Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Planning at Lincoln University is a professionally oriented taught master’s designed for students who want advanced knowledge and practical capability in urban, rural, regional and environmental planning. The programme is accredited with the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI), which can strengthen professional and international career prospects.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced understanding of urban, rural, regional and environmental planning.
• Integration of planning theory with professional practice.
• Exposure to current planning issues, governance and research.
• Development of planning approaches informed by M?ori perspectives and indigenous contexts.
• Opportunities to build expertise in areas such as water, energy, landscape, transport, resilience and international development.
• The opportunity to become a graduate member of the New Zealand Planning Institute

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Master of Planning is primarily coursework-based but includes a research dissertation. The dissertation is equivalent to two courses and is normally completed alongside other second-year study over two semesters.

For on-campus study, the structure includes:

• Seven compulsory courses.
• A 600-level dissertation.
• A M?ori core course from the designated M?ori course list.
• A speciality core course.
• A choice of 600-level master's courses offered across Lincoln University.

For online study, the structure includes:

• Eight compulsory courses.
• A 600-level dissertation.
• A speciality core course.
• Choice of other 600-level master's courses.

The programme's subject areas include advanced planning concepts, professional planning methods and practice, urban and regional planning, resource planning, M?ori and indigenous planning perspectives, and specialist planning areas.

Examples of specialist study areas include:

• Water
• Energy
• Landscape
• Transport
• Resilience
• International development
• Urban development
• Rural and regional planning
• Environmental policy
• Natural hazards
• Parks and recreation
• Tourism
• Freshwater and coastal management.

Disciplines / Specialisations

Lincoln identifies opportunities to specialise in:

• Water
• Energy
• Landscape
• Transport
• Resilience
• International development.

Programme Highlights

• 240-credit Level 9 master's qualification.
• Two-year full-time duration.
• Available on campus or online for eligible offshore students.
• Accredited with the New Zealand Planning Institute.
• Strong emphasis on practical planning and professional skills.
• Includes M?ori and indigenous planning perspectives.
• Includes a 40-credit research dissertation.
• Provides access to interdisciplinary 600-level master's courses.
• Designed around contemporary urban, regional and environmental planning challenges.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue planning-related roles with:

• City, district and regional councils.
• Government departments.
• Iwi and M?ori organisations.
• Property developers.
• Private planning consultancies.
• Non-government organisations.
• Academic institutions.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The latest Lincoln University programme page currently lists the next starts as 22 February 2027 and 19 July 2027.

A Statement of Research Interest is a specific additional requirement for Master of Planning applicants.

An important restriction for international students is that the online version cannot be taken by onshore international students currently in New Zealand.

Course offerings and programme regulations can change, so students should verify the final course selection and admission conditions with Lincoln University before enrolment.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the on-campus Master of Planning in New Zealand will generally need an appropriate New Zealand student visa.

Key requirements include:

• An offer of place from Lincoln University.
• Evidence of sufficient funds for tuition and living costs.
• Evidence of acceptable insurance where required by the visa.
• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to purchase onward travel.
• Meeting applicable health and character requirements.
• Maintaining enrolment and making satisfactory academic progress.
• Compliance with the conditions attached to the student visa.