Planning Practice Study Visit

Overview

This module consists of a 5 day field study to a European City during which time students will study a range of planning and development issues and consider the differing impact of culture and political context on the practice of spatial planning.

This module will be comprised of: group and individual tasks for completion (before during and after the visit).

Students will have opportunities to study an aspect of the city before they depart to gather field data and to present findings on a research theme which they have developed whilst on the field course.

Learning Objectives

1. Gather insights derived from studying the practice of spatial planning in different socio-economic, cultural, legal and political contexts.
2. Appreciate alternative planning strategies and ideologies other than those promoted in the UK and Ireland.
3. Secure a detailed understanding of the planning issues and responses experienced in a major European city.
4. Demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluative and appraisal skills and the ability to reach appropriate, evidence based decisions.
5. Reflect on the arguments for and against spatial planning and particular theoretical approaches, and assess what can be learnt from experience of spatial planning in different context and spatial scales.

Skills

At the end of the module students should also be equipped with the following transferable skills:

Intellectual skills:
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret information;
• Develop and defend reasoned opinions;
• Develop and demonstrate independent thinking.

Employability Skills (practical skills transferable into employment):
• Communication: using the written and spoken word (including appropriate use of charts, diagrams, etc.);
• Information and communication technology: searching and obtaining information; entering and processing data; and presenting information;
• Improving own learning and performance: demonstrating independence while learning; and reviewing progress and achievements;
• Problem solving: identifying a problem; exploring options; selecting an appropriate solution; use of appropriate resources; and synthesis, critical analysis, and interpretation of information;
• Team working: working as part of a group and achieving positive results;
• Independent research, field study, logistical and project self-management skills.

Assessment

Students must pass all assessment components.