The structure of the course:
Autumn Semester
The first semester provides an introduction to planning and its practice at a variety of spatial scales. The modules link together around the theme of understanding these scales and how planners might act in these.
Spatial Planning Systems (15 credits)
Covers planning systems at different spatial scales and explores the operation of planning systems, their legal basis and the political context in which planning decisions are made. An innovative 'simulation exercise' will deepen your understanding of the practice of planning.
Perspectives on Spatial Planning and Development (15 credits)
Focuses on the diverse economic, social and geographical contexts in which planning operates. This will be developed through group and individual work focusing on understanding the diverse contexts in which planners make policies and strategies within a 'real-life' sub-region of the UK.
Values in Planning (15 credits)
Looks at planning practice and shows how theory might be used to inform our understanding of it. The professional roles and dilemmas faced by planners will be explored, partly through reflection on a short work placement.
Research Methods (15 credits)
Develops core skills essential to undertaking research in planning. Includes grounding in quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as helping understand the types of research carried out and used by planners.
Placements
As part of the MA you will spend at least one week during the Christmas vacation gaining work experience in a planning department.
Spring Semester
The second semester allows you to develop and apply the skills and knowledge gained through the autumn semester as well as start to focus on specialist areas of planning.
Integrated Project (30 credits)
This will help apply your recently-acquired knowledge and skills to a real-life planning issue. The project will develop your skills in urban design, policy-making and property development and help you apply these to a real-life scenario. You will be working alongside students from our MA in Property as well as planning professionals to develop your response to a planning problem.
Choice of two option modules (15 credits each) from:
Issues in Housing
Local and Regional Economic Policy
Public Participation
Cities of the South: Planning for Informality
Cities of Diversity
Regional Constructs, Actors and Policies
Property Market Analysis
Planning Law
Summer
Dissertation (60 credits)
The dissertation will let you explore a topic in detail with the individual guidance of your personal supervisor. It will help you develop specialist knowledge and skills as well as personal, generic and research skills.