Urban Planning - 2012 entry
MRes
Overview
The Master of Research in Urban Planning links a research training course with advanced studies in spatial planning. It is recognised for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) 1+3 funded studentships. It is designed primarily, although not exclusively, to enable you to link a course of substantive research training to the subsequent pursuit of a doctorate.
The course is modular in structure and includes training in spatial planning and in research methods and methodology. You will undertake a dissertation of 15,000 words and will also have the opportunity to become involved in research projects of Brookes' Oxford Institute of Sustainable Development.
Professional accreditation
- Oxford Brookes is acknowledged as a leading provider of planning education in the UK. Our reputation is built on our student centredness, our teaching and research excellence, innovation and service to the community and professional organisations, and our educational philosophy, which seeks to embrace planning education in its widest sense.
- Brookes is renowned internationally for its research in the fields of Architecture and the Built Environment, and Town and Country Planning. The department which includes the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) as its primary research vehicle, is ranked fifth in the country in the RAE research power tables (RAE 2008).
- In addition to being one of the most world's most famous centres for learning, Oxford is a city with great urban heritage and is within easy reach of London and other urban centres.
In detail
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483573
planning-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
Course content
NB As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here.
The MRes consists of five core modules, an optional module, and the dissertation, representing 190 master's-level credits in total. Research methods modules include:
- The Philosophy of Research
- Qualitative Methods and Inquiry by Design
- Statistical Analysis Using SPSS.
The dissertation comprises Research Design and Strategies and the dissertation itself.
The two core substantive modules are:
- Spatial Planning in Action
- Planning Theory.
The option can be chosen from an array of modules in the planning studies fields offered within the department, such as planning in developing countries, transport, tourism and urban regeneration. Routes also exist which enable you to take two core modules from the fields outlined above.
The PGDip and PGCert are available as exit awards only, the PGDip requiring 130 credits and the PGCert requiring 70 credits.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching methods reflect the wide variety of topics and techniques associated with spatial planning and research, and include lectures, seminars, workshops, field trips, and research project shadowing. The majority of the assessment is based on coursework, such as essays, seminar papers, presentations and the dissertation.
Quality
Oxford Brookes has offered a graduate urban or spatial planning course in Oxford for many years, and is acknowledged as a leading provider of planning education in the UK. We have over 30 teaching and research staff and our students are drawn from across the British Isles and internationally. Our reputation is built on our student centredness, our teaching and research excellence, innovation and service to the community and professional organisations, and our educational philosophy, which seeks to embrace planning education in its widest sense.
Research staff are drawn primarily from the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development, but with some contributions from other departments, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the subject. Visiting speakers from local government, non-governmental organisations, the development industry, regulatory bodies, planning consultancies and research bodies provide further input.
The results of the UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008 show that Oxford Brookes is a major player in international research in the fields of Architecture and the Built Environment, and Town and Country Planning. They also show that the build environment departments, which include the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) as their primary research vehicle, are ranked fifth in the country in terms of research power.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483573
planning-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
Faculty
Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment
Department
Course length
Full-time: 12 months, concentrated with lectures and seminars delivered on two days per week.
Part-time: 24 months
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane
Start date
September 2012
UKPASS code
P027755
Apply / Entry reqs
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483573
planning-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
Entry requirements
The MRes in Urban Planning attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applicants are welcome from any academic discipline, and from among those in work and seeking continuing professional development. Admission is normally open to those with a good honours degree (or equivalent), a postgraduate diploma or an equivalent professional qualification.
English language requirements
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 79 or above (internet-based), with a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English (TWE).
Please also see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Preparation courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for this course and also familiarise you with university life. You may also be able to apply for one student visa to cover both courses.
- Take our Pre-Master's course to help you to meet both the English language and academic entry requirements for your master's course
- Take our University English course to help you to meet the English language requirements of your master's course
How to apply
You apply for this course through UKPASS.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All postgraduate single modules are equivalent to 10 ECTS credits, double modules to 20 ECTS credits, and treble modules to 30 ECTS credits. A full master's course will carry 90 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Fees / funding
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483573
planning-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
TUITION FEES
International
Full-time: £11,340
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Scholarships and funding
For general sources of financial support, see:
Oxford
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483573
planning-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
Why Oxford is a great place to study Urban Planning
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which provides you with a host of learning opportunities.
As well as being one of the most world's most famous centres for learning, Oxford is a city with great urban heritage and is within easy reach of London and other urban centres. Because Oxford is one of the world's great academic cities, it is a key centre of debate, with conferences, seminars and forums taking place across education, science, the arts and many other subjects.
In addition to our own excellent libraries and resource centres, our postgraduate students have access to the world-renowned Bodleian Library, the Bodleian Law Library and the Radcliffe Science Library.
Support
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483573
planning-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
How Brookes supports postgraduate students
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Research
CONTACT US
+44 (0) 1865 483573
planning-enquiry@brookes.ac.uk
Research excellence
The results of the UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008 show that Oxford Brookes is a major player in international research in the fields of Architecture and the Built Environment, and Town and Country Planning. They also show that the build environment departments, which include the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) as their primary research vehicle, are ranked fifth in the country in terms of research power.
