Urban Development and Design
Master of Urban Development and Design
Understand the role of urban design in relation to the forces which shape the city
This multidisciplinary degree links the study of urban design with the processes of urban development.
You will develop theoretical grounding, practical experience and expert skills in city-making as a creative field. The program combines design studios with advanced seminars, case study investigations and international workshops, connecting with fellow universities, city agencies and urban design professionals to deepen your understanding of the 21st-century city.
In an intense three-term program, the Master of Urban Development and Design integrates three fields of urban research:
1. Spatial political economy – the manifestation in the urban form of global patterns of capital formation, investment and disinvestment
2. Urban design principles and paradigms – normative models of ‘good city form’ grounded in aesthetic, social and environmental concerns
3. Urban design as public policy – the intersection of public policy, design principles, urban governance and the deal-making of the property sector in defence of the public realm.
Key Information
The Master of Urban Development and Design is a 1.7-year program. It consists of 9 courses. (72 Units Of Credit/UOC).
The program includes:
- 1 International Design Studio
- 2 Australian Design Studios
- 5 Core Courses
- 1 Elective Course
International Design Studio
The International Urban Design Studio is the final experience of the Program and undertaken in the summer term. You’ll use the knowledge and skills you’ve built up through the program in an intense two-week workshop in a totally new city and new culture, followed by a critical reflection on the experience, design development and documentation back in Sydney.
You’ll be given a choice between two cities. In the past ten years, the International Design Studios have been undertaken in Barcelona, Beijing, Berlin, Bilbao, Budapest, Buenos Aires, Delhi, Dubai, Hangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Nagoya, New York, Portland, Suva, Taipei, Tokyo, and Venice.
Key Areas of Study
Urban Design Studio
History and Theory of Urban Development and Design
Case Studies in Urban Development and Design
Planning and Urban Development
Urban Landscape and Heritage
Communication in Urban Design
Progression Pathway
The Master of Urban Development and Design is an articulated pathway to the Master of Urban Development and Design Extension.
For course listing, descriptions and timetables please see the UNSW Online Handbook.
Career opportunities
- work in urban design consultancies
- work in city agencies
- work in the development industry
- head your own professional practice in urban design.
- proceed to doctoral studies at a major international university and a career in academia.
Related Degrees
Graduate Certificate in the Built Environment
Master of Urban Development and Design (Extension)
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Professional accreditation
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Be connected to a global network
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Graduate Certificate entry available
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Pathway to extension program
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Work on global urban design issues
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Engage with urban development and design in Sydney
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Multidisciplinary learning
- UNSW ranks 25th in the world and 4th in Australia in Architecture/Built Environment (QS World Rankings 2019)
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World class alumni connections
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'UNSW Sydney ranks in the top 100 universities worldwide (Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2019)
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UNSW has invested over $1.2 billion in student facilities and accommodation
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Member of prestigious Group of Eight (Go8)
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Strong industry links and partnerships
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In the 2015 Excellence for Research in Australia (ERA) UNSW was rated as the equal-top university nationally in Built Environment and Design. Its rating in Urban Planning research was also the joint highest in Australia.
Every year we host a MUDD exhibition, with the most recent being MUDD24. The event was held at Leighton Hall to exhibit our students' work. To find out more about the event and view galleries from previous years, read MUDD24: A warm response to a hot topic.
You can also view folios from the previous years:
Boston
In November 2019 MUDD students were hosted for a three week intensive studio workshop in the offices of world renowned urban planners Sasaki Associates in Boston, USA. Working alongside experienced practitioners and with real clients and stakeholders, students were immersed in an invaluable learning experience that also allowed them to showcase their skills to an enthusiastic audience. While Boston undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the memories of each student, the work produced during this three week period is sure to have triggered much discussion amongst those tasked with the redevelopment of Beacon Yards.
Fukuoka
The Fukuoka International Studio in 2019 saw MUDD students join forces with students from the Graduate School of Design at Kyushu University to explore design possibilities for the city’s main waterfront redevelopment site. Presenting their analyses and urban design frameworks to unfamiliar academics, newly acquainted classmates and the real-world client of the Hakata Port Authority was a daunting experience but one that enabled MUDD students to refine their designs, polish their presentation skills and defend their proposals to great acclaim.
To see what opportunities are available to students this year, go to International Courses.
To be eligible for this program you must have:
- A four year undergraduate degree with a Credit average or above (WAM 65+ or equivalent) in a relevant field such as design and non-design based disciplines in the built environment, design and engineering: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Architecture, Design, Planning, Property Development, Construction, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Transport Engineering. OR
- A three year undergraduate degree in Architecture with a Credit average or above (WAM 65+ or equivalent). OR
- A completed Graduate Certificate in the Built Environment (7131) with a Credit average or above (WAM 65+ or equivalent).
All domestic and international students can apply for postgraduate coursework online:
- Apply online (application fee: AUD$125)
Application deadlines:
- Term 1 (February) - apply by 30 November*
- Term 3 (September) - apply by 31 July
Late applications may be accepted after the closing dates subject to the availability of places.
If you gain entry into a program at UNSW, you can then be assessed for transfer credit for courses (subjects) studied in your previous degree.
A wide variety of scholarships and awards are available to support you when you are starting and throughout your degree. Whether it is academic, sporting, equity, indigenous, rural, degree specific, or travel and exchange you can find a scholarship that suits you.
The faculty has a number of scholarships and prizes offered to students enrolled in its programs. For information, including general scholarships available to UNSW local and international students and closing dates for applications, visit the UNSW Scholarships Website.
BIA International Professional Placement Travel grant:
Fees
Tuition fees for full fee paying (non-Commonwealth supported students) local students and international students are calculated on the actual number of units of credit undertaken per term.
Student Activity Fees
When you enrol each year the University asks that you make a financial contribution to help provide services, amenities and representation for all students on campus. These include sporting facilities, subsidised food outlets, campus media, entertainment, student resources and leisure programs.
UNSW Student Contribution Charges
Students enrolling in Australian universities for Commonwealth Supported places will pay tuition fees based on the particular courses (subjects) they choose to study. UNSW Built Environment courses have been classified in band 2. Your fees will change depending on the number and type of courses you study.
Fee Schedule for Full Fee Paying Students
Tuition fees for full fee paying non-Commonwealth supported students local students and international students are calculated on the actual number of units of credit undertaken per term. All fees related information is available from myUNSW website.
Books and Equipment
Don't rush out to buy anything before your first class. Academic staff will advise you as to essential equipment and textbooks. In general studio-based programs will have higher additional costs than non-studio based programs. Costs for books, stationery and equipment vary greatly, but you should allow approximately $1000 a year for these expenses. This figure excludes computing requirements.
Living Expenses
There are a number of factors which will influence your cost of living, for example, rent will vary considerably depending on the type of property and its location. Other essential costs are food, transport, entertainment, clothing and any incidental expenses related to your programs such as field trips. As a general guide, students should have at least $2000 to cover the initial establishment expenses such as rental bond and basic furniture and allow for average weekly expenses of about $350.
“It is a fabulous journey studying MUDD, which provides impressive experiences of international and local urban design projects and lectures with wonderful case studies and interesting history. The practical courses helped me improve my ability in critical thinking and self-assessment, communicating with groups and completing projects on time. I am proud to study in such an excellent urban design program.”
– Tang Tian (Tiya)
“Honestly, I didn’t expect that UNSW would be such a wonderful experience until I joined the MUDD Program. I enjoyed the fun of improving my skills and I will never ever forget all the things that happened during this year.”
– Chen Xin (Tiffany)
Head of Discipline
Senior Lecturer
Lecturer
Visiting Professor
Emeritus Professor
Sessional Academics
