Entry requirements
Students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience, including undergraduate studies in geography, planning, economics, management and environmental policy. However, candidates are welcome to apply from any academic discipline, as are those in work and seeking continuing professional development. Admission to the course will normally be open to those who either hold an approved good undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) or other professional qualification relevant to regeneration; or who possess an appropriate professional background and experience of regeneration. The course provides the opportunity for people coming from a diversity of professional backgrounds to attain formal academic training and qualifications. Thus applications will also be considered from potential candidates who wish to seek accreditation for their prior experiential learning or earlier qualifications. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate that their level of English is appropriate to study at postgraduate level. The course requires IELTS level 6 (preferably 6.5) in the academic test, with a minimum score of 6 in reading and writing. For TOEFL the required score is 550 or above (paper-based) or 213 or above (computer-based), with a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE).
Course description
PGCert
The regeneration of local economies, local places and local societies is high on the political agenda. Current discussion in the UK of an ‘urban renaissance’, about creating ‘sustainable communities’ and about growing disparities between the economies of London and other regions and cities in the UK overlays the traditions of inner-city regeneration and neighbourhood renewal that have long been a focus for British urban policy. At a wider level, cities throughout the world are seeking to reinvent themselves and provide models for others to copy or compete with.
You will develop an understanding of the application of planning and action to the regeneration and sustainable development of local and regional economies and societies. The major aims of this course are to develop a critical understanding of key issues in regeneration theory, policy and practice, and to ground you as 'reflective practitioner' who is also aware of the ethical and political dilemmas of practice.
The course is taught in the Department of Planning in the School of the Built Environment on Headington Campus, the School has a large and very lively body of postgraduate students.
Course content
The post-graduate certificate is based on the completion of three core modules and is worth 60 master's-level credits in total. To obtain the award you must pass all three modules Introduction to Regeneration, Regeneration and Neighbourhoods, and Delivering Regeneration.
Introduction to Regeneration introduces students to the context within which regeneration takes place and to different approaches to securing desired change. The challenges facing regeneration and the varying ways in which these have been met over time and space are critically reviewed. The main contemporary policies, objectives, strategies, funding regimes and agencies are introduced and critically analysed.
Regeneration and Neighbourhoods critically examines key issues in current regeneration theory, policy and practice, focusing on neighbourhood renewal and ‘people’-based approaches to regeneration. As well as looking at particular initiatives the module explores issues involved in community participation in regeneration. The unit builds relevant skills in participation, drawing up community-based strategies and working in partnerships.
Delivering Regeneration focuses on the implementation and management of regeneration projects, including valuation and appraisal, project management, evaluation and monitoring, strategy and project formulation, bidding for funds and funding packages, partnership working and working with the private sector. It aims to build students’ awareness of implementation issues and skills in delivering regeneration.
All teaching is currently on Tuesdays. Introduction to Regeneration is delivered in the first semester, Regeneration and Neighbourhoods in the second semester and Delivering Regeneration as a 'long, thin' module over both semesters.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning methods reflect the wide variety of topics and techniques associated with regeneration. This includes lectures, directed reading, workshops, seminars, and practical and project work. The course also includes site visits and a project.
Each module on the course is assessed individually, generally on the quality of written work, and partly on oral presentations. Assessment methods may include essays, seminar papers, formal written examinations, in-class tests, project work and verbal presentations, workshops, simulations and practical exercises. In keeping with the course emphasis on practical application, most assessment is based on coursework. A wide range of staff are involved in teaching various components of the course, drawn primarily from the Department of Planning, but with contributions from other parts of the School of the Built Environment. Visiting speakers from across the regeneration field provide further input, bringing practice based experience to the course.
Quality
The School of the Built Environment has a strongly applied focus to its courses in architecture, real estate management and planning, all of which have relevant professional accreditation and input from practitioners. The Department of Planning achieved a score of 4 in the last Research Assessment Exercise.
The department has a strong record of research and teaching in the areas of urban policy and history, regeneration, public participation, community development, place-promotion, competitive cities, and spatial planning.
