Urban and Regional Development (MSc)

How will I be taught?

An array of teaching and learning styles are used throughout this programme.

You will attend lectures, participate in seminars and discussions, and attend field study visits. Most of the taught modules in the programme are compulsory, though there is some scope for choice in the second semester at Cardiff University.

You should attend all timetabled sessions of the programme – lectures, seminars and presentations – but are also expected to engage in independent study.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of summative assessment methods are used. These include formal written examinations, written texts, written assignments of a variety of lengths, projects requiring empirical data, case studies, student-led presentations, reviews of current research, library-based research, negotiated topics and formats.

With the exception of two modules (which use exams), all assessment is now done by coursework. This approach allows you to pursue and develop specific interests and themes across a range of different modules. It also provides further opportunities for you to work independently and demonstrate high level practical, professional and transferable skills. 

Coursework will generally consist of one piece of work of between 4000 - 5000 words unless otherwise specified. Some coursework assessment will take the form of project-based work where this is appropriate to the skill set and learning outcomes.

The major piece of project work will be the dissertation. This will involve an independent piece of analysis and empirical research. The dissertation will be an integrated part of the scheme with a preparatory module (Research Study Methods) which aims to provide you with the skills and the knowledge necessary to complete the exercise successfully.

You will be expected to complete the dissertation by the end of September of your final year.

How will I be supported?

You will be allocated a personal tutor at the start of the course. You will retain this tutor throughout the two years.

All modules make extensive use of Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment, where you will find your course materials.

You will be given the chance to reflect on your abilities and performance through the Personal Development Planning module, available on Learning Central, through the Professional Development module that forms an integral part of the third semester experience, and through personal tutor meetings.

Resources and facilities

• Access to a dedicated PC laboratory with high quality peripherals including: network account laser printing, large format colour printing, A4 colour printing;
• GIS facilities/workstation/access to Edina digimap digital mapping facility;
• Two dedicated computer technicians;
• A 30 PC open-access laboratory in the Glamorgan Building;
• An excellent library containing more than 12000 specialised books, 280 journal titles and stock expenditure of over £100,000 per year;
• Access to Dyslexia resource facilities;
• Support for students working/assessed through the medium of Welsh;
• Professional skills delivery during the induction week to provide students with training on computer use; presentation skills etc.

Feedback

You will receive written feedback on all assessments. Formative guidance is provided on unassessed exercises, including an oral presentation based on the draft dissertation. 

What skills will I practise and develop?

You will acquire and develop a range of valuable skills, both those which are discipline specific and more generic employability skills.

As a student on this programme you will:

• Develop a critical theoretical understanding about processes of socio-economic change in comparative perspective – in towns, cities, regions and city-regions across the world
• Develop sound data analysis and research skills, in particular in the analysis of uneven development at the regional and more localised community scales
• Gain practical skills in devising urban and regional development strategies
• Be able to critically reflect on and engage with the practical and policy challenges of addressing uneven development between places
• Develop an understanding of the social, economic, political and spatial frameworks which shape urban and regional development policy and practice
• Develop competence in policy analysis in different institutional settings and spatial scales
• Hone personal and communication skills in self-management, team-building, analysis, decision-making, report-writing and presentation
• Develop specialist skills and knowledge to an advanced level in particular areas
• Appreciate and evaluate the interactions between theory, policy and practice and critical self-awareness of your own professional practice.