RE3PDP-Projects in Development and Planning

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: RE3DAF Development Appraisal and Finance RE3REDP Real Estate Development Practice RE3SUD Sustainability and Urban Design
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: m.e.dobson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Co-convenor of this module is Victor Nicholls (v.nicholls@reading.ac.uk)

A multi project-based module that introduces new skills whilst drawing together existing knowledge in 'Real world' development and planning scenarios. The module consists of two projects, that cover the different aspects of development and planning practice. In addition, students will be required to undertake group work.  

Aims:

The module aims to equip students with a range of specialist knowledge and skills to enable them to engage effectively in the field of planning and development. It also aims to develop students' transferable skills including communication, team working, problem solving, business awareness, numeracy and the use of IT. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to: 

• recognise the aesthetic, functional, social and environmental dimensions of site planning and urban design and analyse the physical constraints and opportunities of a site for development; 


• set planning considerations in the wider context seen from the perspectives of developers, public authorities and the community and assess the capacit y of a site for development and prepare a planning assessment for development; 


• collect, analyse and evaluate complex, and often conflicting, information relating to property markets, public policies and the urban environment in order to identify and advise on development opportunities; 


• understand the procedural 'hurdles' that a property developer has to negotiate to pass through the process and recognise that the development process i s affected by broad economic and social trends and land requirements. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will develop their oral, written and graphic communication, team working, problem solving, business awareness, numeracy, IT and information handling skills. 

Outline content:

The module is structured around two discrete projects, taken sequentially, the second project being a group activity. Each project will provide the student with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts and techniques, technical and/or legal knowledge, and relevant research to the analysis and evaluation of practical problems and situations. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Project 1 – An individual 2,500-word Planning Assessment report worth 35% of the module mark – Submission date in week 11 (timetabling week 15) of Autumn term. 

Project 2 – 65% of the module mark divided on the following basis: 

• An Interim ‘Options Study’ Presentation of 15 minutes plus Q&A (group mark, 10% of project 2 mark); 


• A final ‘Development Feasibility’ Presentation of 20 minutes plus Q&A (group mark, 10% of project 2 mark); 


• A Group Executive Summary Report of 4,000 words (group mark, 20% of project 2 mark); 


• Detailed Individual Report of 2,000 words (individual marks, 60% of project 2 mark).  

Note that all the assessment methods for Project 2 are heavily interlinked and so the same work will be applied to the group presentations and report based on your individual research and report. 

The interim presentation is held in week 5 (timetabling week 24) and the Final presentation in week 11 (timetabling week 30) of the Spring term. The deadline for the Group and Individual Reports is week 11 (timetabling week 30) of the Spring term

Formative assessment methods:

Group tutorials and feedback from module convenor running throughout Projects 1 & 2.  

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.  

•  where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the 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: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/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% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment for Project 1 will be by the same method as for the module’s original assessment requirements, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate.  

Reassessment for Project 2 will be different because the group presentations and report cannot be replicated after the event. Therefore, the student will be expected to prepare a 5,000 word report that follows the same format of site option selection and development feasibility analysis. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Possible travel expense for Project 2 Thames Valley Site Visit - max £20.

Last updated: 27 August 2020