Spatial Planning with Sustainable Urban Design MSc Dissertation module (UP53001)

This module allows you to identify a topic of your interest, related to your knowledge learnt from the module Sustainable Urban Design, and investigate how it can be applied to seek an understanding or resolve an identified problem in spatial planning.

You will undertake this process by using a range of approaches in research on an individual basis, supported by a tutor, to identify findings and draw conclusions from your investigation.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• gain a deeper knowledge of the urban design subject through its application to a spatial planning issue of interest
• realise a written dissertation report as your output of your own original work using various evidence obtained through the investigation process
• apply deeper thinking and bring together related elements of complex situations

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

• undertake an investigation on an urban design and spatial planning complex problems using logical research approaches to justify your findings and conclusions

use desk-based research and collection of original evidence to support finding answers to the issues being investigated

Assignments / assessment

• study proposal 2,500 words (15%)
  • to indicate the intention of the subject to be studied and how this will be done
  • to demonstrate the availability of literature to support and inform your investigation
• written report 15,000-20,000 words (85%)
  • to indicate the purpose and reasons of your study, how it was done, its findings and main conclusion

This module does not have a final exam

Teaching methods / timetable

• lectures
  • run during the first week of semester 3
  • various tutors will provide lectures on different elements of the research process
• oral presentation
  • presentation of your early ideas to peers and staff members who will be able to make suggestions toward refining your original ideas
  • to prepare for writing your final proposal of your intended investigation
• tutor feedback
  • feedback for your proposal will support your finalisation of how you proceed with your investigation through the summer semester
  • regular meetings with your assigned tutor will allow you to present your progress during your investigation