Programme details

Master of Urban and Regional Planning – MURPlan

Gain the skills to shape and enhance cities, towns, and regions. Develop the expertise needed to make urban and rural environments more functional, sustainable, and attractive.

Course description

Help create a future that is both environmentally and socially just. The Master of Urban and Regional Planning focuses on shaping and developing the places where we live, ensuring they work better for everyone, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally.

Effective planning requires a deep understanding of the social, economic, environmental, and geographic diversity of people and places. This knowledge is crucial in determining the development, spatial design, and purpose of cities, settlements, and rural and natural landscapes.

At the core of the MURPlan philosophy are the Māori concepts of manaakitanga (caring for people) and kaitiakitanga (caring for the environment). As a profession, planning tackles key contemporary issues. It plays a crucial role in addressing climate change, biodiversity and coastal protection, urban regeneration, housing provision, and economic development, while also engaging with matters of environmental and social justice

If you aspire to be part of a profession dedicated to making better places for all, consider the Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree. The MURPlan is a new program at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, based in the School of Architecture, located in the vibrant heart of central Wellington’s Cuba Street precinct.

The MURPlan complies with the accreditation procedures of the New Zealand Planning Institute. New planning programs that meet the requirements are typically granted provisional accreditation, which leads to full accreditation.

Occupational Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law in New Zealand. This programme leads to registration with New Zealand Planning Institute.

Immigration benefits

This course may qualify for the following visa rights:
In-study work rights
Partner visitor rights
Partner work rights
Post-study work rights

This course qualifies for 5 points if applying for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Career Prospects

The MURPlan requires four trimesters of study. We welcome students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds, including design, architecture, environmental management, law, politics, and geography.

Upon completing the MURPlan, you’ll be qualified to work as a professional planner in various organizations and agencies, such as:

– City and regional councils
– Consultancies
– Iwi
– Government organizations like Kāinga Ora, the Department of Conservation, Heritage New Zealand, and NZTA
– Economic, social development, and community organizations

Planning offers career opportunities in a growing field where graduate planners are consistently in demand.

Entry requirements

Academic
– A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a tertiary institution in New Zealand, or an equivalent qualification, with an average grade of at least B; and
– To be accepted by the Head of School as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
– The first requirement may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Wellington Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation for a candidate who has had extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind, equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

EL requirement (any one of the following)
– IELTS (Academic): Minimum overall score of 6.5, with no sub-score below 6.0
– TOEFL (Internet-based test): Minimum score of 90, with at least 20 in writing
– Pearson Test of English: Minimum score of 58, with a ‘Communicative’ score of no less than 50
– EAP: Minimum final scores of 4, 4, 5, 5
– Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a score of 176 or higher, with each skill score no less than 169
– New Zealand Certificates in English Language (NZCEL): Level 5 (Academic)
– NZAPA: English New Zealand Accredited Pathway Assessment Level 3, with no skill lower than Level 2

To gain admission to this program, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Possess a Bachelor of Design Innovation or Graduate Diploma in Design Innovation from this university, with a minimum B average, or an equivalent qualification approved by the university.

2. Receive approval from the Head of School, demonstrating your capability to successfully undertake the proposed course of study.