Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning

The Graduate Diploma of Environmental Planning at the University of Tasmania is a one-year qualification for people who want to work in planning, environmental management or related fields. It suits graduates from geography, environmental science, architecture, law or social science who are looking to move into planning, and also practising planners who want to add an environmental specialisation. If you already hold a degree in a different area, this is a common route into the profession without committing to a full master's.

What you study

The course covers the core of Australian planning practice: statutory planning and development assessment, land use and environmental law, planning theory and ethics, and the environmental assessment processes that sit alongside them. You will look at how planning decisions are made under state legislation, how environmental impact is assessed, and how planners balance development pressure with conservation, heritage and community needs. Tasmania's setting gives the course a particular flavour, coastal management, forestry, tourism pressure and protected areas all feature in the planning work done in the state. Teaching is delivered through units of study, each with a credit point value, and you will typically complete eight units across the year. Assessment is a mix of essays, reports, practical planning exercises and exams, with some units involving field work or site-based projects.

How the qualification fits together

As a graduate diploma, this sits at AQF level 8, above a bachelor degree but below a master's. It is normally one year of full-time study, or part-time equivalent, and is made up of coursework units rather than a research thesis. Some students use it as a stepping stone into a master's programme, with credit for completed units, while others finish here and enter the workforce. The University of Tasmania delivers most of its coursework programmes across two semesters, with a mid-year intake available for some courses. Check the official course page for the current structure and unit offerings.

Skills and who it suits

You will finish with the ability to read and apply planning schemes, prepare and assess development applications, understand environmental legislation, write clear planning reports, and work with communities and stakeholders on contentious land use issues. The course is a good fit if you are changing careers, if you work in local or state government and want a planning qualification, or if you are an international student seeking an Australian qualification in a field with steady demand. Planning is a regulated profession in some Australian states, so if registration or accreditation matters to your plans, confirm the requirements with the relevant body and with the university before enrolling.

Practical matters for international students

English requirements for this course fall within the university's standard coursework postgraduate range, typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 044257M, check there for the current figure. While studying, a Student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. On completion, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Confirm visa conditions with the Department of Home Affairs and course details with the University of Tasmania.

• Environmental planner, preparing environmental assessments and advising on planning proposals for local councils, state agencies and private consultancies.
• Statutory planner, assessing development applications against planning schemes and preparing reports for council planning committees.
• Strategic planner, working on long-term land use strategies, growth area planning and regional plans.
• Planning consultant, supporting developers, community groups and government clients through the approvals process.
• Environmental officer or policy officer, in state environment departments, natural resource management bodies and catchment authorities.
• Heritage or conservation planner, advising on heritage listings, protected areas and conservation covenants.

Employers include local councils across Australia, state planning and environment departments, private planning and environmental consultancies, resource companies, and community and environmental organisations. Tasmania's planning sector is shaped by tourism, forestry, aquaculture and protected area management, so graduates often find work in those areas.