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Quick Facts

Programme Tabs

Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Urban Planning (MUrbPlan) involves the advanced exploration and critical analysis of a significant planning issue. Suitable for people with a New Zealand qualification in planning or urban planning, the MUrbPlan is a research-based programme in which you will investigate issues in the design, technology, history, equity and diversity, policy or practice of planning.

Programme Structure

You can choose to present your research either as a thesis of approximately 35,000–40,000 words, or as a substantial research portfolio alongside advanced coursework. You can immerse yourself in our supportive research environment, engaging in discourse and debate with staff and students conducting similar critical analysis in the field.

Research masters

  • Thesis: 120 points

OR

  • Research portfolio: 90 points
  • Elective courses: 30 points

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

An MUrbPlan will prepare you for a research career. You may choose to pursue doctoral study or academia, or contribute as a specialist in research reports, planning consultation processes and developments.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Academic
  • Consultant
  • Researcher

Further Study Options

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland 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. 

Taught (120 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelor of Urban Planning (Hons)

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

You must have completed a Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) from this University with a GPA of 5.0 in 60 points above Stage III.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes.

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

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. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

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

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Key Dates

Application Advice

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.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026
2026 Late Year Term11 November 202601 December 202627 February 2027

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Additional Information on Key Dates

Subject to supervisor availability, a 1 December start is available. Please contact the faculty for this information. 

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, a student needs to have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III.

2 Equivalence in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances the requirements in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has a Bachelors degree and relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind that is equivalent to one year of postgraduate study.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 120 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 160 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Urban Planning Schedule.

7 With the approval of the Programme Director, up to 30 points may be substituted from other 700 level courses at this University.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

9 a The thesis is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Programme Director.

b The thesis topic must be approved by the Programme Director.

c The thesis topic is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Distinction

10 This degree may be awarded with Honours as specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

11 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

12 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • Either:
  • 120 points for all 120 points Thesis Option, or
  • 120 points for 90 points Thesis + 30 points from Elective Courses Option, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

120 points Thesis Option

Complete 120 points for ALL of the following:

90 points Thesis + 30 points from Elective Courses Option

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 30 points from Elective Courses, and
  • 90 points for all Thesis

Elective Courses

Complete exactly 30 points from the following:

With the approval of the Programme Director, up to 30 points may be substituted from other 700 level courses at this University.

Thesis

Complete 90 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

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Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map

Programme Learning OutcomesPeople and PlaceSustainabilityKnowledge and PracticeCritical ThinkingSolution-SeekingCommunicationCollaborationEthics and Professionalism