Compulsory modules

Development Economics, Management and Finance

This module examines the general elements of economic development and management which are applicable in a local government and development setting. You will focus on communication and negotiation techniques required in the implementation of policy. Financial frameworks and controls exercised by local and central government are also considered.

Contemporary Issues in Planning Law, Practice and Research

This module gives you the opportunity to study emerging issues in spatial planning and to develop your own skills in the analysis of planning debates and in problem-solving techniques. The module is practice based and examines key issues in planning practice including the legal and policy context of development control and forward planning, and probity in professional practice.

Implementation Project

This module represents a project of professional advice for a client according to a pre-set brief in the form of a report of 7,500 words maximum. The module provides an important link between the generality of the implementation of policies and proposals and your specialist knowledge. The content of the report will normally depend on your choice of elective specialisation.

Optional modules

Urban Design

 Urban Design Studio I is project-based, applying the theoretical and operational concepts of urban design to a live study site of more than 10 hectares.
 Urban Design Theory I introduces the theoretical concepts underpinning current urban design practice approaches.
 Urban Design Theory II explores design issues in more detail, including design for the sensory experience of space, problematic building types and mixed use, density issues, regeneration, guiding and promoting urban design development, sustainability in urban design, coding and briefing, etc.
 Urban Design Development consists of a set of specialist topic seminars. The specialist topics will vary but will normally cover coding and briefing, issues of local identity, urban landscape design, movement and mobility, and emerging issues concerned with the provision of good urban design in relation to globalisation.

Environmental Decision-Making

 Environmental Assessment examines the organisation, preparation, presentation, prediction, assessment and decision-making in environmental assessment techniques. Key skills in screening, scoping, review and the methods of assessment for noise, landscape, archaeology, ecology, traffic and socio-economic impacts are emphasised.
 Environmental Law and Decision-Making examines the international, European and UK legal context of environmental decision-making. This considers the development of environmental law from international treaties and conventions into European and UK legislation. In particular, the module focuses on key areas of environmental law and the assessment procedures established by European directives.

Historic Conservation

 Design for Conservation provides an introduction to the differing philosophies underlying approaches to building in historic places, and familiarises students with the concepts of townscape appraisal and urban design. It examines the role of design guides, design codes and site briefs in securing 'appropriate' development in sensitive historic locations.

 Conservation Economics provides an introduction to financial and economic aspects specific to the conservation of buildings and areas including construction costing, development appraisal for the use of historic buildings and the particular characteristics of conservation area land markets. The module combines with Historic Conservation in Context which provides an introduction and critical examination of the legal measures which preserve and enhance the historic environment. The module includes a review of how these powers may operate in practice is also provided.

Urban Planning in Developing and Transitional Regions

 Development and Urbanisation examines the theories, processes and consequences of rapid urbanisation in the developing world within the context of economic development and social change.

 Urban Land Policy and Urban Management examines the processes of urban land development under conditions of rapid urban growth. The concept and development of land policy is examined.

Tourism Planning

Sustainable Tourism Planning examines the growth, development and impact of tourism, introducing students to the broad issues affecting the planning and development of tourism as a base-line understanding of tourism planning and sustainable development. Core elements include a discussion on tourism's impacts (economic, social and environmental), issues of sustainability, carrying capacity, eco-tourism and other alternative forms of tourism.

Urban Regeneration

 Introduction to Regeneration introduces the context within which urban regeneration takes place and examines different approaches to securing desired change. Contemporary policies, objectives, strategies, funding and agencies are introduced and critically analysed.

 Regeneration and Neighbourhoods critically examines key issues in current regeneration theory, policy and practice, focusing on neighbourhood renewal and people-based approaches to regeneration. As well as looking at particular initiatives the module explores issues involved in community participation in regeneration.