module specification

This module provides an overview of development economics, and an analysis of historic and contemporary policies and practices, involved in the economics of delivering sustainable urban change.

This module aims to:

• provide students with an understanding of development economics within planning practice in the UK, with specialist knowledge of urban contexts and comparisons with international case studies;
• critically assess a range of elements, involved in creating economically sustainable plans and places;
• inform students on the choice of appropriate specialisms.

This module provides an introductory context for the economy of place. The module specifically considers the economy of London and the relationship between this and those policies and processes, informing development and the delivery of sustainable urban change.

The syllabus typically considers the following aspects:

• valuing the city;
• valuing the urban realm;
• cost analysis of good development and good public spaces;
• developments in London;
• the development process;
• undertaking a development appraisal;
• development finance;
• affordable accommodation for civic life;
• local economy;
• market analysis;
• community development models;
• funding sources - private and public. LO1,LO2,LO3

Scheduled teaching ensures that independent study is effective and addresses the learning outcomes and assessment tasks. Students are expected to, and have the opportunity to continue with their studies outside of scheduled classes. There will be a range of learning strategies deployed and individual learning styles will be accommodated. The module’s learning outcomes, its contents and delivery, have been scrutinised and will be regularly reviewed to ensure an inclusive approach to pedagogic practice.

The module and course utilise the University’s blended learning platform to support and reinforce learning, to foster peer-to-peer communication and to facilitate tutorial support for students. Reflective learning is promoted through assessment items and interim formative feedback points that ask students to reflect on their progress, seek help where they identify the opportunity for improvement in learning strategies and outcomes, and make recommendations to themselves for future development. Throughout the module, students build a body of work, including reflections on progress and achievement.

The School’s programme of employability events and practice-focused learning within the curriculum supports students’ personal development planning. Through these initiatives, students are increasingly able to engage and challenge the intellectual and professional environment of their discipline, the various opportunities available to them, and how to shape their learning according to their ambitions.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

1. understand and articulate the effect of economic development;
2. describe how economically sustainable plans and places are achieved within different contexts;
3. critically evaluate different approaches to achieving economically successful places.

There are three assessment components:
1. Essay (2000-3000 words) assessing delivery element of economically sustainable places or another module-appropriate topic.
2. Group Project Report: researching a development appraisal or another module-appropriate topic, based on primary research.
3. Individual essay proposal.

The following are indicative only. Refereed journals/articles and electronic resources will be issued according to syllabus.

Shrivastava, O.S. (2009) Regional Economics and Regional Planning, New Delhi
Adams, D. and Tiesdell, S. (2012) Urban Planning, Design, Development, Routledge
Bowie, D. (2017) Radical Solutions to the Housing Supply Crisis, Policy Press
Davoudi, S. Crawford, J. and Mahmood, A. (2009) Planning for Climate Change, Earthscan
Dubben, N. and Williams, B. (2009) Partnerships in Urban Property Development, Wiley-Blackwell
Galbraith, J.K. (1999) The Affluent Society, Penguin
Minton, A. (2017) Big Capital: Who is London For? Penguin
Reed, R. and Sims, S. (2014) Property Development, 6th Edition, Routledge
Ryan-Collins, J. (2017) Rethinking the Economics of Land and Housing, Zed Books
Sandel, M.J. (2012) What Money Can’t Buy: The Moral Limits of Markets, Penguin
Syms, P. (2010) Land Development and Design, 2nd Edition, John Wiley & Sons