Modules

Compulsory modules Place Making (30 credits) This module develops an appreciation of the role of urban design and place making in the creation and protection of high quality urban environments. Centring on a ‘live’ site with significant redevelopment potential, the module equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to appraise the character and quality of a place, and to generate imaginative and integrative visions for its future. Planning for Sustainable Futures: Environment, Health and Society (30 credits) This module builds understanding of the concept and principles of sustainability, including the various dimensions of sustainability that are integral to spatial planning and the interconnections between them. It develops skills in the interpretation and practice of sustainable development and understanding of the changing socio-political and environmental context within which spatial plans are generated and implemented. Planning Frameworks: Law, Policy and Professional Practice (30 credits) This module familiarises students with the legal, governance and professional contexts in and through which planning systems operate, as well as developing the core knowledge, skills and behaviours that planners need in professional practice. Research Methods (10 credits) This module provides students with a practical knowledge of the key research methods and skills applicable to spatial planning and related fields. The module develops a critical awareness and core understanding of different research philosophies, approaches and methods, in order to promote the design and delivery of effective research projects. Optional modules Contemporary Approaches to Urban Design (30 credits) The aim of this module is to provide the theoretical, practical and applied skills to enable the emerging professional to critically assess and develop urban design interventions. In this module, students learn to shape theory and practice to develop an urban design framework for critical analysis, evaluation as well as a coherent means for creating design interventions and understanding its impact. Effective and Proportionate Environmental Impact Assessment (30 credits) This module explores the systematic process of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) / Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the conceptual foundations of effectiveness in order to promote understanding of the development planning and design cycles where EIA / ESIA has greatest potential to shape sustainable outcomes. UK and international legislation and different sector guidance are examined to establish key dimensions of best practice. Sustainable Development (30 credits) The challenge of sustainable development in the current global juncture is to eradicate poverty whilst rebuilding the ecosystems and natural resources that we depend on. This requires a step change in our approach to urban infrastructure – both the building of new infrastructure and the maintenance and upgrading of existing systems. The aim of this module is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to respond to this challenge in cities. Urban Regeneration and Historic Conservation (30 credits) This module locates conservation practice in the context of strategies for physical, cultural and social regeneration. It introduces students to key conservation and regeneration principles, strategies and impacts, exposes them to case studies from around the world, and develops their ability to think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to regeneration and conservation. Dissertation (50 credits) This module follows on from Research Methods and involves students undertaking and writing up a significant piece of independent research. The detailed research proposal submitted by students as part of Research Methods provides much of the direction needed to complete the dissertation in terms of research scope and programme.

Assessment method

Master's degree (MSc) You must complete: 3 compulsory modules research methods module elective specialisation module a 15,000-word master's dissertation. Full time master’s students will have two teaching days each week during semester - one for each 30 credit module. Part time and Distance Learning students will have one teaching day each week during semester. Distance learners will enrol in the same modules as part-time students and will have the opportunity to participate in real-time lectures and workshops. You’ll also have the option to view recorded sessions so that you can engage in your studies at the times and pace that suit you. For all students, a typical teaching day will consist of four hours of teaching time. In addition, you will have 1-2 hour Research Methods sessions in certain weeks.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Town Planning Institute, Royal