Master of Urban Design

The Master of Urban Design program provides an intensive, multidisciplinary environment for advanced study of contemporary urbanism through design practice.

The program advances the role of design research and innovative design practice in confronting the critical issues affecting cities.

Speculating about the future of cities in light of increasing environmental, social, industrial and economic change is a primary objective.

The program is part of RMIT’s ‘Urban Suite’ initiative, an industry-linked laboratory for urban-based research including Urban Development (School of Property Construction and Project Management, PCPM) and Urban Planning (School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, GUSS).

Coursework is integrated across these disciplines and collaborative projects are designed to encourage exchange of disciplinary expertise, information and approaches toward urbanism.

In addition to Melbourne-based coursework a series of intensive, international workshops provides a global study experience.

Workshops are held at RMIT’s campuses in Vietnam and Spain where you will collaborate with an international network of urban design peers, academics and practitioners.

This experience provides a broader professional and cultural context to local urban questions, expanding and sharpening skills for engaging contemporary urbanism as a designer.

It also develops a unique understanding and awareness of the mechanisms affecting urban change locally and globally, such as shifts in industry, infrastructure and technology.

The program is especially designed for advanced professional development and/or specialisation for architects, landscape architects and other design professionals working with the built environment.

Master of Urban Design graduates pursue many professional pathways, including work in private practice, state or local government, or as a consultant to urban planning, property development, or non-profit community organisations.

A flexible program structure and combination of face-to-face and online delivery modes is designed to suit working professionals.The final Urban Design Studio (UDS5) project provides a capstone experience.

This project will enable you to synthesize and integrate your knowledge gained in previous coursework, connect theory and practice and demonstrate your holistic achievement of the program learning outcomes.

Year One of Program

Complete the following Four (4) Courses:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from the following Global, Urban and Social Studies Option List:

Select and Complete One (1) Course from the following Property, Construction and Project Management Option List:

AND

Year Two of Program

Complete the following Six (6) Courses:

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in architectural design, landscape architecture or an equivalent design related discipline.

For equivalents to Australian academic entry requirements, see the Country Equivalency web page on the RMIT website.

English language requirements

A minimum of IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0, or equivalent. For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English requirements web page.

Selection task

All applicants must complete and submit the selection task.

This program will provide you with advanced design, communication and collaboration skills necessary to practice in the multidisciplinary and globally-connected environment of urban design. The RMIT ‘Urban Suite’ structure aims to develop advanced integrative design skills and provide specialised expertise in complex urban systems, applicable to design practice. As a graduate of this program you will be able to:

• Apply advanced design skills to generate and evaluate complex urban projects at a range of scales and sites, creatively incorporating specialised economic, regulatory and demographic data through design
• Apply local and global knowledge of contemporary urbanism to professional urban design practice, with particular expertise in Vietnam and Spain.
• Demonstrate and advance innovative approaches to urban design practice and multidisciplinary collaboration
• Communicate, present and substantiate urban design proposals to academic, public and professional audiences through a range of media
• Identify, evaluate and communicate advanced principles and practices in urban design history and contemporary urban theory
• Contribute to public discourse of urban design practice, including assessment and critique of urban environments and future strategies
• Provide leadership skills in your field and profession of urban design