Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

3038C Certificate in Planning Practice
In the instance of the CPP Placement being unable to continue, TCP4003 and TCP4004 will also be required to proceed with an alternative method of assessment so that the CPP can be completed

Aims

As a part of the CPP programme, the module aims to introduce the student to planning practice and its context; and to provide training in practical aspects of the planning process. The module is intrinsically linked to the RTPI’s Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) process which allows students to include the CPP as part of the post-initial qualification period of experience for professional membership.

Work placement is at the core of Stage 4 of Newcastle’s RTPI accredited planning programme, providing hands-on experience of the planning process.

To gain most value from this experience, and to ensure compatibility with the RTPI’s APC, it is important to use the placement in a structured way, by recording the experience through reflective log-books journals, to evolve a Professional Development Plan and to think about the Practical Experience Statement and Professional Competence Statement required as part of APC.

Outline Of Syllabus

Completion of reflective journal on a monthly basis based upon placement experience. Completion of a draft Professional Development Plan by end of semester 1st year out conference.
Alternative Form of Assessment if the CPP placement is curtailed:
Completion of as many monthly reflective journals that the student is able to, up to a maximum of the 6 required by the usual CPP programme.
OR
In the case of no full months having been completed on the CPP, any experience will be recorded in a reflective journal and the student will critique 3 separate, anonymous examples of previous CPP reflective journals against the module’s attainment standards to determine a set of principles for future best practice.
AND
A professional Development Plan will be completed by the student by the end of Semester 1, irrespective of the amount of experience gained.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To develop students’ understanding of their own development achievements and continuing educational needs, through formal recording of their experience in placement and reflecting on future goals.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of the module the student will:
- be able to present an analytical assessment of his or her professional progress; and
- have developed through analysis an understanding of his or her own development.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Where sufficient months placement experience is offered then Guided Independent Study will be sufficient to support the completion of the reflective journals alongside the support of the employer. The CPP Placement is an integral part of Newcastle’s RTPI accredited programme, and is important for a student's professional development.

Where the alternative assessment is required, more Structured Guided Learning will be offered with supporting nonsynchronous teaching, plus resources that allow anonymous reflective journals to be critiqued. These will not count towards the RTPI’s L-APC, as they effectively ‘shadow’ and learn from the outputs of previous students. Students may use the reflective journals as complementary evidence in their APC submission as advised by the RTPI.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Reflective journal (40%), personal development plan (PDP) (40%) to promote critical reflection on personal development and on future goals (c. 500 words) and bullet points for practical experience statement (PES) and professional competence statement (PCS) (20%) (c. 500 words)

General Notes

N/A