London's Urban Development: Politics, Policy and Design

This module will explore how London’s urban form is developing in response to the economic, social, and environmental challenges associated with its role as a ‘global city’ in the 21st century. It will introduce students to key frameworks for urban policy and planning decision-making and will examine the processes shaping urban development within London. Students will engage with current debates over issues such as gentrification, super-tall buildings, public-private space and affordable housing. Perspectives from social science and urban design will be used to critically examine how cities can respond to the challenge of ensuring a sustainable urban future amid the uncertainty of climate change, digitisation, and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The insights, knowledge and skills developed on this module can ultimately be applied to cities around the world.

Course leader

Dr Sharon Richardson

Target group

This is a level one module (equivalent to first year undergraduate). No prior subject knowledge is required for this module, but students are expected to have a keen interest in the area.

Course aim

Upon successful completion of this module, students will:

Be able to identify the forces driving urban development on a global scale and to evaluate their impact on the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of cities.
Be familiar with key policies relating to urban development and the processes through which planning decisions are made in London
Be equipped to engage with debates concerning urban development by examining competing perspective and formulating their own recommendations
Have experience of designing urban research projects, conducting fieldwork, analysing evidence from a range of sources, and producing high-quality reports and outputs
Be able to apply their knowledge and skills to critically analyse urban development in contexts around the world.

Credits info

7.5 EC
7.5 ECTS / 4 US / 15 UCL

Fee info

GBP 2350: Students joining us for six weeks (two modules) will receive a tuition fee discount.
GBP : Students are welcome to apply for accommodation at a UCL summer residence.