International Planning MA

Modules

• Planning history and theory
  This module examines the history of planning and the evolution of the theories and ideas that have underpinned the various attempts to intervene in the natural and built environment through the institution of state-led planning systems. It stresses the concept of theory as understanding, the interlinked nature of history and theory and the importance for the development of planning practice.
• Sustainable places (with EU field study visit)
  This module examines sustainability issues and challenges and the initiatives and responses from spatial planning and related agencies, institutions and organisations in the context of a European field study visit. The module will provide you with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the different forces at work within a region or city context. You'll develop your understanding of sustainability issues and the impact of climate change; recognise the processes of change and identify issues and mechanisms that allow an area to develop to fulfil its potential as well as respond to environmental and related challenges.
• Development and regeneration
  This module provides an advanced introduction to urban regeneration and development. The focus will be on understanding the nature of development, the economic and social drivers, financial appraisal of schemes and the development process. The reasons for, and nature of, urban regeneration interventions will be critically examined, exploring both property-led and community-led schemes and the links between property development and social/community benefits derived from planning gain.
• Urban design- the heart of planning
  The module will focus on the future of an area of London that has undergone radical change in recent years and is the subject of complex and intense pressures for development. The area will have a number of constraints such as being in a Conservation Area and including listed buildings and part of the work will be to assess the balance to be struck between the parts that are of historic value, the parts that are to change and the form of new development, in an area that is complex culturally, socially and economically. The underlying theme to the module is the belief that planners must be able to visualise possible futures for sites in such a way that is positive.
• Comparative international planning
• Dissertation
  On this module you'll engage with a substantial piece of research and writing which is self-initiated and supported by a specified academic supervisor. This is a double-weighted module that runs over two semesters and is an intensive piece of student-devised learning which normally includes empirical research. You'll choose your own research topic, which must be in the field of your chosen specialism. You can expect this to be a most rewarding experience and the academic high-point of your degree.

• City marketing
  Cities, be they historic, seaside, regional or capital, are the power houses of the tourism and hospitality industry. They shape and are shaped by tourism and hospitality which has become a major economic driver and re-imaging agent of city governance agencies as they seek to re-invent their themselves in the new global order. This module seeks to explain the role of tourism and hospitality and the visitor economy in the modern city and to critically analyse this in relation to a number of theoretical perspectives. The module will equip you with a critical understanding of broader perspectives required to manage and market tourism in the modern city and inform city marketing strategies.
• Housing in developing countries
• International real estate and construction
• Planning practice project
  You'll have the opportunity to develop an individual project based on your chosen specialist area of study. The project must link together both theoretical and practice debates within the area of specialism (where required) and must be practice focused. You'll be able to relate the subject content contained in the specialist area of study to practical problems that may be encountered in a work situation. You'll be encouraged to explore the links between planning education and practice through a particular practice relevant project. In addition, the module will prepare you for your Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Modules are assessed by a mixture of essays, reports, projects, group work and seen exams.