Course details

Summary

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

Programme overview

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.

Programme structure

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

Where could this programme take you?

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

Further study options

• Doctor of Philosophy

Entry criteria

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.

English language requirements:
IELTS 6.5; TOEFL (iBT) 90; TOEFL (paper-based) 575; CAE or CPE 176; PTE 58; MELAB 85.