Program Overview

Cities and Social Change (BPLN0080)

Key Information

The module is part of the UCL Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, specifically the Bartlett School of Planning. It has a credit value of 15. However, it is restricted to students within the Bartlett School of Planning.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Content

This module explores the interrelationships between society and space in UK and European cities. It delves into key concepts and theories within urban studies, urban sociology, and urban geography to understand the link between social change and spatial processes, as well as policies addressing important urban issues. A key theme is the effect of economic, social, and political restructuring on patterns of urban spatial change, social inequalities, and spatial segregation in cities.

The module aims to make students critically think about and discuss the social equity implications of trends, developments, and policies shaping contemporary cities and their future professional practices. Various methods are used, including film screenings, readings followed by group discussions, and web- and media-based research. London serves as a case study to illustrate and discuss issues of global significance for contemporary cities, such as social exclusion, socio-spatial segregation, the housing crisis, gentrification, insecurity, and the role of planning and urban policies in addressing these issues.

Teaching Delivery

The module consists of weekly 2-hour lectures followed by smaller 1-hour seminar group sessions used to discuss related material as part of the coursework project.

Indicative Topics

• Inequality
• Segregation
• Displacement
• Gentrification
• Participation
• Community-led regeneration
• Urban social movements
• Planning for social control

Module Aims/Objectives

A key objective of the module is to raise students' awareness of their social responsibility as future professionals in the field of planning, urban regeneration, housing, and real estate development, encouraging them to become reflective practitioners.

Additional Costs

Site visits are an additional cost associated with this module.

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

The intended teaching term for this module is Term 1, and it is offered at the undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 5).

Teaching and Assessment

Mode of Study

The module is taught in person.

Methods of Assessment

100% of the module is assessed through coursework.

Mark Scheme

The mark scheme uses numeric marks.

Other Information

Number of Students on Module in Previous Year

73 students were enrolled in this module in the previous year.

Module Leader

The module leader is Dr. Daniel Fitzpatrick.

Last Updated

This module description was last updated on 10th March 2026.