Urban design programs in Australia

[jammers]

Can anyone recommend a good urban design program (certificate or Masters) in Australia? I've been leaning towards the Masters in Urban Design and Development program at UNSW and the Masters program at the University of Melbourne. Does anyone know how practical these programs are and what the job prospects are?

My main reasons for being interested in Sydney is the nice weather and outdoor beach lifestyle...and because of the ultra modern urban landscape of course. Maybe I'm being too naive? Is Australia overrated? Also, my undergrad marks were pretty crappy and the entry requirements for schools in Australia seem less rigorous than North American schools.

I've been working as a GIS Coordinator/Planner for a very small municipality in Ontario for about 5 months now (this is my first real job) after completing a GIS certificate program. I did my undergrad in urban geography. I just feel as though I can't spend the rest of my life in either one of these fields. I've always been an artistic person and love building models, using my hands, and designing things. Being 23 yrs old, I feel like its now or never to follow my passion as cheesy as that may sound. Also, I'm sick of these long Canadian winters. Its too depressing.

However, I have $20,000 in student loans and tuition in Australia would cost me an additional $20,000 plus living expenses. Should I just stick with my job and gain some experience? Is there any possibility of transitioning into an Urban Design position without a degree in it? I'd appreciate any advice. My future counts on it! Thanks mates!

[NickSticks]

I can't really speak for Australia or urban design/planning programs down there but I would recommended looking into getting a professional Master of Architecture (MArch) degree. If you truly want to be doing hands-on design work and model building, an architecture degree will be of much greater value to you than a Masters in Urban Design. Most MUD degrees (at least ones here in the States) expect you to come in with prior design education and professional experience as they will not spend much time teaching you to be a designer, rather they will teach you how to apply your prior design experience to the theories of urban design.

If the design part of urban design is truly your passion seek out an MArch or even an MLA program that has a strong formal emphasis in urban design.

[jammers]

Thanks nicksticks. From reading other posts it seems like an MLA is the way I should be going for what I want to do. Does anybody know of any college programs that offer Landscape Architecture programs that are preferably less than 2 yrs long? Would an LA certificate program provide sufficient skills to pursue a career in urban design? I just don't think I have the marks to get into a Masters program unfortunately...

[NickSticks]

Unfortunately if you don't have an educational background in architecture or landscape architecture you will probably not be able to find an accredited MLA program that can be completed in less than 3 years. However, if being a designer is your dream don't let the length of the program deter you as it will pay off in the long run. I wouldn't worry too much about your undergraduate grades/marks as these can be overcome with professional experience, good GRE scores, and most importantly, a strong portfolio. I would recommend taking a couple of landscape architecture/architecture courses at a local college so you can learn the basics of design and start building a portfolio. Taking some classes will also help you determine if spending 3 years in an LA program is something you would be interested in.