Programme overview
The Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and Urban Design gives you a sound platform for the realities of contemporary practice. In less time than it takes to complete the two degrees separately, you will gain a professionally-recognised urban planning qualification, and explore the design aspects of buildings, public spaces and networks.
This qualification is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).
Programme structure
This programme combines courses from both standalone masters programmes. Through taught seminars and studios, you will examine a range of case studies of best urban planning practice, as well as reviewing the influence of physical and social infrastructures, sustainable design practices and urban development.
You’ll be able to explore areas of interest and submit a 15,000 word (approximate) dissertation of personal research.
The programme is structured to facilitate connection with practicing urban planning professionals and urban designers.
- Core courses: 180 points
- Elective course: 15 points
- Urban design projects: 60 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 704
- Name:
- People, Communities and Urban Planning
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 713
- Name:
- Housing Policies and Practices: Housing and Urban Sustainability
- 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 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
Year 2 120 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 711
- Name:
- Urban Planning Theory
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 705
- Name:
- Urban Design Site Analysis
- Type:
- Elective taught courses
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 720
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 714
- Name:
- Urban Planning Methods and Plan Making Studio
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
Year 3 60 points
-
- Code:
- URBPLAN 712
- Name:
- Sustainable Urbanism
- 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 300 pointsGrade requiredGPA Grade Point Average 5.0
Bachelors or masters degree in a related field
Further programme requirements
Taught 300 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 300 pointsGrade requiredGPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0
Bachelors or masters degree in a related field
-
QualificationIELTS Academic International English Language Testing SystemScore required6.5
No bands less than 6.0
Further programme requirements
Taught 300 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 landscape architecture.
You will need a GPE of 5.0 in your final year of study.
How much does a Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and 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
Applications for this degree are welcomed at any time prior to the closing date for that year’s intake.
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.
Where could this programme take you?
Completion of this programme will prepare you to practise as an urban planner at either local or central government level, as well as in private practice. You will also have the skills to contribute as an urban designer in the community and in industry.
Jobs related to this programme
- Built environment consultant
- Environmental designer/planner
- Private practitioner
- Resource consent planner
- Urban designer
- Urban planner
From the Philippines, Don Patrick is currently the Founder and CEO of a landscape architecture and urban design firm based in Manila, Philippines.
Read or view Don's storyStudent career planning service
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