MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development

Detailed degree guide

Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills

• A thorough understanding, application and evaluation of planning, and development appraisal techniques.
• An appreciation and working knowledge of occupier, investment and development sectors of commercial and residential markets.
• An awareness of legal and planning frameworks in the context of the built environment.
• The complexity inherent in the concept of sustainable development and how planners can try to implement the concept.
• How social and economic issues underpin the planning process and how planners can influence them.
• Knowledge about historic and predicted changes in the natural and built environment and consequences for planning, including the importance of conservation and design.

The Programme provides opportunities for learners to achieve the following outcomes:

• Demonstrate a solid foundation of knowledge in property development, investment analysis, planning and economics;
• Apply a wide range of scientific and professional skills in academic or business applications of urban real estate management, investment and development;
• Understand the values, ethics, responsibilities and rules governing surveying and planning; and
• Formulate and evaluate intellectual and professional problems relevant to the built environment and construct and test original solutions.

Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research Informed Learning)

• A high level of reports in a variety of styles including technical and lay audiences, including the skills of focusing on key points, synthesising, making decisions, concluding and recommending actions.
• Identification of complex planning and property issues, problems and aims and critical application of appropriate action, techniques and processes to address them constructively.
• Appraisal and evaluation (after the event) of planning policies, plans, programmes and proposals.
• Negotiation between varying interests in a property/planning context.
• Financial appraisal of complex valuation, investment and development scenarios.
• Professional conduct and an understanding of ethics in the face of conflicting professional pressures.
• Advanced qualitative and quantitative research into complex planning issues, applying appropriate methods
• Critical appraisal, research and evaluation of economic, financial and property market trends

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Class sessions: Class contact time on Campus is normally three hours per week for a single course. Each course uses a variety of teaching methods during that time: lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops including computing programmes, debates, guest lectures and case study scenarios of properties and markets. The School encourages the teaching to be as interactive as possible. In a discipline that combines educational and vocational aims, the teaching and learning is often “hands-on” and practical. The linking of theory and practice is critical on this programme, as well as the focus on best practice. HW Online students have access to the on Campus teaching materials including power point presentations and supporting reading.

Student-led learning: Outside class, the onus is on students to take initiative and responsibility for themselves. There is considerable emphasis on reading and working on assessments. . For professional practice, the emphasis on the individual as well as the team is crucial. Students come on the programme from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds and cultures. The part-time and distance learning students are normally working in property-related jobs . These students are encouraged both formally through coursework and informally to draw from their work experiences.

VISION, a Virtual Learning Environment the programme is supported by interactive VLE. This platform is used in conjunction with the on-campus learning and teaching experience although it also offers a self-sufficient resource for HW Online students. The VLE provides an opportunity for students to access materials and information and communicate with course leaders and other students, . All study notes are placed on the VLE for access in particular by distance learning students.

Assessment Policies

Typically courses are assessed by a combination of examination and coursework. There is a focus on developing knowledge and skills relevant to professional practice which is assessed by a combination of individual reports, essays, and projects, The dissertation assesses higher level research skills, critical thinking and writing capabilities.