This module examines the meaning and nature of urban sustainability and urban regeneration and planning, predominantly with a focus on the developed world. The module will be divided into two blocks as follows:

1. Teaching Block 1: Sustainable and Smart Cities

2. Teaching Block 2: Urban Regeneration and Planning

In the first block, the module will examine a range of cultural, social, economic and environmental issues relating to urban sustainability and urban form, with specific reference to urban sprawl, compact city strategies, and smart-city initiatives. These issues will be presented to students with reference to case-studies drawn from across the world.

In the second block, the module will set regeneration policy and urban planning within the context of theory and practice. The module will examine a range of regeneration and planning approaches with reference to local, national and international case studies. This block will include local fieldwork to examine regeneration initiatives in Stoke-on-Trent.

Assessment will consist of:
1. A coursework essay examining the approaches to, and challenges of, developing effective urban sustainability strategies, 2000 words in length. (TOTAL: 50%) (Teaching Block 1) [Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6].
2. A coursework report examining a case-study of urban regeneration, 2000 words in length. (TOTAL: 50%) (Teaching Block 2) [Learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6] – Final assessment

Formative Assessment:
Opportunities for ongoing formative feedback will be provided during class sessions via strategies such as discussion of key issues and formative feedback on in-class and field worksheets. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their essay plans

The module will be delivered through a combination of:

1) 20 weekly 2-hour lectures that will combine lectures, discussion and workshop activity, and local fieldwork.

2) Field visits to explore local sustainability and regeneration initiatives – 6 hours

3) Independent learning through guided reading, project work and the use of internet sites (
It is essential for this module that independent reading and preparation of the two written assessments are undertaken concurrently through the course of the module using the 254 hours of allocated independent learning time.

Jones P and Evans J (2013) Urban Regeneration in the UK. 2nd Edition. London: Sage

LeGates, R. & Stout, F. (2016) The City Reader. 6th Edition. Routledge

McLaren, D. & Aygeman, J. (2015) Sharing Cities: A case for truly smart and sustainable cities. MIT Press

Picon, A. (2015) Smart Cities: A spatialised intelligence. John Wiley & Sons

Roberts, P, Ravetz, J, and George, C (2009) Environment and the City. London: Routledge.

Maps, aerial photographs, mobile devices and field equipment for field work to be completed during the module.

None.

1) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the major issues regarding urban sustainability and regeneration today.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

2) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the historical and cultural contexts within which these issues have developed and might be addressed through policy and planning.
(KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

3) Evaluate the different approaches and strategies to urban regeneration in the UK and suggest solutions for particular scenarios.
(ANALYSIS, APPLICATION, ENQUIRY, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

4) Demonstrate an understanding of the linkages between generic facets of urban regeneration and sustainability issues and specifics of particular cities.
(APPLICATION, KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING)

5) Critically analyse opinions expressed in literature encountered in a variety of sources
(ANALYSIS, ENQUIRY)

6) To research and engage in critical disclosure of relevant literature and communicate this information clearly and concisely.
(COMMUNICATION, ENQUIRY)