Master of Urban Design

    Master of Urban Design

    Duration2 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 37,444 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

    Master of Urban Design

    About

    Overview

    The Master of Urban Design develops professionals who can understand the city as possessing both spatial and temporal elements that interplay in a complex system, and who can design for contemporary challenges such as mass urbanisation and changing climate demands.

    Differing from architecture, which focuses on individual buildings and structures, urban design looks at groups of buildings, streetscapes, landscapes and the provision of municipal services, and aims to create harmonious, cohesive spaces.

    By working in interdisciplinary teams that encourage interaction, collaboration and collegiate working environments, our students are employment-ready for a challenging and rewarding career in Urban Design.

    If you’re looking for networks to help with internships and job opportunities, or the funds to help you get to Melbourne, we have scholarships and bursaries to get you connected overseas and get you to Melbourne when you can. Find out what you may be eligible for.

    Double Master programs

    Future-proof your expertise in the built environment industry with our unique double master programs. At the Melbourne School of Design, you can gain two complementary graduate degrees in a reduced time-frame. Explore how you can tailor your degree to suit your career goals and interests.

    Combine the Master of Urban Design degree with any of the following disciplines:

    • Architecture
    • Landscape Architecture
    • Urban Planning

    Find out more about applying for a Double Masters program

    Design Your Future, Graduate Coursework Information Session

    Wednesday 19 March, 6pm - 8pm

    Considering graduate study in the built environment? Join us for an information session to explore your graduate study options at the Melbourne School of Design (MSD).

    Discover our range of Graduate Coursework programs, explore the course structure and enrichment opportunities, learn how to apply, and find out where graduate studies at MSD can take you.

    Register now

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Admission criteria

    To be considered for entry into this course, you must have:

    • A cognate undergraduate degree in urban design, landscape architecture, or architecture with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equivalent); and
    • A design portfolio.

    Students with a background in Urban Design, Architecture or Landscape Architecture are considered eligible for entry, subject to meeting the course entry requirements and design portfolio review.

    Students who have a background in Urban Planning or similar must have completed studio-based design study equivalent to the above design degrees to be considered for entry. These applications are considered on a case-by-case basis at the time of application assessment.

    Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

    Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.

    You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

    Calculate your eligibility

    English language requirements

    All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

    • English language test score requirements
    • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

      IELTS

      6.5


      with no band less than 6.0

      TOEFL

      79+


      with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

      PEARSON

      64+


      with no communicative skill below 60

      CAMBRIDGE

      176+


      with no skill less than 169
      *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

    About selection

    When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

    The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

    Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

    As part of your application, the Selection Committee will also assess your design portfolio.

    English Program Requirements

    All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

  • English language test score requirements
  • If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

    IELTS

    6.5


    with no band less than 6.0

    TOEFL

    79+


    with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

    PEARSON

    64+


    with no communicative skill below 60

    CAMBRIDGE

    176+


    with no skill less than 169
    *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.
  • Career

    Accreditation

    The Master of Urban Design is recognised by:

    • Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)

    Career Outcomes

    Upon graduation your skills can be applied in a range of urban design and associated planning and design roles. Urban design skills are in great demand throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region and your expertise in the design of urban public spaces and strategic planning will provide the opportunity to work locally and globally.

    Some of the firms our graduates work for are:

    • AECOM
    • City of Melbourne
    • City of Greater Geelong
    • Darebin City Council
    • David Lock Associates
    • FJMT Architects
    • GHD Woodhead
    • Hansen Partnership
    • Moreland City Council
    • Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute
    • Toronto City Planning
    • Tract Consultants
    • UN-Habitat
    • Victorian Planning Authority

    Our graduates work as:

    • Urban Designer
    • Urban Analytics & Visualisation Manager
    • Strategic Planner
    • Urban and Interior Designer
    • Transport Analyst
    • Senior Design Advisor
    • Planning Designer
    • Design Manager
    Software Developer

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    37,444 / year
    Application Fee 154

    Master of Urban Design

    University of Melbourne

    University of Melbourne

    Australia

    Australia, Melbourne