Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module seeks to provide students with the opportunity to explore contemporary planning issues within the context of contemporary practice. The module explores the current system design of planning practice, its possibilities and its limitations. It reflects on the role of politics (in its broadest sense to include local authority context, partnership working and the community and key stakeholders), the latest techniques (such as negotiating, partnership working) and emerging topics (e.g. levelling up; outsourcing of planning; ageing, planning and housing; rural policy; digital tools).

The assignment includes an individual practice style report reflecting on a particular planning issue, supported by relevant evidence.

Outline Of Syllabus

- Module talk will provide an overview of the module and the assessments
- Lectures and workshops will cover a variety of contemporary planning issues (subject to change due to reacting to current situations)
Some example topics:
- The state of planning in England
- The housing crisis
- Digital interfaces
- Localism
- Outsourcing of planning
- Drop-in/surgery sessions allow students to ask questions in preparation for their report on a contemporary planning issue

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

For students to gain an understanding of:

(i) the capacity and capabilities of planning and planners to engage with the requirements made of planning in an English context.
(ii) the importance of the political/administrative context in which they plan
(iii) particular contemporary issues, how they play out in a planning context and an ability to critique this/these practice(s)

Intended Skill Outcomes

For students to gain the skills of being able to
(i) think critically about the planning system and planning practices
(ii) reflect on a contemporary issue, and planning’s response to that issue critically
(iii) write an evidence-supported practice report, including the evidence base where appropriate.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

A lecture from a different contributing expert each week enable students to build their understanding of a variety of contemporary planning issues. This is supported by a reading task provided by each contributor each week and a two hour workshop facilitated by the contributor, potentially linked to the guided reading, giving students a weekly opportunity to ask questions and develop their capacity for critical reflection. The workshops support understanding of the capacity and capabilities of planning and planners to engage with the contemporary planning issues covered, as well as appreciation of the importance of the political/administrative context. The drop-in sessions support the students in reflecting in depth on a contemporary issue in planning, as well as supporting their development of skills in writing an evidence-based report.
There are 33 contact hours for this module.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

These assessments enable students to reflect critically on a range of policy mechanisms and issues related to the particular contemporary planning issue they seek to explore, and to critically reflect on UK planning today.

The second assignment also seeks to ensure students are confident with report style writing ahead of becoming professionals in whatever field they seek to take up.

General Notes

N/A