GY454 Half Unit
Urban Policy and Planning
This information is for the 2023/24 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Nancy Holman
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available on the MSc in Geographic Data Science. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.
Pre-requisites
Students must have completed Social and Political Aspects of Planning (GY448).
Course content
The course provides a synthesised approach to the analysis of urban policy-making and plan formulation. It will explore the way in which economic, political and social forces interact to effect policy approaches in different spatial settings. We will cover urban regeneration policy and community development as they relate to neighbourhood planning. The aim is also to gain an understanding of the causes of similarity and difference in policy approaches. Students will undertake a group research project based on a London neighbourhood including an assessment of local planning policy.
Teaching
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures across Winter Term.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
Formative coursework
Students will be expected to produce 1 essay in the WT.
Indicative reading
Urban Task Force, Urban Renaissance;DETR, Our Towns and Cities: The future; R Atkinson ; G Moon, Urban Policy in Britain; P Hall ; C Ward, Sociable Cities; E Blakely ; M Snyder, Fortress America;D Judd ; S Fainstein, The Tourist City; J Mannigan, Fantasy City;T Hall ; P Hubbard, The Entrepreneurial City.
Assessment
Essay (80%, 3000 words).
Presentation (20%) in the WT.
A 3,000 word essay linked to the London neighbourhood planning project.
A group presentation and short film based on the London neighbourhood planning project.
Student performance results
(2019/20 - 2021/22 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 37.5 |
| Merit | 58.7 |
| Pass | 2.9 |
| Fail | 1 |
Key facts
Department: Geography and Environment
Total students 2022/23: 36
Average class size 2022/23: 12
Controlled access 2022/23: Yes
Lecture capture used 2022/23: Yes (LT)
Value: Half Unit
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Specialist skills