Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development Program
2006
Course Title: Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development Program Degree Offered (in full): Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development (abbr.): M.U. E. P. D.
Responsible Organizations
The Urban Environmental Planning and Development Program, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Thammasat University.
Overview
The program emphasizes the integrated application of science, technology, social science, humanities, and management in order to create advanced urban planning that is responsive to modern society. The aim of the program is to create a good environment and quality of life for humankind. The program is for those who would like to develop his/her capability to be highly skilled planners with high ethical standards, in the creation of sustainable urban environments.
Objectives
The Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development Program is a two-year professional graduate degree program, with 36 course credits and a 12 credit thesis. The graduates will be trained in a specialized area for two years. The objectives of M.U.E.P.D. Program are as follows:
1. To produce highly skilled planners of an international standard to serve the profession.
2. To produce broad knowledge-based planners with capabilities to pursue specialized studies.
3. To produce competent and ethical planners who would become professional leaders and be able to make contributions in developing the country with responsibility.
Year of Operation
The Program began in the Academic Year 2006. Applicants’ Qualifications
Applicants should have all the following qualifications:
1. Hold a bachelor’s degree from the Urban Environmental Planning and
Development Program from Thammasat University or from other leading universities in Thailand or abroad
2. A grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or higher. A lower GPA is accepted with at least one year experience in planning practice or related field
Admissions
1. Applicants must pass both written and oral examinations
2. Applicants must submit an English proficiency test such as TU-GET or TOEFL or IELTS and the test must be within the previous two years
Teaching System
1. The regular education system is based on two semesters per annum.
2. The Master’s program of Urban Environmental Planning and Development requires both class attendance and thesis submission.
courses for non-planning students.
4. Students must receive grade P (pass) in UP 607, Practicum in Planning, at the end of the first year
5. Students must have successfully passed the English proficiency test before taking the final thesis examination
6. The thesis preparation and examination are administered according to Thammasat University’s Regulations for Graduate Studies, 1998, and Thammasat University’s Regulations on Graduate Degree Theses, 1992. However, students can register for a thesis only when they have earned at least 24 credits with a minimum grade point average of 3.00
Duration of Study
Students must complete the Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development in no more than eight regular semesters.
Registration Requirements
In each regular semester, students must enroll in at least six credits but not more than 12 credits.
Evaluation
1. A final course grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, D or F is usually given (A = excellent, B = Good, C = poor, D = conditional fail, F = fail), except in UP 607 Practicum in Planning. The following numerical equivalents are used.
Grade A A- B+ B B- C+ C D F
Equivalen
t 4.00 3.67 3.33 3.00 2.67 2.33 2.00 1.00 0.00
2. Only the final course grade of S and those not lower than C count as accumulative credits. Any courses that are graded D or F are computed only for the GPA.
3. Thesis is graded S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory).
4. Foreign language proficiency tests are graded P (pass) or No (fail). No numerical equivalents are assigned to there grades.
Graduation
1. Completing 38 credits in course work with a minimum accumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00 and 12 credits for thesis.
2. Receiving grade P in foreign language proficiency.
3. Receiving grade S (Satisfactory) in the thesis examination.
4. Thesis must be published in a journal or any recognized academic publication or be accepted as a conference paper for presentation.
5. Other requirements as specified by the Faculty of Architecture and Planning Instructors
Expected Student Enrollments 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 First Year 20 20 20 20 20 Second Year - 20 20 20 20 Total 20 40 40 40 40 Number of graduates - 20 20 20 20 Facilities
The Department of Urban Environmental Planning and Development Program is located in the Faculty of Architecture and Planning 15,000 sq. m. building, which will contain all education-support facilities such as workshops, studios, an intelligent library, an environmental laboratory and computer studios, all of which have been planned for future expansion and advancement.
Libraries
Various texts, journals, and documents are available at Thammasat University Central Libraries, at both Tha Prachan Campus and Rangsit Campus. Approximately 2,942 texts and 1,168 relevant journals were provided in 2008. There were approximately 800 items of teaching materials in 2008, and these will be increased by 10 percent annually in the first four years. An electronic library system will also be installed to encourage and support e-learning. The Curriculum
The students conferred the Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development Degree have to achieve a total of 48 credits.
1. Core Courses 24 credits 2. Elective Courses 6 credits 3. General Elective Courses 6 credits
4. Thesis 12 credits
Total Requirements 48 credits
Course Structure
General Courses 6 credits
Students must take the following courses based on the consideration of the Graduate Studies Committee.
UP 501 Land Use Models 3 credits UP 502 Theories and Concepts in Planning 3 credits
1. Core Courses 24 credits
UP 601 Spatial Planning Systems and Development 3 credits UP 602 Planning Methods 3 credits UP 603 Urban Infrastructure Planning 3 credits UP 604 Applied Statistics for Planning 3 credits UP 605 Integrated Planning Project 6 credits UP 606 Research Methods in Planning 3 credits UP 607 Practicum in Planning 0 credits UP 708 Contemporary Issues in Urban Development Planning 3 credits
2. Elective Courses 6 credits (Elective courses: select 2 courses)
UP 611 Legislative Systems for Planning 3 credits UP 612 Urban Economics and Finance for Planning 3 credits UP 613 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
and Spatial Information Management Technology
for Urban Planning 3 credits UP 614 Values in Planning 3 credits UP 615 Urban Transportation Planning and Policy 3 credits UP 616 Urban Environmental Planning and Management 3 credits UP 617 Urban Violence and Catastrophe 3 credits UP 618 Negotiation: Public-Private Sectors in Urban Projects 3 credits
3. General Elective Courses 6 credits
The Students must enroll in at least 2 courses for 6 credits in order to gain specialized knowledge and ability.
Option 1: Real Estate and Housing Development
UP 721 Housing Policy 3 credits UP 722 Real Estate Development and Management 3 credits Option 2: Urban Conservation
UP 731 Urban Conservation and Regeneration 3 credits UP 732 Conservation of Historic Towns in Asia 3 credits UP 733 Local Economic Development Planning 3 credits Option 3: Developing World Urbanisation and Development
UP 741 Developing World Urbanisation and Development 3 credits UP 742 Planning for Informality 3 credits UP 743 Gender and Development Planning 3 credits Option 4: Information Management for Planning
UP 751 Advanced Information Management for Planning 3 credits UP 752 Applied Information Management for Planning 3 credits Option 5: Planning Systems
UP 761 Decision-making Processes and Policy Implementation 3 credits UP 762 Public Participation 3 credits UP 763 Effective Urban Management 3 credits Option 6: Urban Design
UP 771 Introduction to Urban Design 3 credits UP 772 Design for Urban Sustainability 3 credits UP 773 Integrated Urban Design Project 3 credits UP 774 Urban Morphology 3 credits
4. Thesis 12 credits
Code System of the Courses
The courses offered in the Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development Program use ‘UP’ as the program code followed by numerical codes of 3 digits. Each of them has a specific meaning as follows:
UP XXX = AR (First Second Third) First Digit (Year) 0-9 means Courses in each Second Digit (Subject) 0 means Elective option
1 means Elective Courses
2 means Real Estate and Housing Development 3 means Urban Conservation
4 means Developing World Urbanisation and
Development
5 means Information Management for Planning 6 means Planning Systems
7 means Urban Design
Third Digit (Multiplier) 5 means General Basic Courses
6 means Course level for the first year student 7 means Course level for the second year student 8 means Thesis
9 means Architectural Management Study Program for Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development
First Year First Semester
UP 601 Spatial Planning Systems and Development 3 credits
UP 602 Planning Methods 3 credits
UP 603 Urban Infrastructure Planning 3 credits UP 604 Applied Statistics for Planning 3 credits Total 12 credits
Second Semester
UP 605 Integrated Planning Project 6 credits UP 606 Research Methods in Planning 3 credits
UP 61X One required course 3 credits
Total 12 credits
Summer
UP 607 Practicum in Planning 0 credit
Total 0 credits
Second Year First Semester
UP 708 Contemporary Issues in Urban Development Planning 3 credits
UP 61X One required course 3 credits
UP 7XX One elective course (UP 72X to UP 77X) 3 credits UP 7XX One elective course (UP 72X to UP 77X) 3 credits Total 12 credits
Second Semester
UP 800 Thesis 12 credits
Total 12 credits
Course description
Required courses for non-planning background studentsUP 501 Land Use Models (3 credits)
Theories, concepts and techniques for land use classification and comparative patterns of urban planning in Thailand and other countries.
UP 502 Theories and Concepts in Planning (3 credits) Theories and concepts in urban design, urban landscape and development and planning for particular areas. Emphasis is on analytical techniques and concepts in specific planning for special purposes such as historic conservation, cultural revitalization, new towns, and tourism.
Compulsory courses
UP 601 Spatial Planning Systems and Development (3 credits) The evolution of spatial planning system in different levels that has relationship with urban development. The course will scrutinize the operation of planning system and mechanism which includes legislative structure, political power influencing planning decisions, duty and responsibility of relevant agencies and tools for planning.
UP 602 Planning Methods (3 credits)
Various techniques and methods used in planning practice. The course includes the study of pros and cons of different techniques and methods.
UP 603 Urban Infrastructure Planning (3 credits)
Types, systems, and standards of public facilities and utilities in urban areas. The relationships between land use and provision of infrastructure as well as the investment and management of such services.
UP 604 Applied Statistics for Planning (3 credits) Advanced statistics for the application of research pertaining to urban development and planning. Statistical techniques include factor analysis, principle component analysis, discrimination analysis, multiple regression analysis and co-variance structure analysis.
UP 605 Integrated Planning Project (3 credits)
Application of knowledge and skills derived from all courses through integrated workshops which will help develop skills in policy formulation, urban design and property development in urban areas. The practice is responsive to actual problems in real life situations.
UP 606 Research Methods in Planning (3 credits)
Development of skills and principles of conducting research in the field of planning and development comprising qualitative and quantitative research.
UP 607 Practicum in Planning (3 credits) Internships in the urban development and planning profession or relevant fields with a minimum of 240 working hours. Prospective organizations or authorities must be authorized by the Faculty of Architecture and Planning
UP 708 Contemporary Issues in Urban Development Planning (3 credits) A seminar-based course on experience, workshops, and research issues pertaining to development planning. The issues will be explored through proven theories to bring about trends in planning practice in the future.
Required courses
UP 611 Legislative Systems in Planning (3 credits) Principles and context of laws concerning urban planning and urban development such as the Urban Planning Act, Building Control Act, Land Subdivision Act, Land Readjustment Act, and Environment Act. Other relevant laws affecting the management of urban development projects such as the Decentralization Act is also included.
UP 612 Urban Economics and Finance for Planning (3 credits) The application of theory and approach of economics and the planning and development of urban areas such as urban economics and land economics. The course includes feasibility study in the provision of public infrastructure and environment-related projects, the role of the private sector in the development of the economy in urban areas and the linkages of economics in city, regional and country levels.
UP 613 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
Spatial Information Management Technology for Urban Planning (3 credits) The basic study of meanings, principles, components and process of geographic information systems as well as the fundamental principle of cartography, aerial photo and satellite images and related technology for the application in urban development planning. The teaching approach is through simulation and the use of GIS computer application program.
UP 614 Values in Planning (3 credits)
Study of various planning theories that have been utilized in the past in order to develop understanding of the role of professional planners in various situation and in order to help understand how planners research and analyze planning policy.
UP 615 Urban Transportation Planning (3 credits)
Application of theories of transportation planning, management and implementation in urban areas. The study includes problems, and issues in urban transportation planning and management. The study of planning institutions and the role of public and private sectors in urban transportation are included.
UP 616 Urban Environmental Planning and Management (3 credits) The study and application of the theory of urban environmental planning and management. The course contains the study of ecological systems, at all levels from community to the global level. Environmental planning in terms of development and control will also be explored.
UP 617 Urban Violence and Catastrophe (3 credits) The study at city and regional levels on the problems of flood, fire, crime, terrorism and other urban disasters emerged from both natural and social factors. Preventive measures will also be taught through the analytical process of causes, trends and effects of such violence and catastrophes that lead to integrative urban planning.
UP 618 Negotiation: Public-Private Partnerships in Urban Projects (3 credits) Negotiation as a tool to lay management policy in urban planning and development projects comprising process, steps, techniques, obstacles, effects and consequences of the implementation of such development projects. The course is run through seminar that gives opportunity for students, academia, planners, developers, and interested persons to discuss and debate on the topics relevant to management guidelines, negotiation and partnership patterns.
Electives (for urban conservation option only) Option1: Real Estate and Housing Development
UP 721 Housing Policy (3 credits)
The course will present the major housing challenge facing a less developed countries(LDCs). Generally, each class period will focus on one theme. The instructor will introduce the theme, a selected student will make a short presentation of the case study relevant to the theme, and the class will then be open for general discussion and debate. UP 722 Real Estate Development and Management (3 credits)
This course is designed for students interested in understanding the fundamentals of real estate and housing development for strategic implementation. Students will learn how to identify problems in the real estate and housing market, and how to calculate the three basic financial rewards generated by successful real estate projects: cash flow, tax benefits, and future benefits. Students will also be exposed to the financial risks associated with real estate development and investment. As the course progresses, students will prepare discounted cash flow analyses for the projected holding periods utilizing Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return methodologies.
The classroom experiences will be synthesized through an exercise in which individual students, using an analytical framework developed during the course, will structure and evaluate a potential real estate development by applying the general concepts learned in the course to a specific real estate opportunity within the BMR market area.
Option 2: Urban Conservation
UP 731 Urban Conservation and Regeneration (3 credits) The study of concepts and evolution of urban regeneration and conservation in the context of urban development. The course includes assessment of urban heritage values, clarification of definitions, treatments, techniques and process of regeneration and conservation. Technique of local and community participation is also an emphasis of the course. Field trip to a case study is provided.
UP 732 Conservation of Historic Towns in Asia (3 credits) A comparative study of the policies, and theories concerning historic town conservation in the Asian region. Analysis of the applicability of international charters concerning cultural heritage conservation to Asian historic cities is to be discussed. A workshop of a real case study in or outside Thailand will also be conducted.
UP 733 Local Economic Development Planning (3 credits) Concept and theory of economic development that is related to local community experience in order to have students develop knowledge and skills of the planning process, analytical methods and business and human resources through the survey of the local economy.
Option 3: Developing World Urbanisation and Development
UP 741 Developing World Urbanisation and Development (3 credits) The understanding of context and constraints of planning in developing counties. The exploration of approaches or methods used in those countries to answer questions regarding planning praxis. The course includes the study of environmental impacts derived from urbanization and development in such countries and policies for impact mitigation. Study of the relationships between urban-related issues in developing countries such as migration, land, infrastructure, employment, management systems, and physical planning is also included.
UP 742 Planning for Informality (3 credits)
Study of a particular spatial planning system that does not coincide with the conventional planning process. Such planning character is found mostly in developing countries. The course involves the investigation of concepts and values in such a planning culture including the planning system and mechanism that contribute to the development pattern as well as the relationship between conventional the planning process being applied in advanced countries and informal planning processes.
UP 743 Gender and Development Planning (3 credits)
The study of definitions and concepts of gender, role and need in the identification of gender disparity including factors that define gender relations and the impact of economic conditions on the change in culture and society as well as policies or approaches for planning for gender that is significant in the discourse of planning.
Option 4: Information Management for Planning
UP 751 Advanced Information Management for Planning (3 credits) This course is designed to advance students’ knowledge in the rapidly developing field of Geographic Information Science and Systems (GIS). GIS provides a means of integrating information in ways that help us understand and address pressing problems facing us today, such as tropical deforestation, rapid urbanization, and spread of diseases. Emphasis will be placed on concepts and spatial reasoning of the analysis techniques, rather than simply providing skills training in the use of GIS software. By the end of the course, students are expected to have a thorough understanding of GIS functionality, methodology for implementing the technology, and its potential usefulness in urban planning and management studies.
UP 752 Applied Information Management for Planning (3 credits) This course will focus on quantitative approaches to the analysis of remote sensing data. Computer-assisted analysis of earth observation satellite data will provide students with both an understanding of the principles of numerically-oriented remote sensing and experience with tools that will prove useful in his or her career in resource management. While previous work with computers would be helpful, it is not essential since the fundamentals will be introduced in lab sessions.
Imagery of the Earth’s surface, both aerial and satellite, has become an integral part of today’s GIS and desktop mapping systems. The new ArcView Image Analysis extension provides the tools necessary for ArcView GIS users to take full advantage of the
wide range of digital image data that is available today, or planned for in the near future. This includes aerial photography and digital orthoimagery of all types, as well as current and future small-, medium-, and large-scale satellite data.
Option 5: Planning Systems
UP 761 Decision-making Processes and Policy Implementation (3 credits) The study of decision-making processes in planning amid limited resource availability through the scrutiny of entangled public planning policy structure at different levels. Course emphasis in on actual events or experiences at every level involved in the decision of stakeholders in the planning process. The focus of this course is put on the effectiveness and efficiency of policy implementation.
UP 762 Public Participation (3 credits)
The exploration of theories and practices of public participation in the context of land use planning. The course includes the search for relationships between public participation and social groups as well as theories concerning democracy or social equality through the consideration of empowerment and public decision. Students will be given opportunity to take part in the participatory process conducted in the local community.
UP 763 Effective Urban Management (3 credits)
Study of the role, function and responsibility of urban administrative bodies comprising the management of legislation and implementation in the provision of public services.
Option 6: Urban Design
UP 771 Introduction to Urban Design (3 credits)
Survey of the fundamental determinants of city form: districts, corridors, public spaces, blocks, and building types. Overview of the historic evolution of city design, the range of city structures, and the tools to design cities.
UP 772 Design for Urban Sustainability (3 credits) The study of issues concerning sustainability of the urban environment through the analysis of derivation of various design principles and methodologies for application to urban areas.
UP 773 Integrated Urban Design Project (3 credits)
The study of urban regeneration through the presentation of real-life project(s) within the complexity of urban structures and networks. The course focuses on change in urban areas where continuous construction encounters environmental constraints. Field trip in the target area of a mega-city is included.
UP 774 Urban Morphology (3 credits)
The study of patterns of urban open spaces and elements of towns and communities that contribute to the creation of town character due to both physical and non-physical factors. Such factors include social patterns, traditions, values, economics, locations, and others. The course is for students who are interested in design to have a basic understanding for the understanding and ability in urban design that is responsive to constraints, context, and continuity of the city’s past, present, and future.
The course also includes the survey of elements of a town that is growing rapidly such as urbanization pattern, transportation, the dead and life of particular patterns like residential areas and real estate projects. Students will practice how to set assumptions and seek
for the cause(s) of morphology in order to be able to effectively formulate development and design guidelines.
Thesis
UP 800 Thesis (12 credits)
Compulsory: Students are required to pass the learning modules as stated in the M.U.E.P.D Curriculum and to have at least one article or research paper published in a well – accepted journal, for example: JARS or other journals of professional institutions
The thesis is the way to conduct a methodological study relevant to the selected general elective course. Students will be supervised by a research committee. Upon the completion of the study, students are required to have vivas assessed by creditworthy external examiners. Additionally, the thesis will be published as appropriate.
Programme Summary
Type and code programme/course Master of Urban Environmental Planning and Development (MUEPD)
Programme/Course Enrolment and Capacity
Enrolment: 15 full-time students
Date of Establishment 2006
Target groups Professional
Government staff
Newly graduated planning students
Medium of Instruction Thai and English
Annual Number of Graduates 15
Policy regarding Scholarship, number of scholarships
Scholarships (tuition and fees reduction) are available to APTU students plus scholarships from outside organisations (mostly partial)
Duration 2 years Terms Dates 1St Semester 2nd Semester Summer Course 1st semester: June-September 2nd Semester: November-February Summer Course: None
Deadline for Application Mid- April each year
Programme URL ………..
Contact person for students’ inquiries on programme offerings (name and e-mail address)
Yongtanit Pimonsathean +66 2 986 9605 ext. 601
List of all courses offered by programme
Course Code Course Title Type of course
UP 501 Land use model Required for non-planning
students
UP 502 Theories and concepts in
planning
Required for non-planning students
UP 601 Spatial planning systems
and development
Required
UP 602 Planning methods Required
UP 603 Urban infrastructure
planning
Required
UP 604 Applied statistics for
planning
Required
UP 605 Integrated planning project Required
UP 606 Research methods in
planning
Required
UP 607 Practicum in planning Required
UP 708 Contemporary issues in
urban development planning
Required
UP 611 Legislative systems for
planning
Required elective
UP 612 Urban economics and
finance for planning
Required elective
UP 613 Introduction to geographic
information systems (GIS) and spatial information management technology for planning
Required elective
UP 614 Values in planning Required elective
UP 615 Urban transportation
planning
Required elective
UP 616 Urban environmental
planning and management
Required elective
UP 617 Urban violence and
catastrophe
Required elective
UP 618 Negotiation: public-private
sectors in urban project
Required elective Option 1: Real estate and
housing development
UP 722 Real estate development and management
Elective for option 1 Option 2: Urban
conservation
UP 731 Urban conservation and
regeneration
Elective for option 2
UP 732 Conservation of historic
towns in Asia
Elective for option 2
UP 733 Planning foe local economic
development
Elective for option 2 Option 3: Developing
world urbanisation and development
UP 741 Developing world
urbanisation and development
Elective for option 3
UP 742 Planning for informality Elective for option 3
UP 743 Gender and development
planning
Elective for option 3 Option 4: Information
management for planning
UP 751 Advanced information
management for planning
Elective for option 4
UP 752 Applied information
management for planning
Elective for option 4 Option 5: Planning systems
UP 761 Decision-making process
and policy implementation
Elective for option 5
UP 762 Public participation Elective for option 5
UP 763 Effective urban management Elective for option 5
Option 6: Urban design
UP 771 Urban design foundation Elective for option 6
UP 772 Design for urban
sustainability
Elective for option 6
UP 773 Integrated urban design
project
Elective for option 6
UP 774 Urban morphology Elective for option 6
Thesis
