Town Planning PgDip / 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.
• Planning in London
  You'll examine the planning context of London as a World City, as a centre for financial industries and as a home to millions of people. You'll find it particularly useful as an introduction to town planning in the UK and for understanding how a major city functions.
• 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).
• Elective
  Students are required to take an elective module, on offer from the Masters Level modules within the Department. This may be an additional specialism module if desired.

• Urban design project (urban design specialism)
  This project based module provides you with the opportunity to extend and develop your urban design skills in a practical context in relation to the planning process and the urban context for design. You'll also review theories and approaches to urban design in the context of real projects and places in use as well as your own work. Whenever possible the module will be linked to 'live' projects and areas and cases of current interest.
• Urban regeneration strategies and projects (urban regeneration specialism)
  The module focuses on contemporary regeneration practice, which in recent years has taken place within an increasingly competitive context including declining public finance. This will be explored in the context of a specific 'major' project and the regeneration strategy that provides a framework for development in the wider area.
• Environment and resource management, or, Transport, society and planning (environment specialism)
  You'll focus on a number of key themes in the context of environmental management and planning, and explore them in the context of current policy, law and practice. You'll also be introduced to environmental assessment, sustainability appraisal and environmental management techniques and processes.

Part-time taught one day per week, with one or two modules being taught in each semester.

• X6 modules = PgDip
• X6 modules + dissertation = Masters