Programme overview
The Master of Urban Planning (Professional) is designed to prepare people with undergraduate qualifications in other disciplines, such as geography, civil engineering or environmental science, for practising in the contemporary urban world, and is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
You will focus on policy formulation and implementation, urban sustainability, urban design, economics, social and cultural matters and infrastructure design. You will acquire the knowledge and leadership required to practice in an increasingly complex and diverse urban world.
You may also be interested in one of our combined masters programmes, combining the MUrbPlan(Prof) with another built environment discipline.
Programme structure
This is a research-led programme, drawing on the latest developments in urban planning scholarship. You will examine a range of New Zealand and international examples of best urban planning practice. The programme is structured to facilitate connection with practising urban planning professionals. You’ll also investigate an urban issue of interest to you and produce an approximately 15,000 word dissertation on your findings.
- Core courses: 180 points
- Elective course: 15 points
- Research dissertation: 45 points
You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.
Sample programme structure
Year 1 120 points
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 701
- Name:
- Urban Planning Contexts
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 702
- Name:
- Urban Planning Law
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 703
- Name:
- Urban Planning and the Environment
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 704
- Name:
- People, Communities and Urban Planning
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 705
- Name:
- Sustainable Infrastructure Planning
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 706
- Name:
- Māori Planning Issues
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 707
- Name:
- Urban Economic Development
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 708
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 2 120 points
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 711
- Name:
- Urban Planning Theory
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 712
- Name:
- Sustainable Urbanism
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 713
- Name:
- Shelter
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- 15 points from URBPLAN 731-735, 741-746
- Name:
- Urban Planning Elective
- Type:
- Urban Planning Elective
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 714
- Name:
- Urban Planning Methods and Plan Making Studio
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 715
- Name:
- Urban Planning Research Dissertation
- Type:
- Research dissertation
- Points:
- 45 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 240 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors or masters degree in a related field
Further programme requirements
Taught 240 points
You must hold a University of Auckland bachelors or masters degree in a related field, such as (but not limited to) environmental science, politics and international relations, economics, geography or architecture.
You will need a GPA of 5.0 in at least 90 points from your final year of study.
Other pathways to study
You cannot apply for this programme if you hold one of the following University of Auckland degrees:
- Bachelor of Planning
- Bachelor of Urban Planning
- Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours)
- Master of Planning Practice
- Master of Urban Planning
If you hold one of these degrees, you may be interested in the following postgraduate
programmes:
- Master of Heritage Conservation (MHerCons)
- Master of Planning (MPlan)
- Master of Urban Design (MUrbDes)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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 240 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
An undergraduate degree in a related field
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 240 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) environmental science, politics and international relations, economics, geography or architecture.
You will need a GPE of 5.0.
How much does a Master of Urban Planning (Professional) 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
Applications for this degree are welcomed at any time.
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
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 Timothy Welch
Email: t.welch@auckland.ac.nz
Where could this programme take you?
There are three common avenues for employment in urban planning – local government, central government and private practice. MUrbPlan(Prof) graduates can become a generalist in the field, or choose to specialise in one domain, such as transport, consents, environmental planning or design.
Jobs related to this programme
- Central, regional and local government bodies
- Community groups
- Iwi authorities
- Non-governmental organisations
- Private practice
- Urban design
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