditation.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Community Planning and Development (Master)Bendigo
2013 Master of Spatial Planning, Management and Design Bendigo
2 years full-time. Semester 1 (February)

Master of Spatial Planning, Management and Design continued…

Course description
This is a unique planning course that examines the management and governance of cities and towns, applied urban design including regional and rural settings, and issues faced by developing countries. It has a significant international component and is offered as part of a joint cross-cultural degree with the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, where students can opt to undertake two semesters of study.

The curriculum aims to develop planning skills and knowledge, with specific attention to management and design skills. It is also designed to help students understand other cultures, planning systems, and new problem-solving strategies; and to enable them to operate in diverse communities and environments.
Prerequisite
An undergraduate degree specialising in planning accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia; or relevant undergraduate degree or Postgraduate Diploma recognised by the University and accepted as a prelude to a planning program, with practical experience in planning or in a field relating to planning; or other accepted qualifications.
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Fee amount
TBC: new course in 2012.
How to apply
Contact the Faculty for application closing date. Apply direct to the University. Download, complete and submit a postgraduate coursework application form. Please ensure you also provide all supplementary information required.
Professional recognition
This course has been granted interim accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Spatial Planning, Management and Design (Master)Bendigo

How to apply?

Methods of application vary from course to course. Please see the course entry above for details of how to apply for the course you are interested in.

Fees and scholarships

Postgraduate coursework programs are either:

  • Fee-paying (where you pay the full cost of the course). FEE-HELP is available.
  • CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), subsidised by the Commonwealth Government where you pay a contribution towards course costs. HECS-HELP is available.

Students enrolled for certain postgraduate coursework programs may be eligible for student income support.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Planning international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Graduate Certificate in Community Planning and Development (064198G ) Bendigo
6 months Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $21 350

Graduate Certificate in Community Planning and Development continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Community planning and development is about shaping and working with cities, towns and rural areas to improve them as places to live physically, socially and economically. This course is designed specifically to provide training in the discipline from sub-professional to post-professional level, creating a pathway for those without formal planning qualifications. It emphasises contemporary issues such as change facilitation, sustainable development, climate change, indigenous communities and water management within the context of a changing society in both urban and rural areas.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree or an approved international equivalent.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Community Planning and Development (Graduate Certificate)Bendigo
2013 Graduate Diploma in Community Planning and Development (064237E ) Bendigo
1 year Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $21 350

Graduate Diploma in Community Planning and Development continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Community planning and development is about shaping and working with cities, towns and rural areas to improve them as places to live physically, socially and economically. This course is designed specifically to provide training in the discipline from sub-professional to post-professional level, creating a pathway for those without formal planning qualifications. It emphasises contemporary issues such as change facilitation, sustainable development, climate change, indigenous communities and water management within the context of a changing society in both urban and rural areas.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree or an approved international equivalent.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Community Planning and Development (Graduate Diploma)Bendigo
2013 Master of Community Planning and Development (064233J ) Bendigo
2 years Semester 1 and 2 (March and July) $22 750

Master of Community Planning and Development continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This course is designed to facilitate skills and leadership capacities relevant to a range of middle and senior management positions in local government, government departments, agencies and the private sector. Graduates work with communities in urban, regional and rural areas, with community development planning agencies and in international settings. They also work with non-government organisations on rural and regional development issues, community development, land use planning and environmental and social policy at local, regional, national and international levels.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An Australian Bachelor's degree, or approved international equivalent, or approved relevant work experience.
Professional recognition
Students choosing the urban and rural planning stream must take specific subjects to facilitate accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Community Planning and Development (Master)Bendigo
2013 Master of Spatial Planning, Management and Design (075398G) Bendigo
2 years Semester 1 (March) $22 750

Master of Spatial Planning, Management and Design continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This is a unique planning course that examines the management and governance of cities and towns, applied urban design including regional and rural settings, and issues faced by developing countries. It has a significant international component and is offered as part of a joint cross-cultural degree with the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, where students can opt to undertake two semesters of study.

The curriculum aims to develop planning skills and knowledge, with specific attention to management and design skills. It is also designed to help students understand other cultures, planning systems, and new problem-solving strategies; and to enable them to operate in diverse communities and environments.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
An undergraduate degree specialising in planning accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia; or relevant undergraduate degree or Postgraduate Diploma recognised by the University and accepted as a prelude to a planning program, with practical experience in planning or in a field relating to planning; or other accepted qualifications.
Professional recognition
This course has been granted interim accreditation by the Planning Institute of Australia.
Full course details
Course structures and subject information for the following cours(es):
Spatial Planning, Management and Design (Master)Bendigo

How to apply?

Enquire now about any course for international students or find out how to apply.

 

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fees for international students are indicated for each course above. Fees are indicative only and set at 120 credit points per course, unless otherwise stated, and may vary depending on the number of credit points in which students enrol. Some courses may vary in credit point load and fees will be adjusted accordingly.

There is also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Related study options

Didn't find a suitable course? You could also try these study options:

Your study experience

Other ways into postgraduate study

Contact the faculty office to find out about other ways into postgraduate study.

Overseas study opportunities

There are many opportunities for La Trobe students to study overseas. Students from overseas can come to La Trobe and do a short term Study Abroad program. Some short courses are also available to international students.  Short courses are also available to international students. Visit International Students for more information.

Student and graduate profiles

Students of the Faculty talk about their experience at La Trobe.

About the academic staff

You'll get to meet a large number of academics during your course, from tutors through to lecturers. You can view all the staff from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences or focus on staff in Planning.

Planning events

Please see the Event Calendar for events that are related to this study option.

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