- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: Varies
- Next start date
- 2026 Semester One – 2 March
- 2027 Semester One – 1 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 706 and URBPLAN 707). 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: 60 points
Urban Design studio projects: 60 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 705
- Name:
- Emerging Paradigms
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 15 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 710
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio 1
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 pts
-
- Code:
- URBDES 720
- Name:
- Urban Design Studio 2
- Type:
- Compulsory core course
- Points:
- 30 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
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