Master of Urban Design MUrbDes

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

Programme requirements
 

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
 

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. 

2022 fees

Domestic students
NZ$9,728.40 – $10,831.20

International students
NZ$46,752

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 $8.16 per point, estimated at $979.20 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.

 

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 designer
• Urban planner