More people across the planet now live in cities than rural areas. Cities are becoming the focus of the world but managing them has become an increasingly complex task. In response to the importance of cities, there has been significant development in the body of knowledge concerned with urban issues. The Graduate Diploma in Urban Management and Planning gives you the professional and scholarly education to take a leadership role in urban management, strategic planning and policy development. The coursework includes preparation in professional practice, history, and the theoretical and legal frameworks for planning. You will develop skills in a range of relevant areas including governance, urban finance and sustainable strategies.

Urban and regional planning Urban and regional planners advise on the environmental needs, restrictions and guidelines of a particular area and develop policies for the use of land and resources. They frequently liaise with community and government representatives as well as undertaking a large amount of research that they subsequently write reports on. Environmental impact assessment Environmental impact assessment predicts the consequences that a certain policy, plan or project may have on the wider environment before they are implemented. It involves a wide range of research and analysis with a focus on protecting the environment. Social policy development Policy development involves researching, compiling and analysing a range of facts that relate to the benefit of society. It involves working with a range of government agencies and community groups to pinpoint relevant solutions.