Urban Policy and Strategy - 8313
Program Summary
Faculty: Built Environment
Contact: Built Environment
Campus: Sydney
Career: Postgraduate
Typical Duration: 1.5 Years 
Typical UOC Per Semester: 24
Min UOC Per Semester: 6
Max UOC Per Semester: 24
Min UOC For Award: 72
Award(s):
Master of Urban Policy and Strategy (Specialisation)
View program information for previous years
Program Description
Program Summary
Urban Policy and Strategy is a unique degree offered by the Faculty of Built Environment for professionals wishing to develop advanced skills in urban management. The program focuses on developing leaders in the field of urban policy. Work in this field is challenging and complex and requires a capacity not only to understand the range of issues confronting urban managers but also to understand how to use and interpret data, to prepare evidence based policy, and to understand core development finance feasibilities.
The program is structured in three phases: understanding the context of cities and regions and their management; the use of tools for policy assessment, development finance and data analysis; and the key issues faced during professional practice. The program covers the drivers of change and theories of cities; the key urban strategy challenges; decision making and policy administration; public and private development finance; policy instruments and their assessment; urban data and modern data tools; advanced research methods; and urban leadership, politics and ethics. The program includes two BE select electives which will facilitate a focus on specific urban policy issues.
The program is a three-semester program delivered in one calendar year (Semester 1, Semester 2 and Summer Term). The program will be able to be taken full-time or part-time, and the three phases achieved by Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or a full Masters degree. Courses in the program will be delivered in intensive teaching blocks in order to enable those still working to participate.
The program will utilise a number of different teaching strategies including: studios, master classes, problem-based learning, case studies and field trips, consulting projects with clients, and evidence-based research. Class sizes in the program will deliberately be small to allow students to engage in highly interactive classes with other students, researchers, professionals, adjunct faculty and teachers.
An international study project will be offered in the final semester for Master’s students.
The program is structured in three phases: understanding the context of cities and regions and their management; the use of tools for policy assessment, development finance and data analysis; and the key issues faced during professional practice. The program covers the drivers of change and theories of cities; the key urban strategy challenges; decision making and policy administration; public and private development finance; policy instruments and their assessment; urban data and modern data tools; advanced research methods; and urban leadership, politics and ethics. The program includes two BE select electives which will facilitate a focus on specific urban policy issues.
The program is a three-semester program delivered in one calendar year (Semester 1, Semester 2 and Summer Term). The program will be able to be taken full-time or part-time, and the three phases achieved by Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or a full Masters degree. Courses in the program will be delivered in intensive teaching blocks in order to enable those still working to participate.
The program will utilise a number of different teaching strategies including: studios, master classes, problem-based learning, case studies and field trips, consulting projects with clients, and evidence-based research. Class sizes in the program will deliberately be small to allow students to engage in highly interactive classes with other students, researchers, professionals, adjunct faculty and teachers.
An international study project will be offered in the final semester for Master’s students.
Admission Requirements
In order to apply to the program applicants must have at least 3 years of post graduate, industry experience, including work in an urban, regional or related professional role. An undergraduate degree with at least a credit average in a relevant discipline is also required. A relevant degree would encompass studies in a built environment discipline as well as studies in social science, social policy, business and law. Local and international students are eligible to apply. The program is particularly suited to professionals wanting to up skill after being in the field for several years. Applicants will be required to undertake an interview process as part of their application for entry into the program.
Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes
Program Objectives
At the end of the program students will:
At the end of the program students will:
- have a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice behind the development of urban policy and strategy
- have a comprehensive understanding of the key issues driving the management of cities, and be aware of the governance, politics and ethics of managing urban policy
- be able to analyse and present concisely the arguments around a policy problem, and understand how to manipulate data to extract the issues for this analysis
- have advanced skills in preparing and managing strategic planning processes
- have either undertaken an overseas study project or a local consulting project from the beginning analysis through to the end presentation of recommended policy and strategy
Graduate attributes
- Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of urban policy and strategy
- Apply research principles and methods applicable to urban policy and strategy in local, national and international contexts
- Critically analyse, reflect on and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and apply established theories to practice
- Justify, interpret and communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner
- Plan and execute a substantial research-based professionally-focused project in urban policy and strategy (capstone)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the field of urban policy and strategy in its interdisciplinary context, and the ability to manage complex interdisciplinary problems
- Demonstrate the qualities of an ethical practitioner
- Demonstrate leadership through the capacity for entrepreneurship and innovation, and the capacity to initiate and embrace change
- Demonstrate cultural awareness, environmental and social responsibility, and a respect for diversity
Program Structure
To qualify for the Master of Urban Policy and Strategy students are required to complete a program of study totaling 72 UOC. Students must select 9 or 10 of the following core courses (a total of 54 or 60 UOC) and 2 or 3 BE (Built Environment) Select elective courses (a total of 12 or 18 UOC) to complement their core courses and to achieve the Program study required total of 72 UOC.:
Semester 1**
Semester 1**
Semester 2**
- MUPS0005 Impact Assessment (6 UOC)
- MUPS0006 Digital Cities (6 UOC)
- MUPS0007 Evidence-Based Policy (6 UOC)
- BE Select Elective (6 UOC)
Semester 3 (Summer Term)
- MUPS0008 International Policy Studio (12 UOC)
- MUPS0009 Urban Leadership (6 UOC)
- BE Select Elective (6 UOC)
**Students have the option of substituting a 6uoc Core Course with a 6uoc Select Elective in any Semester.
BE Select Elective courses:
BE Select Elective courses:
- BENV7307 Writing the City (6 UOC)
- BENV7732 Sustainable Infrastructure (6 UOC)
- BENV7810 Infrastructure Planning (6 UOC)
- BENV7811 Urban Renewal (6 UOC)
- PLAN7156 Housing Policy (6 UOC)
- PLAN7157 Engaging Communities (6 UOC)
Urban design may also be studied as an elective through selected course offerings in the Master of Urban Development and Design (MUDD) program.
Additional electives may also be offered in a particular semester. Students are advised to contact the Program Director prior to enrolment for information about the availability of courses in a particular semester.
Additional electives may also be offered in a particular semester. Students are advised to contact the Program Director prior to enrolment for information about the availability of courses in a particular semester.
Academic Rules
- Candidates whose entry to the Masters is approved may carry 48 units of credit from the Graduate Diploma.
- Students may apply to progress from the Graduate Diploma to Masters level with full credit for courses completed in earlier programs in the sequence, provided that the earlier awards are not conferred.
- Students must have completed at least 48UOC before enrolling in 'International Policy Studio' or 'Urban Leadership, Politics and Ethics'.
Advanced Standing
Applicants will be considered for advanced standing on a case by case basis. The interdisciplinary nature of the program and the anticipated broad cognate disciplines of students entering the program does not support a standard or blanket approach to advanced standing determinations.
Fees
For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website: UNSW Fee Website.
Study Levels
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