Planning and Rural Surveying CoursesAdmission to study Spatial Planning and Surveying at Aberdeen Admission to study spatial planning and surveying at the University of Aberdeen is to the MA. This entry system brings great flexibility and choice with respect to course and degree structure. In summary there are four spatial planning and surveying programmes offered within Geography & Environment: MA Spatial Planning; MA Rural Surveying & Spatial Planning; MA Rural Surveying; and (in collaboration with the Business School) MA Property & Spatial Planning. All of the programmes are accredited by the RTPI and / or the RICS. On the MA in Spatial Planning you have the opportunity to pursue the specialism Environmental Planning. To provide guidance through the selection of degrees and courses, you are allocated an Advisor of Studies who helps you with all academic matters. |
Programme Structure Over the first two years you devote between 60-80% of your time to studying planning and surveying, depending upon whether you are undertaking a single or joint honours degree programme. Our programmes have a unique focus on environmental and rural issues, and have a firm root in the subjects of geography, economics, law, government, design and environmental science. As well as studying spatial planning and surveying there is the opportunity for taking courses from other disciplines during your degree programme. So, for example, you might want to learn a foreign language to enhance further your employment prospects – or you might want to sit some history courses to satisfy an existing interest. |
First Year (Level 1) This consists of foundation courses in the principles of land and property development, sustainability, economics and valuation. Teaching is divided between lectures, practicals and tutorials supplemented by your own independent learning through the University's excellent library and computing facilities. Assessment (as at all levels) is through a combination of coursework and examinations.
Second Year (Level 2) Here you will study courses covering the role of the state in the use and management of land, valuation of investment property, land & property economics and landscape design. Again, you will have lectures, tutorials and practicals, as well as a residential field trip to one of a number of locations across Britain .
The Honours School (Levels 3 and 4) At this level there is a greater emphasis upon the practical side of the spatial planning and surveying disciplines and there are numerous opportunities for you to apply some of the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom to ‘live' projects. For example, you might be engaged in a mock planning inquiry for a new football stadium in the green belt for Aberdeen FC, formulating a diversification strategy for an upland rural estate or devising a planning strategy to accommodate housing growth in a nearby market town. Finally, there is a requirement for you to undertake an extended piece of research in the form of a dissertation. |
Courses from across the Programmes Below are some of the courses provided across the MA Spatial Planning & Surveying programmes.
Levels 1 & 2 People, Land & Development Sustainable Development Macro Economics Land & Property Economics Principles of Governance & Public Policy Spatial Planning, Design & Development Valuation of Investment Property
Levels 3 & 4 Planning & Environmental Law The Changing Countryside Estate Management Introduction to Forestry Countryside Law Spatial Analysis & Planning Planning Methods & Environmental Appraisal Strategic Planning of Future Landscapes The Changing American West (field course) |
Careers Most of our graduates pursue a career in the spatial planning / surveying professions, working for firms of chartered surveyors, estate owners, planning consultants or within local authorities. For those who decide against going down this route, a spatial planning & rural surveying MA also provides an excellent qualification for entry into commerce as well as for other destinations such as the services and Government. |
CONTACTS If you would like further information, or if you would like to visit us, please contact: Geography & Environment Or Student Recruitment and Admissions Service Tel: +44 (0) 1224 272090 |
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