MSc Real Estate

Students study nine modules including Research. Students study four modules in the first (autumn) semester followed by four modules in the second (spring) semester. Research is taught throughout the year so students can submit their dissertation in September.

For the dissertation, students can specialise in International, Residential, Rural, Development, Finance, Heritage or other areas as agreed by the module leader and potential supervisor. Research guidance includes lectures and a research day, involving practical classes on, for example, NVivo, SPSS etc. Students engage in a blended range of lectures, live scenario case studies, site visits (including a trip to London), group assessments and technical interactive workshops. Teaching and learning takes place in small groups and is enriched by site visits, industry speakers and a wide range of current electronic materials, including CoStar, BCIS, EGi, Argus* and RICS Red Book. You will also use Excel and statistical programs.

Working in real estate calls for good teamwork, and students develop this essential skill via interactive discussions, collaborative projects and industry exposure. Modules are assessed through case studies, research paper seminars, group presentations, online exercises, valuation computations, written reports, oral examinations and other tasks.

*Professional Argus accreditation is facilitated via Argus Enterprise and Developer University Student Certification Packages

Here at the RAU we are always looking for ways to better support our students. We recognise that a number of our students may be working or have caring responsibilities alongside studying which can sometimes make it difficult to attend every teaching session in person. As such we have the ability for you to join lectures and seminars through an alternative digital format in prior discussion with your programme leader. Please note that for international students on a student visa you are expected to attend your classes in person. Remote delivery is not an UKVI authorised mode of attendance for the taught element of your course and therefore non-attendance would affect your student visa.

The in-person teaching sessions are timetabled on Wednesdays and Thursdays each week for the full year (both semesters) which allows you to fulfil other commitments you may have, such as work, family and interests.  For part-time students the sessions are timetabled on one day per week only.

If you are interested in studying this subject but cannot commit to the full MSc programme it is also possible to study for a Certificate or Diploma in the subject.

What is a Postgraduate Certificate?

The PgCert - or Postgraduate Certificate - is the shortest of our Masters level offerings, which is completed by studying four modules (60 credits). It allows you to study a specific area of the course in depth but takes less time to complete than the MSc or PgDip.

The PgCert is a great way of fitting postgraduate study around a busy life. Full-time students can complete the course in as little as one year. Part-time students can choose to spread the course up to two years, giving you lots of time for thinking and writing between modules. It is ideal if you want to study a specific subject but would rather not commit to a full MSc with its attendant time and financial costs.

It can be a great way into a career in a new industry but if you desire to continue your studies, PgCert credits can be used to contribute towards a PgDip or even an MSc qualification later down the line. Completing studies using this route is often likened to building blocks – one step at a time – the first step being a PGCert.

Please note that overseas applicants who require a student visa cannot be considered for this course as the weekly contact hours do not meet the UKVI threshold for a full-time Student visa.

What is a Postgraduate Diploma?

The PgDip - or Postgraduate Diploma – is a level 7 course that sits between the PgCert and the full MSc. It allows you to study a subject in depth but without undertaking the Dissertation element. Consequently, it takes substantially less time to complete than the MSc, while still covering the same taught elements. To complete this qualification, you will take eight modules (120 credits).

Full-time students can complete the course in as little as two semesters (one year). Part-time students can choose to spread the course over up to two years, giving you lots of time for thinking and writing between modules. It is ideal for students who want to study a specific subject but would rather not commit to a full MSc with its attendant time and financial costs.

The PgDip can be a great way to boost your career, or enter a new industry. We recognise that life can be unpredictable so the PgDip is built to be as flexible as possible. Should you desire to continue your studies, PGDip credits can be used to contribute towards an MSc qualification later down the line. Conversely, if you need to cut your studies short for any reason, it is also possible to convert the PgDip to a PgCert after the completion of four modules.

Please note, Visa students must be full-time (a min of 15 hours per week) and will need to attend all sessions in person due to UKVI visa requirements.

The modules available for this course are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Modules

• 4245 Construction and Project Management: Critically analyse contemporary construction technologies and building services for domestic construction (housing) and commercial construction in relation to structures, sustainable development, and high environmental performance (new build)
• 4246 Professional Practice: Develop a working knowledge of the law relating to agency and professional practice
• 4248 Investment and Development Appraisal: Develop financial literacy through discussion on accounting processes
• 4249 Asset Management: Understand the strategic management of corporate real estate assets and how property strategy is often the enabler for change to reach corporate goals
• 4740 Property and Law in Context: Understand the application of the law to real estate scenarios and situations
• 4741 Valuation: Identify and execute the appropriate method of valuation to meet a range of client requirements
• 4742 Planning and Development: Determine and evaluate property and land management institutional frameworks, mechanisms and constraints as they relate to planning theory, law and process relating to the UK
• 4743 Advanced Valuation: Accurately measure property to IPMS standards
• 4413 Research Skills: Develop research competencies related to data collection and analysis
• 4414 Dissertation: Undertake an independent research project with guidance from a supervisor

Disclaimer information

The University has established various rules and regulations that you must agree to and follow if you accept an offer to study with us. View our full disclaimer notice.

• Valuation and surveying
• Property investment and asset management
• Corporate real estate/facilities management
• Residential and commercial agency
• Town and country planning
• Development
• Property management

"It's a really broad course. We've covered everything including construction, project management, investment, valuations, planning, pretty much every aspect of the property industry."

Heath Jackson, Student

We welcome applications from applicants with non-standard qualifications who are able to demonstrate knowledge, experience (in real estate practice) and skills developed in the workplace or elsewhere and which are relevant to the programme of study. Applicants will need to use their personal statement to provide further details supported by a CV. All non-standard applications will be considered by the Programme Manager on a case-by-case basis and applicants can expect that an interview may be required as part of the admissions process.

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our English language requirements for the level of study. For postgraduate taught programmes this is IELTS Academic min. overall 6.5 with no element below 5.5(or equivalent). English language tests usually have a validity of two years from the date the test is taken.

Offers will typically be made in line with the academic requirements set out above. Offers can be conditional or unconditional. An unconditional offer will be made to applicants who have already met the conditions and provided evidence that conditions have been met. Where academic or language requirements have not yet been fulfilled, applicants will receive a conditional offer stating the requirements that must be met. 

2025-26 Applicants

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for the MSc are:  

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for the PgDip are:  

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for the PgCert are:  

Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan.

For full details, please visit the fees and funding webpage.

Please note: International students can study on a part-time basis only if they are in the UK with a different type of visa (other than Student Visa/Tier 4 General) that allows them to undertake part-time study and their visa does not expire prior to the end date of the proposed course of study.

Scholarships

The University offers a range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the scholarships, awards and bursaries available, please visit the scholarships webpage.