Master of Urban Design

Master of Urban Design

POSTGRADUATE

Shape the future of our cities.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$40,800 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus and blended learning
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$46,920 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Advance the role of design in shaping the future of cities through innovative approaches to urban-based practice.

Focus on design

You will focus intensively on the practice of design itself, developing advanced, specialised techniques for creative and collaborative work. Projects are curated around key sites of urban change locally and globally and engage with the professional and community networks invested in their future. 

You will learn to creatively integrate expertise from related urban disciplines into design proposals, promoting alternative models for future city-building. This program is designed to nurture designers who would like to advance their career and develop innovative approaches to their practice.

What will future cities look like?

Urban Design is one of the key practices confronting critical issues affecting cities, such as the impacts of climate change, population growth, shifting workplaces, and transformations in industry, technology and infrastructure.

This masters degree at RMIT provides you with a studio-based, multidisciplinary environment to engage these issues through project-based study.

You will learn to creatively integrate expertise from related urban disciplines into design proposals, promoting alternative modesl for future city-building. This degree is designed to nurture designers who would like to advance their career and develop innovative approaches to their practice.

Multidisciplinary approach to learning

This program emerges from a legacy of urban-based design research, teaching and practice within RMIT's School of Architecture and Design.

The program is closely connected to RMIT's world-renowned programs in Architecture and Landscape Architecture, Interior and Industrial Design. The program is also integrated with postgraduate coursework in the Schools of Property, Construction and Project Management (PCPM) and Urban Planning, offering a multidisciplinary laboratory for urban design research.

Based in Melbourne, we use the Australasian region as our primary territory of study. A series of international workshops at our campuses in Vietnam and Barcelona offer a global perspective and study experience, complemented by online lectorials in urban history, morphology and practice.

Please note: This program has a selection task.

Details

Expand all sections

Key focus of the degree

  • the role of design in shaping cities, especially in the Australasian region
  • methods of design, research, collaboration and practice for urban-scale work
  • design responses to key drivers of urban change, such as climate, industry, technology and population
  • international experience and collaboration through intensive workshops in Asia, Australia and Europe

What you will study

  • speculative design proposals for urban sites through project-based work
  • the innovation of tools we use to design and deliver diverse and responsive solutions for future growth of cities
  • developing innovative approaches to urban based design practice
  • history and theory of Asian, European, Australian and global urbanism
  • travel to Vietnam, Melbourne and Barcelona for on-site workshops
  • coursework in Property Development (PCPM) and Urban Planning (School of Global, Urban and Social Studies)

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. These are primarily in English.

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the student portal.

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects and practical assignments.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

RMIT University provides you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

Integrating industry expertise into the Urban Design projects is a distinguishing feature of this program. The studio projects focus on key emerging or ongoing topics and are curated in collaboration with relevant professional, community and governmental bodies such as urban developers, project managers, urban planners, council members and research partners.

Teaching staff includes practising architects, landscape architects and urban designers, with adjunct and visiting staff from local and international practices. Links across Urban Development and Urban Planning programs provide a rich multidisciplinary network.

In addition to this program’s two dedicated travel studios in Vietnam and Barcelona, the School of Architecture and Design has an extensive network of international collaborators in the USA, Europe and Asia.

These include the World Architecture Workshop network in France and Japan, and ongoing exchange programs in Copenhagen, Berlin, Los Angeles, Innsbruck, Shanghai, Tianjin, Sendai, Toulouse and several other cities. These connections enable future work opportunities or collaborative experience following graduation.

2 years full-time.

Please note: Graduates from the Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture (or equivalent) are eligible for advanced level entry into Year 2 of the program, completing the Master of Urban Design in 1 year full-time (or 2 years part-time).

The Graduate Diploma in Urban Design is available as an exit award of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with the Graduate Diploma, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.

2 years full-time

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Global intensive design studios are offered from Melbourne, Barcelona and Vietnam.

Year 1

Two design studios (one per semester) face to face once per week, with some course content delivered online. You will also undertake two additional core courses and select two elective courses.

Year 2

The program is delivered through three intensive studios, delivered in semester one, semester two and spring semester. Each studio requires a one week workshop on-site located in Vietnam, Melbourne and Barcelona respectively. Studios are delivered face to face and online. Three core courses are also taken in intensive mode with face to face and online delivery.

RMIT graduates considering undertaking this program

RMIT Master of Architecture or Master of Landscape Architecture (or equivalent) are eligible for advanced level entry into Year 2 of the program, completing the Master of Urban Design in 1 year full-time (or 2 years part-time).

Graduates with professional degrees in Architecture or Landscape Architecture from other universities may also be eligible for advanced standing of up to one full year in the Master of Urban Design.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Urban Design
Program code: MC193
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Urban Design
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
MC193
078873F
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
Plan code
MC193
CRICOS
078873F
View plan
Master of Urban Design
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC193
078873F
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC193
CRICOS
078873F
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Urban designers work on large-scale urban projects in collaboration with other professionals (architects, landscape architects, urban planners, developers) and government.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in architectural design, landscape architecture or equivalent design-related discipline.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Semester 1, 2023

You must complete and submit the Urban Design selection task. Please click the apply button to submit your direct application. The link to submit your selection task will appear on the applicant dashboard after you have submitted your application.

Entry into this program is competitive, and applications are assessed in the order that they are received until the selection task date, if places are still available. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Selection task dates

Applicant type Register and submit the selection task by
All applicants 24 February 2023

The selection task requires:

Applicant statement

Outline your motivation for applying for the program (maximum 300 words).

Folio

Your folio should include a package of images, drawings, sketches, paintings, models, photographs, computer work, etc. of personal creative or design projects as well as concepts or ideas that lead to the final design piece. Digital folios must be formatted as an A3 or A4 size PDF document.

Submissions instructions

You must collate your work into a single PDF (maximum 30 pages). You may upload your PDF (maximum 10MB) or supply a URL if it's hosted online (provide the username and password if applicable).

Interview

Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview.

Semester 2, 2023

Selection task details and submission dates will be available on 1 May 2023 for programs with a midyear intake. 

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in architectural design, landscape architecture or an equivalent design related discipline.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Pre-selection kit: You are required to submit a completed pre-selection kit (PDF 4p, 139kb) along with your application.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

If you are successful at gaining entry to the program and hold a Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, or an accepted master equivalent; or a 5-year (professional) Bachelor of Architecture undergraduate degree, you may receive up to 1-year (96 credit points) advanced standing from the University for courses in the program's first year.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

If you are successful at gaining entry to the program and hold a Master of Architecture, Master of Landscape Architecture, or an accepted master equivalent; or a 5-year (professional) Bachelor of Architecture undergraduate degree, you may receive up to 1-year (96 credit points) advanced standing from the University for courses in the program's first year.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$40,800*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (102 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$46,920.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$93,840.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

More information
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information