Contemporary Issues in Urban and Rural Planning

Overview

This module takes an holistic view of the activities, policies and planning initiatives that are currently shaping the relationship between urban and rural areas. This examination of contemporary planning issues places particular emphasis on Northern Ireland, but locates a series of key debates within the wider planning practice arena.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

(1) Report on the nature of contemporary urban and rural challenges affecting Northern Ireland and evaluate planning's responses;
(2) Explain and demonstrate how spatial planning operates in Northern Ireland within the context of its evolving institutional framework and wider planning debates;
(3) Explain the contribution that planning can make to the built and natural environment;
(4) Explain the principles of equality and equality of opportunity in relation to spatial planning;
(5) Evaluate the importance and effectiveness of community engagement in the planning process;
(6) Demonstrate effective research, analytical and evaluative skills and the ability to reach appropriate evidence based decisions.

Skills

Policy analysis and written communication.

Assessment

Students must pass all assessment components.