Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Design

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Urban Design at The University of Auckland is a highly advanced research program designed for students who wish to contribute to the academic and practical fields of urban development, planning, and design. This programme offers an opportunity for students to engage deeply with complex issues related to urban environments, such as sustainable development, city planning, public space, transportation, and community engagement. Through rigorous research, students will work closely with experienced faculty members to develop original, impactful insights that can influence urban policy and practice both locally and globally.

The PhD program in Urban Design typically requires students to undertake a comprehensive exploration of their chosen research topic, culminating in the submission of a detailed thesis that advances new knowledge in the field. Students are encouraged to pursue innovative approaches that address contemporary urban challenges, weaving together theory, empirical data, and practice-based insights. The program emphasizes critical thinking, methodological rigor, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

Candidates are expected to engage with a variety of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, spatial analysis, case studies, and participatory approaches. The university provides access to extensive academic resources, cutting-edge laboratories, and vibrant urban research clusters, ensuring students have the tools and support necessary to succeed. Throughout their candidature, students are mentored by leading scholars and practitioners in urban design and related disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances academic growth and professional development.

Graduates of the PhD in Urban Design are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, urban planning agencies, governmental departments, research institutions, and private consultancy firms. They will be prepared to influence policy-making, contribute to innovative urban projects, and lead research initiatives aimed at making cities more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive. The University of Auckland’s commitment to research excellence ensures that PhD candidates receive comprehensive supervision and support, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the dynamic field of urban design.

You will work under supervision to produce a substantial thesis representing original research into an approved topic that contributes significantly to knowledge and understanding or application of knowledge.

A doctoral degree is normally carried out over a minimum of 3 full-time years, with candidates preparing a thesis on the conduct and results of their research.

The doctorate is directed by an appointed supervisor and an academic committee and usually takes 3 years of full-time study. Your thesis is then assessed by a panel of examiners (including at least two external to the University) appointed by the University’s Senate. In most cases, this is followed by an oral examination of the thesis and your knowledge in the area before the degree is awarded.

Acceptance into a PhD is based on academic merit, but you must also demonstrate a proven ability to carry out research independently, and possess a high level of critical research skill and theoretical understanding.

Normally, admission to doctoral study requires a first class honours or second class honours first division bachelors degree; or a masters degree with first class honours or second class honours first division standard; or comparable qualifications. Acceptance is also subject to the availability of staff for supervision, and appropriate facilities.

English language requirements 

• IELTS (Academic): Overall score of 6.5 and all bands 6.0 or better
• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): Overall score of 90 plus a written score of 21
• Paper-based TOEFL: Overall score of 575 plus Essay (TWE) of 4.5
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Overall score of 176 and all bands 169 or better
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50. 
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): 85

You will also need to have the following information to hand, including some documents in electronic format ready for uploading:

• your IELTS, TOEFL and TWE test scores if you have taken such tests within the last two years
• relevant academic reports – GPA B+
• two letters of academic recommendation from your previous professors
• curriculum vitae and/or resume (optional)
• Statement of Research Intent – you'll need to write a 1000-word summary of your intended topic of interest for doctoral study, including your reasons for choosing this topic and an explanation of what you hope to achieve during your studies at The University of Auckland

There are several types of postgraduate scholarships: 

• University of Auckland Doctoral Scholarships

The Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Design at the University of Auckland is a research-intensive program aimed at developing advanced knowledge and capabilities in the field of urban design. This doctoral program provides opportunities for researchers to investigate complex issues related to city planning, sustainable development, spatial analysis, public spaces, and the social and environmental impacts of urban environments. Students engage in independent research under the supervision of experienced faculty members, contributing original insights to the discipline. The program typically involves coursework in research methodologies, urban theory, and design principles, though the primary focus is on dissertation research. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a high level of academic competence, innovative thinking, and a capacity to produce publishable research. The University of Auckland's urban design research often emphasizes issues relevant to New Zealand cities, such as Auckland’s rapid growth, density, transportation challenges, and environmental sustainability, but also encompasses broader international urban challenges. Students benefit from the university's extensive resources, including access to planning labs, GIS technology, and fieldwork opportunities across New Zealand's diverse urban and natural landscapes. The program may take three to four years to complete on a full-time basis and might also be undertaken part-time, with flexible arrangements to accommodate research needs. Graduates of the PhD in Urban Design often pursue careers in academia, urban planning consultancies, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations focused on sustainable urban development. The program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from architecture, geography, economics, and environmental studies to address urban issues holistically. Application requirements typically include a master’s degree or equivalent in urban planning, architecture, geography, or related fields, along with a research proposal and evidence of research capability. The University of Auckland is renowned for its strong emphasis on applied research and engagement with contemporary urban challenges, making this doctoral program highly relevant for those seeking to lead innovative urban design initiatives.