University of Queensland
Master of Urban Development and Design
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Connect urban design, architecture, planning and environmental knowledge through project-based studios, with options to undertake specialised research, an industry placement or a supervised thesis.
Course overview
The University of Queensland’s Master of Urban Development and Design is a transdisciplinary qualification for graduates seeking to understand and shape cities from strategic, creative and integrated perspectives. It positions urban design as a distinct area of expertise connecting the built environment with broader social, environmental and economic considerations.
You will examine contemporary urbanism, responsive environments, urban futures, architectural design and built environment communication. Research laboratories explore environmental performance, digitalisation, history, heritage, culture and place, while electives connect urban design with planning, sustainability, economics, governance and leadership. Eligible students may also complete a supervised research thesis.
Delivered face-to-face at UQ’s St Lucia campus, the course combines lectures, tutorials, studios and workshops with project-based design learning. Elective options may include an industry placement, while the broader curriculum draws on architecture, planning, geography, environmental management and business. This interdisciplinary structure supports graduates to approach complex urban challenges with stronger design judgement, strategic awareness and an understanding of the systems shaping contemporary cities.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
26th July, 2027
What you will study
At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.
To earn the Master of Urban Development and Design, you must complete 32 units, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.
Complete all 20 units:
- Advanced Built Environment Communication
- Advanced Architectural Design: Landscapes and Architecture (four units)
- Masterclass (four units)
- Urban Design: Urban Futures (four units)
- Contemporary Urbanism
- Urban Design: Responsive Environments (four units)
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
To be eligible for entry, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, a graduate certificate, a graduate diploma or a master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- Have achieved a grade point average of at least 4.5 on UQ’s seven-point scale in the qualification used as the basis for admission
OR
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline
- Have achieved a grade point average of at least 4.0 on UQ’s seven-point scale in their previous qualification
- Have completed at least six months of full-time equivalent relevant post-graduation work experience in an urban design environment
Relevant disciplines include architecture, architectural design, design, landscape architecture, planning, regional and town planning and urban planning.
Relevant work experience includes employment in architecture, architectural design, design, landscape architecture, planning, regional and town planning or urban planning-related roles. Applications based on work experience are subject to individual assessment.
Supporting documents
Applicants using relevant work experience as part of their entry pathway must provide a letter from their current or previous employer confirming:
- The organisation in which they worked
- Their relevant duties and responsibilities
- The length of each relevant role
- Whether the employment was full-time, part-time or casual
- Any other information required by the entry criteria
The letter should be provided on company letterhead and signed by a manager or human resources representative. A CV or résumé is not sufficient on its own and must be accompanied by the supporting employer letter.
English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency through at least one accepted option, including:
- IELTS Academic: overall score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL iBT: overall score of 87, with at least 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking
- PTE Academic: overall score of 64, with at least 60 in each communicative skill
- Bridging English: minimum overall grade of 4, with at least a grade of C in each macro skill
- Cambridge English Scale: overall score of 176, with at least 169 in each skill
OET is not accepted.
Other approved qualifications and pathways may also be used to meet UQ’s English language requirements. Contact the university for further information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Potential career outcomes include:
- Urban Designer
- Community Engagement Consultant
- Landscape Architect
- Urban Strategist
- Design Advisor
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $10,680 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
- Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.