Course Details in 2024/25 Session

Module Title	LI Skills for Planners: Planning Practice Studio
School	School of Geog Earth & Env Sci
Department	Geography
Module Code	03 40258
Module Lead	Adam Sheppard
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Seminar-10 hours Practical Classes and workshops-20 hours Fieldwork-4 hours Guided independent study-156 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This modules provide an applied focus upon planning practice with an emphasis upon Development Management. The module subject content emphasises: 1. Place based understanding 2. Area interpretation and analysis 3. Site analysis 4. Development Management planning practice, including: • The regulatory framework • Policy, guidance and advice: understanding the development plan and other material considerations, including guidance case law • Planning [application] processes • Community consultation, participation, and engagement • Making a decision; policy interpretation, material considerations; the use of conditions; reasons for refusal; planning agreements; moral and ethical dilemmas • Understanding design in the planning context In parallel, and interfacing with the above, the module also enables students to develop core professional (e.g. presentations, report writing, visual communication, negotiation, team working, leadership, project management) and technical skills of the planning profession – including Geographic Information Systems. GIS are used for spatial data analysis within a wide range of industries; their use is a core skill for planners and environmental scientists. This module will introduce students to some of the different systems which can be employed and a range of different techniques for spatial data analysis. Wider technical skills development includes online/digital planning software, data sourcing, data analysis, place-based analysis tools and techniques, and data presentation/representation including digital mapping (e.g. Digimap). The emphasis will be on project work, with students learning different techniques in order to employ some of these to answer assessment requirements. The module will also provide an opportunity for student reflection and a forward look at professional and education opportunities.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate an understanding of a range of GIS and other digital planning relevant software, and the ability to apply these in practice scenarios. Demonstrate an intermediate level of understanding of planning issues facing the City of Birmingham and the surrounding region. Evidence and apply professional and technical planning practice skills. Show understanding of Development Management planning theory, constructs, and practice.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment Individual report (2000 words) 50% Group Presentation - 15% Individual project write up (1000 word equivalent) 35% Method of Reassessment Repeat of original assessment on alternative topic/brief.
Other
Reading List