Town Planning MSc

Core modules

• Planning - Principles and Concepts

  You'll be introduced to the central concepts which define contemporary practice and research in spatial planning, encouraging you to develop a conceptual framework to underpin the purposes and nature of spatial planning. The social, economic, political and environmental contexts for planning, including their theoretical approaches, are studied through a series of cross-cutting concepts drawing on the multi-disciplinary foundations; this is developed into an exploration of theories of planning and the nature of planning as a process and as a profession.

• Plan Making and Policy

  The module is designed to introduce you to the core aspects of planning activity and assist in the development of a critical and practical understanding of the contextual and conceptual framework within which spatial planning operates in urban and rural contexts. The purpose and nature of spatial planning is debated, including its origins in the European Community, contemporary changes, and its application across and within the UK and abroad.

• Planning Implementation

  You'll explore ways in which strategic plans and development frameworks can be transformed into a sustainable reality. Developing an understanding of the legal, regulatory and policy framework governing land and property development in the UK, development management and appeals, environmental assessment, financial appraisal, regeneration practices, partnerships, community empowerment, equality and diversity objectives.

• Planning and Society

  You'll focus on the social and political context for planning in the UK, including planning as a construct of the prevailing social, economic and governmental extant policies that define planning; you'll unpick the relationship between planning and society. Social and political contexts are discussed in detail and their impact upon the nature of planning as a process and as a profession is explored.

• Site Studies and Urban Design

  Gain an understanding of the inseparable nature of the place and its context, a 'sense of place', and how this affects the design of new buildings and place-making that contribute to the built environment. You’ll study the primary elements that form the physical environment in its historic, present and future context, together with the relative legal and planning constraints that affect the built environment. You’ll survey, study, investigate and evaluate a real urban site, and develop the ability to analyse and evaluate elements of townscape, in particular the design elements that contribute to urban form and place shaping. You’ll examine planning policy and guidance, and design procedures and processes. You’ll develop a design brief for a selected site, proposing a new scheme and placing it within the context of the existing townscape. Finally, you’ll improve your drawing and sketching skills to enhance your understanding of the place, spaces between buildings, and the urban environment.

• Sustainability and Environmental Management

  Here, you will look at wider developments in environmental protection and how these affect construction, as well as how construction affects them. You will also examine the demands that greater environmental awareness places on the built environment.

• Research Design and Methods

  Gain an in-depth understanding of the theories and methods of research and research design and develop a theoretical and practical foundation in research for your major project/dissertation. You will get an understanding of a range of approaches to research, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, together with an understanding of a number of specific research methods. You will develop your knowledge of research design in order to critically consider the design for your research project, including preparing your proposal and considering ethics and ethical issues. You will develop a theoretical and practical foundation from which to develop your Masters Level Major Project/Dissertation.

• Masters Project

  You'll chose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within our department (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area which may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up. The final piece of work should be equivalent to a maximum of 12,000 words.

• Housing and Planning

  You'll consider the development of housing and the relationship between this and planning, developing the ability to critically analyse planning policy and practice, together with the consideration of new policies for housing. You'll develop a good knowledge and understanding of the constraints, goals, methods and procedures of planning and housing professionals.