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Study Planning at Otago

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Apply for the Master of Planning (MPlan) through the Dunedin campus in 2024

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Overview

Otago's Master of Planning (MPlan) degree is recognised nationally and internationally for professional excellence. It contains exciting and flexible study options, leading to excellent employment opportunities.

Planners play a major role in the decision-making processes of government, local government and private enterprise.  Planners assess the impacts of proposals, develop policy, help articulate important community values, and play an ongoing role in monitoring and evaluating new policies and developments.  They may be involved in the management of marine, water, air and land resources, the development in urban and rural areas, conservation of natural resources, protection of indigenous peoples' values, heritage protection, and the social impacts of change. 

The two-year degree incorporates both course work and research. Students with degrees in Arts, Science, Law and Commerce may apply for admission to the programme.

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Contact details

Website otago.ac.nz/planning

Qualifications

Papers

See the full list of Planning (PLAN) papers

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Programme requirements

Master of Planning (MPlan)

Option A

Seven prescribed papers in planning studies with a value of 130 points:

  • PLAN 411 Planning Theory

  • PLAN 412 Spatial Planning and Development

  • PLAN 435 Planning Case Study I

  • PLAN 438 Planning Practice

  • PLAN 535 Planning Case Study II

  • LAWS 515 Resource Management Law

  • One of:
  • One planning-related paper worth 20 points, as approved by the Director of the Planning Programme
  • Thesis: PLAN 5 (90 points)
Option B

Seven prescribed papers in planning studies with a value of 130 points:

  • PLAN 411 Planning Theory

  • PLAN 412 Spatial Planning and Development

  • PLAN 435 Planning Case Study I

  • PLAN 438 Planning Practice

  • PLAN 535 Planning Case Study II

  • LAWS 515 Resource Management Law

  • One of

  • Planning-related papers worth 60 points, as approved by the Director of the Planning Programme

  • PLAN 590 Planning Project (50 points)