Urban Design
Urban design is founded upon the social, environmental, political, aesthetic and economic importance of design in the public realm, serving the public interest. It focuses on the intersections between architecture, landscape architecture, planning and geography.
Graduate studies in urban design offer an opportunity for professionals in relevant fields to work together to broaden their views, establish themselves in these 'lateral' disciplines and to develop specific expertise that is not restricted by traditional divisions.
Why Choose the Master of Urban Design at Melbourne?
The graduate programs in urban design at the University of Melbourne help develop professionals who are capable of seeing the city from multiple viewpoints and who relish working with interdisciplinary teams. The Postgraduate Diploma equips students with the skills necessary to undertake design research and to learn about urban history, theory and communications. Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma can lead to admission to the Master of Urban Design, a studio based program in which students gain expert knowledge, enabling them to forge a career in urban design or a related field.
The strengths of both these programs are the people involved and the atmosphere they create. People who make urban design at the University of Melbourne what it is are the staff and students. Our core group of staff brings together experience and active involvement in current urban design research, design research and education. A broader teaching team with expertise in landscape architecture and urban planning adds diversity and richness. Urban design students contribute their own experiences, energy, new themes and aspirations and add to a multicultural complexity that make our programs special.
Our urban design programs encourage interaction and an appreciation of creativity and difference which creates an atmosphere of collegiality and common endeavour.
Fields of Study
The key quality of the urban design programs, and particularly the Master of Urban Design, are their combined strength of urban design theory and three design studios. Studio projects are always approached as design-research exercises, where innovation and discovery represent a major part of the educational experience. Studios emphasise the importance of place and fieldwork represents a significant component of studio work. Professional and wider community involvement is a regular part of the Master of Urban Design studio experience.
Career Outcomes
The urban design program is ideal for architects, landscape architects and urban planners who see the opportunity to enhance their career prospects and gain skills in planning and designing diverse environments.
Upon graduation your skills can be applied in an expanding range of design and associated roles, both in Australia and overseas. You will be trained to bring new insights into your role as an architect, landscape architect or urban planner, offering much more than traditionally trained built environment professionals. Your new expertise in urban design will help you reach out and broaden your employment opportunities.
Urban design skills are in great demand throughout the Asia- Pacific region. A number of our graduates are working on projects of various scale in China; while our graduates, staff and students have won acclaim in many international design competitions.
Our graduates are working locally and globally in areas such as:
- Planning authorities such as City Councils
- Architecture practices
- Landscape architecture practices
- Planning practices
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- provide a Masters level education in urban design which meets the market in urban design practice both locally and internationally;
- provide students with expert knowledge in urban design and related areas; and
- serve an integrating role between the disciplines of the Faculty, building cross disciplinary strengths and teaching efficiencies.
Pathways
The normal pathway for students is to enter the standard 150 point Master of Urban Design program. The usual path for candidates without skills necessary to enter the masters program directly is via the 100 point Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design and then progress through the 150 point Master of Urban Design.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design equips students with the skills necessary to undertake design research and to learn about urban history, theory and communications. The Master of Urban Design is a studio-based coursework program in which students gain expert knowledge, enabling them to forge a career in urban design or a related field.
A 100 point Master of Urban Design is available for experienced practitioners with a demonstrated professional and peer group recognition of excellence in their field (award winning practice etc.).
Further Information
- Course structure and specific application requirements
- Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Design
- Master of Urban Design
- How to Apply page for how to submit an application and application forms.
Contact
Graduate Course Administrator
Architecture Building & Planning
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010 Australia
T: (+61 3) 8344 8742
F: (+61 3) 8344 5532
E: abp-graduateschool@unimelb.edu.au