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Undergraduate modules

Modules available to Bartlett School of Planning undergraduate students.

Modules available as electives for non-Planning students are indicated by an asterisk* . Click on the relevant modules to check for pre-requisites. Modules fill up quickly and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis via Portico only so request your choices on Portico as soon as possible.

Students from the following courses are offered priority when selecting our electives (if requested by Monday 9th September 2019):

  • Bartlett School of Architecture
  • Bartlett School of Construction & Project Management
  • European & International Social & Political Studies
  • BASc programme

This priority is subject to availability, and where places are extremely limited only the earliest requests will be approved. After this date approvals will be made on a first-come first-served basis, irrespective of a student’s parent department.

Please refer to the UCL online timetable for accurate information on scheduling.

For more information on each module, click on the titles below. Elective information is correct for the academic session 2018–2019, but may change for future years.

Year 1

BPLN0069 Introducing Planning Systems *

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module introduces planning systems, particularly in the UK but within their European framework, providing a context for what planning is, why we plan, how planning fits within a wider governmental context and the role of the planner in society, economy and environment.

The module will provide students with an understanding of planning as an interlocking system of policy and political intervention amidst a range of governmental and private interests and high expectations from a range of stakeholders. For BSc students in the Bartlett School of Planning, this will serve as a useful basis for the development later in the degree of the managerial and organisational aspects of the urban environment.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students.

Module Coordinator

Dr Ben Clifford
View Ben's profile
Email: ben.clifford@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0070 Planning History and Thought

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module aims to:

  • Provide a broad perspective on the main principles that have shaped planning since the late nineteenth century, and the social-economic and political contexts within which these ideas have evolved
  • Give an overall view of the main planning achievements of the 20th century
  • Understand planning intervention from a political and institutional perspective
  • Provide students with an essential basis of understanding for the development of their degree programme

Students will be able to appreciate the stages through which the planning system has evolved and how it has achieved its present day spirit and purpose. The course is illustrated throughout with use of film and television to depict issues under consideration.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Iqbal Hamiduddin
View Iqbal's profile
Email: i.hamiduddin@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0071 Contemporary Cities

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module, which is made up of lectures and seminar discussions, provides a theoretical and substantive introduction to four key themes supporting a critical understanding of urbanisation processes in cities around the world. It considers the value of a comparative understanding of the mobility of planning and governance ideas, practices and policies, and analyses the factors influencing rapid urban transformations in different socio-economic and political contexts.

By the end of the module students should have an appreciation of: 

  • Some of the major trends in the development and governance of cities
  • Key theoretical interpretations of the development, structure, experience and sustainability of cities
  • The universal and contingent nature of planning in cities, from a global perspective

The module will help the students connect with other components of their programme, including the field trip and will deepen their critical thinking, reading and writing skills.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Susan Moore
View Susan's profile
Email: susan.moore@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0072 Urban Lab I: Graphic Skills

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module aims to develop through practical application:

  • The ability to collect and synthesize basic primary data relevant to an assigned theme or purpose
  • The ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • The ability to present work in different and engaging ways
  • Basic freehand drawing and technical drawing skills
  • Basic photo manipulation and presentation skills

Students will be introduced to some of the basic IT, drawing and presentational skills required of a student in town planning.

Students will employ the practical skills taught in class, to various real life situations using London as the urban lab which creates a backdrop to all the project work.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Elisabete Cidre
Email: e.cidre@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0073 Introducing Urban Design: Design Skills

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module provides an introduction to the techniques of design within the context of urban design. It involves the development of technical and communication skills, aesthetic appreciation of design, site planning and an understanding of the design process.

This module is taught by project work. Tutors will be available to discuss work with students during the designated studio periods. There will also be introductory lectures, seminars and tutorials focusing on specific issues and project presentations and reviews.

The module aims to provide students with skills in graphic communication, site analysis, site planning, design appreciation, group working and creative problem solving.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to visiting affiliate students or students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Elisabete Cidre
View Elisabete's profile
Email: e.cidre@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0074 Management for Built Environment Professionals I *

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module primarily introduces the role and importance of management, focusing on the economic, social and political environment in which this happens with regard to the production of the built environment. This is considered through a focus on the growth of managerialism in the public sector and the implications of such reform for the planning arena.

Overall, the module introduces students to the content and coverage of the realm of activities constituting `management’, including the associated processes, skills and knowledge required by modern managers. Theories and principles will be linked to examples from the public, voluntary and private sectors which are relevant to built environment professionals.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students.

Module Coordinator

Dr Michael Short
View Michael's profile 
Email: michael.short@ucl.ac.uk

BARC0092 Making Cities: Production of the Built Environment

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

Detailed module information is available on the Bartlett School of Architecture's website

 Year 1 Specialist Urban Planning and Real Estate 

BPLN0075 Introduction to Real Estate *

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module introduces students to four broad areas of real estate knowledge: real estate markets, valuation, development and globalisation. Delivered through a mixture of lectures and tutorials, the module aims to introduce students to the nature of real estate as an asset class and as a factor of production, to the main concepts and methods of real estate valuation and development, and the basic mathematics required to undertake financial analysis of real estate assets.

This is an introductory module for students with no prior knowledge of real estate. 

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students.

Module Coordinator

Dr Nicola Livingstone
View Nicola's profile
Email: n.livingstone@ucl.ac.uk

Year 1 Specialist Urban Planning, Design and Management

BPLN0076 Beyond Cities: Rural Economics, Communities and Landscapes

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 4 (Undergraduate Year 1)
Credits: 15

This module considers planning's role in managing a range of rural planning issues and challenges, focusing on the situation in rural England. It begins by considering the relationship between rural and urban areas and how this relationship has created a number of `rural pressures' and urban-rural tensions. Of particular concern is the transition from a countryside of production to one of `multi-functional' economic activity and consumption. This transition is marked by the decline of agriculture in the twentieth century and the search for economic alternatives. The implications of rural restructuring (economic change prompting social and environmental change) for the landscape and for rural communities are of particular concern, as is the role of the planning system in managing this change and creating a more sustainable and equitable countryside.

The module focuses on the nature of `rural areas', the history of the countryside, economic changes, landscape changes, recreation, transport, service provision, communities and housing. 

The module aims to provide an understanding of the linkages between town and country, the challenges facing rural communities, and how planning can intervene to assist / enhance both the natural environment and rural communities.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Iqbal Hamiduddin
View Iqbal's profile
Email: i.hamiduddin@ucl.ac.uk

 

Year 2

BPLN0077 Urban Lab II: Spatial Analysis

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

This module develops students’ skills in spatial analysis, mapping and basic statistics. These skills will be applied to the study of cities to improve understanding of city structure, processes and how these relate to urban planning. 

Students learn core skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), including how to produce maps of cities, common spatial data sources, and core mapping types. Understanding of key quantitative research concepts such as scale and sample size in relation to analysis and visualisation is developed. The module allow students to improve their cartographic design and visual communication skills, using the software QGIS.

The main assessment is a project using GIS and statistical techniques to investigate a current urban planning topic. The topic is chosen by the student, with the aim of linking mapping and data analysis methods to urban planning research and policy making. 

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Duncan Smith
View Duncan's profile 
Email: duncan.a.smith@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0078 Urban Design: Theory to Practice *

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

This module draws on the extensive theoretical underpinning of urban design as a means to explore approaches to appraise the character of the built environment, and, as a result, to forward practical proposals aimed at beneficially influencing the overall quality and liveability of urban space.

Knowledge is imparted through a ten lecture course. Knowledge is developed through the undertaking of project work designed to ensure the application of theory to practice. The project work includes attendance at a series of compulsory tutorials and project reviews.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students. This module is not suitable for students who are new to urban design. Students must have some background knowledge in urban design in order to be eligible for this module, as it is taught at intermediate level. Interested students should email the Module Coordinator to check suitability before approvals may be made.

Module Coordinator

Professor Matthew Carmona
View Matthew's profile
Email: m.carmona@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0079 Green Futures

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

Learning Outcomes:

  • To develop a knowledge, understanding and awareness of environmental issues
  • To develop an awareness of environmental theory
  • To be able to identify both the environmental causes of concern and proactive methods and mechanisms to address them
  • To understand methods for monitoring environmental impact
  • To demonstrate an ability to apply all of this knowledge to a practical application

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinators

Dr Joanna Williams
View Joanna's profile
Email: joanna.williams@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0080 Cities and Social Change *

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

This module is concerned with the interrelationships between society and space in Britain’s and Europe’s cities. It will explore some of the key concepts and theories within the field of urban studies, urban geography and urban sociology to understand the link between social change and spatial processes, as well as the policies which have been designed to address important urban issues. One of the key underlying themes is the effect of economic, social and political restructuring on patterns of urban spatial change, social inequalities and spatial segregation in cities.

One of the key objectives of the module is to raise students’ awareness of their social responsibility as future professionals in the field of planning, urban regeneration, housing and real estate development; that is to say to encourage students to become reflective practitioners. The lectures and seminars consequently aim at making students critically think about - and discuss - the social implications of the trends, developments and policies shaping contemporary cities, and of their future professional practices. Various methods are used: film screenings, readings followed by group discussions, web- and media-based research, walks in London neighbourhoods. London is used as a rich case-study to illustrate and discuss issues of global significance for contemporary cities such as social exclusion, socio-spatial segregation, the housing crisis, gentrification, insecurity, and the role that planning and urban policies can play to address those issues.

The assessment for the module is 100% by coursework and includes two tasks: a ‘feature-style’ newspaper article (done in pairs) based on primary research about the social and spatial changes affecting a London street or small-scale area; and an individual essay on one of the key themes covered in the module.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students. Students from the following departments are offered priority: 

  • Bartlett Schools of Architecture and Construction & Project Management
  • European & International Social & Political Studies (EISPS)
  • BASc programme

This priority is subject to availability, and where places are extremely limited only the earliest requests will be approved. Modules fill up quickly and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis via Portico only so request your choices on Portico as soon as possible.

Module Coordinators

Dr Susan Moore
View Susan's profile 
Email: susan.moore@ucl.ac.uk

Dr Claire Colomb
View Claire's profile
Email: c.colomb@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0081 Economics of Cities and Their Regions

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

This module examines a number of different perspectives on the economy of cities and regions as these apply to a number of salient trends and features of cities and urbanisation – urban form and structure, specialisation and diversity, agglomeration, suburbanisation, gentrification, the housing crisis, inequality, deindustrialisation and the rise of the creative economy etc.

The module is designed to produce an understanding of:

  • Different perspectives on the economy of cities and regions
  • Key historical and contemporary developments in the economy of cities and regions
  • Basic empirical methods for describing the economy of cities and regions
  • The relationship between planning, urban policy and urban economies
  • How the various trends and processes in the different subjects covered may vary internationally

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Jessica Ferm
View Jessica's profile
Email: j.ferm@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0082 Strategic Planning Project

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

In this project-based module you will engage in the analysis of and planning for urban change and you will learn how to translate social, economic and environmental goals into the form of a strategic spatial plan.

You will apply critical thinking to the understanding of:

  • How cities change
  • How areas within cities grow, decline or change their role in the wider urban structure
  • Who and which activities benefit or suffer from these changes
  • How planning can be used to drive urban change towards socially agreed goals

You will develop practical knowledge of: 

  • How urban plans can contribute to urban spatial, social and economic change
  • How  planning goals may be translated in the form of strategic spatial plans
  • Urban analysis to describe and explain urban structure and local urban change as a dynamic processes at the micro and macro scales
  • How to interpret and respond to a project brief
  • How to justify, defend and communicate complex urban problems and planning proposals

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Daniel Fitzpatrick
Email: d.fitzpatrick@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0086 Management for Built Environment Professionals II

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

This module examines the core management skills for built environment professionals drawing on research and practice. The course is divided into key themes which are strategy, leadership, use of resources, project management and professional ethics.

This module aims to:

  • Give an understanding of the underpinning components of management and its application in practice
  • Identify the skills required for successful professional practice and in personal management of time and resources
  • Provide an understanding of organisations and the different working styles for policy, process and projects
  • Give an understanding of the external, internal and competitive pressures which managers need to accommodate in a business and public sector environment
  • Develop an understanding of expert leadership and the capabilities and qualities necessary to lead and to manage change within the realm of the built environment
  • Build an understanding of group dynamics and individual behaviour when directing organizations
  • Develop the expertise necessary to be successful within a built environment managerial position

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Prof Janice Morphet
View Janice's profile
Email: j.morphet@ucl.ac.uk

Year 2 Specialist Urban Planning and Real Estate 

BPLN0087 Real Estate Economics *

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

The aim of the module is to introduce the students to the real estate economics and real estate market.  The applied economics theory is applied to the analysis of real estate markets. The module covers trends and factors which affect the value of real estate; introduces the nature and classification of land economics, the characteristics of real estate investment market; the factors that determine the land value and real estate value. The real estate market cycles and business fluctuations will be discussed too.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students. This module is not suitable for students who are new to Economics. Students must have A-Level (or equivalent) Economics in order to be eligible for this module. Interested students should email the Module Coordinator to check suitability before approvals may be made.

Module Coordinator

Dr Qiulin Ke
View Qiulin's profile
Email: q.ke@ucl.ac.uk

Year 2 Specialist Urban Planning, Design and Management

BPLN0085 Urban Form and Formation *

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 5 (Undergraduate Year 2)
Credits: 15

The purpose of this module is to give a grounding in the understanding of relationships between urban form and formation: how insights from urban morphology and morphogenetic processes that created existing urban form can better inform the creation of future urban form through planning, design and more informal urbanism.

This involves study of different urban form components and patterns at different scales – buildings, spaces, streets and districts – and how these are created in relation to each other to generate overall urban form.

The module involves a combination of creativity and focused enquiry. It allows you to explore and research the creation of urban form and then go on to apply insights from this in relation to planning and design interventions.  

This module is set up in a way to encourage interactivity – for students to learn from each other – through group working, interactive class discussions, presentation and feedback. As such, all students are expected to learn from all sessions.

The module comprises five lectures covering the understanding of urban form and formation, and five project studio tutorial sessions applying understanding to proposals for an urban site.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students.

Module Coordinator

Prof Stephen Marshall
View Stephen's profile
Email: s.marshall@ucl.ac.uk

 

Year 3

BPLN0084 Urban and Environmental Politics

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module enables students to situate planning within the wider political, environmental and social context in which it operates.  We will set out key debates attempting to explain and analyze urban and environmental political dynamics and their complex inter-relationships before exploring important contemporary challenges. 

On successful completion of the module each student will:

  • Have gained a greater understanding of key urban and environmental theories and their relationship to cities and urban development
  • Be more fully aware of the political context in which planning and related regulation operates
  • Be able to critically analyse contemporary debates in urban and environmental politics
  • Better understand the varied impacts that urban and environmental issues have on different communities and social groups

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Yasminah Beebeejaun
View Yasminah's profile 
Email: y.beebeejaun@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0090 Urban Project Management *

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

The Urban Project Management course is the third and final module in the `management stream', which comprises three modules in progression. It is intended to act as a `knowledge bridge' between management theory and practice and the practice of urban and regional planning and related project implementation. 

The aim of the module is to provide students with an introductory yet comprehensive overview of programme and project management as applied to urban projects. 

The objectives of the module are:

  • To introduce students to the tools and techniques of project management as applied to urban projects
  • To enable the student to draw links between the academic literature on project management and the everyday experience of managing urban projects
  • To illustrate some of the key issues, challenges and dilemmas facing practitioners in managing urban projects
  • To reflect critically on the project management literature, drawing on real life examples of urban projects
  • To provide a stepping off point for final year BSc students by arming them with both the academic and practical knowledge of urban project management applicable within the complexity of today’s urban networks.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students.

Module Coordinator

Dr Jessica Ferm
View Jessica's profile
Email: j.ferm@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0092 Planning and Property Law

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module will introduce students to the basic elements of private and public law which are relevant to property development and investment. The module will focus on property law (including forms of possession and ownership and restrictions to them, leases and tenant-landlord relationship) and will cover the legal basis for spatial planning in the UK as well as the arrangements for the control of development and the distribution of impacts.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Michael Stubbs
Email: m.stubbs@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0095 Regional Development, Planning and Policy in a Global Context

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

The module aims to introduce students to questions of regional development, planning and policy in a global context. It critically assesses what we mean by local and regional development, the values and ethics that underpin the search for regional development and the question of who gains and who loses from different forms of development. It examines theories of local and regional development and situates these in their historical and geographical context. It pays particular attention to the governance of regional development, the role of institutions in shaping patterns of development and the impact of public policy.

The module is concerned crucially with the regional development planning and policy in an international context using a range of regional case studies, which aims to highlight the dilemmas and challenges faced by planners and policy-makers.

By the end of the module, students should:

  • Have a deeper awareness of the global character of local and regional development processes
  • Understand the main forces influencing the prospects for local and regional development
  • Be able to critically analyse different approaches to the promotion of local and regional development
  • Understand the role of governance, institutions and public policy in shaping patterns of local and regional development

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Francesca Froy
Email: f.froy.12@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0099 Real Estate Development

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module ams to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the roles played by social and economic institutions in the development of land, infrastructure and property. As well as examining the process of real estate development, the module includes assessment of risks and evaluation of the financial feasibility of projects. The module is designed to give students insight into the perspectives of both Planners and Developers.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Danielle Sanderson
View Danielle's profile
Email: danielle.sanderson@ucl.ac.uk

Year 3 Specialist Urban Planning and Real Estate

BPLN0093 Real Estate Valuation

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

The purpose of this module is to enable students to gain an understanding of the bases, methods and applications of real estate appraisal in real estate markets. Students will learn about the concepts, tools and techniques for appraising individual real estate assets.

Upon completion of the module, students should have a broad understanding of the nature of real estate as an asset, the financial mathematics required to perform real estate appraisal, the main approaches to real estate appraisal, the objectives and uses of real estate appraisals and techniques for estimating the value of real estate assets.

The module will be taught by a combination of workshop exercises and lectures.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Tommaso Gabrieli 
View Tommaso's profile
Email: t.gabrieli@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0094 Real Estate Investment and Finance

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module covers the institutions and instruments used to finance residential and commercial real estate. The first part of the course will focus on residential mortgage finance, including the history and institutional structure of the housing finance industry, the design and pricing of different mortgage instruments, and how to compare different mortgage products. Next we will discuss the ways in which commercial mortgages differ from residential mortgages. In the final section of the course we will analyse the secondary mortgage market and the structure and valuation of mortgage-backed securities.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning, who have also taken Introduction to Real Estate (BPLN0075). This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Dr Nicola Livingstone
View Nicola's profile
Email: n.livingstone@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0096 Real Estate Management *

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module explores the management of real estate assets from the perspective of the various stakeholders (owners, tenants and occupiers). It examines how managers can enhance the value of real estate as an investment asset, and also how occupiers can maximise the benefits of the space they occupy - considering property as a factor of production. It aims to provide the student with an understanding of the role, responsibilities and skills required of asset managers, property managers and corporate real estate managers. The module will also cover aspects such as corporate social responsibility in property management, environmental issues and facilities management.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students.

Module Coordinator

Dr Danielle Sanderson
View Danielle's profile
Email: danielle.sanderson@ucl.ac.uk

Year 3 Specialist Urban Planning, Design and Management

BPLN0088 Development Project: Regeneration

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

The module comprises occasional lectures, weekly small-group tutorials supporting group and individual analysis work on regeneration in London. Proposals will be presented by each group for actions in the area. Student work will be presented and discussed in class at intervals. The module also involves self-study and the writing of an individual essay on the topic of development planning in London. Students will develop:

  • A knowledge and understanding of the social, economic and physical history and conditions in a small or larger part of London, and the problems and potentialities of the area being studied.
  • Intellectual skills - learning to analyse the sections of society with actual or potential interests in an area, examine the scope for compromise or conflict among those concerned, propose alternative policies and actions in the spatial, social and economic dimensions and predict their outcomes, costs and benefits. Questions of 'gentrification' will be central.
  • Practical skills: observation, description, analysis and representation; identification and use of information sources; estimation and forecasting.
  • Transferable skills - be better able to: write clear English; make oral / visual presentations; work in groups; acquire and demonstrate appropriate IT skills.

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Module Coordinator

Prof Mike Raco 
View Mike's profile
Email: m.raco@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0089 Urban Design: Space and Place

Term: Term 2
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module builds on the teaching in Introducing Urban Design: Design Skills (Year 1) and Introducing Urban Design: Theory to Practice (Year 2) and forms the basis for more advanced urban design teaching in the Urban Design Specialism. It aims to help you develop a range of skills, knowledge and awareness that are necessary for carrying out large-scale, broad-ranging inner-city urban design investigations, masterplanning, and the development of detailed design proposals within them. 

Aims & Outcomes:
To develop through practical application the ability to:

  • Critically analyse existing context and precedents
  • Understand the iterative design process to develop masterplanning ideas and detailed design proposals
  • Develop urban design proposals at several scales in a creative, coherent and critical manner
  • Work effectively as part of a small urban design team
  • Effectively communicate masterplanning ideas and proposals, both orally and graphically

Skills development includes graphic communication, analysis and adaptation of design precedents, site analysis (e.g. analysis of urban morphology and behavioural patterns), urban design, computer-aided drafting, design appreciation, group working and creative problem solving.

Teaching & Learning methods:
This module is taught primarily through the undertaking and completion of project work with tutors available for individual and group tuition. The module also includes occasional lectures and presentations/crit reviews to support the development of the project.

The term is organised around one ongoing major project. The teaching component of the module includes an introduction to Computer Aided Design using the software package SketchUp. 

Availability

This module is exclusively for undergraduate students in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered in other UCL departments.

Bartlett School of Planning affiliate students: this module is not suitable for students who are new to urban design. Interested students should email the Module Coordinator to check suitability before approvals may be made.

Module Coordinator

Dr Katayoun Karampour
Email: katayoun.karampour.09@ucl.ac.uk

BPLN0091 Transport Policy and Planning *

Term: Term 1
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module aims to:

  • Provide students of planning and other urban-related undergraduate courses with an introduction to transport studies, including key transport planning concepts, policies and the relationship between transport and urban planning
  • Provide insight into – and a taste of experience in – ‘doing’ transport planning, to help prepare for further study or work in the planning and / or transport sectors

By the end of the module, students will have experience in understanding and handling key transport concepts such as flow and capacity, both practically through fieldwork and calculations, and through the transport policy and planning literature. 

The module comprises five lectures giving a basic grounding in transport issues, and five project sessions that apply the understanding to a particular location.

Availability

This module is available as an elective for non-Planning students.

Module Coordinator

Prof Stephen Marshall
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Email: s.marshall@ucl.ac.uk

Year 2 and/or 3 Specialist Urban Studies

BPLN0083 Project Work

Term: Terms 1 and 2
FHEQ Level: 6 (Undergraduate Year 3)
Credits: 15

This module can be taken as an elective by BSc Urban Studies students in years 2 and/or 3. It aims at enabling the student, subject to agreement in advance with a supervisor, to pursue a topic (or work in a format) which is not otherwise on offer among core or elective courses of the programme. It provides great flexibility and can take the form, for example, of:

  • An essay (theoretical, historical, practice-oriented, or polemic), on a well defined question
  • A small research report, on a well defined research question
  • A documentary film on a well-defined issue, with accompanying commentary
  • A photographic project on a well-defined issue, with accompanying commentary
  • A design project (drawings and models), with accompanying commentary
  • A website, with accompanying commentary
  • A travel diary/reportage/report
  • A media reportage and/or substantial journalistic piece investigating a topic of current interest.

The topic chosen should be materially different to that explored in the other modules taken as part of the BSc. It cannot be an extended version of a piece of work you have done for another module!

Availability

This module is exclusively for second or third year students on the BSc Urban Studies programme in the Bartlett School of Planning. This module is not available to students registered on other programmes.

Module Coordinator

Dr Jessica Ferm
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Email: j.ferm@ucl.ac.uk