Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide a broad and well-balanced degree programme that develops students’ knowledge, understanding and practical skills in the mediation of space and the making of place.
• To prepare students for professional practice in the field of planning or related fields by offering students a degree programme that is aligned with the requirements of the Royal Town Planning Institute and informed by professional experience.
• To develop students with the skills and knowledge for a future in planning that is shaped by new digital technology.
• To provide a high quality interdisciplinary educational experience that develops students’ understanding of the key and positive role that planners play in the development of the built environment with consideration of societal and environmental challenges.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

The following Intended Learning Outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:

• The Learning Outcomes and Principles in the Royal Town Planning Institute Policy Statement on Initial Planning Education, 2012;
• The Quality Assurance Agency Subject Specific Benchmark Statement for Town and Country Planning; and
• Liaison and consultation with professional planners and key stakeholders.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

K1.      The theoretical role and purpose of planning in economic and social development;

K2.      The political, legal and institutional frameworks within which planning and development takes place;

K3.      The ethical and moral responsibilities of planners to wider society in the UK and internationally;

K4.      The role of effective planning in the wider context of the development of the built environment;

K5.      Processes of socio-economic change and their inter-relationship with planning decisions in various contexts;

K6.      Environmental and ecological processes which may impact land use, and the role of planning in addressing key environmental challenges such as climate change and the use of resources;

K7.      Theories and principles that underpin planning, their evolution and impacts on the urban environment;

K8.      The impact of technological change and new digital technologies on informing and delivering effective planning; and

K9.   The inter-relationships between different stakeholders, agencies and institutions that are involved or affected by the processes and procedures of planning and development.  

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: 

C1.        Abstract and synthesise interdisciplinary knowledge from a broad spectrum of areas within an urban development framework;

C2.        Evaluate plans and development proposals within the framework of relevant national, regional and local policies, and with respect of societal challenges including sustainability;

C3.        Defend and present arguments in respect of spatial plans and policies appreciating different theoretical approaches and social, environmental, economic and political contexts;

C4.        Demonstrate a creative approach with consideration of design aesthetics and connection with the natural environment and social setting; and

C5.        Identify appropriate methods to collect and evaluate information and data, including new digital sources, to aid effective spatial planning and evidence-based decisions.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

P1.        Prepare plans and formulate policies with a spatial orientation at different scales and within differing contexts;

P2.        Analyse different spatial contexts with respect of social, economic, environmental and physical factors;

P3.        Formulate and present informed judgements to support a position and to demonstrate negotiation and mediation between stakeholders;  

P4.        Recognise and critically debate moral and ethical issues pertinent to spatial planning both in the UK and other contexts;

P5.        Develop and undertake an original piece of spatial planning related research; and

P6.        Apply knowledge and skills in a professional environment through a 45-week period of work experience (DIS programme only).

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

T1.        Communicate complex arguments to a range of audiences verbally, visually and in written form using a range of media;

T2.        Manage time and limited resources to undertake projects within defined parameters;

T3.        Work independently and within multidisciplinary groups;

T4.        Gather and manage both quantitative and qualitative data;

T5.        Undertake self-reflection and be aware of how their personal values may influence decisions and actions; and

T6.        Solve problems through effective collaboration.

T7.        Adopt a reflective approach to their own learning and professional development from which to monitor, plan and evidence personal and career development, and maintain professional competence.

4. Programme structure

4.1 Part A   

Introductory Modules 

Semester 1 and 2

Compulsory Modules (120 Credits)

4.2 Part B    

Degree Modules 

Compulsory Modules (100 Credits) 

Semester 1 and 2

Semester 1

Semester 2 

Optional Modules (Students should select modules totalling 20 credits)

Semester 1 and 2 

The language modules are subject to approval by the Year Tutor following discussion with the Programme Director.  Semester 2 language module must be a progression from Semester 1. 

4.3 Part C   

Degree Modules 

Semester 1 and 2

Compulsory Modules (110 Credits)

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (10 credits)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1    In order to progress from Part A or Part B, and to be eligible for the award of an Honours Degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum requirements set out in Regulation XX.  

5.2    Candidates cannot progress from Part B to the DIS year until Part B progression requirements have been met.

5.3    Candidates in Part B who wish to transfer to the MPlan programme in Urban Planning must normally satisfy the progression requirements of that programme in both Part A and Part B to be eligible.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level module assessments in Parts B and C. The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 40: Part C 60 to determine the final percentage mark.