Urban Studies and Planning MPlan(UG)

Core modules:

Information and Communication Skills

The skills needed to be able to find, evaluate, summarise and critically evaluate information are all vital to success in an undergraduate degree programme, and are also key transferable skills. This module provides basic knowledge of a range of methods for information-gathering and forms of communication. The teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, workshops and student-led discussions, with students expected to take more responsibility for their own learning as the module progresses. . Lectures provide basic knowledge on method for information gathering and forms of communication, whilst workshops and a range of exercises are used to develop these skills

10 credits

The Making of Urban Places

This module will introduce you to cities and urbanisation, from the very first settlements to contemporary metropolises, using examples from across the world. The module focuses on thinking about the role of cities within societies and civilisations throughout history. The first half, on the history of urbanisation and urban settlement, looks at how various forces have shaped cities, and the outcomes of urbanisation for cities and their populations. The second half, on contemporary global urbanisation challenges, examines some of the major global challenges facing cities today. Throughout, we will explore influential ideas which have changed our thinking about cities, and look at how urban governments and planners have sought to respond to the challenges of urbanisation.

20 credits

Understanding Sheffield; place, work, folk

The aim of this module is to provide you with an introduction to Sheffield with a particular focus on place, people, the local economy and urban change. You will be introduced to some of the theories, information and techniques that planners use in their efforts to understand and create better places and the module will develop your skills of analysis for assessing the social, economic and environmental qualities of urban places. Through a series of site visits, you will gain a basic understanding of several different areas in Sheffield so that you develop a broader appreciation of the city’s strengths and some of the contemporary challenges that it faces.

20 credits

The Environmental Challenge

Human impacts are significantly altering the natural environment, and ecological degradation poses threats to human society. This module introduces students to these challenges and how they might be addressed. It aims to (1) to examine the key environmental challenges facing human societies with a particular focus on climate change; (2) to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical understanding to help in confronting environmental challenges in a context they know (3) Provide an awareness of society’s main political institutions and regulatory procedures concerned with environmental protection and climate change (4) Develop skills in report writing and critical thinking related to environmental issues.

10 credits

Economics for Spatial Planning

This module provides an introduction to economic concepts and theories and to the way in which they are applied to the analysis of selected markets and policy challenges. The module seeks to offer an economic perspective on planning issues. The overall aim of the module is to develop students' understanding of the economic environment within which planners and other urban professions operate and to enhance understanding of economic theory and the economy in general.

10 credits

Urban Analytics

This module will serve as an introduction to quantitative research methods, with a specific focus on data sources, analysis methods and presentation techniques for policy analysis in social science. It will expose students to a wide variety of substantive issues surrounding the use of data in practice and enhance their understanding of methods used in the real world policy settings. Students will access and use a range of different datasets, covering demographics, property, and land use. They will be required to demonstrate competence in accessing, analysing and presenting such data in order to gain a deeper understanding of key issues.

10 credits

Development, Planning and the State

The module provides an introduction to planning theory and practice, exploring arguments for and against spatial planning and the rationale for state intervention into land and property development and introducing key principles of planning law and practice. The first part of the module covers key debates on the purposes of planning, the historical development of planning as a state activity and the current structure of national, regional and local government. The central part of the module introduces key aspects of the English planning system and key debates about its role and purpose. The final third of the module explores its application to issues of contemporary concern.

20 credits

Professional Skills Development (L1)

* A foundation to articulate the skills-based nature of study in USP.
* An opportunity to recognise the importance of, and your responsibility for, the development of key professional and employability-related skills.
* A series of support sessions to help you get the most out of your learning experience and prepare you for professional employment at the end of your studies.

This module seeks to deliver a range of professional and employability-related skills over the academic year, tailored to each student cohort, to introduce skills development and to tailor support towards the final stages of study.

Optional modules (20 credits from a range of modules including):

Housing, Home and Neighbourhood

Housing and the homes and neighbourhoods that we live in are in the news every day. Whether this is over concerns about housing shortages, affordability, housing bubbles, `generation rent', social housing, housing evictions, Covid lockdown, city-centre housing, DIY and `grand designs', or debates about the domestic sphere, `home as a haven', `benefit streets', flooding and shack settlements, housing is often at the centre of social science research. This module aims to introduce students to this broad and diverse subject by drawing on the expertise of staff who research across these multiple themes. The module focuses on contemporary concerns, while maintaining an appreciation of the impact of historical trends (e.g. the Global Financial Crisis of 2007/8). The module will make use of cases from the UK and abroad to illustrate trends, arguments and challenges.

10 credits

Cities

The main aim of Cities is to introduce you to our urban condition in a global context. Within this broad aim we will connect you to a range of key issues in contemporary urban studies and help you to understand more about the roots of urban problems and questions of social inequality and social justice within that context. This a general course that aims to develop an understanding of urban social life, economies, political systems, urban order/disorder and a range of other themes in an international context.

10 credits

Living with Environmental Change

This module will introduce students to a wide range of critical environmental issues facing the world today from physical science and social science perspectives. Using a range of environmental problems evident in the Global North and Global South (such as climate change, habit loss, water resources, land-use change, agriculture), the physical and social processes implicated will be examined. Drawing on a range of examples, students will critically explore the causes, consequences, management and solutions to environmental issues and learn how to question assumptions about environmental processes.

20 credits

Why Geography Matters

Geographers actively contribute to intellectual debates across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the modern world, from climate change to food security, informing policy and practice. The module provides a challenging but accessible insight into the origins of the discipline and how these translate into the cutting edge of contemporary geographical research, and how this helps us understand our changing world. Serving as a bridge between the general introductory modules, and the more specialist modules taught at levels 2 and 3, this module provides an opportunity for students to engage with topical issues in contemporary human and physical geography led by academics actively engaged in cutting edge research on those subjects.

20 credits

Exploring Human Geographies

The module provides an introduction to human geography including key principles and processes in economic, social and cultural geography. It describes the main elements and issues involved in the global economic system including the process of uneven development and how local economic activities are moulded by global forces. It also provides an introduction to social and cultural geography focusing on a range of concepts, current debates and contemporary issues. Drawing examples from around the world and at a variety of geographical scales, the module highlights the value of a geographical perspective on current economic, social and cultural issues.

20 credits

Core modules:

Urban Design and Place-Making

The overall aim of the module is to improve students’ understanding and critical appreciation of the ideas, practices and techniques of urban design, focusing particularly on the contemporary context for place-making.

20 credits

Spatial Analysis

The aims of the module are to provide students with a broad introduction to the basic concepts of GIS and how they can be used for the spatial analysis of a wide range of data for planning purposes. The assessments will (a) test students' individual understanding of key concepts and their ability to think about the potentials and limitations of using spatial analysis to solve planning related problems; and (b) assess students' skills in the practical application of GIS and spatial analysis to a contemporary planning-related problem.

20 credits

Urban Theory

This module aims to develop student’s imaginative engagement with the nature of urban life and human settlement. Urban theory is about how we think about and ‘see’ cities around us – ideas are critical to how we engage with the key problems of the urban world, they are also important to our understanding of how cities work in practice. Urban Theory introduces a range of ideas and key concepts in urban studies with a view to understanding how cities have developed and how they ‘work’ in broad terms. The module considers a range of thinkers, ideas and problems.

20 credits

Researching the city: applied skills for practice

Level Two study of urban design, urban management, social research methods and the distinctiveness of place is enhanced by learning about how to conduct research in urban context. Students taking this module will consider various topics, such as the impact of planning policy, flood management, urban ethnicity and social segregation, housing developments, or issues in the use of public space, through learning about and, circumstances permitting, conducting field investigation. They will be introduced to a range of qualitative and quantitative research skills and techniques, as well as interpretative methods.

20 credits

Profit, Planning and Context

The module explores the relationship between the activities of profit-seeking business, the use and development of land and the planning activity. It provides an elementary introduction to the economics of land and property development and explores how these pressures interact with lifestyle choices to shape the use of land and property and the implication for public planning. The first part provides a brief introduction to measuring the performance of businesses and investments. The remainder of the module looks at the use of land and property for housing, retail, leisure, employment and transport uses in `urban' contexts

20 credits

Design and Development Project

This module explores the interrelationship between planning, design and development profitability. It examines the structure of real estate markets, the roles and objectives of the various stakeholders involved in the development process and the main aspects of development appraisal. At the same time, the module introduces the physical dimensions of urban planning and considers the urban design process and proposals for improving urban space. Students will work towards producing a development proposal that balances profitability with good design and in doing so, will learn to balance the competing demands of planning, design and real estate markets.

20 credits

Professional Skills Development (L2)

A foundation to articulate the skills- based nature of study in USP;
An opportunity to recognise the importance of, and your responsibility for, the development of key professional and employability-related skills;
A series of support sessions to help you get the most out of your learning experience and prepare you for professional employment at the end of your studies.

This module seeks to deliver a range of professional and employability-related skills over the academic year, tailored to each student cohort, to introduce skills development and to tailor support towards the final stages of study.

Core modules:

Dissertation

This module allows students to develop and manage an individual research project. Students will choose a topic of their interest, develop an appropriate research design to address this, and conduct primary or secondary research to provide critical insight and analysis of the research issue. The module aims to develop knowledge of research methods, skills in identifying and scoping an appropriate research topic, and ability to design and undertake an appropriate and feasible programme of research. The module will contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of research in relation to theoretical and practical dimensions of urban studies and planning, and will allow students to deepen their own knowledge in a chosen field of specialist planning concern. The module will be of interest and practical use to students in carrying out dissertations, and in introducing a range of research and analytical skills that will be useful in future careers.

40 credits

Environmental Policy and Governance

This unit aims to help students analyse environmental policy. It provides an overview of the principal elements of contemporary environmental governance, and an introduction to the process of systematic policy evaluation in relation to a policy element of your choice. The module draws attention to the contested and complex nature of the policy environment, and the role of the competing interests in relation to policy on the environment. Through individual investigation of a specific element of policy, you will explore the multi-level nature of environmental policy, contested and competing policy goals, and one approach to understanding how policy brings about change.

20 credits

Housing Policy and Governance

The aims of this Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) accredited module are to build on substantive knowledge, theory and skills about housing. Emphasis is placed on policy, practice, strategy analysis and understanding the links between housing, planning, social policies and outcomes at national, regional and local levels. The module further aims to: increase understanding of contemporary issues and debates in housing and housing policy and strategies; understand the causes and manifestations of problems, dilemmas and conflicts in housing systems and policy processes; and to develop abilities to synthesise and apply knowledge by understanding and critically assessing potential policy approaches to addressing housing problems.

20 credits

Professional Skills Development (L3)

A foundation to articulate the skills- based nature of study in USP;
An opportunity to recognise the importance of, and your responsibility for, the development of key professional and employability-related skills;
A series of support sessions to help you get the most out of your learning experience and prepare you for professional employment at the end of your studies.

This module seeks to deliver a range of professional and employability-related skills over the academic year, tailored to each student cohort, to introduce skills development and to tailor support towards the final stages of study.

Transport and Infrastructure Planning

This module will provide students with an introduction to planning and policymaking in relation to the provision of transport and other types of infrastructure. The module develops students' ability to think critically about the framing of transport and infrastructure policy using an appreciation of historic developments, current practices and debates, transport and infrastructure planning examples from the UK and abroad. It will focus on how planners working at a range of spatial scales can give shape to effective transport and infrastructure strategies, which balance a range of environmental, social and economic objectives.

20 credits

Values, Theory and Ethics in Spatial Planning

Drawing on insights from theoretical debates in planning and policy studies the module explores the assumptions underlying spatial planning practice and the challenges confronting practitioners. Firstly, it explores the values underpinning planning to understand why we plan, the nature of the challenges planning seeks to address and the dilemmas and conflicts these generate for planning practice. Secondly, it presents diverse theoretical approaches that planning has taken to address these dilemmas and conflicts. Thirdly, it examines the implications different planning theories have for the values of planning and the ethical frameworks available to planners in deciding how to act. Lectures will employ real-world cases and dilemmas faced by individual practitioners in their day-to-day work. Seminars will involve discussion based on films and other relevant material. Workshops will support students in the application of the approaches and theories discussed to specific cases, in preparation for the assignment.

20 credits

Core modules:

Development Planning

This module examines evolving approaches to spatial regulation through the planning system. The module considers the mechanisms used to make decisions about development through planning control and development plans. The module explores the changing priorities for governments in the regulation of development and issues of power, control, influence and public engagement with the planning system. The module takes an international perspective that compares and contrasts the basis for spatial regulation in different national and urban contexts.

30 credits

Professional Skills Development (L4)

A foundation to articulate the skills- based nature of study in USP;
An opportunity to recognise the importance of, and your responsibility for, the development of key professional and employability-related skills ;
A series of support sessions to help you get the most out of your learning experience and prepare you for professional employment at the end of your studies.

This module seeks to deliver a range of professional and employability-related skills over the academic year, tailored to each student cohort, to introduce skills development and to tailor support towards the final stages of study.

Making Better Places

This engaged, place-based module builds on students’ prior learning, providing them with an opportunity to consolidate and develop new knowledge and skills in evidence-gathering, public engagement, participatory visioning and area action planning. The module involves studying, reviewing and applying some key planning techniques and there will be a strong emphasis on the theory and practice of public engagement throughout, with input from a range of guest speakers comprising guest speakers who are experienced practitioners and/or local stakeholders. Students will be required to collate evidence on the development issues of a selected locality and produce a vision and action plan for public engagement/display to obtain the views of local people on their ideas. Adopting a learning-by-doing approach, the module involves both group and individual working and several sessions may involve a number of `mock' simulation exercises and ‘hands-on’ problem-solving activities.

30 credits

Planning Law

This course will provide a thorough introduction to the rationale, purposes and values that underpin the legal control of development, including the legal framework for the English planning system and the procedures for the control of development in the English planning system

15 credits

Optional modules:

Cities of Diversity

Acknowledging diversity within cities is increasingly regarded as central to successful planning, urban development and city making and is a very hotly debated issue currently, particularly with #MeToo, Brexit and Trump! But what do we mean by diversity and what theories exist to help us understand it? This module will focus on various aspects of diversity in the form of differing social identities (such as age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability and gender – including focusing on masculinity within cities) but also critically explore the ways in which diversity is understood by policy makers and city managers. The module will focus on cities in both the global South and North and consider the significance of migration in relation to diversity in both contexts. The module will rely on a critical engagement with literature from the discipline of geography, planning, urban studies and development studies.

15 credits

Citizen Participation in Planning and Development

Recent decades have seen a proliferation of initiatives to involve citizens in policy-making, planning and urban governance. There is widespread agreement that ‘citizen engagement’ can play a positive role in democratizing urban development. However, public participation raises a range of significant challenges for urban professional practice. This unit will draw on critical debates about the roles citizens and publics can and should play in shaping the city to reflect on the theory and practice of participation. The module is taught through lectures, seminars and workshops which structure learning, and help students to research case studies of participatory initiatives.

15 credits

Health, Wellbeing and the Built Environment

This module explores the built environment as a determinant of health and well-being and examines how planning and urban design can contribute to improvements in health. Beginning with an exploration of the historic relationship between planning and public health, the module focuses on how the built environment supports or undermines health in relation to mental health, ageing, obesity, air quality and noise pollution. The module also introduces the notion of health impact assessment and further reflects on the contribution of planning to environmental justice and the reduction of inequalities in health.

15 credits

International Real Estate Market Analysis

This module will provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts and approaches to the analysis of international real estate markets. This module makes a simple operational distinction between mature, emergent and transitional markets as a first step towards a systematic framework for analysis. It gives an introduction to specific real estate markets and the ways in which they function, and offers generalizable conclusions about the wider operation of global real estate markets. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of global political economy as a context for interpreting real estate markets.

15 credits

Mega Urban Projects

In many cities nowadays, mega urban projects such as mega events like the Olympic Games or Central Business Districts like Canary Wharf are seen as an effective means to boost the local economy and to promote the city on a global scale. However, many of them often fail to contribute to the local economy whilst having detrimental impacts on local residents and the wider society. This module offers an in-depth understanding of the development processes and outcomes of large-scale urban projects by exploring aspects of why such projects are developed, how they are governed and their socio-economic impacts.

15 credits

Planning for Informality

The overall aim of this module is to critically examine informality, with a particular but not exclusive focus on cities of the Global South. The module relies on a mixture of lectures, seminars and student-led group work, with the latter focusing on an in-depth case study of a selected city. It explores patterns and causes of informality and discusses the strengths and limitations of a range of theoretical approaches. It also analyses the success of different real-world urban planning responses (understood in broad terms), including government-led, donor-led and community-focused ones, in addressing key urban issues in the context of informality.

15 credits

Advanced Software Skills in Urban Design

This option module will provide students with the opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge of key 2D, 3D and immersive technology (Virtual reality and augmented reality) design software packages which are increasingly required to visually communicate development proposals and ideas within the urban design and planning professions. The module will equip students with a broad understanding of different methods of communicating urban design ideas using digital technologies, and a critical appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of design software packages enabling the effective selection and utilisation of appropriate software in order to perform a range of different urban design tasks.

15 credits

Core modules:

Development Planning

This module examines evolving approaches to spatial regulation through the planning system. The module considers the mechanisms used to make decisions about development through planning control and development plans. The module explores the changing priorities for governments in the regulation of development and issues of power, control, influence and public engagement with the planning system. The module takes an international perspective that compares and contrasts the basis for spatial regulation in different national and urban contexts.

30 credits

Professional Skills Development (L4)

A foundation to articulate the skills- based nature of study in USP;
An opportunity to recognise the importance of, and your responsibility for, the development of key professional and employability-related skills ;
A series of support sessions to help you get the most out of your learning experience and prepare you for professional employment at the end of your studies.

This module seeks to deliver a range of professional and employability-related skills over the academic year, tailored to each student cohort, to introduce skills development and to tailor support towards the final stages of study.

Making Better Places (Outgoing ERASMUS)

This semester-long,`capstone' module prepares students for professional practice and represents the culmination of what the student has learnt during the MPlan programme to date. Specifically, the module involves students studying and reviewing a range of planning-related topics and techniques as well as critical reflection upon professional skills in planning. Adopting a learning-by-doing approach, the module may also involve some `mock' simulation exercises, role-play and problem-solving activities to give students the opportunity to practice some of the techniques covered in the module.

15 credits

Planning in Europe

This 60 credit triple module enables students to study for part of semester 2 in either Lyon, France; Aalborg, Denmark; or Milan, Italy under the EU's Socrates programme. The module is taken in a planning department at an overseas university which offers professional courses. The module consists of practical work under the supervision of staff at the host university and it is assessed at the University of Sheffield, by methods to be formulated in conjunction with the host institution. The aims of the module are to develop an extensive understanding of the process of developing sites, the nature of professional work and the importance of interdisciplinary working, within a particular European context and its culture of planning and development decision-making.

60 credits