Career Pathways

Become an urban designer

Design sustainable, best-practice urban environments

How long will it take?

3 years Bachelor degree
Add
2 years Master of Urban Design

Why study urban design?

Urban designers shape the physical setting for life in urban areas. Our curriculum develops professionals who can understand the city as a spatio-temporally complex system.

Our urban design researchers, teaching staff and students are actively engaged with some of the pressing issues of our time, including dealing with the impact of climate changes, sustainable resourcing challenges, and the pressures of increased urbanisation. Together they explore the design and planning of public and private spaces, focusing on the importance of design and planning within the social, environmental, aesthetic and economic contexts.

Our students become employment-ready through working in interdisciplinary teams, encouraging interaction and appreciation of multiple viewpoints and collegiate working environments.

Where will this take me?

Career outcomes

Urban design skills are in great demand throughout Australia and the Asia- Pacific region and your expertise in the design of urban public spaces and strategic planning will provide the opportunity to work locally and globally in areas such as:

  • Planning authorities including as city councils
  • Architecture practices
  • Landscape architecture practices
  • Planning practices

Professional accreditation

  • Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)

What are the study options?

Standard entry

1. Undergraduate degree

First you must meet the entry requirements for your undergraduate degree.

2. Graduate degree

The Master of Urban Design also has specific prerequisite and grade entry requirements to be considered for entry. Specifically you must have completed an undergraduate degree in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture or Architecture with a weighted average mark of 65% or higher. Applicants must also present a portfolio of recent design work, submitted in accordance with the requirements of the selection committee.

Other entry pathways

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Find a scholarship that's right for you

Looking for personalised advice?

Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.

Why study urban design at the University of Melbourne

Discover your passions

Discover your passions

We offer unique flexibility, giving you the option of completing majors, minors, double majors and specialisations.

Become part of a community

Become part of a community

Join a community of world-leading academics and industry practitioners working to improve the way we live and the places we live in.

Career-ready skills

Career-ready skills

Participate in our wide range of industry opportunities, developing practical skills for a meaningful career.

Talk to us

Please speak to our expert staff to discover more about our learning opportunities and get support with your application.