Study for free

If you're a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, residing in New Zealand at the time of study, you may be eligible for free tuition fees. Part time study options may be available. Terms and conditions apply. Learn more. 

About this programme

This degree is accredited with the New Zealand Planning Institute, which enhances your career prospects in Aotearoa-New Zealand and internationally.

Lincoln University’s Master of Planning significantly deepens the skills needed to join an exciting, future-oriented profession working in the fields of urban, regional and environmental planning. You’ll also expand your understanding of the contexts and implications of planning through a Māori perspective and how an indigenous context influences your approach. There is also the option to specialise in water, energy, landscape, transport, resilience or international development.

Visit What Is Planning to watch a short video about the planning profession.

How you’ll grow

• By building advanced knowledge of urban, rural, regional and environmental planning concepts
• Through weaving planning theory and practice into application across a wide range of situations with different levels of governance
• Through developing your ability to engage in debate and research on current planning issues and challenges
• By becoming a graduate member of the New Zealand Planning institute (NZPI).

Career opportunities

With Lincoln University’s Master of Planning, you’ll be in demand to work for:

• city, district, and regional councils
• government departments
• iwi and Māori organisations
• developers and private consultancies
• NGOs, and
• academic institutions.

Planners work across a range of specialities, including:

• urban development
• transportation
• natural hazards management
• environmental policy
• rural and regional planning
• parks and recreation
• tourism, and
• freshwater and coastal management.