Urban and Regional Development (MSc)

Understand more about regeneration theory and practice - and help meet the policy challenge.

The MSc Urban and Regional Development provides students with an opportunity to examine the range of issues covered by regeneration studies, especially the interplay between economy, state and civil society. It will also furnish students with an opportunity to review debates, investigate substantive issues and acquire problem-solving skills through project-based teamwork, and develop the analytical and social skills which are increasingly being sought in today's  regeneration-related professions.

The course links theoretical debates about the nature of social, economic and physical regeneration with the more practical skills and knowledge required for policy formulation and implementation. The programme is run by the School of Planning and Geography but students are able to access related teaching offered by the School of Social Sciences. This cross-fertilisation builds a teaching dimension to the close collaborative research relationship between the Schools giving students access to a wider range of regeneration-related expertise.

As well as addressing a state-of-the-art public policy agenda, the MSc also aims to engage with leading-edge theoretical issues in the social sciences.

Designed to be policy-relevant and practice-related, the course allows students to develop close links with a wide array of organisations involved in the regeneration of our cities, regions and local communities. These include:

  • regional development agencies;
  • government departments;
  • community groups
  • third sector organisations.

Course Recognition

This MSc is recognised by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a 'specialist' masters, allowing those who have completed a three year RTPI recognised undergraduate spatial planning degree to complete the RTPI's educational requirements for membership. For further details visit the Royal Town Planning Institute website.

It is also accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), allowing completion of the educational requirement for RICS membership. For further details visit the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors website.

Course Structure

The MSc Urban and Regional Development is offered as a one year full-time or a two year part-time course.

It is divided into two parts:
Part 1 comprises a teaching programme of core and option modules over two semesters (or four semesters for the part-time course). Four core modules are complemented by a set of option modules which allow students to specialise in particular regeneration themes in the context of an approach to the subject, which aims to give equal prominence to theory, policy and practice.
Part 2 comprises an individual dissertation on a topic selected by each student in consultation with members of staff. The topic must be regeneration-related. In the case of students from other countries, the dissertation may focus on a regeneration issue in their country of origin.

The following list relates to the modules for the academic year 2012/13. Please note that these may be subject to change.

Core Modules

Option Modules

The modules are assessed through continuous assessment using a variety of seminars, essays, project work and practical exercises. Where required there is room for flexibility in setting alternative, comparable assessments.

Study Visits

A number of field study visits may be arranged during the course. The School does partly subsidise these trips but students should allow for travelling and subsistence expenses.

Employability

The course offers the knowledge and expertise to take you on to a variety of careers, including graduate employment in UK and international organisations, such as national, regional and local economic development agencies/consultancies and public, private and third-sector organisations.
Our Alumni collectively represent the variety of potential careers and jobs that our current (and future) students may embark on.

Suitability

This MSc is suitable for graduates from social sciences, geography, humanities and business studies. Applicants with good degrees in other relevant disciplines and/or mature students with a relevant professional background will also be considered.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should normally hold a first or second class Honours degree in an appropriate subject. A minimum standard in English language of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent will be required for students whose first language is not English. Pre-course English Language tuition is available.

School Contact

Name: Dr Pauline Card
Telephone: +44 (0)29 208 76092
Email: CardPD@cardiff.ac.uk
or cplan-studentenquiries@cardiff.ac.uk

See this course on the University's Coursefinder website.