KA7021 - Urban Planning and Development

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the planning and development process in an urban context focusing on the management of pre-construction decision-making and the evaluation of projects including site investigation, planning and development control, viability assessment and development appraisal. The module aims to help you understand the complex social, economic and physical environment and market conditions within which real estate development takes place, develop your knowledge of the management of the development process, acquisition of development sites, identification of sources of development finance and allow you to recognise the crucial role that surveyors play in the real estate development process.

Indicative syllabus:
1. Introduction to sustainable urban development
2. Contemporary planning policy
3. Real Estate development process
4. Site evaluation and investigation
5. Development control and management
6. Development finance and funding
7. Brownfield and contaminated land
8. Construction procurement and risk
9. Development viability and appraisal

How will I learn on this module?

You will be taught using a series of lectures and seminars that will progressively develop the topic from theoretical principles to practical examples. Lectures will be used to communicate key concepts and theories; seminar activities, including role play, will be used to apply and analyse material including development case studies to demonstrate application of planning policies and appraisal techniques; group discussions/debates/ mock planning appeals which will give you the opportunity to engage with some of the complex nuances of the subject; site visits and guest lectures will be organised in conjunction with property development practitioners and organisations; the assessment will help you develop your project evaluation and financial appraisal skills; you will have access to a wide range of learning resources and guidance for both directed and independent learning, facilitated by use of the electronic Learning Platform (eLP).

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module team will provide support for students including answering student queries and providing guidance in relation to the module, including its assessment and the student’s academic progress. You can seek support in taught sessions and can also request it outside of class time via appointment.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO1. Appreciate the complexity of property development and demonstrate awareness of sustainable urban development principles
MLO2. Analyse the real estate development process including the evaluation of potential development sites and the assessment of project viability.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

MLO3. Evaluate alternative sources of development finance and funding and methods of site acquisition
MLO4. Critically analyse methods of challenging planning decisions and enforcement procedures

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

MLO5. Demonstrate awareness of professional principles and conduct in relation to sustainable urban development and planning.

How will I be assessed?

a Summative assessment and rationale for tasks

The summative assessment will take the form of a coursework requiring an evaluation of the feasibility and viability of mixed-use real estate development of an urban brownfield site culminating in a full development appraisal. This will assess all MLOs.

b. Additional formative assessment – detail of process and rationale
Formative assessment will run concurrently with delivery of syllabus using exercises that relate to the components required of the coursework. Qualitative feedback will be provided by subject specialist staff on each of exercises undertaken to inform students’ progressing of the summative assessment.

c. Indication of how students will get feedback and how this will support their learning

Feedback will typically be provided by email in response to the submission by students of information relating to their selection of a suitable urban brownfield development site and the working up of a development proposal for the site culminating in the preparation of appraisal of the viability of the development.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Real Estate Planning and Development takes place within complex social, economic and physical environments and spatially contingent market conditions. You will learn about the planning and development process in an urban context focusing on the management of pre-construction decision making and the evaluation of project feasibility including planning, viability assessment and financial appraisal; ultimately you will appreciate the crucial role that surveyors play in real estate development in the U.K. and around the globe. The module will be taught using lectures, seminars, workshop, I.T. labs and site visits to introduce you to theoretical concepts and core knowledge. Seminars, workshops and lab sessions will develop this knowledge by encouraging students to apply theory and knowledge through practical exercises. The module is assessed by a single coursework based on an urban brownfield development site capable up mixed-use development, culminating in full financial appraisal of the viability of the proposed development.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 16 Months Full-Time
2 other options available

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start January 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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