Urban Design Theory (ABPL90017)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 1
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
This subject explores contemporary theories and modes of critique relating to the design of the urban public realm. Emphasis is on how urban physical form responds to the economic, cultural, political, social, aesthetic and natural forces of an urbanised area. Assignments and class papers require students to critically engage with a broad range of theoretical positions, and relate them to local conditions.
Intended learning outcomes
Having completed this subject the student is expected to:
- Develop an understanding of contemporary theories of urban design,
- Be able to think critically about a range of theoretical positions,
- Have the intellectual capacity to develop innovative approaches to urban design practice.
Generic skills
Students develop an understanding of contemporary theories of urban design and the ability to think critically about a range of theoretical positions, including development of the following generic skills:
- Urban design analysis;
- Urban design fieldwork;
- Essay writing;
- Verbal presentation.
Last updated: 13 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into a course at Melbourne School of Design
OR
Approval from the subject coordinator
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
702-421 (ABPL40010) Urban Design Theory
Recommended background knowledge
Good English Proficiency
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 13 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Journal (equivalent to 2500 words , 50% in total) , including preliminary submission , mid-semester, 15%, and final submission end of semester 35%)
| End of semester | 50% |
Multi-scale urban analysis (graphic and written) 2xA3 sheets
| Mid semester | 20% |
Essay
| End of semester | 30% |
Additional details
Written and graphic assignments equivalent to 5000 words. Students must demonstrate a high level of engagement with and/or critical analysis of the subject content.
Last updated: 13 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Kim Dovey Coordinator Ammon Beyerle Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 2 hour tutorial per week Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 13 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Master of Urban Planning Course Master of Urban Design - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 13 March 2025