Duration
Full-time: 30 months
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2025 Semester One – 3 March
2026 Semester One – 2 March
Available locations
City
Points
300
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

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.

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 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

2025 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 300 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors or masters degree in a related field

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

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:

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 300 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    Bachelors or masters degree in a related field

  • 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 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.

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 Planning (Professional) and 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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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

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.

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 postgraduate study at the School of Architecture and Planning. Contact our postgraduate adviser:
 
Postgraduate Adviser 
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?

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

Further study options

See all study options
Don Patrick Manlangit

Don Patrick Manlangit

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 story

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