Professional Practice Project in Environmental Planning

Overview

The module is based on a combination of lectures and project work. A real-world project has been commissioned to allow students to become fully engaged in preparing local plans. The groups will prepare plans that consider the physical, social and economic context of study area before devising specific policies and proposals to inform the future development of this area

Learning Objectives

1. Explain and demonstrate how spatial planning operates within the context of institutional and legal frameworks.
2. Generate integrated and well substantiated responses to spatial planning challenges.
3. Demonstrate how efficient resource management helps to deliver effective spatial planning.
4. Explain the political and ethical nature of spatial planning and reflect on how planners work effectively within democratic decision making structures.
5. Explain the contribution that planning can make to the built and natural environment
6. Explain the principles of equality and equality of opportunity in relation to spatial planning in order to positively promote the involvement of different communities, and evaluate the importance and effectiveness of community engagement in the planning process.
7. Evaluate the principles and processes of design for creating high quality places and enhancing the public realm for the benefit of all in society.
8. Demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluative and appraisal skills and the ability to reach appropriate evidence based decisions.
9. Recognise the role of communication skills in the planning process and the importance of working in an inter-disciplinary context and be able to demonstrate negotiation, mediation, advocacy and leadership skills.
10. Distinguish the characteristics of a professional, including the importance of upholding the highest standards of ethical behaviour and a commitment to lifelong learning and critical reflection so as to maintain and develop professional competence.
11. Demonstrate an understanding of the actual or likely cause and effects of plan decisions.
12. Demonstrate competent computer, written and presentational skills.

Skills

In addition, you will also develop the following generic and professional skills:

• Group working
• Oral and written presentation
• Primary data collection
• Data analysis
• Policy formulation and plan-making
• Policy interpretation.

Assessment

Students must get a final mark of 50% or above to pass.