LAND ECONOMY

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Mr A Barker

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

The course seeks to introduce the complexity of theories and approaches which form the basis of sustainable development principles, including:

• exploration and definition of the nature of sustainable development;


• determination of human impact upon the environment;


• determination of sustainable development goals and resource use allocation;
  


• exploration and definition of the sociological, political and economic context
  within which sustainable development activities take place.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr S Tiesdell

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

Issues involving land and development and their impact on people, their quality of life and the quality of their environment are a constant theme in contemporary life. Examples of such issues include residential development in the greenbelt, out-of-town retail development, urban sprawl, and the degradation of natural environments. This course introduces and discusses the nature of interests and conflicts in land use and development. It focuses on the following issues:

• problem-identification, conflict, decision-making & dispute resolution
  in land & development;


• the concept and use of legal controls & the legal system (including
  sources of law; formation & breach of contract);


• the activity of planning, the concept of planning controls & planning
  system (i.e. development controls & development plan system).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr N Dunse

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

This course introduces students to the economic and investment context for the creation of value in property markets. This includes an examination of the distinguishing features of the property market when compared to alternative investments and the different types of legal interest in property. The course also introduces to the student the principles for the assessment of value in property markets. The principle of the time value of money forms the mathematical basis for this section of the course, which includes the calculation of compound interest and discounting, and discounted cash flow analysis. The course provides examples related to the valuation of property and investment.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week..
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

To be arranged

Pre-requisites

This course is only available to students on programmes offered by the Deparment of Land Economy.

Overview

This course discusses and explores the following:- the building design process; the construction team; functional requirements of buildings, including infrastructure and explanation of basic building details; the dynamics of materials and structures; the identification of site characteristics and influence of exposure; the causes of building defects and decay; the principles of dilapidation; the principles of land and building surveying; scaled representations and the complexity of building; and basic building services.
16 one-hour lectures, 4 two-hour workshops, 1 full day practical exercise and 2 half-day field visits.
Continuous assessment (100%) – 3 projects.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Mr A Barker

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

Ecology and ecosystems, water and energy systems, landscape quality, resource management principles. Relationship between the built and natural environments. Land use patterns, spatial structures and environmental quality. Urban morphology and the processes of change in the built environment. Social, economic and political pressures on the environment. Exploitation of the natural environment. Pollution and environmental degradation. Environmental philosophy, alternative ways to value the natural environment. Environmental carrying capacity and environmental limits. Principles of sustainable development. Use of law and policy to protect the natural environment. Management and conservation strategies, environmental designations, relevance of planning system.
3 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.
1 two-hour written examination paper (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr C Watkins

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

Introduction to statistics, descriptive statistics, probability, estimation and hypothesis testing, index construction, correlation, regression, computer applications.
2 one-hour lectures and 1 tutorial/workshop per week.
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and 1 written report (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr R Skene

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

This course provides an overview of Land Law in Scotland, providing a practical application of the law to other land economy courses and to practice. It covers the capacity to hold land; the evolutions of land tenure in Scotland and current law and practice relating to land tenure. It deals with subordinate rights in land; restrictions on the use of land; land registration and convincing.
3 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and 1 assignment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Jackson

Pre-requisites

LE 1010

Overview

This course examines the valuation of commercial investment properties. Focusing on the Investment Method of valuation, it uses practical examples to illustrate the application of both traditional and modern methods of investment valuation. Market data and different economic conditions are drawn upon to explain the investment valuation of a range of legal interests in property, including freeholds and leaseholds and the surrender and renewal of property interests as business circumstances change.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor D Adams

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

• Within the overarching theme of sustainability (economic, social and environmental),
  this course introduces and explores;


• principles of (public) policy and regulation, the process of policy formulation
  public participation and the role of pressure and lobby groups;


• the framework of government/governance; and


• the statutory planning system (e.g. the aims and objectives of planning,
  the development plan system, the development control system, the background
  to the development of the contemporary planning system and key issues in the
  contemporary planning system).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr M White

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

This course covers the following:-

• Introduction to land and property economics: economic characteristics of
  property; property in the local, regional, national and global economy; institutional
  context of property (including legal, professional, taxation and financial
  systems); and spatial structure of the economy.


• Use, investment and development markets in land and property: demand and
  supply analysis; model of the property market; market in user interests; market
  in investment interests; and market in development interests, development
  and redevelopment.


• Property investment: principles of investment; sources of investment finance;
  property versus other financial assets (direct property; indirect property;
  bonds; gilt edged securities; corporate bonds; and equities); indices; Modern
  Portfolio Theory; and benchmarking.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L Philip

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

• Poverty in the 19th century to social exclusion today: an introduction
  poverty, deprivation and social exclusion.


• Early attempts to improve the lot of the working classes.


• Homes fit for heroes and the establishment of the Welfare State.


• Characteristics of socio-economic inequality 1: a geographical dimension.


• Characteristics of socio-economic inequality 2: a people dimension.


• Defining and measuring poverty, deprivation and social exclusion.


• Creating sustainable communities: policies to counteract social exclusion,
  1960 to the present day.

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Tiesdell

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

This course introduces and explores:-

• Principles of development (e.g. the development process; models of the
  development process; the role of various actors; development constraints and
  obstacles; and development feasibility);


• Principles of urban design (e.g. an introduction to urban design; urban
  space design and the public realm; appreciation of design) and


• Principles of development and design (e.g. role of design in the development
  process; design control and quality; design and development control).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr A Baker

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

Within the overarching theme of sustainability (economic, social and environmental), this course builds upon foundations laid in Sustainability and Governance by exporing the major areas of planning policy (e.g. sustainability; green belts; national parks; housing; town centres and retailing) and related areas of land use policy (e.g. urban; rural; economic and social; settlement; transport; agriculture; forestry; heritage; nature conservation).
16 one-hour lectures, 6 one-hour seminars and a 1 day field trip.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr N Dunse

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

The course examines issues concerning the valuation of land and property interests. Topics include an examination of the techniques for and practical examples of valuations for trading properties and development properties; RICS’ Appraisal and Valuation Manual and valuations for special purposes which will include company accounts, insurance and taxation incorporating national taxation – taxation of income and expenditure, inheritance tax, tax on capital gains and stamp duty; and local taxation – an introduction to the Scottish rating system, council tax and non-domestic rates.
3 one-hour lectures per week, 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.
1 two-hour written examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr C Watkins

Pre-requisites

Overview

This course covers the following:-

• Economics of/for land use planning: economics characteristics of planning;
  planning in a market economy; private rent seeking behaviour (strategies for
  development profit); public rent seeking behaviour (planning gain, betterment
  tax, impact fees, etc); economic analysis of planning policies; and economic
  evaluation of planning).


• Property sector studies: office property market; retail property market;
  industrial property market; housing market; and agricultural land market.


• Modelling and forecasting: contrasting land and property market models;
  interpretation of market models; and modelling exercise (use of electronic
  data bases and statistical packages).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr R Skene

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

The role of the law in managing the countryside; the institutional framework; the law relating to game and fishing; the agricultural holdings legislation; forestry law; nature conservation law; the law relating to access to the countryside.
2 one-hour lectures per week, 4 one-hour tutorials fortnightly, required field work: practical exercises.
1 two-hour written examination paper (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Mr W. Walton

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

Role of planning law in environmental safeguard. Administrative law context including the role of the EU. Administration. Policy guidance and development control. Law of public participation and third party rights. Scope of planning considerations. Environmental assessment. Conditions, agreements and the provision of infrastructure. Appeals. Compensation. Enforcement. Compulsory purchase and compensation. Listed buildings and conservation areas.
3 one-hour lectures per week, 5 one-hour tutorials fortnightly, required field work: practical exercises (6 hours).
1 two-hour written examination paper (60%);group project (mock public inquiry)(20%) and coursework essay (2000 words)(20%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr N Dunse

Pre-requisites

LE 2023 and LE 2525.

Overview

This course will examine current issues in investment appraisal. It will cover mass appraisal techniques and the application of statistical techniques for property appraisal including application of computer packages such as geographical information systems (GIS) and artificial intelligence (AI). Analysis of balance sheets will be covered in business appraisal along with valuation of special business properties. The course will also cover development appraisal and the evaluation of public/ private partnerships using social appraisal techniques.
2 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr S Tiesdell

Pre-requisites

LE 2522

Overview

This course explores the development process: key actors in the development process; development pressure, prospects, feasibility and implementation. It also examines the role of design. The relationship between design and development is discussed covering, development and design briefs; application of urban design concepts and principles to ‘real’ contexts; appraisal of development proposals, including relationship between design criteria and financial/economic criteria.
1 hour lecture per week for six weeks plus 1 three-hour practical per week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr M White

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

This course analyses the structure of international property markets, focusing on Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. It examines the impact of global and local economic forces and national institutional characteristics on the behaviour and development of property markets in various countries. It discusses how these factors affect the attractiveness of different property markets for international investors. It also examines how real estate service providers have adapted to a changing international business environment.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A Stockdale

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

This course focuses on local, national and European policy developments affecting rural land use (agriculture, forestry and conservation), social exclusion, and economic restructuring (impact of global markets on the competitiveness of rural business and employment). It critically evaluates a range of policies that have shaped today’s countryside. Specific reference is given to the influences upon, nature of, and impacts of these policies, with future directions for countryside policies (integrated approaches) debated.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuos assessment (40%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor M. Shucksmith

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in programme year three

Co-requisites

LM 3010 Rural Policy

Overview

This course focuses on local, national and European policy developments affecting rural land use (agriculture, forestry and global markets on the competitiveness of rural business and employment). It critically evaluates a range of policies that have shaped today's countryside. Specific reference is given to the influences upon, nature of, and impacts of these policies, with future directions for countryside policies (integrated approaches) debated.

1 two-hour lecture per week with some topics taught through seminar-based study. There will also be one-hour seminar/tutorial per fortnight and a one-day field visist.

1 two-hour written examination (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr L Philip

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

Introduction to land and property research. Traditions of thought in philosophy, science and social science. Research topics and research questions. Research methods and methodology. Project/time management. Reviewing literature, use of bibliographic databases. Collecting primary and secondary data. Interpreting quantitative and qualitative findings. Research ethics. Presentation of results.
1 one-hour lecture and 1 one-hour workshop per week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

To be confirmed

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

This course discusses and explores the concept of corporate real estate and the contribution made by real estate to business value. It examines the role played by real estate in corporate strategy and finance. Management of corporate real estate assets is discussed and the behaviour of real estate service providers examined.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr C Watkins

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

This course will discuss and explore the following topics:

• principles of economic development and regeneration;


• institutional and policy context for economic development & regeneration;


• funding, finance and taxation in economic development & regeneration;


• partnerships structures and dynamics in regeneration;


• evaluation and monitoring in regeneration; and


• regeneration strategies, project development & implementation.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

To be confirmed

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

This course explores and discusses ethical and social responsibility issues: professional ethics, relationship between professionals and clients; relevant codes of professional conduct. It examines legal aspects of professional practice. The role of the contemporary professional is discussed covering: the nature of professional ‘expertise’; professionals in the private, public and voluntary sectors; de-professionalism; the role and future of professional institutes and organisations. Also examined is career development in planning and surveying.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week.
1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr M White

Pre-requisites

Available to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

This course examines the role of property as an investment asset. It compares property against the different asset classes of shares and bonds and further differentiates property investment into direct and indirect investment alternatives. Also covered is index construction, depreciation, benchmarking and modern portfolio theory. Efficiency and pricing in the property market is then discussed with its impact on investment.
3 one-hour lectures and 1 one-hour tutorial per week. One residential fieldtrip.
1 two-hour examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A Stockdale

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 3 or above.

Overview

This course focuses on practical aspects of rural Estate Management. It covers the business (financial appraisal), organisational aspects of rural land and property (tenancy arrangements, internal management structures, decision-making, setting aims/objectives), and management of specific estate activities (sporting and diversification). The course combines lectures and project work classes with half-day field visits to a number of rural estates (including a three day residential field visit).
1 one-hour lecture per week, 4 one-hour tutorials fortnightly, required field work: practical exercises; 24 hours plus residential field visit in Easter vacation.
Assessment: 50% Exam (2 hours) and 50% Coursework (Group report based on case study estate (25%); Formal oral presentation to rural practitioners (10%); Individual report based on residential field visit (15%)).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr A Stockdale

Pre-requisites

Available only to Senior Honours students.

Overview

Defining ‘rural’, recent population trends and corresponding theories, community changes within the countryside and long-term consequences.
1 one-hour lecture per fortnight, 5 one-hour seminars fortnightly, 5 one-hour tutorials fortnightly.
1 two-hour written examination paper (60%) and continuous assessment: two essays (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr L Philip

Pre-requisites

Available to Senior Honours students who have passed LE 3520.

Overview

Personal research supported by formal introduction to research methods (in associated course) and by regular supervision.
Required field work: discussion with supervisor (15 hours).
Continuous assessment: submission of dissertation (including original work) on topic approved by Head of Department of Land Economy (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr P Allmendinger

Pre-requisites

Overview

The development and scope of planning theory including; Marxist, neo-liberal, postmodern, systems, advocacy, pragmatism and collaborative. Relationship between the current practice of planning (including plan and policy making) and planning theory. Critiques of plans and policies from various theoretical perspectives. Group project on policy analysis, preparation and implementation.
2 two-hour lectures per week plus 1 one-hour tutorial or workshop.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and one group project (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr S Tiesdell

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 4.

Notes

This course will run from 2004/2005 onwards.

Overview

Planning policy. It examines employment projections and land use implications. It will cover planning practice and in particular, will focus upon the development of skills in plan-making and policy writing through the production of a plan, or planning guidance, for a case study area.
1 three-hour (or 2 one-and-a-half-hour) seminars per week.
Continuous assessment (100%) comprising three projects.

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

To be confirmed

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme year 4

Overview

This course explores and discusses the following issues:

• Principles and applications of management methods and their relationship to current environmental policy: Environmental Imapact Assessment; project planning and decision-making, application of GIS and other modelling approaches; consultaion.


• Application of environmental management methods to a real environmental issue: develop management plan for dealing with one of a range of environmental issues (pollution control, endangered species action plans; woodland planting, etc)


• professional consultation and communication: develop skills in a role-playing context.

1 three-hour workshop per week.

Continuous assessment (100%)(three projects)