Duration
Full-time: 4 years
Next start date
2026 Semester One – 2 March
2027 Semester One – 1 March
Available locations
City
Points
480
Programme type
Undergraduate

Programme overview

Professional urban planners play a critical role in shaping our urban environments economically, environmentally, socially and culturally.

The Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) explores how towns, cities and public spaces can impact our lives. You will use both critical analysis and creativity to address real-world issues and explore the implications of urban development.

With a BUrbPlan(Hons), you’ll be eligible to apply for membership of the New Zealand Planning Institute.

Programme structure

In your first year, you’ll learn about the broad influences on urban planning and the structure of cities. We’ll also introduce the policy and legislation that dictate outcomes. Through studio courses, you’ll develop your creative and design capabilities and become familiar with land use principles. 

In your second and third years, you'll explore sustainable urban development, Māori and Pacific planning priorities, urban design concepts, and the legal and economic aspects of urban planning. Studio courses give you the chance to apply what you’ve learned to real-world cities.

Being based in Auckland, you’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and interact with leading industry professionals in New Zealand’s largest urban environment.

In your final year, you’ll have the freedom to explore an urban issue of interest to you within your honours dissertation (maximum 10,000 words).

Most students need to take one General Education course.

Students should also be aware of the University’s Academic English Language Requirement.

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:
    BLTENV 101
    Name:
    People, Place and Design Studio
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    BLTENV 102
    Name:
    Environmental and Social Justice
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    BLTENV 103
    Name:
    Media for Spatial Practices
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    WTRENG 100
    Name:
    Waipapa Taumata Rau
    Type:
    Core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 101
    Name:
    Introduction to Urban Planning
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 124
    Name:
    Ecosystem, Sustainability and Environment
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 125
    Name:
    Urban Planning Studio 1
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year Two 120 points

  • Code:
    URBPLAN 205
    Name:
    Urban Infrastructure and Transportation Planning
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 221
    Name:
    People, Housing and Communities
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 222
    Name:
    Urban Economics
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 223
    Name:
    Planning Law and Applications
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 225
    Name:
    Urban Planning Studio 2
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 226
    Name:
    Urban Planning Studio 3
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year Three 120 points

  • Code:
    URBPLAN 307
    Name:
    Negotiation, Mediation and Project Management
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 321
    Name:
    Urban Policy Analysis, Development and Research Skills
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 323
    Name:
    Māori Planning
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 325
    Name:
    Urban Planning Studio 4
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 326
    Name:
    Urban Planning Studio 5
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Name:
    General Education
    Type:
    General Education course
    Points:
    15 pts

Year Four 120 points

  • Code:
    URBPLAN 711
    Name:
    Urban Planning Theory
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 714
    Name:
    Urban Planning Methods and Plan Making Studio
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 716
    Name:
    Contemporary Wicked Problem Studio
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 734
    Name:
    Smart City Planning
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 735
    Name:
    Resource Consents and Implementation, Evaluation
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 757
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You are guaranteed entry to this programme if you meet these requirements.

  1. First, you must meet the University Entrance (UE) standard.
  2. You must also meet the rank score for this programme. Not sure about your rank score? Use our rank score calculator.
  3. You may need to have studied certain subjects or achieved credits in particular subjects.
  4. Some programmes have additional requirements, such as an interview, portfolio or references.

Guaranteed rank score, subject and other requirements

If your rank score is slightly lower than the guaranteed score, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available. If you don’t meet the requirements, you may be able to apply under our Undergraduate Targeted Admission Schemes.

  • Qualification
    NCEA National Certificate of Educational Achievement
    Score required
    180
  • Qualification
    CIE Cambridge International Examinations
    Score required
    190
  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate
    Score required
    27

Read more about entry requirements for New Zealand secondary school applicants.

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution, or another University of Auckland qualification, if you meet these requirements.

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

My highest qualification is from this country or region:

Secondary school qualifications

If you're joining us from secondary school, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You need to have one of the following:

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum total score of 24.
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level. You must have completed a minimum of three A-Level subjects. 
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). You must have completed a minimum of three A-level subjects.

GCE ‘A’ Level requirements apply to ‘A’ Level qualifications examined by bodies such as AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA and Pearson Education Limited taken outside of New Zealand.

Minimum grade, subject and other 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. Your CIE/GCE A level score is calculated on the best three academic subjects and General Studies cannot be included.

  • Qualification
    IB International Baccalaureate Diploma
    Score required
    31
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

  • Qualification
    GCE A Level/CIE General Certificate of Education Advanced Level
    Score required
    BCC
    Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.0

    No bands less than 5.5.

    See alternative English language requirements

Tertiary qualifications

If you've studied at a tertiary institution, here's what you need to enter the programme.

You can transfer from another tertiary institution if you meet these requirements.

You need to have the following:

One year successful bachelor-degree level study at a recognised university (or similar institution) overseas. 

See information about prior tertiary study requirements

Guaranteed grade requirements

These are the grades required for guaranteed entry to this programme. If your grades are slightly lower, we encourage you to still apply. We will consider your application if places are available.

Other pathways to study

You could be eligible for another programme, or check out these alternative pathways:

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 Bachelor of Urban Planning (Honours) cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$7,857.60*
International students
NZ$44,972*

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 $9.24 per point, estimated at $1,108.80 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

Application closing dates

Semester One 2025
8 December 2024

Start dates

Here are the start dates for the programme.

Other important dates

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

How to apply

Applying for an undergraduate programme? Check out our step-by-step guide.

For all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, fees, examinations, and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates, see the University Calendar.

Where could this programme take you?

The three common avenues for employment in urban planning are local government, central government and private practice. BUrbPlan(Hons) graduates generally start out assisting in all aspects of planning, and later 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

See all study options

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.

Key Information for Students

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Experience the University

Two Urban Planning students stand inside a teaching studio on campus during filming of the tour video.

Take a 360° tour with Urban Planning students

Enjoy a 360° virtual tour of some of the Urban Planning spaces on campus.

Do you need help?

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You can phone us directly.

Auckland
923 5025
Outside Auckland
0800 61 62 63
International
+64 9 373 7513