Postgraduate

Master of Urban Design

Explore the ‘urban jungle’ studying at the Australian Urban Design Research Centre.

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

This course is designed to broaden the interdisciplinary scope of urban design work undertaken by architects, planners, landscape architects or professionals in related fields. A Master of Urban Design prepares you for the next step in your career in urban design.
This course is designed to broaden the interdisciplinary scope of urban design work undertaken by architects, planners, landscape architects or professionals in related fields. A Master of Urban Design prepares you for the next step in your career in urban design.

Further Study

Further postgraduate study options include the Graduate Certificate in Architectural Conservation and Building Information Modelling. Alternatively, students may choose to pursue a higher degree by research such as the Doctor of Philosophy.
Further postgraduate study options include the Graduate Certificate in Architectural Conservation and Building Information Modelling. Alternatively, students may choose to pursue a higher degree by research such as the Doctor of Philosophy.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

Indicative annual course fee
2024
Commonwealth Supported Place $9,845.65

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$42,800.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
and
(c) successfully completed prior study in a field relevant to Urban Design; or
(2) completed a Graduate Certificate in Urban Design or Graduate Diploma in Urban Design at UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

How to apply

Group of smiling students wearing UWA shirts 

Ready for the next step?

Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

We can’t wait for you to join us!  

Apply now

Course details

Deliver solutions for the needs of cities and neighbourhoods as an urban designer. The course is delivered by award-winning practitioners and scholars who have extensive local and international experience.

School of Design Postgrad Information Session 

Join us for an Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and BIM postgraduate information session from 1:00pm-2:00pm on Thursday 2 May, to find out more about furthering your professional career.

Hear from the Head of School, alumni and academics from the School of Design about how we can help you prepare for a career in this dynamic industry.

Registration is essential

DollarThis course is subsidised for Australian residents through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Visit our fee calculator for CSP rates and an estimate on your course fees.

About the course

The Master of Urban Design allows students to engage with the challenges of this ‘urban century’ and prepares them to participate in all levels of the urban design profession.

You'll gain an in-depth understanding of urban design theories and issues; techniques of urban analysis; and skills for the design and development of cities and urban places.

The course also includes an option for second year specialisations in either Landscape Design or Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 

Master of Urban Design

Quick details

Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
  • Online
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Approximately 46 hours per week, which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 25530
CRICOS code
  • 074757J
Master of Urban Design
Status
  • Available
Locations
  • Perth (Crawley campus)
Attendance
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Delivery
  • On-campus
  • Online
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • Approximately 46 hours per week, which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 25530
CRICOS code
  • 074757J
Full time/part time duration
  • 2 years full-time
Degrees course is available in
  • Master of Urban Design

Course structure

Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

Students can choose from three pathways to complete this course:
-Coursework Only (Geographic Information Systems Focus Area)
-Coursework Only (Landscape Design Focus Area)
-Coursework and Dissertation

Students should take units according to the sequence notes below for their selected pathway. Contact your Student Advising Office and the Course Coordinator for assistance selecting a pathway and units.
Core - All Students- Core Units
Students in all pathways, take all units (36 points):
Option - All Students- Option Units
Students in all pathways, take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
Custom - Dissertation Units
Dissertation: Students by Coursework and Dissertation, take unit(s) to the value of 48 points:
Geographic Information Systems (focus area)
Students by Coursework Only (Geographic Information Systems Focus Area), take all units (36 points):
Students by Coursework Only (Geographic Information Systems Focus Area), take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
Landscape Design (focus area)
Students by Coursework Only (Landscape Design Focus Area), take all units (36 points):
Students by Coursework Only (Landscape Design Focus Area), take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
VIDEO

Why study postgrad?

Why study PG
STUDY YOUR WAY

Flexibility

We understand that life is busy. That's why our postgraduate courses are designed so you can balance your work and studies. Our flexible postgraduate experience includes the opportunity to study part time, a range of units that are taught after hours, and the option to learn via intensive units. Ask our Student Central team for advice on choosing the right postgraduate route for you. Find out more here.

STUDY YOUR WAY

Why study Urban Design at UWA?

  • Urbanisation is accelerating world-wide and skills in sustainable urban design will be increasingly sought after.
  • Participate in urban design studios that allow you to creatively engage with a real site and to develop design and visualisation skills.
  • Learn from the Australian Urban Design Research Centre’s highly qualified, multidisciplinary staff, who have been nominated for a stream of teaching awards.

Marc Tarca

Marc Tarca

Life at the School of Design

Students on laptop and drinking coffee

Excellent facilities

At the School of Design, you’ll have access to well-equipped facilities including:

  • Studio spaces
  • Design Hub, a working space with senior student mentors available for assistance
  • Digital fabrication equipment such as plastic extrusion 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC milling machines

  • Multiple computer labs with 24-hour access

  • Printmaking studio with etching presses and spray booths

  • Multimedia production facilities

  • Cullity Gallery, where you’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work.

Meet the teachers

At the Australian Urban Design Research Centre, you'll be taught by highly experienced practitioners like Dr Julian Bolleter.

Julian has worked in Sydney, Dubai, Boston and London. He delivers commissioned research for state government planning departments, is a published author, and provides expert opinions on the future of Australian cities for major media outlets such as 'The Conversation' and 'Catalyst' on the ABC.

"I love that I have the freedom to dream up visions for how cities could evolve in relation to the urban challenges we face. This work is important because Australian cities, despite their high liveability rankings, face many critical problems in terms of deepening socioeconomic stratification, vulnerabilities to climate change and the destruction of biodiversity."

About AUDRC

Urban Design students are located at the Australian Urban Design Research Centre (AUDRC), an independent, non-profit research centre and part of the School of Design. At AUDRC, innovative design strategies are tested within real-world urban conditions where the lived experience of residents is vital to the design process. Visit them at this link.
Urban Design

Articulated courses

This course is part of an articulated sequence with the:

Urban Design

Form connections

See what our students are up to by following the School of Design Facebook pageSchool of Design Instagram account and School of Design on LinkedIn.

The UWA ALVA Student Society is affiliated with the UWA Student Guild and represents students within the School of Design. Visit the ALVA Student Society on Facebook.

Design

Meet our students

Design student