Programme overview
Urban design focuses on the design of the spaces between the buildings that make up our town and cities.
The MUrbDes will equip you with the knowledge and skills to analyse and design urban environments. Through studio-based projects, you will respond to real urban design issues and contexts, including sustainable design practices, the role of physical and social infrastructures in cities and urban investment and development.
The MUrbDes gives built environment professionals the opportunity to develop this specific skillset and knowledge. Whether you're based in Auckland or not, you have the freedom to choose between online or in-person learning options for the lectured-based courses (URBDES 702, URBDES 705, URBPLAN 707 and URBPLAN 712). However, the design studios (URBDES 710 and URBDES 720) are on-campus experience only.
The MUrbDes is suitable for people with a professionally recognised qualification in architecture, urban planning, planning or landscape architecture. You may also be eligible for entry if you have relevant practical experience in one of these fields.
Programme structure
The MUrbDes is a studio-based taught masters programme, where your project work will be informed by theory, research and the practices of built environment professionals from New Zealand and around the world. Courses cover urban history and analysis, economic development, Pacific urbanism, asset management and property development, and how cities are emerging in the developing world.
You will apply this knowledge in real-world urban contexts and also pursue research into critical and contemporary urban issues through studio projects.
Core courses: 45 points
Urban Design studio projects: 60 points
Elective course: 15 points
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year one 120 points
-
- Code:
- URBDES 702
- Name:
- Urban Design Theory and Practice
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 710
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 712
- Name:
- Sustainable Urbanism
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 703 or URBDES 705
- Name:
- Urban Design Elective
- Type:
- Urban Design Elective
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 720
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 707
- Name:
- Urban Economic Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
2024 entry requirements
My highest qualification is from:
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 4.0
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Bachelor of Planning
- Bachelor of Urban Planning (Hons)
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You need to have completed one of the following:
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies
- Bachelor of Planning
- Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours)
- Master of Architecture (Professional)
- Master of Planning Practice
- Master of Urban Planning
- Master of Urban Planning (Professional)
- Four-year bachelors degree in Landscape Architecture
You will need a GPA of 4.0.
You must submit a portfolio, written statement and CV via the portal system SlideRoom.
Portfolio content
Your portfolio will provide evidence of an appropriate level of skill in design and urban analysis. You may include examples of design and/or design related projects undertaken as part of your prior academic studies and/or as part your professional work.
Projects must be uploaded as follows:
- A separate PDF file for each project (max 10MB/file).
- Arranged in reverse-chronological order (most recent project as first media item).
Projects must be described as follows:
- Project title.
- Course title in the case of academic work, or design office/practice name in the case of professional work.
- Your role/responsibility in the project. For example; sole designer, contributor to a particular aspect of the project, member of a group/team involved in the whole project.
- Provide brief details of the relevance of the project to urban design.
Written statement
This one page document should outline your reasons for wanting to participate in the MUrbDes programme (maximum 500 words).
CV content
This brief CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant works experience or any other activities considered relevant to your application. Details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes should also be included.
Submit your portfolio, written statement and CV via the portfolio system Slideroom by 8 December (for Semester One start) and 4 July (for Semester Two start).
Programme requirements
Minimum programme requirements
Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.
-
Study optionTaught 120 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0
Undergraduate degree in planning, urban planning, architecture or landscape architecture.
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 120 points
You must hold at least an undergraduate degree from a recognised university (or similar institution) in a related field, such as (but not limited to) planning, urban planning, architecture or landscape architecture.
You will need a GPE of 4.0.
You must submit a portfolio, written statement and CV via the portal system SlideRoom.
Portfolio content
Your portfolio will provide evidence of an appropriate level of skill in design and urban analysis. You may include examples of design projects undertaken as part of your prior academic studies and/or as part of design-based professional work.
Projects must be uploaded as follows:
- A separate PDF file for each project (max 10MB/file).
- Arranged in reverse-chronological order (most recent project as first media item).
Projects must be described as follows:
- Project title.
- Course title in the case of academic work, or design office/practice name in the case of professional work.
- Your role/responsibility in the project. For example; sole designer, contributor to a particular aspect of the project, member of a group/team involved in the whole project.
- Provide brief details of the relevance of the project to urban design.
Written statement
This one page document should outline your reasons for wanting to participate in the MUrbDes programme (maximum 500 words).
CV content
This brief CV should include descriptions and examples of relevant works experience or any other activities considered relevant to your application. Details of any academic and/or professional design awards/prizes should also be included.
Submit your portfolio, written statement and CV via the portfolio system Slideroom by 8 December (for Semester One start) and 4 July (for Semester Two start).
How much does a Master of Urban Design cost per year?
2025 fees
- Domestic students
- NZ$12,127.20*
- International students
- NZ$50,810*
Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Amounts shown are indicative only. In addition to the tuition fees, there is a Student Services Fee of $8.88 per point, estimated at $1,065.60 for full-time study (120 points). Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.
*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.
Find out about financial support information
Scholarships and awards
Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.
Student loans and allowances
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.
Cost of living
Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.
Key dates
Please note: If you start this programme in Semester Two, only part-time study is possible.
Please note: We will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.
Application closing dates
- Semester One 2025
- 8 December 2024
- Semester Two 2024
- 4 July 2024
Start dates
Here are the start dates for the programme.
Semester One | Starts – 26 February |
---|---|
Ends – 24 June |
Semester One | Starts – 3 March |
---|---|
Ends – 30 June |
Other important dates
See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.
We welcome any questions you may have about this programme. Contact our postgraduate adviser:
Postgraduate Adviser
Dr I-Ting Chuang
Email: iting.chuang@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
The MUrbDes will help you develop the skills, practical knowledge and contextual understanding to work in both public and private practice. Urban design expertise is required both in existing cities and for new developments, with knowledge of cultural sensitivities and environmental design practices sought after.
Jobs related to this programme
- Environmental planner
- Iwi planning officer
- Policy analyst
- Resource consent planner
- Transportation planner
- Urban planner
- Urban designer
Student career planning service
Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.
Do you need help?
Can’t find the answer in AskAuckland?
Need to speak to someone?
You can phone us directly.
- Auckland
- 923 5025
- Outside Auckland
- 0800 61 62 63
- International
- +64 9 373 7513