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Introduction
Why choose this course?
Overview
Our MSc in Real Estate is a conversion programme for those looking to enter this dynamic industry.
Developed in close consultation with leading practitioners, this innovative course is led by the latest approaches and best-practice in the global real estate sector. Through the course you’ll study the fundamental principles that underpin the sector.
You’ll be immersed in the industry and build experience by applying your learning to professional scenarios through projects that are routed in practice. You’ll develop a global perspective and have the opportunity to specialise in an area of your interest through your final project.
Our network and graduates extend throughout the industry. Site visits and regular guest lectures from leading specialists means you’ll gain adept knowledge of the sector and provide invaluable networking opportunities. You’ll also benefit from our mentoring scheme run in partnership with our alumni society.
On graduation you’ll be prepared to complete the assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a Chartered Surveyor.
Modules
Compulsory modules
Built Environment Delivery (30 credits)
The built environment touches all aspects of our lives, encompassing the buildings we live in, the distribution systems that provide us with water and electricity and the roads, bridges, and transportation systems we use to get from place to place. It can generally be described as the man-made or modified
structures that provide people with living, working, and recreational spaces. We will explore how through good design, construction, and management, we can achieve sustainable outcomes that allow people to live well, reduce whole life carbon and materials costs through efficient use of resources (energy, waste,
water) and provide environments that contribute to our physical and mental health and enhance creativity and productivity. Through your studies, you will develop an understanding of how the built environment is delivered holistically from initial conception of an idea through to planning, financial appraisal, and delivery.
Valuation and Investment (30 credits)
Develop an understanding of the operation of the real estate investment markets in the context of the economy and wider financial markets. You will explore the various principles, approaches, methods, and techniques of valuation as related to real estate. These are linked to the assessment of investment worth so the techniques of valuation can be used within investment decision making. This understanding is built on to explore the role of property within a multi-asset portfolio. This includes transacting, financing, and structuring property investments (in the UK and internationally) including the use of debt and indirect investment vehicles. You will also learn to use excel spreadsheets to build valuation and investment models for portfolio analysis, as part of a wider understanding of the use of technology and IT within and its effect on the real estate sector.
Law and Professional Practice (30 credits)
You will gain legal knowledge to identify where issues might arise in real estate and the legal remedies available. It will also alert you to more significant problems where professional legal input may be required. You will be introduced to the following substantive areas of law, contract and
tort law, professional negligence, occupier’s liability, trespass and nuisance, English land law, and landlord and tenant law for both commercial and residential leases, as well as the increasing important field of environmental law. You will also study what constitutes best professional practice including ethics and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ (RICS) Code of Conduct.
Business and Management (30 credits)
Your studies will include identifying the financial situation of a business, taxation, the functioning of property finance markets, market trends, and the efficiency of property markets. You will learn to develop techniques by which the financial performance of a real estate business can be evaluated, and real estate assets valued using accounting data. This includes the study of the economics of real estate markets and organisations, and the economic context within which they operate. You will also be able to analyse the implications of government economic policy for real estate markets. Having delivered a basic understanding of the key fundamentals of business, we will focus upon several practical, current, and real life scenarios faced by corporate and property managers in the private, public, and corporate sectors of the real estate industry. We study the skills required of a Chartered Surveyor when managing real estate from both a practical and strategic viewpoint.
Applied Research (20 credits)
This module is a combination of real estate market analysis and research in a practical and contextualised environment.
Within semester 1 you will examine the real estate market systematically, analyse selected segments and sectors of markets, study research methods, and conduct assigned and self-directed research projects by assimilating the concepts and knowledge gained in the other taught modules throughout Semesters 1 and 2. The module provides exposure to both domestic (UK) and international markets.
Semester 2 includes a series of in-house seminars on international real estate research and you will have an opportunity to attend a 5 day organised field trip to an EU country. Seminar topics focus on real estate research in an international context, with discussions and research undertaken on the American, Asian and European real estate markets
Final Project
Compulsory modules
Applied Project (40 credits)
As you approach the end of your programme, you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learnt over the programme into your final project. You have a choice of three alternative options that have been designed to offer you greater flexibility to accommodate completing the programme, whether you are based in the UK, internationally or in employment.
The Applied Project module has three optional pathways for completion of study.
1. Submission of Applied Project of 10,000 words.
2. Submission of Dissertation of 10,000 words.
3. Attendance on the Asian City Tour and submission of an Asian City Tour Report, 10,000 words.
Learning and teaching
This course has been designed to provide you with integral theoretical knowledge, practical experience rooted in industry and a professional network.
We take a practical approach to teaching. Throughout the course you’ll work on complex challenges that are based on real-world scenarios and simulate professional practice. Meaning you’ll have opportunities to apply your learning and build your confidence.
Learning methods include:
 lectures
 seminars
 tutorials
 project work
 problem based learning.
 independent study.
To provide you with a well-rounded understanding of the industry, you’ll study core modules which explore the fundamental principles of the sector:
 Law and professional practice
 Valuation and investment
 Business and management
 Built environment delivery.
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
The course is primarily open to applicants seeking academic conversion, who hold a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent) in a non-Real Estate subject. Applicants should demonstrate commitment to a career in real estate, preferably with some work experience.
Candidates with 2.2 degrees will be actively considered - evidencing strong final year performance and/or relevant professional experience.
EU & International applicants who have studied a non-RICS Real Estate undergraduate course are welcome to apply, in order to gain accreditation.
Our standard entry requirement is three A-levels or equivalent qualifications. In some cases, courses have specific required subjects and additional GCSE requirements. In addition to A-levels, we accept a wide range of other qualifications including:
 the Welsh Baccalaureate
 the Access to Higher Education Diploma
 a BTEC National Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma at a good standard and in a relevant subject
 the International Baccalaureate Diploma
 the European Baccalaureate Diploma
 Scottish qualifications – five subjects in SCE with two at Higher level or one at Advanced Higher level, or three subjects in Scottish Highers or two at Advanced Higher level
 a recognised foundation course
 T-levels*.
 * T-levels are a relatively new qualification but are already included in the UCAS tariff. We welcome prospective students who are taking this qualification to apply. For some programmes with specific required subjects, particular subject areas or occupational specialisms may be required.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
If English is not your first language then you will need to show that your English language skills are at a high enough level to succeed in your studies.
The entry requirement for your course will be expressed as an IELTS level and refers to the IELTS Academic version of this test. We are now also accepting the IELTS Indicator test, you can find out more about the test on the IELTS Indication site. The University however does accept a wide range of additional English language qualifications, which can be found below.
The university’s English language requirements in IELTS levels are as follows:
Course IELTS level
All other undergraduate courses 6.0 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Law, Architecture, Interior Architecture, English Literature (including combined honours), English Literature and Creative Writing 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
Health and Social Care courses 6.5 or 7.0 overall with 6.5 or 7.0 in all components (see individual entries for course details)
Nutrition BSc (Hons) 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Built Environment Foundation,
Computing Foundation,
Engineering Foundation 6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing, 5.5 in listening and speaking
International Foundation Business and Technology,
International Foundation Arts, Humanities and Law 5.5 overall with 5.5 in all skills
International Foundation Diploma 5.0 overall with 5.0 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
International Foundation Diploma (Extended pathway) 4.5 overall with 4.5 in all skills
If you need a student visa you must take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Learning and assessment
Master’s degree (MSc)
You must complete:
 Four core 30 credit modules
 Applied Research Methods module (20 credits)
 Applied Project module which offers you the option to select either an applied project, dissertation, or Asian city tour. (40 credits)
PGDiploma
You must complete:
 Four 30 credit modules.
Full time students will typically have one weekly teaching day for each 30 credit module (you’ll study two modules in both first and second semesters). A further day is allocated for applied research methods, guest lectures and UK based field trips.
Part time students may study on-campus or through distance learning. For those studying on-campus, during the semester, you will have one weekly teaching day for the compulsory 30 credit module in which you are enrolled. Distance learners can participate in real-time, and sessions will also be recorded, wherever possible, and made available online so that you can engage with at a pace that suits you.
Outside the module contact hours, you will be expected to undertake independent learning.
Start this course in January
You have the option to start this course in January. You will study a range of modules between January and May. During the summer months of June, July and August you will study further modules and begin work on your dissertation. Between September and December you will complete your final modules and focus on your dissertation.
Assessment
There are no examinations in the course and you will be assessed solely by coursework. Assessment methods used in the course include:
 coursework
 reports
 presentations.
Research
The Real Estate teaching team is well respected within the property profession.
The Real Estate and Land Policy Group examines the impact of land and housing markets/policy on broader development processes - particularly for enhancing urban sustainability. We also address broader market-based fundamentals such as valuation, and emerging areas of research include behavioural finance.
Career Opportunities
The RICS accredited MSc in Real Estate at Oxford Brookes has an excellent reputation in the industry. The course has been designed to ensure that it responds directly to the current and future needs of the industry.
Our academic staff have extensive experience across the industry and our network extends across national and global companies. Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a mentoring programme and gain valuable insight into the industry.
You will graduate with adept skills and a wealth of experience, ready to start your career in the profession and complete your journey to chartered status.
The programme’s links with the major surveying firms is one of its key strengths with the majority of our students, after completing their academic studies, being employed in either the public or private sector. Examples include Barclays, Deloitte, CBRE, Cluttons, Cushman & Wakefield, GVA, JLL, Knight Frank, NHS and Savills.
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