Duration
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: Varies
Next start date
2026 Semester One – 2 March
2027 Semester One – 1 March
Available locations
City
Points
240
Programme type
Postgraduate
Taught options available

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

 

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

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 1 120 points

  • Code:
    URBPLAN 701
    Name:
    Urban Planning Contexts
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 706
    Name:
    Māori Planning Issues
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 707
    Name:
    Urban Economic Development
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 709
    Name:
    Housing and Community Development
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 716
    Name:
    Contemporary Wicked Problem Studio
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 717
    Name:
    Community Design Studio
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

Year 2 120 points

  • Code:
    URBPLAN 702
    Name:
    Urban Planning Law
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • 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 718
    Name:
    Sustainable Urbanism Studio
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 734
    Name:
    Smart City Planning
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    15 pts
  • Code:
    URBPLAN 791
    Name:
    Research Project
    Type:
    Compulsory core course
    Points:
    30 pts

2025 entry requirements

My highest qualification is from:

Programme requirements

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.

  • Study option
    Taught 240 points
    Grade required
    GPA Grade Point Average 5.0

    Bachelors or masters degree in a related field

Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA)

Further programme requirements

Taught 240 points

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 will need a GPA of 5.0 in at least 60 points above Stage II.

Other pathways to study

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:

Programme requirements

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.

  • Study option
    Taught 240 points
    Grade required
    GPE Grade Point Equivalent 5.0

    An undergraduate degree in a related field  

  • Qualification
    IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System
    Score required
    6.5

    No bands less than 6.0

    See alternative English language requirements

Calculate your Grade Point Equivalent (GPE)

Further programme requirements

Taught 240 points

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) environmental science, politics and international relations, economics, geography or architecture.

You will need a GPE of 5.0.

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 Master of Urban Planning (Professional) cost per year?

2025 fees

Domestic students
NZ$12,127.20*
International students
NZ$52,842*

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

Applications for this degree are welcomed at any time.

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.

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.

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

We welcome any questions you may have about this programme. Contact our postgraduate adviser:

Postgraduate Adviser
Dr Timothy Welch
Email: t.welch@auckland.ac.nz

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?

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

See all study options

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