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Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Urban Planning (Professional) is designed to prepare people with undergraduate qualifications in other disciplines, such as geography, civil engineering or environmental science, for practising in the contemporary urban world, and is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).

You will focus on policy formulation and implementation, urban sustainability, urban design, economics, social and cultural matters and infrastructure design. You will acquire the knowledge and leadership required to practice in an increasingly complex and diverse urban world.

You may also be interested in one of our combined masters programmes, combining the MUrbPlan(Prof) with another built environment discipline.

Programme Structure

This is a research-led programme, drawing on the latest developments in urban planning scholarship. You will examine a range of New Zealand and international examples of best urban planning practice. The programme is structured to facilitate connection with practising urban planning professionals. You’ll also investigate an urban issue of interest to you and produce an approximately 15,000 word dissertation on your findings.

  • Core courses: 180 points
  • Elective course: 15 points
  • Research dissertation: 45 points

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

There are three common avenues for employment in urban planning – local government, central government and private practice. MUrbPlan(Prof) graduates can become a generalist in the field, or choose to specialise in one domain, such as transport, consents, environmental planning or design.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Central, regional and local government bodies
  • Community groups
  • Iwi authorities
  • Non-governmental organisations
  • Private practice
  • Urban design

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 (240 point) - 5.0 Grade Point Average 

Bachelors or masters degree in a related field

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further Programme Entry Requirements

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.


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

Alternatively, you must have:

completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

completed the requirements for a relevant Masters degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III.


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: 

  • Master of Heritage Conservation  
  • Master of Urban Design  
  • Doctor of Philosophy  

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.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

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
2027 Semester One01 March 2027

Other Important Dates

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

Additional Information on Key Dates

Applications for this degree are welcomed at any time.

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, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors or Masters degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for a relevant Bachelors degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II

or

c completed the requirements for a relevant Masters degree from this University with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage III.

2 Students who have previously been awarded a Bachelor of Planning, Bachelor of Urban Planning, Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours), Master of Planning Practice or Master of Urban Planning or an equivalent qualification will not be admitted.

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

4 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 at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Notes:

(i) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

(ii) A relevant degree may be in environmental science, politics and international relations, economics, geography or architecture.

Duration and Total Points Value

5 A student admitted to this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 240 points

and

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

6 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 280 points.

Structure and Content

7 A student admitted to this degree must pass 240 points in courses from Parts I and II as listed in the Master of Urban Planning (Professional) Schedule.

8 Each Part must be completed before the next Part may be taken.

9 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.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

10 a A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Architecture (Professional) and Urban Planning (Professional) once.

b A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and Heritage Conservation once.

c A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and Urban Design once.

d All courses that can be reassigned must be reassigned including courses not completed.

Distinction

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

Variations

12 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

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

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 240 points comprising:

  • 120 points for all Part I, and
  • 120 points for Part II, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Part II

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 90 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
  • 30 points for all Dissertation

Dissertation

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Degree Plan

Overview

Degree Plan for the Master of Urban Planning (Professional)

Year 1
Semester One
Urban Planning Contexts - Level 9
Part I
15.0 Points
Housing and Community Development
Part I
15.0 Points
Contemporary Wicked Problem Studio - Level 9
Part I
30.0 Points
Academic Integrity Course
Academic Integrity Course
Points
Semester Two
Māori Planning Issues - Level 9
Part I
15.0 Points
Urban Economic Development - Level 9
Part I
15.0 Points
Community Design Studio - Level 9
Part I
30.0 Points
Year 2
Semester One
Urban Planning Law - Level 9
Part II - Compulsory Courses
15.0 Points
Urban Planning Theory - Level 9
Part II - Compulsory Courses
15.0 Points
Sustainable Urbanism Studio - Level 9
Part II - Compulsory Courses
30.0 Points
Semester Two
Urban Planning Methods and Plan Making Studio - Level 9
Part II - Compulsory Courses
15.0 Points
Smart City Planning - Level 9
Part II - Compulsory Courses
15.0 Points
Research Project - Level 9
Part II - Dissertation
30.0 Points

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