Research In The Built Environment MSc

The MRes Urban Studies and the MSc Research in the Built Environment are both recognised by the Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC) as advanced research training programmes and as a recognised outlet for ESRC studentships. In recognition of the excellent training in research methods and the strong research environment, the School of the Built Environment at Heriot-Watt has been awarded the status of doctoral training centre for the Urban Planning and Real Estate pathway.

This degree programme is designed to provide research training for students wishing to undertake a PhD and for those students wishing to develop and/or enhance their research skills. Students undertaking research training will receive a structured training programme that balances generic and subject specific training.

The degree will focus on the philosophy, theory and methodologies of research, and emphasise generic and transferable skills. Subject specific elements will be provided by courses from postgraduate programmes covering Urban Real Estate Management and Development, Urban and Regional Planning, Project Management, Facilities Management, and Housing Studies.

Programme Content

The MSc programme incorporates four core or required courses plus a research dissertation delivered over two semesters. Additionally, students must choose up to five optional courses from a wide range of alternatives.

Course Choice

• Research Philosophy and Design - mandatory
• Qualitative Research Techniques - mandatory
• Quantitative Research Techniques - mandatory
• Information and Communication – mandatory

There is a large choice of courses which can be chosen as part of this programme including:

• Regeneration Principles
• Project Management & Strategic Issues
• Value and Risk Management
• Housing Policy and Prospects.

Students choosing options will be guided by their mentor and the choices will reflect their own research interests. The aims of the degree are to:

• Provide students with an understanding of research design and philosophy.
• Give students an ability to design research questions and formulate hypotheses.
• Introduce students to various research techniques.
• Enable students to manage their own research projects.
• Raise awareness of research approaches and techniques of analysis.
• Develop abilities of critical assessment and appraisal.

In addition, the degree programme will show how these research approaches can be applied across housing, planning, commercial real estate, project and facilities management subject areas.

About the Programme Leader

Angela Hull has a graduate degree in Sociology and Social Administration; postgraduate qualifications in Town and Country Planning, and Urban Studies; and a PhD in Policy Analysis. She was Secretary-General of the Association of European Schools of Planning (1998-2002) and Editor of Regional Studies (2004-2008). She is a chartered member of the Royal Town Planning Institute and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.

Angela’s current research includes:

• Organisational effectiveness of public sector bodies in joint working on local policy issues, such as area regeneration, public realm issues, and the implementation of more sustainable transport and land use policies.
• Development/application of indicator tools and appraisal methodologies including: Cumulative effects assessment of transport schemes in five EU cities as part of the CIVITAS ll evaluation; Analysis of datasets and development of sustainability indicators for the Welsh Assembly Government.
• Policy analysis of strategies and implementation of a broad range of government policy sectors including sustainable development, spatial planning, transport, energy, housing and regeneration.