BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN HUMAN SETTLEMENT SPATIALITY AND MOBILITY (HSSM)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
HSMM103	Human Settlement Philosophy	This module offers a comprehensive exploration of human settlement philosophy, emphasising its conceptual background, theoretical frameworks, and the various institutional and legislative contexts that shape the development of human settlements. It aims to equip students with the understanding necessary to critically assess contemporary issues and perspectives in human settlements, fostering a holistic view of how philosophical underpinnings influence planning, development, and sustainability.
HUD104	Introduction to Planning	This undergraduate course introduces students to the concept of planning in relation to development, planning as a means and process to achieve development. The module will expose them to the planning cycle as an iterativeprocess. The core concepts to be unpacked are ‘planning’ and ‘development’ showing how the concepts are related. Development planning being a multi-dimensional field, involves interaction of planning with other fields.At the end of the module students should be able to provide insights to professional planners, politicians, and administrators/bureaucrats, the general public and other relevant professionals. The overall purpose of the module is to equip students with the knowledge and decision-making skills for addressing development planning challenges and ultimately becoming successful planning professional practitioners.
HUD102	Introduction to Urban Social Inequalities	This is an introductory module offered by the Faculty and Social and Behavioral Theory in the department of Community and Social Development. The Faculty encompasses disciplines which include Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Demography, Political Science and Public Policy and Lifelong Learning. The module is intended to provide foundational knowledge to students to enhance their understanding, skills, values, attitudes and competencies in their study of urban social inequalities in the urban set up. The students will use the knowledge gained in this module as analytical tools meant to understand and explain varying issues on urban social inequalities individuals, groups, communities and societies face in the global world. The module is also the beginning of preparation for the world of work as social scientists, urban planners and urban development innovation. The module offers a critical introduction to key issues and processes in the study of contemporary urban social inequalities. It examines the role of older basis of urban social inequalities such as access to land and property, gender inequality, health disparities, ethnic and racial discrimination, legal exclusion and informality as well as significant emerging patterns including extreme concentrations of wealth at the top, privatization and spatial secession, immiserating and insecurity. It examines ways in which urban inequality is organised and experienced not only in terms of income or property but in consumption inequalities, inequities in access to housing, transport, urban services and legal protections, spatial disparities and environmental risks and injustices. The module therefore considers the range of socio-economic factors that shape and might help to address urban social inequality in different contexts.
HSSM104	Economics of Settlement and Spatiality	Human settlements act as engines of growth by concentrating people, activities, and resources, which fosters economic development, innovation, and job creation. This module examines microeconomics, focusing on the behaviours of households and firms, and introduces the "economic way of thinking," emphasising trade-offs and resource scarcity. Microeconomic models analyse decision-making in various market structures. Conversely, macroeconomics looks at the overall performance and structure of human settlements, providing a comprehensive understanding of economic dynamics. This dual approach equips students to navigate the complexities of economic interactions within these environments.
HPSAD101	Introduction to Demography	This module introduces the basic concepts and techniques of demographic analysis. Demography being a science that researches and describes a population. Students will become familiar with the sources of data available for demographic research. Population size, composition and age structure as well as the geographic distribution of human populations and change measures will be presented. Factors that can influence change are looked at. Measures of mortality, fertility, marriage and migration levels and patterns will be defined.
HPSAD102	Introduction to Statistics	At the end of the module students are expected to have grasped various statistical methods and techniques used in the collection, organization, interpretation and analysis of data such measure of central tendency, correlation and regression analysis which are pertinent in research. The whole process of transforming raw data into meaningful information is the essence of statistics. There is need for data collection, data analysis and interpretation and finally coming up with the prerequisite information that will be used in policy design and formulation.
FSBT100	Social & Behavioural Theory (Faulty Wide Module)	This interdisciplinary module introduces students to foundational concepts in the social and behavioural sciences, spanning Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Demography, Political Science, Public Policy, and Lifelong Learning. It equips students with analytical tools, values, and competencies to study human behaviour and society through the lens of social and behavioural theory. Emphasis is placed on theorising as a practical activity, encouraging students to critically apply theory to issues affecting individuals, groups, communities, and societies. The module also serves as preparation for professional practice, fostering skills for engaging with policy, politics, economics, and knowledge production as emerging social scientists.
SDLSSB101	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
IDSB101	Information & Digital Skills (University Wide Module)	The Information and Digital Skills module develop learners’ ability to find, assess, and use information effectively while building confidence with digital tools. It covers online research, data management, communication, and collaboration, emphasizing ethical and responsible practices. By completion, learners can critically engage with digital resources across academic, professional, and everyday settings.
LAICSBKI100	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences - KISWAHILI	This is a Kiswahili module targeted for beginners with no prior knowledge of the language. There are no predetermined prerequisites required to undertake this module. Any beginner student who intends to learn and speak Kiswahili as a second or foreign language can benefit from this module. The course offers interactive skills which underlie elementary communication in view of developing learners’ skills in social interactions. The teaching philosophy adopted is based on communicative and competency-based approach to language teaching. Focus is on the competency which learners have to accomplish in the target language for them to be able to communicate naturally in business and other social settings. It is hoped that the module will equip Kiswahili students with listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through various learning activities such as role play, exercises and tests. Upon completion of this module, students will have basic language skills that will enable them to function in multilingual and multicultural contexts in the spirit of Education 5.0.
HSSM201	Environmental Systems Analysis	At the end of this module, students should be able to understand the basic concepts of environmental systems and approaches, techniques, procedures and some tools that are involved in the development planning process. It also examines the environmental planning issues in Zimbabwe. It aims to create a logical framework and process that links environmental systems with socio-economic developments and plans. The module concludes by highlighting the emergence of environmental conflict as a consequence of poor environmental planning
HSSM202	Production and Reproduction of Space	The module focuses on providing an understanding of the nature of space within human settlements. It focuses on the process involved in the production of space and the actors involved, and their roles. It also examines the factors to be considered in the production and reproduction of space.
HSSM203	Migration Travel and Mobility	This module examines the multifaceted dynamics of migration, travel, and mobility in different contexts. It explores the socio-economic, cultural, and political factors that influence human movement and the implications for individuals and societies. It provides students with the analytical tools to understand and address the complexities of migration and mobility in contemporary society and human settlements
HSSM204	Principles of GIS and Remote Sensing	This module equips students with essential skills to explore the context of human settlement planning decisions, manage registers, and regulate development. Students will learn mapping and GIS techniques to capture, store, and analyse data, enabling them to develop feasible solutions for creating sustainable and resilient human settlements. As human settlements grow, evolve, and become increasingly complex, effective management requires robust and continuously updated spatial data, paired with strong problem-solving skills to apply this information effectively. Human settlements operate as intricate systems composed of various subsystems that must be systematically managed to meet human needs comprehensively.
HSSM205	Location Theory and Settlement Analysis	The module examines location theories about existing and emerging settlement forms. It interrogates the utility of the principles of location theories in the positioning of functions within urban settlements. Through hands-on projects, learners will analyse and explain settlement problems and prescribe innovative solutions through the lenses of location theories. This module equips students with the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills necessary for effective urban planning and development in diverse contexts.
HSSM206	City Logistics and Transport Systems	The module examines the interplay between urban logistics and public transport, essential for sustainable urban development. Students will explore the principles of efficient goods movement, traffic management, and the integration of transportation networks. Key topics include the role of public transit in reducing congestion, enhancing accessibility, and supporting economic growth. Through case studies and practical applications, students will analyse current challenges and innovations in urban transport systems. This module equips students with the skills to design and implement effective logistics and public transportation strategies that promote sustainability and improve the quality of urban life.
SDLSSB201	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
CCLSSB201	Critical Consciousness & Life Skills (University Wide Module)	Develops students’ awareness of social, cultural and personal issues while fostering essential life skills for decision-making, problem-solving and responsible citizenship.
RISSB202	Research and Innovation Skills (Faculty Wide Module)	This module equips learners with the essential knowledge, tools, and practices required to conduct effective research and foster innovation in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial settings. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and the application of systematic research methods to generate new ideas and solutions.
SSRM201	Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide Module)	This module engages with the emergence of Social Science Research Methods and their need to deal with unique experiences, meanings making processes and interpretations of people and thus of society. At the end of the module students should be able to conduct qualitative research to inform policies and development initiatives.
LAICSBFR200	Language Acquisition And Intercultural Communication For Social And Behavioural Sciences -FRENCH	The aim of this programme is to train students to be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of basic needs of a concrete type. By the end of the course the student should be able to introduce him/herself in detail and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. The student should also be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. It recognizes the linguistic competency of a basic user, considered as a social actor. The learner can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring the most common polite phrases and exchanges of information.
HSSM301	Social Theory for Neighbourhood Development	The module explores the theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of community dynamics and neighbourhood formation. Students will examine key social theories, including social capital, community engagement,and spatial justice, to analyse how social relationships and structures influence neighbourhood development. The module emphasises the role of culture, identity, and power dynamics in shaping sustainable local environments. Through case studies and collaborative projects, learners will apply theoretical insights to real-world neighbourhood challenges, fostering skills in community assessment and intervention design. This module prepares students to create inclusive, resilient neighbourhoods that enhance social cohesion and sustainability in urban contexts
HSSM302	The Spatiality of Local Development	The module equips students with knowledge and skills to address complex human settlement issues and promote sustainable environments. It emphasises spatial dynamics, illustrating how development initiatives affect social, economic, and environmental outcomes. By combining theory and practical applications, students learn to analyse local development challenges through an interdisciplinary lens, integrating concepts from environmental planning, urban planning, sociology, and real estate. They develop essential policy-making skills to create sustainable strategies, focusing on impact assessments and sustainable development outcomes. The module prepares students to navigate contemporary settlement issues, enabling them to produce research reports, policy briefs, and proposals that support effective smart settlement planning and development.
HSSM303	Theories of Organisation	The module focuses on the structural aspects of organizations, though it also reflects on the relationship between structure and behaviour. In the module students will learn about the ways in which managers seek to promote organisational effectiveness through internal structures and processes. Students will analyse how organizations are structured within the context of the larger social, political, and economic environment, why systems of control and coordination vary across organizations and change over time, and how organization theory may contribute towards improving the design and management of organizations.
HSSM304	Urban and Regional Morphometrics	The module examines the quantitative analysis of urban and regional forms, focusing on the spatial structure and physical characteristics of settlements. Students will learn to apply morphometric techniques to assess patterns of land use, building density, and transportation networks. The module covers key concepts such as spatial configuration, connectivity, and landscape metrics, enabling students to evaluate the impacts of urban design on functionality and liveability. Through practical exercises and case studies, learners will develop skills in data collection, analysis, and visualisation. This module equips students with the tools to inform sustainable urban planning and regional development strategies.
HSSM305	Rural and Urban Facilities Planning	At the end of the module, students are expected to have grasped practical strategies of sustainable planning and management of rural and urban land, facilities and infrastructure in the context of changes affecting its use. Proper land use management is one of the preconditions for developing sustainable human settlements. The module achieves its aim by analysing the multiple functions of rural and urban land, facilities and infrastructure and the importance of sustainable management. In addition, it also examines the factors precipitating changes in land use and the implications of such changes. Further, the module uses comparative studies and theoretical considerations to inform the design of proper mechanisms for promoting sustainable management and use of rural and urban land, facilities and infrastructure in a manner that fosters productivity, social development and environmental sustainability.
HSSM306	Urban Spatial Policy and Management	The module explores the formulation and implementation of policies that govern urban development and management. Students will analyse various spatial planning frameworks, regulatory mechanisms, and governance structures that shape urban environments. The module covers topics such as zoning, land-use planning, and the role of stakeholders in policy development. Through case studies and practical exercises, learners will assess the effectiveness of different policies in addressing urban issues like housing, transportation, and sustainability. This module equips students with the skills to critically evaluate and design urban policies, fostering effective management of human settlements in diverse contexts.
EPECPSB301	Entrepreneurship, Professional Ethics Communication and	The module capacitates students with skills to organically grow enterprises through cultivating employees that are creative and innovative. These skills and knowledge are the corner stone of enterprise growth as they remove dependence on the owners to all in the organisation. Through the module organisational rejuvenation and sustainable competitiveness hence growth is guaranteed
SDLSSB301	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
HSSM402	Local Economic Development	The module equips students with theoretical and practical perspectives of optimizing the location of economic activities in specific human settlements. It gives students skills to identify and manage the potential of localities whilst ensuring sustainable convergence between social, economic and natural resources in a proactive manner. This enables to come up with holistic approaches that promote the functioning of local economies in a collaborative manner – including the various sectors and actors in the economy of human settlements.
HSSM403	Climate Change and Human Habitat	The module investigates the impacts of climate change on urban and rural environments. Students will explore how rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation affect human settlements and community resilience. The module covers adaptation strategies, including sustainable design practices, disaster risk reduction, and community engagement in climate action. Through case studies and interdisciplinary approaches, learners will analyse the vulnerabilities of different habitats and develop solutions to enhance resilience. This module equips students with the knowledge and skills to address climate-related challenges in human settlements, promoting sustainability and adaptive planning for future generations.
HSSM404	Disaster and Risk Management	At the end of this module students should be able to understand the natural and anthropogenic causes of risks and disasters in rural and urban areas. Further, students will learn the techniques and methods to plan and design early warning mechanism, risk reduction strategies and disaster mitigation and management with the view of planning resilient rural and urban environments.
SDLSSB401	Student Development and Life Skills (University Wide Module)	This module equips learners with essential personal, social, and professional skills to thrive in academic and everyday life. It focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students will also develop practical competencies such as time management, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability, preparing them to navigate challenges and opportunities in both personal growth and future careers.
HSSM470	Research Project	The project is an academic research project that seeks to equip students with practical research skills. It allows students to research in their areas of interest, applying the skills and knowledge acquired during the programme.