Planning for Sustainability and Climate Change – (M.Sc.)

Since this is already a specialised route, all modules are compulsory and are designed to meet the professional requirements of the RTPI. Knowledge and skills are developed through a series of modules (120 credits) based primarily on lectures, seminars and workshops which outline: the nature of the planning system and its institutions; the shaping of theories of planning for climate change and the approaches that planning policy is taking; the approaches to understanding the relationship between people and the built environment; values and ethics; and research skills.

You will also develop research, evaluation and core planning skills and through specialised modules gain an understanding of how planners approach the legal and regulatory context and renewable energy issues. Mitigation and adaptation techniques, which are the core skills planners require in this field, will also be developed.

Modules comprise: academic and planning skills through evaluation, analysis and research (10 credits); planning frameworks (10 credits); planning for climate change theory through planning for climate change (10 credits); science, climate change and environmental justice 1 & 2 (10+10 credits); renewable energy resources (10 credits); application and practice issues through the reflexive practitioner (10 credits); spatial strategies project (20 credits); planning practice and climate change (30 credits).

The dissertation (60 credits) will enable you to examine the application and professional practice approaches for planners. You will also be given the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of how academic and professional aspects of planning can respond to climate change.

The approach to teaching offers a mix of theoretical, thematic and practical modules, and a strong emphasis is placed on team and individual project work. The programme has close linkages to the School, broader University research activities, and cross-European dimensions of planning practice and research. Sessions include seminars and workshops with visiting practitioners who are expert in various specialised areas. A study visit to another European country forms part of the spatial strategies project module.