Research Groups
The research is organised into five large research groups and some of the research themes include: local, regional, national and global governance issues; geographical information systems and public policy; economic and regional development policy; rural and environmental planning, transport, retailing and health planning; housing and social exclusion; urban design and the residential development process; planning in newly industrialised and developing countries.
The research activity is very broadly based; it draws upon interdisciplinary social science, and much of it contributes to combinations of academic, policy, practice and professional debates. There is a strong emphasis placed upon engagement of users in research.
There is a lively culture of research students, Research Associates and Fellows, as well as established research and teaching staff. All of these involve PhD programmes, funded research projects from a variety of external agencies, and a suite of related Masters Programmes (see Courses and Admissions). The School is always willing to consider relevant qualified applicants for these programmes.
The five research groups are:
Environment
The Environment Group's work focuses broadly on environmental and rural research themes. It's staff and research students are actively engaged in research on sustainability, governance, social inclusion, and development in rural and environmental contexts.
Housing
Housing research encompasses aspects of housing provision and development, as well as housing consumption and management, in both the public and private sectors, providing a focus and capacity for international, national, regional and locally based research, stimulating an informed debate on important housing issues.
Spatial Analysis
The Spatial Analysis Group aims to undertake both pure and applied research combining substantive interests and analytical methods. The group seeks to develop computer based models and methods for spatial analysis, visualization, mapping and geographical information systems.
Spatial Planning and City Environments (SPACE)
Spatial Planning and City Environments (SPACE) has interests and expertise covering theoretical, conceptual and practical aspects of spatial planning, design and the built environment, and strong links with organisations and interests in various professional disciplines, including planning, design, transport and community development.
Urban and Regional Governance
Urban and regional governance concerns the changing nature of the ways places are organised and governed, changes which are associated with globalisation, with decentralisation or devolution and technological and cultural change.