MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SMART SETTLEMENT DESIGNS AND AMENITIES (MSSDA)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
MSSDA501	Urban Design Theory and Foundations	This module presents advanced analytical skills on Planning Theory and explores how they have changed over time. The module discusses perspectives, procedures, substances and justifications for actions in planning. The Advanced planning theory module also highlights the professional and ethical justification for planning interventions and explores differences in application of the theory within different contexts. Through this module, students produce city master and local plans, including settlement layouts.
MSSDA502	Urban data and Science of Smart Settlement	This module presents analytical skills on the use of big data in smart settlement planning. Data management and analytical skills are critical in managing urban settlement. Planners often face hindrances in planning because of limited data or skills on data manipulation. This module focuses on how data can be managed and manipulated to inform urban development. Students produce settlement data profiles that guide smart settlement design and planning.
MSSDA504	Smart Settlements Design Strategies	This module introduces students to the principles of smart settlement design strategies that promote urban greening, health, and aesthetics through conservation of the environment. The module addresses the protection of health and natural environments such as open spaces, farmlands, and places of natural beauty. The principles of smart settlements promote the creation of neighbourhoods that attractive, convenient, safe, and healthy. Students will learn design strategies that promote social, civic, and physical activities that stimulate economic growth at the same time protect the environment. From this module, students produce policy briefs, design manuals and advice local and central governments on smart settlement planning.
MSSDA505	Smart Infrastructure Design and Modelling	The module will provide analytical skills for students to develop designs and models that create more infrastructure choices for residents. These options give people opportunities to choose where to live, how to move, and interact with the people around them. The smart infrastructure design will promote the mix of land uses such as compact designs; create range of housing opportunities and choices, and walkable neighbourhoods. Students create designs and infrastructure models that emphasis community distinctiveness and create a strong sense of place.
MIDSB501	Information Digital Skills for Postgraduates (University Wide Module)	The module introduces students to the use of information technologies and their application in academic research.
MSSRM501	Advanced Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide Module)	The module aims to provide advanced skills in research methods for graduate students. It enhances postgraduate students’ knowledge and skills for conducting, analysing and interpreting research in the field of sociology, anthropology and gender studies. The module focuses upon both qualitative and quantitative techniques and the knowledge gained, will be useful for conducting research and as tools for professional practice. The module will also equip learners with the use of digital technologies in data collection, processing, analysis and management. Students to conduct gender sensitive research for the relevant government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and communities to inform gender policies and programming.
MSSDA506	Climate Change Resilience Planning and Design	This module introduces students to concepts and analytical skills of climate change resilience planning. The module acknowledges the important role of climate change in cities and how this awareness affects planning response towards improving city resilience. Student will explore how design for smart settlements can uphold concepts of resilience as at strategy towards addressing adverse effects of climate change. Students create climate change responsive planning designs and advice local authorities and central government on mainstreaming climate change in policies and plans.
MSSDA507	Economics of the Built Environment	This module introduces students to economic principles that govern the built environment and how this affects resident behaviour in the built environment. The module will explore the economics of land and its effects land uses and residential patterns. The module acknowledges that cities are engine of economic growth through agglomeration and should provide livelihoods and jobs for residents – and will explore how cities of the global South uphold these principles. Students design smart settlements that promote livelihood opportunities and cities as centres for growth.
MSSDA508	Design Studio2: Regeneration Project	The module introduces students to in-depth understanding and implementation of urban regeneration through design of a degraded or underutilised section of an urban or urban area. It is the convergence of smart design principles, research and practical aspects of smart human settlement aimed to address socio-economic, environmental degradation, infrastructure deficit and obsolescence and social inequalities issues guided by the principles of sustainable development goals. Moreover, the module examines dimensions of sustainable city development including mixed use development, physical redevelopment and green infrastructure. Students are expected to produce a layout design on chosen project accompanied with a detailed supervised report.
MSSDA570	Dissertation	This module offers students an opportunity to undertake a dissertation in their area of specialisation. Students are expected to demonstrate expertise gained on the contemporary issues in spatial planning and research methodology. Students present a research work plan and timelines to their supervisors which they are expected to adhere to. Upon completion of the research project, they are expected to submit the project write up highlighting the key findings of the research.