GEG-30047 - Module Specification
School of Life Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

In the Planning the City and Countryside module, you will learn how planning systems work in different legal, governance and societal contexts and how different dimensions of the UK planning system can be used to mediate between competing demands for economic growth and environmental sustainability. You will critically evaluate the ways in which community-based planning approaches and those focused on place-making activities can be used to meet the needs of a diversity of areas and groups, as well as how sustainability processes can be incorporated into development planning processes. Via contemporary 'real world' examples, you will also develop critical analytical skills to evaluate existing plans and their objectives, as well as suggesting new ideas and proposals for balancing sustainability and economic concerns.

The module aims to build upon students' existing understandings of the built and natural environment by focusing on the importance of planning in shaping and regulating the use of land use and space in urban and rural areas of the UK. Such concerns are critical given the importance of planning in mediating competing interests and balancing economic growth with environmental concerns, including the creation of liveable communities. The module therefore interrogates the key dimensions of the planning system in the UK and considers issues relating to community, environmental and urban and rural planning.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Critique the operation of planning systems in different legal, governance and societal contexts, including rural and urban areas and how these have evolved over time.: 1
Evaluate the importance of community and neighbourhood planning and wider place-making processes for the improvement of urban and rural environments, including their potential role in meeting the needs of a diversity of individuals.
: 1,2
Generate creative and realistic proposals to embed sustainability principles into a variety of development planning processes in urban and rural areas.: 1,2
Devise justifiable planning interventions that address policy objectives and community needs.: 2

Study hours

Active learning hours:
14 hours interactive lectures
2 hour workshop briefing and feedback
6 hours project supervision
4 hours external visit / presentation
2 hour report drop-in session
10 hours structured engagement with online resources
Independent study hours:
30 hours preparation for assignment 1
50 hours preparation for assignment 2
32 hours independent study (group and individual-based)

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment