BSc (Hons) Real Estate (Foundation Year)

Modules are divided into three streams: Property, Land Use and Development and Business. You will learn through lectures, smaller group tutorials, visiting lecturers from industry, practical sessions, study visits and real-life case studies as well as completing a research project in a subject area of specific interest. The course is also flexible and it is possible to transfer on to the Rural Land Management degree at the end of the second year, and occasionally, at the end of the third year.

A part-time or distance learning route to study is available.

Timetables

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.

Modules

Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Full-time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depending on your elective choice. Part-time students taking proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for your degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 5 and level 6 (weighted 30:70 accordingly).

The modules available for this degree 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.

Foundation year

The Foundation year will provide a common core of academic and study skills sufficient to prepare you for subsequent study and academic success at undergraduate level. It will give core underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding in key areas of contemporary issues, provide underpinning subject-related skills and knowledge in key areas required for undergraduate study, including Mathematics, Numeracy and IT. It will also provide generic skills and academic knowledge to support your confidence and discipline as appropriate for higher education study and give subject-specific grounding, in terms of research topics and study focus, to support progression into degree level study in your chosen degree.

• 0IFY20 Land-use and Management: An introduction to the many and diverse ways in which land is utilised and managed, especially within the rural economy, as well as in urban areas. There will also be field trips to explore some of the land-related issues
• 0IFY21 Countryside Evolution and Development: An introduction to the wide range of current socio-economic, political and environmental issues that influence change in our countryside environments
• 0IFY22 Enterprise and Marketing: A comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of business such as types of business ownership, business aims and objectives, business functions, internal and external environment and marketing
• 0IFY23 Land-based Data Handling: Learn about a wide-range of data skills including mapping and spatial data, laboratory analysis, desk-based data and fieldwork. This encompasses biodiversity, climate, soil, food production, animal science and the built environment
• 0IFY24 Food and Farming: Understand core scientific theories within agriculture and how they impact on rural business and agricultural management. Including arable, livestock and equine husbandry, basic animal and plant anatomy and physiology, pest and pathogen control and environmental and soil science
• 0IFY25 Developing your Skills: Explore your personal values, looking at the human, social and emotional aspects of professional learning to support the transition to studying at degree level

Year one

• 4L001 Building Technology and Regulation: This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of building science, construction methods, and building regulations in England and Wales. It explores the evolution of traditional and modern construction technologies, with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and regulatory compliance. Students examine structural principles, building materials, and services across domestic, commercial, and rural contexts. Assessment includes a multiple-choice online test, a 1500-word technical portfolio, and a 2000-word problem sheet. The module supports critical understanding of construction efficiency, sustainable practices, and regulatory frameworks.
• 4L002 Foundations of Law: This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the English legal system, essential for future study in Land Law. It covers sources of law, contract and tort law, legal research, and dispute resolution. Students develop skills in legal analysis and professional communication relevant to property management. Assessment includes a multiple-choice online test, a 1500-word essay, and a 2000-word professional practice report. The module supports legal literacy, critical thinking, and professional advisory skills.
• 4L003 Property Valuation and Appraisal: This module introduces students to the principles and methods of property valuation and appraisal, including investment analysis and sustainability considerations. It covers valuation techniques, professional standards (RICS), and the use of valuation tables and measurement codes. Students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios across various property types. Assessment includes a 1500-word problem sheet and a two-hour written exam. The module supports technical competence, professional communication, and sustainable thinking in valuation practice.
• 4B001 Practical Business, Finance and Accounts: This module introduces students to financial principles in agri-business and rural enterprise contexts. It covers financial statements, budgeting, investment appraisal, and decision-making tools. Students develop analytical and communication skills essential for interpreting financial data and planning business strategies. Assessment includes a 2000-word problem sheet and a 2000-word professional practice report. The module supports financial literacy, business planning, and critical evaluation of enterprise performance.
• 4L004 Property Markets and Analysis: This module explores real estate markets, focusing on transactions, market data analysis, and negotiation. Students examine legal frameworks, economic influences, and commercial awareness across property sectors. Practical skills in negotiation and market interpretation are developed using real-world data and scenarios. Assessment includes a 5-minute narrated presentation and a 15-minute role-play negotiation exercise. The module supports understanding of market dynamics, professional communication, and deal-making.
• 4M002 Professional, Practical and Study Skills: This module develops academic, employability, and practical skills for success in university and land-based careers. It includes reflective writing, data handling, digital literacy, and hands-on tasks relevant to the sector. Students explore sustainability, industry challenges, and professional development. Assessment includes a skills portfolio, a 1000-word reflective account, and a group presentation on a sustainability challenge. The module supports self-awareness, technical competence, and a sustainable mindset.

Year two

• 5L001 Land and Property Law: This module deepens students’ understanding of land and property law, focusing on legal estates, interests, and landlord-tenant relationships. Topics include conveyancing, easements, covenants, co-ownership, and tenancy law. Students apply legal principles to real-world property management scenarios. Assessment includes an 1800-word professional practice report, a multiple-choice online test, and an 1800-word problem sheet. The module supports the development of legal reasoning, client advisory skills, and professional communication.
• 5L002 Valuation Appraisal and Building Pathology: This module integrates valuation techniques with building pathology, enabling students to assess property value in relation to building condition, obsolescence, and market trends. Students explore valuation methods, building defects, and the impact of legislation on property values. Assessment includes two 2000-word professional practice reports, one of which is a Red Book valuation. The module supports technical competence in surveying, critical analysis, and professional reporting.
• 5L003 Property Finance, Business and Taxation: This module introduces students to property finance structures, taxation, and business planning in rural and urban contexts. Topics include development finance, capital appraisal, national and local taxation, and the reuse of farm buildings. Assessment includes two 1500-word professional practice reports and a 5-minute group presentation. The module supports financial literacy, strategic thinking, and understanding of taxation impacts on property decisions.
• 5L004 Planning and Development: This module explores the planning and development process in rural and urban contexts, focusing on policy, law, sustainability, and site assessment. Students examine the National Planning Policy Framework, land measurement, planning applications, and emerging technologies. Assessment includes a 1600-word skills portfolio with artefacts and a 2400-word professional practice report. The module supports critical understanding of planning systems, technical competence, and client advisory skills.
• 5M002 Research and Evidence: This module develops students’ ability to design and justify research proposals using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Topics include study design, data analysis, ethics, and communication of findings. Students engage with real-world problems and explore research applications across disciplines. Assessment includes a 2500-word research proposal and a 2-hour online test. The module supports evidence-based thinking, analytical skills, and preparation for the Level 6 dissertation.
• 5L005 Property Management and Agency: This module covers the management and agency of residential and commercial property, including landlord-tenant law, lease management, marketing, and compliance. Students explore professional standards, agency operations, and client relationships. Assessment includes a 10-minute group presentation and a 2800-word professional practice report. The module supports professional communication, regulatory understanding, and strategic thinking in property transactions.
• 5M001 Industry Engagement: This module provides students with a structured industry placement to develop professional, technical, and reflective skills in a real-world context. Students complete a minimum of 444 hours of work-based learning aligned to their career goals. Assessment includes a CV and personal statement (500 words) and a reflective portfolio (1000 words). The module supports employability, self-awareness, and the application of academic knowledge in professional settings.

Year three

In the third year, you will complete a research dissertation on a subject of your choosing, and select two elective modules to suit your specialist areas of interest.

• 6L001 Commercial Property Management: This module explores the principles and practices of managing commercial property in rural and urban contexts. Topics include lease management, service charges, tenant selection, repairs, planning, and professional ethics. Students examine how property management aligns with client investment objectives. Assessment includes two 2000-word professional practice reports. The module supports technical competence, strategic thinking, and preparation for RICS membership.
• 6L002 Utilities and Infrastructure: This module examines statutory valuation, compulsory purchase, and infrastructure development across sectors such as transport, energy, and digital networks. Students explore valuation methods, legal frameworks, and compensation assessment. Topics include leasehold reform, planning compensation, and dispute resolution. Assessment includes a 1000-word audio-visual presentation, a 2800-word professional practice report, and an online test. The module supports applied valuation skills, legal understanding, and professional advisory competence.
• 6M001 Research Project: This module enables students to undertake an independent research project aligned with their subject area. Students develop a research question, design a methodology, and collect and analyse data. Support is provided through supervision and workshops. Assessment includes a 5-minute presentation and a 12,000-word thesis or equivalent multimedia portfolio. The module supports critical thinking, research skills, and evidence-based recommendations.

Plus a choice of TWO electives selected from a broad range, including:

• 6L003 Forestry and Natural Resources: This module examines woodland and natural resource management in rural and urban contexts. Students explore tree identification, silviculture, ecosystem services, and natural capital. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, biodiversity, and balancing timber production with environmental benefits. Assessment includes a 2400-word woodland management plan and a 1600-word portfolio of artefacts. The module supports applied ecological knowledge, critical thinking, and sustainable land use planning.
• 6L004 Advanced Residential Agency: This module explores the sale and marketing of residential property, including legal frameworks, valuation, and agency operations. Students examine statutory compliance, marketing strategies, and the use of digital tools such as CRMs and property portals. Topics include vernacular architecture, new homes, and sustainability in housing. Assessment includes a 5-minute individual presentation and a 3200-word professional practice report. The module supports technical competence, communication, and innovation in residential agency.
• 6B001 Changing Consumer Behaviour: This module investigates the psychological, social, and cultural drivers of consumer behaviour, with a focus on promoting sustainable consumption. Students explore theories from multiple disciplines and apply them to real-world marketing and behaviour change strategies. Assessment includes a 1600-word annotated bibliography and a 2400-word essay. The module supports critical evaluation of consumer society, ethical marketing, and the development of behaviour change interventions.

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

* Optional additions to the course will incur additional charges

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.

You will gain the knowledge, understanding and skills to practice within the following sectors:

• Valuation and surveying
• Property investment and asset management
• Residential and commercial agency
• Town and country planning
• Commercial and residential property management

"The course opens many opportunities within both the urban and rural property industry, and once you have a degree
many more employment opportunities are made available, even if you decide to go into another industry post-graduation."

Daniella Sowden, Graduate

Typical offers

Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications:

• A-Level: (example grades  EEE) – minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points across either three A-levels or two A-levels and two AS level subjects or equivalent qualifications
• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Pass-Pass-Pass
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points
• Access to Higher Education: Pass course with 45 credits at level 3 (Pass in Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)

Visit the UCAS website to calculate your UCAS Tariff points from the qualifications and grades achieved.

You may also be eligible for a contextual offer if you’re from one of our link colleges, have been in care, from a non-white ethnic background, live in an area with low progression rates to university or you are a veteran/child of an armed forces family.

Flexible entry

The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.

Further information

Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications. Prior experience is also considered, subject to approval by the programme manager and admissions staff.

Read more general information about our entry requirements.

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.

For any further help, please contact our admissions team:  

• Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912

2026-27 Applicants

For the academic year 2026-27 the tuition fees for this course are: 

*Tuition fee level for 2025-26. Tuition fees for home undergraduate students in 2026-27 will be confirmed by the Government later in 2025 and will be updated on our website as soon as the information becomes available.

For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.

Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.

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

If you are an Irish national you can check if you meet the requirements for Home Fees. Please visit the UKCISA website and consult the pdf guide “England HE – who pays Home Fees”. First check category ‘3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK’ or ‘Brexit temporary offer for courses starting before 2028: Irish citizens with residence in Europe or overseas territories’. You will possibly need to be fee assessed when you submit an application for study to the RAU.

Scholarships

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