REMRFT-Rural Field Trip

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: a.cropley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The Rural Field Trip module gives students an insight into a diverse range of rural land-based businesses located in either a different part of Britain, or abroad.  Students will be expected to integrate and apply core estate management skills and understanding developed in the first and second terms of the programme, evaluate land and property issues in their wider economic, social, political and legal context, and develop field-based skills of observation, analysis and evaluation.

Aims:

•    To develop policy, political, economic and social assessment skills in a variety of contexts.

•    To develop resource appraisal skills in the field.

•    To apply subject knowledge and understanding to solving problems in the field.

•    To develop transferable skills, including communication skills.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students will be able to:

•    Understand the policies, practices and organisations involved in the operation of different rural land uses and enterprises in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

•    Undertake evaluation and assessment of different activities in a variety of rural settings. 

•    Describe and discuss management issues that arise from conflict between competing rural land uses.

•    Gather data and analyse the collected data to prepare written reports of their findings.

Additional outcomes:

•    Students will develop their written presentation skills, and their ability to communicate effectively in a discussion situation.

Outline content:

The study tour will involve:

•    Pre visit orientation and training.

•    A residential field trip to a region of the UK or overseas country. Students will attend a programme of presentations and project visits in the case study location, incorporating a variety of rural land management and business enterprises in the public, private and non-profit sector. 

•    Continuing independent research work on a structured professional project.

•    Presentation of findings

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Prior to the field trip, students will attend preparatory sessions involving introductory lectures.  Part of the experience for students will be to research, prior to the visit, the wider economic, social, political and legal context of the area and be able to apply this to the assessment set. 

On the study tour, students will visit sites that illustrate particular development and management issues within the area.  Talks and guided tours of sites will be conducted by key personnel of the organisations operating the enterprises in the study tour location.  Students will be assigned a professional project brief on a specific aspect of rural land and business management in the location.  Ideas introduced on the visits will be developed through the use of discussion and exercises.  Students will execute the brief through their participation in the study tour programme and a wider desk study prior to their visit.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two-part assignment.  Diary (30% of module assessment) submitted Week 5/6 summer term (1500 words), Part 2 (70% of module assessment) submitted Week 7/8 summer term (1500 words).

Formative assessment methods:

In the seminars students will receive informal feedback on their contribution and understanding of key principles and their application.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for this module is 50%

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):

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:

2) Specialist equipment or materials:

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:

4) Printing and binding:

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: The study tour will commence at the University of Reading.  Students are expected to pay for some meals and all drinks during the trip.

Last updated: 31 July 2018