Design better futures for towns, cities, and regions by balancing people, nature, and development
Why study postgraduate Planning?
Studying postgraduate Planning gives you a way to respond to real issues that matter to communities. You’ll look at how cities grow, how natural areas are protected, and how people interact with their surroundings. You’ll learn to see the connections between social needs, environmental pressures, and economic choices, and you build the skills to make those connections work in practice. At Otago you’ll explore planning from local to national scales, and you’ll develop a thoughtful understanding of how places evolve and why. This discipline suits anyone who cares about the future of towns, cities, and environments and wants to help shape them with clarity, respect and understanding.
Career opportunities
Our Master of Planning degree is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI). Our graduates are employed by many planning, policy and related agencies in the public and private sectors.
Graduates may work in:
- Urban and regional planning
- Environmental policy and management
- Transport and infrastructure planning
- Community development and regeneration
- Resource management consulting
What it’s like to study at this level
Study comprises lectures, field work, wānanga, and research, with considerable emphasis on practical experience. You will work on real projects with planning practitioners. You can also pursue an interest area of your choice.
This is for you if ...
An interest in people, places, and how communities grow is helpful for studying Planning. Skills in communication, analysis, and problem solving will support your success.
A bachelor's degree is required unless you have been working in the industry for more than 10 years.
Shape environments that enhance wellbeing
You’ll join a programme that builds deep understanding of how planning decisions can nurture communities and environments.
Otago offers a strong foundation in planning theory, policy, and practice, supported by staff who contribute to research in environmental management, urban development, and regional change. You’ll study in a university known for its interdisciplinary strengths, and you engage with ideas that connect geography, sustainability, and community wellbeing. You’ll gain access to expertise that helps you understand planning in a New Zealand and Pacific context and prepares you for professional pathways.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers | Points |
|---|---|
| Required papers: | |
| PLAN 435 Planning Thinking and Research: Case Study I | 30 |
| PLAN 438 Planning Practice and Law | 30 |
| PLAN 535 Planning Thinking and Research: Case Study II | 30 |
| GEOG 501 Global Development: Theory and Practice | 30 |
| GEOG 557 Urban Theory and Practice | 30 |
| GEOG 536 Toitū te Taiao: Planning in a Māori Context | 30 |
| And | |
| Other postgraduate planning-related papers approved by the Co-ordinator of the Planning Programme | 60 |
| or (in exceptional cases): | |
| PLAN 435 Planning Thinking and Research: Case Study I | 30 |
| PLAN 438 Planning Practice and Law | 30 |
| PLAN 535 Planning Thinking and Resarch: Case Study II | 30 |
| GEOG 557 Urban Theory and Practice | 30 |
| GEOG 536 Toitū te Taiao: Planning in a Māori Context | 30 |
| PLAN 5 Thesis | 90 |
| Total | 240 |
Contacts
Website otago.ac.nz/planning
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