Infrastructure Planning and Sustainable Development

Taught modules

Compulsory modules

• Sustainable Development (30 credits)

  This module introduces you to the nature of infrastructure planning challenges in the Global South and provides a grounding in the objectives of spatial planning practice. It situates infrastructure planning in the context of current global trends including urbanisation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing urban social inequalities.  This will provide you with the building blocks for assessing alternative approaches to infrastructure planning and delivery that allow for more inclusive and sustainable development. You will consider the benefits of integrated urban planning, decentralised approaches, circular models and forms of co-production that acknowledge the diverse ways in which urban dwellers already access basic services in contexts of scarcity.

• Infrastructure Finance (30 credits)

  Learn about the theory and practice of financing the development, renewal, repair and maintenance of infrastructure.  You’ll look at how infrastructure is financed as well as alternative funding models, cost recovery options, and sources of finance. The module also examines the roles of key actors and reviews the approaches and tools used for decision making in a variety of different contexts and under conditions of uncertainty. A key element of your learning will be understanding how to critically appraise infrastructure development proposals and to evaluate the financial and economic implications of different development options and strategies. The module is introductory in nature and no prior economics or financial training is needed.

• Governance and Political Economy (30 credits)

  Develop a firm understanding of governance and decision-making processes involved in the planning and delivery of different types of infrastructure. Your learning will be informed by political economy and institutional frameworks and explore different methods for addressing the broader societal impacts that arise from infrastructure delivery. Teaching involves the critical evaluation of real case studies from around the globe which are delivered by our practitioners.  You also have the option to participate in an international field trip to widen your understanding.

• Development in Practice (30 credits)

  This module will equip you with a working knowledge of the key frameworks and approaches used to design and implement small scale development projects and programmes. You will learn on the job, experimenting and bringing together your broad knowledge base and skills to design an actual project. Students begin by learning how to research and critically assess a development context using participatory and other approaches. You then use your critical analysis to design an infrastructure project considering development goals and addressing the challenges of infrastructure delivery on the project site.

• Research Methods in Design (10 credits)

  A critical overview of research methods and skills relevant to investigative research in the field of planning.