Urban Design MUrbDes

University of Auckland

New Zealand, Auckland

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Home/New Zealand/Auckland /University of Auckland/Urban Design MUrbDes

University of Auckland

New Zealand , Auckland

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Credit point

120 Points

Campuses

City

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines15-Jul-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 48,622 / year

Next Intake 15-Jul-2024

Urban Design MUrbDes

About

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. It is suitable for people with a professionally recognised qualification in architecture, urban planning or landscape architecture. If you have relevant practical experience in one of these fields, you may also be eligible for entry.

Explore the ecological, social and economic conditions of good cities and urban spaces in this studio-based programme.

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

2023 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

University of Auckland Another tertiary institution

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

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?

2023 fees

Domestic students: NZ$11,128.80*

International students: NZ$48,622*

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 $8.38 per point, estimated at $1,005.60 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 2023: 8 December 2022

Semester Two 2023: 4 July 2023

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Disciplines

Creative Arts and Industries

Requirements

Entry Requirements

This normally requires a completed bachelor degree or postgraduate certificate from New Zealand, or an acceptable equivalent qualification from a recognised university (or similar) overseas. Previous work experience may be taken into account.

Career

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

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.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

NZD 48,622 / year

How to Apply

Register for a new account:
- Click ‘Sign up for a new account’ below the Password field.
- A confirmation message will ask you to confirm sign up for a new account. Select ‘Confirm’.
- The 'Register for a new account' page will appear. Enter your email address, name and a password and click ‘Register’ (After accepting the IT Acceptable Use Policy and Disclaimer).
- On the next page provide your contact details, date of birth, citizenship and ethnicity. Please also indicate if you have a disability so we can better meet your needs.
Complete all your Application for Admission sections, including:
- ‘Academic History’: Enter all qualifications you completed or are currently completing.
- ‘Programme Selection’: Select your intended programme.
- Upload any documents requested (e.g. transcripts from your prior study)
Submit your application.
- Ensure you have read the Declaration section. Click, ‘I Agree’ and ‘Submit application.’