Spatial Planning (RTPI Accredited)  Spatial Planning (RTPI Accredited) Oxford Brookes University ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1567401667Oxford-Brookes-University-1.jpg

Technology, Design and Environment Department of Planning The MSc level offers full Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accreditation in one calendar year. The postgraduate diploma needs to be combined with an approved specialist planning programme (see below), to fulfil the RTPI requirements. Planners facilitate change in the built and natural environment and are major players in the practice of sustainable development. On completion of this course, graduates will have developed the critical thinking necessary to plan and manage human settlements as sustainable, healthy, equitable, attractive and competitive towns, cities and regions. Spatial Planning develops the practical skills and rationality of planning (the science) as well as the creativity of place-making (the art). The course aims to provide graduates with an RTPI-approved education in accordance with the 2004 Policy Statement on Initial Planning Education. Oxford Brookes has offered a graduate planning course in Oxford for over 40 years and is acknowledged as a leading provider of probably the most diverse routes to RTPI professional accreditation in the UK. We have over 50 teaching and research staff. Course content The course is offered at two levels: a master's degree (MSc) and a postgraduate diploma (PGDip). The MSc course is based on the completion of the following compulsory elements, plus elective specialisations and a 15,000-word master's dissertation. Please note: as courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here. Compulsory elements: * Spatial Planning in Context explores the contexts within which the UK planning system needs to be understood: historical, spatial, social, economic, political and international. You will consider the issues that the planning system confronts and manages, and reflect on the range of approaches, historically and between countries, which may be taken to deal with planning issues. * Spatial Planning in Action presents an analysis and assessment of the structure, objectives and responsibilities underlying the practice of spatial planning from a UK perspective. The legal basis and administrative aspects of planning decision making are introduced, including development plan making, development control and the appeals process. * Place Making introduces the theories, processes and practice of place making, and evaluates these against their impact on urban form and different sectors of society. The module engenders the development of design alternatives, taking account of political, socio-economic, development, aesthetic and other key factors important in achieving high quality, sustainable public realms. * Delivering Sustainable Futures extends understanding of the principles of sustainability, the interpretation and practice of sustainable development, and the changing socio-political and environmental context within which plans are generated and implemented. * Contemporary Issues in Planning Practice and Research provides an opportunity to study developing issues in spatial planning and to develop skills in the analysis of planning debates and in problem-solving techniques. * Research Methods (Public Policy) provides a critical knowledge of methods and skills of research and their application to investigative work that informs public policy. * MSc Dissertation is an individual research study of up to 15,000 words. It reveals abilities to define and research an issue or problem of relevance to the discipline of planning and to make a contribution to knowledge in the chosen area of specialisation (see below). MSc students are offered a high degree of choice and flexibility in terms of their elective specialisation, including: Environmental Decision Making * Environmental Assessment * Environmental Law and Decision Making Historic Conservation * Design for Conservation * Conservation Economics Planning in Developing and Transitional Regions * Development and Urbanisation * Urban Land P