International Development Planning Specialism MPlan
By 2010 more than half of the world's population will be living in urban areas. Urbanization is acknowledged as one of the most important global phenomena of the 21st century - on a par with climate change. Urban development poses significant challenges for the future. Employment and livelihoods depend upon participation in labour and commodity markets. The exploitation of natural resources can have serious repercussions for future sustainability. Success for future citizens will depend on their capacity to find opportunities in the world's towns and cities.
In 2007, the University of Manchester committed itself to supporting a new initiative, the Global Urban Research Centre (GURC) headed by Professor Caroline Moser, to support the need for equitable and sustainable urban development. In conjunction with Planning colleagues in the School of Environment and Development (SED), GURC has created a new specialism in International Development Planning as part of a one-year postgraduate Master of Planning (MPlan) programme. The specialism is being taught by a team of professionals with wide and varied experience of academic and practical work related to urban development planning in the Global South.
The International Development Planning specialism aims to:
- Explore conceptual and empirical debates about global urban development, and consider a range of operational frameworks through which to develop policy, planning and programming.
- Enable students to extend their knowledge of planning and development theory.
- Examine the degree to which different urban planning approaches and practical methodologies are effective in addressing poverty and promoting more equitable and sustainable forms of urban development in cities and towns of the South.
- Understand urban planning practice that enables local governments, NGOs, financial institutions and civil society organisations to confront the increasing levels of poverty and inequality, as well as climate change and disaster.
The International Development Planning specialism will be of interest to:
- Planners, architects, social and economic development specialists and other professionals already working on urban development wishing to improve their analytical capacities and understanding of urban development planning in cities of the South;
- Development professionals wishing to acquire new expertise and understanding appropriate in this area;
- Those interested in a career in urban development planning.
All successful applications will have a good first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent or its international equivalent) from a recognised University. Due to the vocational nature of the programme, admission of candidates who do not meet this criterion may be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or professional experience can be provided.
What you will study
The International Development Planning specialism is part of the MPlan (Master of Planning) programme, which aims to provide students with the range of skills necessary for a career in urban, development and environmental planning. The programme is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
The core of the MPlan degree helps equip students for future careers in planning and development. It includes course modules in: planning powers and procedures, planning theory and ethics, the land development process, neighbourhood planning, strategic spatial planning, and research design and techniques for planning.
Alongside these core modules, the programme also offers the opportunity for specialist study in International Development Planning, Urban Regeneration, Urban Design or Planning for Environmental Change.
The two modules that comprise the International Development Planning specialism are: Urban development planning in cities of the South: an international perspective. Focusing on different urban contexts, the module aims to:
- Understand the ways in which urban development planning can proceed in cities influenced by economic globalization, international migration, and post-conflict and post-emergency situations.
- Explore how urbanization and national and sub-national economic and institutional dynamics affect the planning of key sectors such as land acquisition; water and sanitation and other basic services delivery; housing; and employment and income generating activities.
- Analyse the role that different forms of urban governance play in addressing ‘less structured’ and often ‘spatially illegible’ informal environments.
Best practice case studies in urban development planning in cities in the South.
The module aims to:
- Explore ex-ante and ex-post assessments of public interventions in urban residential inequalities and segregation and the ways in which a variety of secondary data can be employed as planning tools to those ends.
- Provide knowledge and practical skills for establishing financially inclusive systems for housing improvements and the introduction of infrastructure and basic services in small and medium size cities.
- Provide practical guidance on mainstreaming disaster risk management into different programmatic interventions and institutional frameworks in cities affected by climate change.
Progression and assessment
The taught elements of the programme, carrying 120 credits overall is continuously assessed though a number of methods (project based reports, oral presentations, essays), involving both individual submissions and group work.
Facilities
In Summer 2007, the School of Environment and Development moved to new purpose-built facilities. The Arthur Lewis Building provides excellent resources including analytical laboratories, studio facilities, workshops, seminar rooms, an on-site café, and dedicated computer clusters including GIS facilities.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Support Office. Email: disability@manchester.ac.uk.
Further information
- Download flyer (PDF, 460KB).
For further information on admissions and funding opportunities for this programme please contact:
SED Recruitment & Admissions Office,
School of Environment & Development,
The University of Manchester,
Oxford Road,
Manchester M13 9PL,
United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0)161 275 0969.
Fax: +44 (0)161 275 0421.
Email: sed.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.
