Duration
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
120
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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 option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 4.0
    • Bachelor of Architecture
    • Bachelor of Planning
    • Bachelor of Urban Planning (Hons)

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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 option
    Taught 120 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 4.0

    Undergraduate degree in planning, urban planning, architecture or landscape architecture.

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

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).

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

How much does a Master of Urban Design cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$12,127.20*
International students
NZ$52,842*

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.

See course fees for each faculty

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.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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.

Other important dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

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

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