module specification

In this module you will learn about the key principles that underpin the built environment.  You will be introduced to the stakeholders who have an involvement in the built environment and the building process including, construction professionals, landowners, government, local authorities, investors, developers, and the public.  You will explore their roles and responsibilities and how they impact on construction projects and the wider built environment. 

You will develop an understanding of the design, planning, financing, construction, sale and operation of organisations, products, buildings, infrastructure, and places within which people live, work and travel.

You will learn to use techniques such as PESTLE to help you analyse the wider context, taking into account Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors that will have an influence on your work, both nationally and globally.

You will look at everything through the lens of sustainability, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) which is essential if you are to become a professional and ethical practitioner.

The module involves the creation of a Professional Development Journal (PDJ) which students reflect on their learning in and outside the classroom. The PDJ is an iterative journal, developed over each year of students’ studies through levels 4, 5 and 6, and is assessed at each level. Students will be supported in learning about reflection, the software used for the PDJ and there will be opportunities for formative feedback and class discussion throughout the module.

By the end of this module, you will have a clear understanding of the key factors at play in the Built Environment. You will also have developed valuable research and critical thinking skills and acquired a greater understanding of the industry to help with your future career planning. You will start your journey towards becoming a built environment professional by becoming a student member of an appropriate professional body.

• Academic and report writing conventions for built environment students and professionals (LO5)
• Stakeholders in the built environment (LO2,4)
• The Planning system; planning concepts, development plans, public consultation (LO1,2)
• Building control; process and emerging trends (LO2,4)
• Health, safety and wellbeing, including Health & Safety legislation (LO2)
• Strategic planning for urban development (LO1,3)
• The environment and sustainability (LO1,3)
• Economics (LO2)
• International drivers in the Built Environment (LO1,3)
• Governance in the built and natural environment (LO2,3,6)
• Importance and role of professional bodies; membership, codes of conduct and ethics (LO4,6)
• Introduction to contracts, tort and the English legal system (LO2)
• Recognising equality and diversity in the built environment (LO4)
• Analysis techniques – PESTLE (LO3)
• Planning for career development – professional skills including report writing, reflection and the preparation of a Professional Development Journal (LO4,5)

In your lectures you will be introduced to the built environment and the legal, regulatory, and economic contexts within which it exists.  You will explore how it directly impacts social, economic, and environmental well-being, including the contributions it can make towards resolving the challenges associated with climate change.

Study will be supported via lectures, seminars, workshops, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities, will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access. The value of this blended approach is that you will be able to continue to explore topics beyond the classroom and interact with your cohort to expand on discussions and debates.

This approach to teaching and learning replicates industry and encourages collaboration, innovation, and teamwork. You will be required to produce and update a weekly Professional Development Journal (PDJ) in the form of a reflective journal that will form part of your assessment.  The PDJ will allow you to reflect on what you have learnt and help you to identify gaps in your knowledge. Again, this approach mirrors industry where you will be required to keep records of your Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

You will receive summative feedback at regular intervals.  Summative means that the feedback will not go towards your final mark for the module, but you will be able to use the feedback to learn, improve your knowledge of key topics and to develop your academic writing skills.

You will be asked to do independent and guided reading and research to support your learning, this will help you to build a wider knowledge of the built environment and your potential role within it.

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:
1. Appreciate the impact of the built environment on social, economic and environmental well-being and its role in the climate change agenda across the globe.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, regulatory, social, and economic principles, which underpin construction and the work of built environment professionals.
3. Understand the influence of external factors including politics/government, the economy, society, technology, law, and the environment (PESTLE) on the built environment.
4. Understand the role of key stakeholders across the built environment sector.
5. Demonstrate an understanding and application of academic writing and professional reporting conventions.
6. Understand the importance of professionalism, collaboration, teamwork, and personal and professional ethics in the built environment sector.

The 3 module assessments test the student’s knowledge and understanding that should have been developed throughout the module. The module assessments reflect the need for students to understand the key factors which influence the Built Environment, to have developed valuable research and critical thinking skills, and acquired an understanding of the industry to help with their future career planning. Students will evidence how they have commenced compiling their own PDJ, which will include their joining a professional body and recording valuable CPD activities. Further information will be issued in the coursework briefs.

Coursework 1: Individual Report (1250 words) 25%

A 1250-word individual report on a contemporary theme which highlights the impact of the built environment on social, economic, and environmental well-being and its pivotal role in the climate change agenda across the globe.

Coursework 2: Individual Report (2500 words) 50%

Coursework 2 marks the start of the student’s professional career.  They will be required to submit their own professional development journal. This will be an online portfolio that will ultimately be used to showcase the student’s skills, knowledge, and achievements to prospective employers. It will be their own personal record of progress through the early stages of the student’s career. Students will need to include evidence that they have enrolled as a student member of a relevant professional body and undertaken CPD. This is a live document that they will update and have assessed at every level of their studies.

Coursework 3: Professional Discussion (10 minutes) 25%

A 10-minute professional discussion will be held to review the Coursework 2 Professional Development Journal (PDJ).  The discussion will require the student to outline their plans for professional development activities over the next academic year.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books, publications and online resources which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are included in the core text list.

There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).  

CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module. You will be directed to the relevant resources during the course of the module.

Other resources can be found via the online reading list.

Talis Reading List