MUrbPlan(Prof)UrbDes - Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and Urban Design

Overview
Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates
Regulations
Schedule
Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

The Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and Urban Design gives you a sound platform for the realities of contemporary practice. In less time than it takes to complete the two degrees separately, you will gain a professionally-recognised urban planning qualification, and explore the design aspects of buildings, public spaces and networks.

This qualification is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).

This programme combines courses from two standalone masters programmes, the Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and the Master of Urban Design. Through taught seminars and studios, you will examine a range of case studies of best urban planning practice, as well as reviewing the influence of physical and social infrastructures, sustainable design practices and urban development.

You’ll be able to explore areas of interest and submit a 15,000 word (approximate) dissertation of personal research.

The programme is structured to facilitate connection with practicing urban planning professionals and urban designers.

Core courses: 180 points
Elective course: 15 points
Urban design projects: 60 points
Research dissertation: 45 points

This programme will prepare you to practise as an urban planner at either local or central government level, as well as in private practice. You will also have the skills to contribute as an urban designer in the community and in industry.

Built environment consultant
Environmental designer/planner
Private practitioner
Resource consent planner
Urban designer
Urban planner

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

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

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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)

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Year Fees Applicable

Domestic Student Annual Fees

International Student Annual Fees

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 and awards

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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

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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.

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.

Semester	Application Closing Date	Semester Start Date	Semester End Date
2026 Semester One	08 December 2025	02 March 2026	29 June 2026
2027 Semester One		01 March 2027

1 - 2

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

Applications for this degree are welcomed at any time prior to the closing date for that year’s intake.

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

Note: 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.

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant needs to meet the admission requirements for the Degree of Master of Urban Planning (Professional).

2 a A student admitted to this degree must pass courses with a total value of 300 points.

b The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 340 points.

3 A student admitted to this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Urban Planning (Professional) and Urban Design Schedule.

4 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.

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

b A student may reassign courses from this degree to the Master of Urban Design once.

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

6 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

7 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.