Postgrad UK 2008/2009 - (Page 57) www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK Science and Engineering 57 PLANNING AND PRACTICE This interaction between research and practice is not only essential for the success of the sector; it also makes it a fascinating area to study and work in. The MSc in Urban Planning for Developing and Transitional Regions offered by Oxford Brookes University is another exciting example of the new areas opening up which span research, teaching and practice. As Emma Wragg, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Planning explains, urban planning is a totally different exercise in this sort of environment because of the potential conflict between economic development and citizen welfare. ‘The course looks at urban planning in societies undergoing very rapid, dramatic economic and social change. You have a twin set of concerns – on the one hand, making cities competitive in a global market, and on the other hand, addressing issues of urban poverty. It’s about teaching students to analyse what the processes are and at the same time learn the policy making tasks for planning and managing those situations.’ ‘Nowhere is the impact of global change more evident than in cities in developing and transitional regions,’ Emma observes. ‘The course tackles the very current and real issues that you have in these areas – rapid urbanisation, growing informal sectors, extreme shortfalls in shelter, environmental degradation.’ Due to the complexity of the subject, the course has a dual focus providing both a background in general issues and opportunities for students to specialise in a particular area, such as environmental assessment, transport, urban design or globalisation. CHOOSING A COURSE So, if you are thinking It is also important to check who the course is aimed at. Some courses offer a broad introduction to the sector. Others might be aimed at individuals interested in developing a certain specialism. Such a specialism might be exactly what you are after – be it landscape design, housing studies, risk management or conservation – but make sure you know what you are getting. Another thing to look out for is good partnerships with industry. ‘We try to make sure we have good industrial links in the course,’ Mark notes. ‘We have steering committees that oversee the course to make sure that it’s relevant to industry. Those links benefit students by creating a course that leads into a wider career path.’ Having thoroughly researched these questions of syllabus, accreditation and industry connections, like Sonia, you could be set on the road to an inspiring career. ‘Construction is an exciting and very diverse area. It can open up an avenue of career choices in a key industry. It is an excellent foundation for building your future.’ TOM ALLBESON about a postgraduate course in the building and construction sector, how do you decide which one to follow? ‘Deciding on a course can be rather overwhelming,’ Sonya notes, ‘especially with the choice and competitiveness between universities.’ League tables ranking institutions on their performance are important sources of information. Mark also has constructive advice for prospective postgrads. ‘Make sure that the syllabus that you are going to undertake covers all the subject areas that you feel are relevant to your future career path. If you’re not sure about your career path, make sure the course is accredited by the relevant industrial bodies.’ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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