The programme aims to:

1. enhance existing construction related professionals with the knowledge of urban design and regional planning;

2. produce experts with comprehensive knowledge of urban design and regional planning;

3. offer a route for further study to graduates of construction related disciplines;

4. provide multi-disciplinary approach for architecture, civil engineering, urban design, urban planning, building services and construction professionals;

5. train/equip students with the skills for carrying out research works in various related disciplines.

Applicants must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and have one of the following criteria to be eligible for admission:

1. Applicants should have a bachelor degree in a relevant discipline, or obtained an equivalent qualification or provided evidence of academic and professional attainments acceptable for this purpose to the University. Preference for admission is given to individuals who have completed a balanced undergraduate education that includes study in the arts, sciences, humanities and engineering, especially for those who have architecture, planning, civil engineering, surveying and construction related training.
    
2. The admission committee will consider prospective students’ ability and eagerness to be a professional in the discipline of urban planning and design rather than whether their previous experiences relate to urban planning and design.
    
3. Qualifications other than the above-mentioned will be considered on case-by-case basis and endorsement by the CSE will be sought.
    
4. Applicants without the specified academic qualifications may still be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis if they are able to present exceptionally good alternative qualifications and possess substantial technical and management experiences.

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English should also fulfill the following minimum English proficiency requirement:

• TOEFL score 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-based test); or
• Overall band 6.5 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or
• Score 450 in the new College English Test (CET-6) of China mainland or a pass in the old CET-6 test; or
• Other equivalent qualifications.

Each student must satisfactorily complete at least 60 credit units before Master of Urban Design and Regional Planning is awarded. The total 60 credit units comprise two parts, namely the core courses (48 credits) and elective courses (12 credits). Reference should be made to the programme document and the student handbook for the criteria of choosing electives. The curriculum includes six key areas in urban planning and design:

• Planning and Design Studio
• History and Theory
• Urban Economics and Development
• Advanced Technology
• Practice and Law
• Research

RICS approved to grant accreditation for the programme from 2014/2015 academic year.

The Department will explore the possibility of seeking professional accreditation of the programme by relevant professional institutes such as the Hong Kong Institute of Planners, Hong Kong Institute of Urban Designers, Planning and Development Division of Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors and other relevant professional institutions.

In general, application for credit unit transfer is normally not entertained. In case an application is considered fully justified by the Head of Department, the courses for transfer must be taken from master programme by the student within 3 years from the date of application of this transfer exercise. This arrangement does not apply to students registering for another stream after graduation from one stream. Criteria for granting credit unit transfer include the level, the duration and the content of the course.

Applications for credit transfer for work completed prior to entry to the University must be made in the first semester following the student’s admission, before the deadline set by the University. Applications for credit transfer for outside work completed after admission to the University must be made immediately in the semester following attainment of the additional qualification.

Course Descriptions
Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
College of Science and Engineering