Planning places with purpose
Urban and Regional Planning is about shaping the spaces where people live, work, and connect. Planners play a vital role in guiding how cities, towns, and natural landscapes grow and evolve. They balance social, economic, environmental, and cultural needs to create thriving, sustainable communities.
Postgraduate Urban and Regional Planning immerses you in today’s big challenges—from climate change, biodiversity, and coastal management to urban regeneration, housing provision, and economic development.
At the heart of planning are Māori concepts of manaakitanga (caring for people) and kaitiakitanga (caring for the environment).
Choose your study path
We offer three qualifications in postgraduate Urban and Regional Planning:
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning
- Postgraduate Diploma in Designed Environments
- Postgraduate Certificate in Designed Environments.
Choose the Master’s if you’re looking for an advanced qualification that can help you pivot in a new career direction. Or choose the Diploma or Certificate if you’re looking for a shorter qualification for professional development.
If you complete the Diploma or Certificate with a major in Postgraduate Urban and Regional Planning, you can continue studying this subject at Master’s level. The relevant courses you’ve done can be counted towards the higher qualification.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Urban and Regional Planning at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington gives you direct access to construction firms, government agencies, and research institutes—with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative research.
The city’s unique geography and rich cultural heritage make it an exciting place to study and apply your construction knowledge.
Resources and facilities
You’ll have access to workspaces and technologies at the School of Architecture. These include model-making facilities, and support for using ArcGIS and graphic design software.
Industry connections
We have industry connections and partnerships with a range of national and local organisations:
- Building Research Association of New Zealand
- Designers Institute of New Zealand
- New Zealand Institute of Architects
- New Zealand Institute of Building
- New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects
- New Zealand Registered Architects Board
- New Zealand Planning Institute
Become a member of the New Zealand Planning Institute
Our Master of Urban and Regional Planning is fully accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute.
As a student, you can join the Institute to access valuable networking, career support, and mentoring that help you build connections and prepare for the planning profession.
Future careers
Graduate planners are in demand across a range of consultancies and other organisations working on housing, conservation, and transportation. Examples include:
- city and regional councils
- iwi and NGOs
- government organisations such as Kāinga Ora, the Department of Conservation, Heritage New Zealand, and NZTA
- economic, social development, environmental management, conservation, and community organisations.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Architecture and Building Science
-
This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
-
This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Architecture and Building Science
-
This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.