Urban Development and Regeneration

Subject description

Urban planning and development can be traced back to Roman times when Augustus began re-building the city of Rome, and other examples of planned cities can be found throughout history. The industrial revolution shaped the way cities were built in the 18^th and 19^th centuries where urban planning tended to focus on the needs of factory owners and the wealthy elite. By the 20^th century the disciplines of architecture, construction and city planning were having a major influence on the West. This was mainly because of the mass rebuilding that had to take place after the devastation caused by the Second World War.

Today, urban design now needs to consider the functionality of towns and cities. Our urban spaces rely on more than just what buildings are used for. As the populations of our cities have expanded the demand for a higher standard of living has meant that planners and designers now have to take into consideration transport structures, community development, environmental and sustainable methods of building, and the needs of individuals. Urbanisation however can cause problems. Inadequate housing, pollution, and insufficient transport systems are just a few.

Example areas of study

Courses in urban development and regeneration will allow you to try and find solutions to these problems through learning about planning, the environment and the policies that surround the building of our homes and cities. Some examples of the subjects you may study are listed below but it is a good idea to check with the institutions directly what modules they offer before you submit your application.

• Architecture
• Urban planning
• Construction design
• Economics for urban planning
• Design and technology
• Built environment
• Sustainable development
• City cultures
• Global development
• Geography
• Environmental studies
• Population studies
• Regional development
• Property development
• Landscape studies
• Community regeneration
• Housing studies
• Information management
• Natural environments
• Urban design
• Cities in transition
• Green space management
• Property development
• Estate management
• Valuation studies
• Countryside planning
• Development control
• Landscape design
• Planning law
• Urban heat islands

Some career possibilities

Graduates who have studied urban regeneration and development can enter a wide range of professions either related or unrelated to the subject. Planning officers in local authorities or planning consultants for private companies are sought after, or you could enter a career in management, policy making or local government.

What do I need to get on a course?

• The qualifications you will need to be accepted on a course in urban development and regeneration will depend on the individual institutions. The list below will give you an idea of the grades you may need:
• UCAS Tariff: 240 - 280 points
• A-levels: BCC - BBC
• SQA Highers: BBCCC
• SQA Advanced Highers: BCC
• Irish Leaving Certificates: BBBBC - BBBBB
• International Baccalaureate: 28 - 30 points
• BTEC National Diploma: DMM

For your application or interview, evidence of the following may be useful:

• You could contact your Local Authority planning department to see if you could do some work shadowing in the planning department
• Keep an eye on local developments in your area, the regional newspapers usually have information on planning applications
• A good place for further information on urban development is The Royal Town Planning Institute, The British Urban Regeneration Association, The Urban Regeneration Companies and Scotland's Independent Regeneration Network

To find out more about the typical subjects you will study, potential career paths and further information useful for your application log-on to Course Discover at www.coursediscoveronline.co.uk*

*NB: Your school or college will need a subscription to Course Discover in order for you to gain access, for further information go to:www.coursediscover.co.uk