Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning (S6L)

In the Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning, you'll gain knowledge and skills in maintaining and building sustainable places.

Your learning experience is grounded in Tasmania’s rich heritage of environmental and social issues. This includes the promotion of meaningful participation in decision-making and the equitable distribution of environmental benefits and risks. We focus on planning for the diverse communities and future generations to flourish. This one-year course is the foundation of planning theory and statutory planning with an environment and justice emphasis.

Tasmania provides a special learning environment for planners. Urban areas, agricultural landscapes, extensive tracts of natural lands, and internationally significant cultural heritage provide rich case studies. Low student-to-teacher ratios maximise opportunities for academic interaction and support, and staff have close ties with the planning profession.

If you already have a Bachelor's degree and want to expand your skill set, the Graduate Diploma delivers foundational knowledge and skills that apply across various sectors. Professionals such as engineers, nurses, teachers, and ICT experts have successfully transitioned into different planning roles by enhancing their expertise with this course.

The Graduate Diploma can be extended into a Master of Planning. The two-year Master’s course includes a professional placement unit and offers opportunities for more specialised learning, focusing on issues such as climate change and urban greening. Units from the Graduate Diploma are credited towards the Master’s, allowing the Master of Planning to be completed in one year (full-time).

Planning at the University of Tasmania focuses on contemporary issues and real-world professional development. We advocate for equitable urban and regional planning while making the most of the wonderful field experiences available in Tasmania. The City of Hobart boasts a diverse urban landscape, rich cultural heritage, natural reserves, and unique ecosystems that are easily accessible. We take advantage of this diversity by offering electives in environmental planning, protected area planning, sustainability, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Ready to explore your study options?

Start by watching our video on what units you will study to gain an overview of the course structure.

Then, book an online one-on-one appointment with our course coordinator to explore your study options further and discuss how the Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning aligns with your career goals.

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Admission to most postgraduate coursework courses at the University of Tasmania require qualifications equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree. Applicants must achieve the required grade in their qualifying studies, meet any prerequisite subjects, and meet English language requirements to be eligible for an offer.

English Language Requirements

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

Course Specific Requirements

Candidates for the Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning shall be qualified for entry if they have qualified for admission to a bachelor degree in any discipline at the University of Tasmania or holds a degree or other tertiary qualifications deemed by the College to be equivalent for this purpose.

• All methods of meeting University of Tasmania English language requirements have a validity period of 2 years unless involving a country specific qualification as listed below.
• Each course offered by the University of Tasmania has a minimum English language requirement for entry as listed below. Applicants must also meet the academic entry requirements for each course.
• Applicants who qualify from a University of Tasmania program, and intend to gain professional registration to become a practitioner in Australia, may need to meet the relevant Professional Accrediting Agency's English language registration standard.
• In exceptional circumstances or cases not covered by the categories outlined below, multiple forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis by the Executive Director, Student Operations in consultation with the Director, Academic Quality and Standards.
• The University reserves the right to require that any applicant be required to undergo a test of English language.

After studying for the Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning, you could work in statutory planning, assessing and submitting planning applications to guide land use and development. Alternatively, strategic planning would allow you to shape future policies, legislation, and community visions. In social planning, you’ll identify community needs, assess social impacts, and design strategies to benefit local wellbeing. You could also specialise in transport, environmental, or infrastructure planning or explore other areas to create meaningful impacts on how we live and grow.