Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Contemporary Issues in Urban Development and Planning
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Geography
Module Code	08 10698
Module Lead	Dr Austin Barber
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-26 hours Project supervision-8 hours External Visits-7 hours Guided independent study-159 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module explores contemporary aspects of the urban development process and the role of planning in mediating diverse interests in complex city environments. It is designed to enable students to develop knowledge and skills that will provide a foundation for pursuing careers in planning, property, urban design and related professional fields. It begins by examining the development process, including property market dynamics and the roles of key actors. It considers the tensions and trade-offs between developers, residential and business communities, and public sector interests, and how these are played out through the planning system. Using case studies, we look at how these trade-offs shape the development of the built environment in terms of mixed uses, urban design, public space and other respects. The module takes a practical and applied approach to the topic. Students engage in hands-on work on development sites in Birmingham and the programme includes contributions from planning, property and urban design practitioners from the private and public sectors in the city.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module the student should be able to:Demonstrate an understanding of urban development processes and the roles played by actors from the private, public and community sectors Analyse critically how planning can mediate the tensions and trade-offs that exist in the process of achieving successful and sustainable places in our citiesGenerate creative and realistic solutions to real-life place-making challenges in a range of urban development sitesUtilise skills of written, visual and oral communication to present analysis and proposals to a practitioner audience in a clear, professional manner.
Assessment	10698-04 : Presentation : Coursework (10%) 10698-05 : Development Site Report : Coursework (90%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 4,000 word Development Site Study Report (90%) 20-minute group presentation (10%) Reassessment: Alternative planning report assessment ? 4,000 words
Other
Reading List	There is no prescribed reading list for this module. This module deals with topical planning issues and makes use of policy and evaluation material from on-line sources.