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Masters in Real Estate and Planning

Masters in Real Estate

At a glance

  • Understand the workings of real estate markets and appropriate techniques 
  • Experience practical learning via ‘real-world’ case studies, field trips and an industry challenge
  • Fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) 
  • Pair up with an  industry mentor through the mentoring scheme of the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) 
  • Join a school which is the largest in the UK for teaching and research in real estate
Locations
Henley Whiteknights
Subject area(s)
Real Estate & Planning
Start Date
September 2024
Duration
12 months
Attendance
Full-time
Programme Director
Eamonn D Arcy 75e5pfioc
Eamonn D'Arcy

Overview

93% of students would recommend their programme
Masters Careers Survey 2022
98% employed post graduation
Masters Careers Survey 2022

The MSc Real Estate programme will enable you to understand the workings of real estate markets and appropriate techniques applied in them. You will gain the key skills necessary to embark on a wide range of careers in the global real estate industry.

Core areas covered include investment appraisal, economics, real estate finance, valuation, international real estate, strategic rural land management, development, fund management, law, and sustainability. By choosing appropriate modules you might specialise in Fund management, Development or Valuation and asset management.

This Masters programme is especially suitable if you have a non-property- related degree and wish to develop skills and knowledge in the real estate sector. These skills will open up employment opportunities across the sector.

The programme is designed to ensure that you are equipped to deal with the full spectrum of real estate activities from the direct to the indirect, the national to the international. Global relevance is a key driving principle of curriculum design. Our programmes have a clear focus on employability at their core.

Real Estate & Planning

Our School is the largest in the UK for teaching and research in real estate and planning. Established in 1968 at the University of Reading, we are the only major UK real estate and planning centre to be located within a business school. Being part of the Henley Business School reflects our close and longstanding collaborative relationship with industry.

We enjoy a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research and we are consistently highly ranked in all major league tables. We undertake internationally recognised, leading edge research into real estate, planning and land. We offer a comprehensive range of courses, all of which are accredited by the  Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Our programmes are held in high regard by leading employers. Many of whom come to us each year to recruit our graduates. We are proud of our outstanding employment record. More than 95% of our students enter graduate-level jobs within 6-months of leaving us. We produce graduates who will ultimately form the thought leaders and practice innovators of the future.

The Henley pre-study course suite

Exclusively available to Henley Business School offer holders, the Pre-study course suite comprises of innovative short courses designed and developed by Henley faculty on the Futurelearn platform, one of the leading online learning platforms.

This course will provide building blocks of knowledge to help you prepare for your learning journey in the area of your choice as well as equip you with key employability and study skills for successfully navigating your studies and professional career.

This pre-study interactive course is designed by Henley Business School faculty, the University of Reading Study Advice Team and the International Study and Language Institute. The course aims to prepare you for your learning journey at Henley and focuses on helping you build important study skills to succeed in your Masters and beyond. Skills such as curiosity and independent thinking, effective communication and collaboration, digital capabilities, storytelling, empathy and professional integrity are not only important in your course itself but are also sought after by employers in all areas of business. Therefore, they are instrumental in succeeding in your professional career. The learning journey of our Masters programmes is designed in a way that allows you to build such skills and this course intends to demonstrate exactly how, and therefore help you to make the most of your Masters.

N/A

Core modules

Students must choose either REMF48 or REMDISS40 as their 40 credit project module:

Compulsory modules Credits

The aim of this module is to develop the students’ understanding of core business and professional values and to illustrate the relevance of such value sets to professional practice in the real estate sector. Five Seminar Themes: Values, Ethics and Business Ethics; Diversity and Inclusion; Leadership, Reputation and Corruption; Corporate Social Responsibility; Sustainability and ESG.

Academic authors
Eamonn D Arcy 75e5pfioc
Eamonn D'Arcy
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This module develops the theory and practice of appraisal for individual property investments, mainly in the context of the commercial and industrial real estate investment markets. It will consider different bases of value, different approaches to appraisal, required returns, yields, how cash flow is generated and how property investment relates to other asset markets.

Academic authors
Dr Ren Ren
Ren Ren
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The module provides an introduction to concepts of real estate finance, both theoretically and empirically. It introduces students to the concepts of risk and return, cost of capital and the implications that capital structures have on values and returns.

Academic authors
Jiarong Li Profile picture
Jiarong Li
10 [5 ECTS credits]

The aim of this module is to integrate and apply both core and specialised knowledge obtained in the MSc Real Estate Programme and to demonstrate originality in the understanding and systematic application of this knowledge.

Academic authors
WU Yi 75nkuq051
Yi Wu
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The Real Estate and Planning Dissertation module provides a vehicle for an in-depth understanding of a chosen area of planning, real estate, and rural land and business management practice.

Depending on the student's interest, this independent study requires students to select a relevant topic or issue in their programme area for further research and analysis. They will also be specifically required to display academic rigour in carrying out an agreed research programme, in presenting findings, and in producing a high quality, fully referenced dissertation that is supported by appropriate statistical, qualitative and/or illustrative data.

Academic authors
Richard Nunes 75e5pfiod
Richard Nunes
40 [20 ECTS credits]

This module covers the economic principles underlying land and property markets, as well as the economics of land markets.

Academic authors
WU Yi 75nkuq051
Yi Wu
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The aim of this module is to integrate and apply both core and specialised knowledge obtained in the MSc Real Estate Programme and to demonstrate originality in the understanding and systematic application of this knowledge. Integration and application of core and specialised knowledge. Three distinct elements; European Field Trip; Industry Challenge; Real Estate Strategy Game.

Academic authors
Eamonn D Arcy 75e5pfioc
Eamonn D'Arcy
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Valuation and Asset Management

Compulsory modules for students completing the Valuation and Asset Management stream:

Compulsory modules Credits

Aims:
The module explores both practical and strategic aspects of real estate management primarily for commercial property, and examines innovation and change in this area. The subject is considered from the perspective of the various stakeholders (owners, tenants and owner/occupiers). Underpinning the module is the application of key management and business concepts to real estate advice and real estate management.

Academic authors
Glumac B 6090 couleur HD
Brano Glumac
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module builds on the REMF45 Investment Appraisal and Valuation module and studies the market valuation process; as distinct from the wider appraisal process. It examines both the valuation process and valuation methods, and as well as preparing students for the workplace, it critically examines property valuation practice at both a theoretical and applied level.

It examines both the valuation process and valuation methods, and as well as preparing students for the workplace, it critically examines property valuation practice at both a theoretical and applied level.

Academic authors
Dr pete wyatt 75ej3nfy8
Peter Wyatt
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Development

Compulsory modules for students completing the Development stream:

Compulsory modules Credits

This module introduces students to planning practice; including the tools and policy layers which frame development. Students will be exposed to the ways in which town planning in the UK has developed and been contested. This will include studying a set of key ideas on which the UK/English planning system has been based and highlighting how different actors involved input to planning policy and decisions.

Academic authors
Gavin Parker 75e5pfioc
Gavin Parker
10 [5 ECTS credits]

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of: the nature of the real estate development process including the activities, agencies, events, relationships, skills and tasks involved; the factors which influence the process and its outcomes; and the types, characteristics, utility and quality of buildings and schemes. The module also explores the methodologies involved in the appraisal and financing of development projects.

Academic authors
Ziyou profile pic R
Ziyou Wang
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The module aims to enhance students’ understanding of the processes and issues involved in the procurement and delivery of construction projects.

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Strategic Rural Land Management

Compulsory modules for students completing the Rural stream:

Compulsory modules Credits

Investment in rural land and property has been a significant element of the UK countryside for generations but the sector is seeing substantial change, with traditional family and institutional owners being joined by new investors, whether for individual or corporate investment.

Rural property has been seen as a conservative but safe asset, often demonstrating contra-cyclical performance, and thus attracting investors seeking to balance more speculative asset classes in their portfolios. Traditionally agriculture has been the focus of this investment, but emerging markets are gaining ground in the rural sector, particularly in terms of natural capital and ecosystem services.

Those operating in this sphere need to demonstrate technical knowledge in various areas, from an understanding of the core influences on rural land as an asset class to the ability to analyse and project long-term financial performance. This module is intended to introduce Real Estate students, including those who wish to make a career in the rural sector, to the range of financial, economic and asset management skills required to offer strategic advice in this area.



Academic authors
Angela Cropley 75j1cv3xd
Angela Cropley
Nick Millard
Nicholas Millard
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module aims to provide students with an opportunity to explore the legal relationships between rural landlords and their tenants, and the financial, technical and market context of the appraisal of rural property value. It aims to develop an understanding of the legal codes that apply to different rural property types (agricultural; residential; commercial), and investigates the agricultural land market, the factors that influence it, and the methods of valuation that apply to rural property.

Academic authors
Angela Cropley 75j1cv3xd
Angela Cropley
Nick Millard
Nicholas Millard
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Fund Management

Compulsory modules for students completing the Fund Management stream:

Compulsory modules Credits

This module covers the theoretical and practical principles of asset allocation choices and portfolio management. After introducing the concept of diversification and the single index model, different optimisation models are examined, along with specific features of real estate portfolios related to performance measurement and available vehicles to build such a portfolio.

Academic authors
Pin Te Lin 2018 75izlr166
Pin-Te Lin
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module aims to provide students with knowledge of market structures and the pricing of financial products available for indirect investment in real estate, in order to develop a critical understanding of the different features of real estate securities and overall market products. It challenges the implications that specific characteristics of real estate assets have on the pricing of such securities.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Elective Modules

Plus elective modules from a range that may include:

Optional modules Credits

This module includes independent student research on a group work and an individual basis.

During the module, students will study the ways in which the strategic planning and governance of cities and regions in England have developed. This will include studying the ways in which strategies have been restructured over time and in relation to changing local and global operating environments and contemporary sustainable development imperatives. The module comprises two assessed elements - one group presentation, and one individual research paper.

Academic authors
Kathy Pain 75iy0lki6
Kathy Pain
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Historic buildings and sites are a major part of the built environment. Many will be hundreds of years old, but there are also more modern buildings considered as heritage. The construction industry’s work is evenly split between new-build and work to existing buildings, some of which will have some statutory protection, such as being listed.

Historic buildings and sites are a major part of the built environment.

Many will be hundreds of years old, but there are also more modern buildings considered as heritage. The construction industry’s work is evenly split between new-build and work to existing buildings, some of which will have some statutory protection, such as being listed.

Academic authors
Henry Russell002 75edwqcke
Henry Russell
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The module is about understanding how commercial real estate markets work in an international context.

It covers three distinct, but interrelated areas - topics in international market analysis - analysis of European real estate markets - introduction to global market analysis.

Academic authors
Eamonn D Arcy 75e5pfioc
Eamonn D'Arcy
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module is designed to help students develop a conceptual understanding of the legal environment in which real estate operates in the UK.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Aims:
The module explores both practical and strategic aspects of real estate management primarily for commercial property, and examines innovation and change in this area. The subject is considered from the perspective of the various stakeholders (owners, tenants and owner/occupiers). Underpinning the module is the application of key management and business concepts to real estate advice and real estate management.

Academic authors
Glumac B 6090 couleur HD
Brano Glumac
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module aims to provide students with knowledge of market structures and the pricing of financial products available for indirect investment in real estate, in order to develop a critical understanding of the different features of real estate securities and overall market products. It challenges the implications that specific characteristics of real estate assets have on the pricing of such securities.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module focuses on developing a conceptual understanding of sustainable development models and their applications in real estate markets.

The focus is on the adoption of sustainability in the UK property industry throughout real estate life cycles, including how the concept is relevant to and manifests itself at various life cycle stages, i.e. development, design, construction, operation, refurbishment, retrofitting and regeneration. The module also focuses on drivers and barriers for the adoption of sustainable development principles in the property industry, including the business case for sustainability.

Academic authors
Jorn van de Wetering 75e5pfioc
Jorn van de Wetering
20 [10 ECTS credits]

*The module or course content descriptions set out on this page are correct for those being taught in the current academic year. Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

Our Real Estate & Planning postgraduate programmes are designed and delivered by internationally-renowned experts, with a wealth of academic and professional experience. All of our programmes are regularly updated to maintain their relevance in a rapidly changing industry.

Our programmes adhere to the highest academic and professional standards, with lectures given by academic members of staff and visiting speakers from senior positions in relevant professions. They are well supported by leading industry organisations who provide our students with valuable professional insight and feedback.

All our Masters programmes feature a mix of core and optional modules, allowing you to tailor your degree towards your individual interests and career ambitions. Teaching methods will vary depending on your chosen programme; they include lectures, workshops, tutorials, individual and group assignments, case studies and site visits. All our full-time postgraduate programmes include a residential study tour.

Our research is internationally renowned as academically rigorous and policy relevant. It has a major influence on our programmes and is fully integrated into our teaching. As a postgraduate student you will have access to this cutting-edge research, a vital resource that will keep you at the forefront of the latest thinking.

We aim to create a stimulating academic environment; you will be encouraged to develop individual interests and general skills as a basis for a career in the property industry, a related field or for further study.

UK/Home

Year of Entry Cost
2024 £20,400

International (incl. EU)

Year of Entry Cost
2024 £27,000

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to support high-potential students. All applications are automatically considered for a scholarship. No separate scholarship application is necessary. Simply submit your application for a Masters programme starting in 2024 and you will be automatically notified if you are successful. Shortlisting and selection are based on academic merit and the candidate’s potential as demonstrated in the application form. For more details, visit our scholarships webpage.

Entry requirement Criteria
Undergraduate degree Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised university
Degree discipline Any discipline

The academic requirement for mature students may be relaxed in light of relevant professional experience.

See country and region-specific information and entry requirements for International applicants or please contact us with any questions.

English Language Requirements

Studying in a second language can be challenging. If your English language ability is below the minimum requirement, we may ask for evidence of proficiency. Alternatively, we may ask you to attend an English language course before you begin your studies with us.

Requirement Criteria
IELTS 6.5 with no component below 6.0

Pre-sessional English Programme

The Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements. Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

Find out about our comprehensive range of Pre-Sessional English courses

Acceptance of LanguageCert Online and DuoLingo English qualifications

We accept the non-SELT version of LanguageCert (which includes the online version) and DuoLingo as suitable English language qualifications. These can be accepted for direct entry onto Undergraduate (except Speech and Language Therapy), Postgraduate Taught (except Speech and Language Therapy) and Postgraduate Research programmes.

For information on individual programme requirements and other English language qualifications, please visit our English requirement equivalent page.

If you require specific advice on your qualification please contact admissions directly by email  or telephone on +44 118-378-5289.

UK visa requirements

If you are not a national of the European Union (EU), you may need to obtain a UK visa. This visa will allow to live and study in the UK. See the  UK Border Agency website. Contact the University's International Office with any questions:  intoff@reading.ac.uk.

Graduate Route

The UK's Graduate Route post-study work visa allows you to apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate, with the opportunity to undertake skilled work. Visit the University website for the latest information.

Henley Business School provides students with the knowledge, connections and hands-on experiences they need to secure excellent graduate positions.

“Industry focused and career orientated course. Exposure to industry professionals through assignments, networking events and mentor programmes was particularly valuable.”
Real Estate graduate, now working as a Senior Associate at Deloitte, UK

Where are our 2021 graduates now?

98% employed post graduation
Masters Careers Survey 2022
93% of students would recommend their programme
Masters Careers Survey 2022
£36,214 average salary one year post-graduation
Masters Careers Survey 2022
94% said the careers team had a positive impact on their career
Masters Careers Survey 2022

2021 graduates in this area are working at the following organisations:

Knight Frank
JLL
Savills
Schroders
Berkeley Group
Credit Agricole
ET Planning
Basingstoke Borough Council
Lee Baron
Schroders
Walsingham Planning
Noratis AG
Aon/The Townsend Group
PwC
Woking Borough Council
Cushman and Wakefield
BNP Paribas

23 UPM 041 PGT Pie REP l
22 MIS 036 REP map

Please note the above statistics are based on respondents to our Masters Outcomes Survey in 2022, which was completed by our 2021 graduates, 12 months after graduation.

Respondents are from the following programmes: MSc Real Estate, MSc Real Estate Finance and MSc Spatial Planning and Development.

How can Henley Careers work with you?

We have an award-winning careers team that will support you through your postgraduate studies and four years after graduation.

Here is how Henley Careers can help you:

  • Careers Consultant appointments: Our Careers Consultant are here to help and support you with any careers related concern that you might have. Whether it’s CV advice, practicing for an interview, providing feedback if applications aren't successful or support planning your career goals. We are here to help empower you to progress in your career.
  • Events: Henley Careers organise numerous events aimed to help you build your confidence, develop the skills employers are looking for. Additionally, network with employers and expand your industry knowledge.
  • Alumni support: You can continue to book one-to-one appointments with your Careers Consultant and use our online resources. For up to four years after graduating we’re here to help and support in your career.
  • Career Smart: Get a head start in securing a graduate job by taking part in our online course, Career Smart. You can expect to learn about the graduate recruitment cycle in the UK. As well as where to look and how to start applying to jobs, and the different roles available to you.

For more information  please see our Careers page.

Continuing your career

This programme has enjoyed an employment record of close to 100% since its inception. Extensive bespoke careers support is provided, including an industry-led mock assessment day. Graduates from the programme have been regularly employed by the largest and most prestigious global real estate service firms. Additionally graduates find employment within the wider real estate sector.

To support their career development and interpersonal skills, you will be assigned an industry mentor through the mentoring scheme of our alumni association – the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF).

The School of Real Estate & Planning has a worldwide reputation and a long history of providing postgraduate education in real estate. All our postgraduate programmes open up many options for employment in the real estate industry around the world.

Our alumni association, The Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF), organise career development and recruitment events for real estate students throughout the year. These include an evening lectures series with key industry speakers and an annual Careers Fair. To support your career development and interpersonal skills, you will also be assigned an industry mentor through the RREF mentoring scheme.

We have a professional Careers Development Advisor, Jane Batchelor, who helps our students with every aspect of the career development process, including identifying work placement, internships and permanent career opportunities.

On graduation our students are employed by the largest and most prestigious firms including:

Real Estate Service Firms:

CBRE, Cluttons, Cushman & Wakefield, Drivers Jonas Deloitte, DTZ, Jones Lang LaSalle, KingSturge, Knight Frank and Savills

Investment Banks:

Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley

Institutional Investors and Investment Funds:

Aviva, Invesco, Legal & General

Consultancy Firms:

Accenture, Ernst & Young, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Property Portfolio Research

Investment and Development Companies:

British Land, Grosvenor, Hines, Land Securities and SEGRO

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

Apply for 2023 entry now

Apply online  now through the University of Reading’s online application service.

The online application service allows you to complete your application information, attach electronic copies of your academic transcripts, certificates and other supporting information. It also provides a facility for an email request to be sent to your referees. This enables the referees to send your supporting references directly to us.

When to apply

We operate a rolling admissions system and it is recommended that you apply early to secure your place. There is no specific deadline and applications will be considered until the programme is full. However, to allow us time to process your application we recommend that you apply by the following dates:

UK/Home applicants International applicants
1 August 1 July

After you apply

You will receive a confirmation email when we receive your application form. Your application is then reviewed by a member of staff. If successful, you will receive a formal offer letter outlining any necessary entry criteria you will need to meet. You'll then be asked to confirm your acceptance of this offer.

If you require a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for your visa, details will be sent by email once all conditions of the offer have been met.

Throughout the admissions process we will keep you updated with key information via email. We also provide opportunities to interact with faculty and staff online.

Find us on Facebook  and keep up-to-date with news and events at Henley or ask us a question. In addition, you can speak to a current student, our students are always happy to share their Henley experience.

Our students and alumni are always keen to share their Henley experience. Whether you are a prospective applicant or already applied to a Masters programme at Henley Business School. You can ask questions to a current student by clicking the “Chat to our students” button below.

When contacting one of our students, please introduce yourself and the Masters programme you have applied for.

Speak to a current student

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact us by email at postgraduate@henley.ac.uk or by phone on +44 (0)118 378 7593.

An image of Olivia Brennan
“Everything was done to fully support my learning. The course was excellent, and all the lecturers were incredibly inspiring to learn from. All content was useful and inspiring.”
Olivia Brennan Graduate Surveyor at Valuations Office Agency Masters in Real Estate
An image of Jamie Parkes
“I love the world of property because it impacts everyone’s daily life, from where you live, to where you work, shop, exercise and socialise. A personal highlight of the course is meeting and networking with other young professionals.”
Jamie Parkes Masters in Real Estate
An image of Jesang Park
“The course was very relevant to practice, which helped me to get used to my work quickly. I especially enjoyed the Valuation modules, which have been a great help in successfully carrying out many projects at my current job. ”
Jesang Park Real Estate Development Consultant at PwC Korea Masters in Real Estate
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