Spatial Planning

Course Structure

1. [\'Spatial Planning in Context explores the contexts within which the UK planning system needs to be understood: historical, spatial, social, economic, political and international. You will consider the issues that the planning system confronts and manages, and reflect on the range of approaches, historically and between countries, which may be taken to deal with planning issues.\', \'Spatial Planning in Action presents an analysis and assessment of the structure, objectives and responsibilities underlying the practice of spatial planning from a UK perspective. The legal basis and administrative aspects of planning decision making are introduced, including development plan making, development control and the appeals process.\', \'Place-Making introduces the theories, processes and practice of place making, and evaluates these against their impact on urban form and different sectors of society. The module teaches the development of design alternatives, taking account of political, socio-economic, development, aesthetic and other key factors important in achieving high quality, sustainable public realms.\', \'Delivering Sustainable Futures extends understanding of the principles of sustainability, the interpretation and practice of sustainable development, and the changing socio-political and environmental context within which plans are generated and implemented.\', \'Contemporary Issues in Planning Practice and Research provides an opportunity to study developing issues in planning practice, particularly the legal aspects of decision making, using examples from areas of current controversy. A hands on exercise is included, such as participating in a mock public inquiry for a real planning case.\', \'Research Methods (Public Policy) provides a critical knowledge of methods and skills of research and their application to investigative work that informs public policy.\', \'MSc Dissertation is an individual research study of up to 15,000 words. It reveals abilities to define and research an issue or problem of relevance to the discipline of planning and to make a contribution to knowledge in the chosen area of specialisation (see below).\', \'Principles of Environmental Assessment and Management sets EIA and SEA in the context of sustainability, environmental policy making and the derivation of environmental values. It addresses the availability and use of environmental resources, reviews methods for conserving these resources, and discusses the aims and interactions of various interest groups, and methods of public participation in environmental decision making.\', \'Strategic Environmental Assessment introduces the concept of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), its principles and the status of SEA around the world. The links between SEA, environmental impact assessment, strategic decision making and a wide range of SEA tools and techniques and their advantages and disadvantages in various settings are explored.\', \'Design for Conservation provides an introduction to the differing philosophies underlying approaches to building in historic places. It examines the role of design guides, design codes and site briefs in securing appropriate development in sensitive historic locations.\', \'Conservation Economics is a half unit which provides an introduction to financial and economic aspects specific to the conservation of buildings. The module combines with Historic Conservation in Context, which provides an introduction and critical examination of the legal measures that exist to preserve and enhance the historic environment.\', \'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.\', "Sustainable Tourism Planning examines the growth, development and impact of tourism. It introduces students to the broad issues affecting the planning and development of tourism, providing a baseline 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 Design Studio I introduces you to advanced methods, techniques and concepts in urban design through the medium of a specific site development project.\', \'Urban Design Theory I and II further develops an awareness of client groups, user needs, and professional and legal requirements of the urban environment, placing these in the context of a specific design project on a nominated site.\', \'Urban Design Development Seminars provide an opportunity for students to bring the knowledge and skills developed in the other urban design modules together in student led workshops.\', \'Introduction to Regeneration and Economic Development examines the changing context for urban regeneration and sub-national economic development activity, together with associated policy responses. The module begins with a brief historical review, and moves on to assess changes in the nature of the economy and in government policy which localities and regions are facing in the contemporary global, knowledge-based era. It then examines in more detail some of the current policy initiatives and governance forms which are deployed in the pursuit of economic development and urban and regional regeneration.\', \'Regeneration and Neighbourhood Planning critically examines key issues in current theory, policy and practice, focusing on neighbourhood renewal, people-based approaches to regeneration and neighbourhood planning. The module makes extensive use of case studies to explore the links between physical and social regeneration.\', \'MSc in Environmental Assessment and Management (EAM) examines the background to EAM, particularly in the context of planning, natural resource management and principles. It develops skills in environmental impact assessment and environmental management.\', \'MSc in Historic Conservation examines the principles, procedures and practices of historic conservation within the context of the wider built environment and the planning process. It develops skills and capabilities in practical conservation techniques and evaluation.\', \'MA in Urban Design brings together theory and practice from several fields to demonstrate urban design as an integrated discipline. The focus is practical and seeks to engender positive intervention in the production of the public realm.\', \'MSc in Urban Planning: Developing and Transitional Regions examines the theory, concepts and practice of urban planning in societies undergoing rapid economic, social, environmental and spatial change.\']