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Undergraduate Programme Specification

MPlan European Planning

Academic Year 2021/22

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MPlan European Planning Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master in Planning
Programme Code EUR-MPLAN UCAS Code K490 HECoS Code 100197 - Planning - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Undergraduate Master Length of Programme Full Time - 4 Academic Year(s) Total Credits for Programme 480
Exit Awards available

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Natural and Built Environment

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Town and country planning (2008)

Accreditations (PSRB)

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 27-01-21

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 10-05-16

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None.

Programme Specific Regulations

For students transferring between the BSc and MPlan degrees:

• Students are considered for transfer between different programmes by the relevant Advisor of Studies in response to individual student requests or by the Board of Examiners on the basis of student performance. Transfer decisions must take into account whether the student has completed or is currently taking any modules which are compulsory on the course into which the student proposes to transfer.
• Students will be able to transfer between the MPlan European Planning and the BSc Planning, Environment and Development (PED) at the end of Stage 2. To transfer between the MPlan and the BSc PED students must be currently meeting the progression requirement for the degree into which transfer is being considered. For those students transferring to the MPlan from the BSc PED they must have achieved an average of at least 55% in Stage 2. Those students initially enrolled on the MPlan who do not achieve 55% in Stage 2 or Stage 3 will be transferred on to the BSc PED.
• If a Level 3 MPlan student decides they are unable or would not like to study abroad in their fourth year, or do not achieve an overall average of 55% for the programme, then they will be allowed to transfer to the BSc PED without completing the dissertation module EVP 3011 Independent Research Project.

When calculating the Honours classification of MPlan students the module weighting will be equal to:

• 5% of the marks for modules at Stage 1 to include all compulsory modules; and
• 15% of the marks for modules at Stage 2 to include all compulsory modules; and
• 30% of the marks for modules at Stage 3 to include all compulsory modules; and
• 50% of the marks for modules at Stage 4 to include all compulsory modules.

For students undertaking the optional one-year work placement:

The onus of responsibility for securing a placement rests with the student, albeit with University support. Placements may be paid or unpaid and there is no guarantee that a student will secure a placement. If a student is unable to secure a placement, they will advance directly into their Level 3 year of study. The placement option is not currently available to international students due to UK government visa requirements. This means that students who do avail of the one-year placement will, in effect, be committing to a five-year degree programme (i.e. three years of study plus one-year work placement between Levels 2 and 3, and a year out study abroad after Level 3).

Students with protected characteristics

No barriers to access.

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The MPlan European is a four-year programme of study with an optional one-year work placement in industry. The programme structures and supports students’ intellectual development and opens a wide range of exciting career opportunities in planning, development and urban design. The programme’s specific aims are to:

1. Display core skills of employability, entrepreneurship and citizenship through the professional practice of spatial planning at the European level;

2. Display an in depth specialist understanding of at least one European planning system outside of the UK and a deep critical awareness of the common elements and differences in planning systems across Europe;

3. Demonstrate understanding of the scope, potential and complexities of planning issues and problems, and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention as a form of action within processes of change

4. Illustrate a critical appreciation of the influence of different cultural, political and legal systems on the challenges for sustainable urban development and the policy responses available in differing institutional contexts.

5. Display a critical understanding of the place of values and ethics in planning

6. Appreciate the political nature of planning and evaluate the broader governance, legal and institutional frameworks and procedures in planning

7. Display a good understanding of theory and demonstrate the links between theory and practice

8. Demonstrate a good awareness and understanding of professional working, roles, responsibilities and values

9. Effectively evaluate, utilise and communicate plan and policy-making methods

10. Recognise the importance of stakeholder involvement in the planning process, in a context in which the diversity of cultures and ideologies are respected

11. Appreciate the role of design in creating high quality places

12. Effectively communicate planning information, ideas, principles, arguments and proposals through written, graphic, oral and electronic means and demonstrate effectively written, teamwork, problem-solving, numeracy, oral and information literacy skills

13. Recognise the importance of planning specific skills including negotiation, advocacy and interdisciplinary working

14. Display the qualities of graduates who are equipped for life in the global society, work in the global economy and meet the competencies required for accreditation in the built environment professions.

For students undertaking the optional one-year placement:

15. Provide students with the experience of seeking and securing employment in industry.

16. Facilitate independent working and learning in a work-based environment.

17. Provide a period of practical work experience that will support academic development and enhance longer-term career prospects.

18. Enable students to practically apply their academic knowledge and skills, reflect upon their personal development and evidence their learning in a future work-based setting.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Effectively evaluate, utilise and communicate plan and policy-making methods, processes and strategies in response to social, economic and environmental problems.

Appreciate the role of design in creating high quality places.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Cognitive skills are developed across modules and between stages. A variety of teaching methods are used to enhance these skills. Students are encouraged to evaluate information and think independently throughout their course, in lectures, small group tutorials, and interactive learning sessions. The year spent in another European University will also expose the students to a variety of different learning experiences.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment is made using a combination of formative and summative techniques including individual essays and reports, group project work, unseen examinations, oral presentations, class tests and diary records, both as individuals and within project groups. Students are awarded marks for their ability to demonstrate critical thinking and originality.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Effective communication of planning information, ideas principles, arguments and proposals through written, graphic, oral and electronic means.

Demonstrate effectively written teamwork, problem-solving, numeracy, oral and information literacy skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Transferable skills development permeates teaching and learning throughout the degree programme. The teaching and learning environment is supportive of the need to assist students in developing and enhancing their communication, IT, team working and employability skills. The year spent in another European University will also expose the students to a variety of different learning experiences.

Methods of Assessment

Students are asked to prepare and deliver presentations, and structure and write assignments, which encourages them to improve their oral and written communication skills. These formats also give students experience of using a range of software and allows them to advance their technical abilities. Some assessments are group based, which helps develop an awareness of how to work as a team, whilst others are individual based, which promotes time management skills.

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of the scope, potential and complexities of planning issues and problems and evaluate the effectiveness of planning intervention as a form of action within processes of change.

Display a critical understanding of the place of values and ethics in planning.

Appreciate the political nature of planning and evaluate the broader governance, legal and institutional frameworks and procedures in planning.

Display a good understanding of theory and demonstrate the links between theory and practice.

Demonstrate a good awareness and understanding of professional working, roles, responsibilities and values.

Recognise the importance of stakeholder involvement in the planning process, in a context in which the diversity of cultures and ideologies are respected.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Knowledge transfer in relation to planning theory, policy and practice takes place in lecture format. Small group tutorials and seminars also provide the opportunity for students to discuss and debate planning issues in more detail. Practical application of planning knowledge is typically delivered through studio-based project work, field trips and case study visits, computer labs using GIS or design-based software or in small group projects. An international dimension to planning issues is embedded within all modules and specifically addressed through an international field trip in Level 3, while issues regarding professional practice, ethics and the institutional framework of planning are embedded within specific modules.

Methods of Assessment

Knowledge acquisition and practical application is assessed through a range of formative and summative techniques, including individual essays and reports, formal examinations, class tests, group project work, oral presentations and reflective field diaries. Relevant discussion of the international and ethical dimensions to planning issues is also included in such assessments.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Display the range of other competencies required at this level for professional recognition by the Royal Town Planning Institute and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

Besides having a good general knowledge of planning as a discipline, students will develop a specialist understand of European perspective on planning policy and practice.

Recognise the importance of planning specific skills including negotiation, advocacy and interdisciplinary working.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are exposed to a wide variety of learning experiences that include formal lectures, computer based learning, seminars, project work and field study visits.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of formative and summative techniques including individual essays and reports, group project work, unseen examinations, oral presentations, class tests and diary records.

Reflect on and manage their own learning and development within a work environment.

Use existing and new knowledge to enhance their professional performance in the workplace, evaluate the impact and communicate this process.

Use graduate skills in a professional manner in the workplace, evaluate the impact and communicate the personal development that has taken place.

Apply personal and professional development strategies to plan, prioritise and manage their own skills development in a work place setting.

Research and apply relevant knowledge to enhance their skills and effectiveness in specific duties at their placement.

Demonstrate their understanding of the work environment and their contribution to it.

Relate their work-based learning to their professional development and academic performance.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Training and support is provided through panel discussions and seminars with employers, workshops for professional development, seminar discussions with recent graduates and workplace skills sessions, as well as opportunities to engage with planning practitioners.

Methods of Assessment

Combination of formative and summative techniques, including individual essays and reports, participation in group seminars and workshops, a logbook on placement and skills development, and a reflective essay on practice.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Planning Health and Well Being EVP1001 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Planning Skills and GIS EVP1004 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 75% 25% 0%
Design Principles in the Built Environment EVP1011 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
The History of Planned Settlement EVP1012 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Contemporary Issues in Urban and Rural Planning EVP1013 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 0% 50%
Institutional and Policy Context of Planning Practice EVP1014 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Site Layout and Design 2 EVP2007 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 50% 50% 0%
Planning and Climate Change EVP2009 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 80% 20% 0%
Economy and Space EVP2010 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 0% 60%
Theory and Practice of Development Management EVP2011 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 75% 25% 0%
Planning Theory and Society EVP2013 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 60% 0%
Theory and Practice of Spatial Planning Policy EVP2012 2 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Planning Work Placement EVP2020 2 120 YES YES 40 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Conservation of the Built Environment 3 EVP3004 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Legal Studies in Planning EVP3010 3 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 50% 0% 50%
Planning Practice Study Visit EVP3003 3 10 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 60% 0%
Comparative Planning Studies EVP3012 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 40% 0%
Infrastructure and Transportation Planning EVP3013 3 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Researching European Planning EVP3016 3 10 YES 12 weeks N YES 80% 20% 0%
European Planning Perspectives EVP3017 3 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 70% 30% 0%
Themes in European Planning EVP3018 3 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 60% 40% 0%
Advanced European Planning Studies (i) EVP4001 4 40 YES 12 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Independent Research Project in European Planning EVP4003 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Work-based Study in European Planning Practice EVP4004 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced European Planning Studies (ii) EVP4002 4 40 YES 12 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

Co-requisites: EVP2011 and EVP2012. EVP2011 and EVP2012 are prerequisites of EVP2020. EVP2020 is an optional module that runs in the year between Levels 2 and 3. It is assessed on a Pass/ Fail basis and the module CATs do not contribute to the student’s final degree classification..

EVP1001 is a pre-requisite of EVP3010, EVP3013, EVP3017 and EVP3018.