Contemporary Debates and Professionalism module (UP41003)

You will develop an understanding of the modern issues faced by built environment professionals at a local, regional and global scale. Through a guest lecture series you will have contact with professionals in practice and explore their roles and responsibilities, giving insight in how they manage and respond to issues such as housing, transport and climate change.

You will explore the responsibilities of the planning profession and professionals in practice and what it means to work towards membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• develop a critical understanding of contemporary debates on major issues affecting society such as housing and homelessness, poverty, exclusion, transport, infrastructure, climate change etc
• develop a detailed knowledge of professionalism, ethics and moral obligation in professional practice
• gain knowledge of professional code of conduct

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• the ability to engage in critical debate and analysis across a range of topical subjects
• a good understanding and awareness of the planning profession
• effective oral communication and presentation skills as well
• the ability to engage in critical reflective learning and apply critical decision making

Assignments / assessment

• essay - 2,000 words (40%)
• presentation - 10 minutes (10%)
• report - 2,500 words (50%)

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
• occasional guest speakers from industry.
• workshops