RE3RUP-Rural Policy and Planning

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Gavin Parker
Email: g.parker@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module examines current countryside planning issues and policies, with an emphasis on planning in England and Wales. The context for the module is provided by the changing economic and social drivers in the countryside. The module links with other Undergraduate modules in enabling students to understand the UK planning system and rural places, and applies common institutional arrangements and structures in the particular conditions of the rural context. 

This module is delivered at the University of Reading only. 

Aims:

This module aims to examine current countryside issues and policies, with an emphasis on planning in England and Wales. The context for the module is provided by the changing economic and social drivers in the countryside as well as environmental constraints and opportunities. The module links with other modules in enabling students to understand the UK planning system but placing standard institutional arrangements and structures in a rural context. The overall aim is to provide students with an appreciation of how rural policy and planning shapes rural areas. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate:  

• An understanding of the key components of current countryside policy and practice;  


• An appreciation of the development of land use planning in the UK and its role in shaping the rural economy and society;  


• A critical appreciation of the role of planning and related institutions in the countryside;  


• An appreciation of the role of landscape and other designations in the countryside;  


• An awareness and ability to analyse key rural issues facing policy-makers;  


• An awareness of potential areas of conflict between rural stakeholders.

Additional outcomes:

The module aims to develop web-based learning skills, involving literature searching, research and case study exercises. The coursework will provide an opportunity for students to develop their oral and written presentation skills. 

Outline content:

• Rural policy - introduction and historical context 


• Rural land use - problems, conflicts and policy impacts 


• Rural policy and planning process 


• Rural economies 


• Rural housing 


• Rural designations 


• Rural conservation, biodiversity and recreation tools and issues 


• Planning for sustainable rural communities

Global context:

The module will place UK rural policy and planning in a global and European context where applicable. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be delivered through a 90-minute lecture/student workshop session each week except the final week of term where students have the option of observing and contributing to discussions of group presentations made by other students. Some use of guest lecturers will be made as appropriate. Use will also be made of Blackboard and external web-based material, web-based reports, and e-journal articles with case study material. Two tutorials will be held to consolidate learning an d a third follow up tutorial will be held in preparation for the module assessment. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	15
Tutorials		2	1
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (directed)	40	18
Exam revision/preparation			24
Total hours by term	55	20	25
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two-hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of at least 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by the same method as for the module’s original assessment requirements, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023