MSc Urban Studies / Course details

This module will introduce students to urban and regional policy, exploring its evolution and considering the experience of a number of individual cities and regions. The course will consider the ways in which local and national political considerations impact upon changing policy outcomes.  It will trace the evolution of urban and regional policy over time, exploring the historical roots of spatial or area-based intervention and identifying contrasts and comparisons with contemporary policy. 

1.    introduce students to the field of urban and regional policy through critical assessment of contemporary policies which impinge upon cities and regions;
2.    explore the evolution of urban and regional policy in England, with particular regard to the implications for spatial planning;
3.    stimulate thinking about the formulation, implementation and resultant impact of urban and regional policy initiatives, and to consider the ways in which policy-makers might seek to re-formulate policies in light of these;
4.    consider the role of political and institutional change in shaping the nature and form of urban and regional policy; and
5.    help develop an understanding of the effective management of urban and regional policy initiatives.
 

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

This course will be delivered through lectures and workshops. 

Understand the relationship between urban and regional policy and changing economic, social and political circumstances.
Evaluate the key features of a range of urban and regional policies.
Interpret the effectiveness of urban and regional policies, programmes and projects at various scales of governance.

Use different critical perspectives to understand the evolution and impact of a range of urban and regional policies.

Undertake evidence-based assessment of urban and regional policies.

Communicate policy analysis clearly to academic and professional audiences.

Essay, 2500 words (100%)

Written feedback will be provided within 15 working days of submission.

Edwards, C. and Imrie, R. (2015) The short guide to urban policy, Bristol: The Policy Press

Jones, P. and Evans, J. (2013) Urban Regeneration in the UK: Boom, Bust and Recovery, second edition, London: Sage

Pike, A., Rodriguez-Pose, A. and Tomaney, J. (2016) Local and Regional Development. London: Routledge.

Roberts, P., Sykes, H. and Granger, R. (2017) Urban Regeneration, second edition, London: Sage

Tallon, A. (2021) Urban Regeneration in the UK, third edition, London: Routledge