Masters in Real Estate Finance
This accredited Masters programme is designed to prepare you for a career in global real estate finance and investment management.
At a glance
- Gain an understanding of financial theory and its application in real estate assets
- Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Offered jointly with our finance faculty at the ICMA Centre
- Programme recognised by the Investment Property Forum (IPF)
- Participate in the alumni association's RREF mentoring programme
- Level
- Masters
- Subject area(s)
- Real Estate & Planning
- Award
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Programme Director
-
Dr Isil Erol
Overview
The MSc Real Estate Finance programme will help you understand real estate in the context of the international financial markets. You will learn the quantitative and conceptual skills needed to make the complex decisions in the real estate finance sector. The programme also places property investment into context with equity, fixed income and financial derivative products.
This Masters programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It is also recognised by the Investment Property Forum, facilitating fast-track membership.
The Real Estate Finance programme is particularly suited if you have a degree in a quantitative discipline. Also, if you wish to develop specialist finance skills that can be used in the real estate sector. This programme examines investment in the underlying real estate sector. It provides extensive coverage of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Real Estate Funding, Mortgage Backed Securities and Real Estate Portfolio Management.
This programme is offered jointly with our specialist finance faculty at Henley Business School, the ICMA Centre. You will gain a thorough understanding of financial theory and its application in the context of real estate assets. In this programme, you’ll learn through a combination of academic rigour and commercial relevance. You will build a portfolio of skills and can choose from a range of modules taught across the Business School.
Our long-standing reputation in real estate ensures that you will have exposure to leading thinking in both academia and industry. You will have modules led by some of the world’s leading real estate finance academics. Guest speakers from industry will further build that experience. There will be several industry visits to and from leading global real estate finance companies in London. You will also have the opportunity to visit another major city/financial centre.
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. 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.
Core Modules
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Securities, Futures and Options (ICM107)Securities, Futures and Options provides learners with the relevant financial knowledge for analysing and valuing different classes of risky assets. It begins with the description of all main asset classes and the basic theory behind market efficiency and investors’ attitude towards financial risk. It then analyses the main framework behind portfolio theory and optimum asset allocation, followed by the introduction of the main pricing models, their applications and limitations. Furthermore, the module provides an in-depth introduction to financial derivatives (futures and options) and their valuation. All the techniques introduced are widely applied in other elements of the programme. Academic authors
Dr Konstantina Kappou
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Fixed Income and Equity Investments (ICM108)Fixed Income and Equity Investments applies general valuation methods to specific financial instruments: fixed income and equity securities. It describes the basic characteristics of each security and develops practical strategies for finding its value and assessing its risk. It develops general trading strategies for each type of security. It also considers how the markets for these securities are related and begins the task of showing how these relationships can be exploited to form an optimal investment strategy. Academic authors
Dr Miriam Marra
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Introduction to Real Estate Economics and Investment (REMF58)This module is designed to provide an introduction to economic, market, and investment analyses, which are important fundamentals for commercial real estate investment analysis. Read moreThe topics covered by this module include demand and supply of real estate, fundamentals of real estate market research, and basic cash flow techniques for real estate investment valuation. Academic authors
Dr Isil Erol
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Quantitative Techniques (REMF37)The module covers quantitative techniques and methods and their applications in the context of real estate. It aims to provide students with knowledge in statistics and econometric modelling with a focus on real estate data. This module will also introduce statistical software. Academic authors
Dr Pin-Te Lin
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Real Estate Finance (REMF27)The module presents in depth concepts of real estate finance, both theoretically and empirically. It can be seen as an advanced course in corporate finance (funding and valuation) applied to real estate topics. Academic authors
Dr Xiaolun Yu
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Global Real Estate Markets and Investment (REMF43)This module is designed to provide practical experience and insight into the subjects studied throughout the year and prepares students for the workplace. It provides opportunities for self-experience of real situations in real estate finance and investment in the context of a global real estate market. ?The practical learning experience is furthered through case studies and discussions, presentations and engagement with industry practitioners. The module strengthens the inquiry skills of students and their ability to offer high standard resolutions to real world issues. Academic authors
Dr Isil Erol
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Real Estate and Planning Dissertation (REMDISS40)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
Dr Richard Nunes
|
40 [20 ECTS credits] |
Elective Modules
Students must choose 50 credits of option modules, at least 20 credits must be from REP:
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Real Estate Asset Management (REMF44)Aims: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Valuation (REMF46)This module builds on the REMF45 Investment Appraisal and Valuation module and studies the market valuation process; as distinct from the wider appraisal process. Read moreIt 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
Professor Peter Wyatt
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Real Estate Portfolio Management (REMFPM)This module builds on the theoretical principles of portfolio management and asset pricing covered in previous modules. Read moreSelected portfolio optimisation models are presented and specific features of real estate assets are introduced to examine their impact on performance measurement and on portfolio construction. Indirect investment in real estate is also explored as a possibility to gain exposure in this asset class. Academic authors
Dr Pin-Te Lin
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Real Estate Securities (REMFRES)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. Academic authors
Dr Chen Zheng
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Real Estate Development: Process, Practice and Appraisal (REMF49)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
Professor Pat McAllister
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Financial Econometrics (ICM204)Building on the material introduced in Quantitative Methods for Finance, this module covers a number of more advanced techniques that are relevant for financial applications, and in particular for modelling and forecasting financial time series. These include an introduction to maximum likelihood estimation and two-stage least squares, models of volatility, simulation techniques, and multivariate models. Case studies from the academic finance literature are employed to demonstrate potential uses of each approach. Extensive use is also made of financial econometrics software to demonstrate how the techniques are applied in practice. Academic authors
Professor Michael Clements
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Corporate Finance and Investment Banking (ICM311)The main aim of the module is to provide a rigorous grounding of the theory and practice of corporate finance and more specifically the long-term financial management decisions of the firm pertaining to investments, financing and payout and how they affect its value. It deals with how corporations are governed, their financing structures, payout policies, the processes involved in the issuance of public and private equity, as well growing through inorganic investment (mergers and acquisitions). The module also extensively dealsParticipants also gain exposure to with advanced financial analysis and enterprise valuation methods employed by financial advisors/investment banks as part of advising corporations. Students on this moduleThey also take part in a bespoke investment banking pitch-book simulation challenge whereby they have to work with as part oftheir a team and to produce a real life pitch-book including financial analysis on a real transaction as part ofand assessing the company’s strategic alternatives. |
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.
Our 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 teaching received an excellent score in the most recent independent Teaching Quality Assessment (TQA), highlighting our commitment to maintaining a world-class learning environment. You will enjoy access to our cutting-edge research, both academic and industry, ensuring that you remain at the forefront of the field.
We believe that our students should have access to good quality resources and, in addition to the facilities offered by the University, we fund a professionally staffed Resource Centre. MSc Real Estate Finance students have access to a variety of databases, from both Real Estate & Planning and ICMA, including Bloomberg; SNL Financial; Thomson Reuters; Datastream and Costar.
Most of the modules on the programme are specifically dedicated to the MSc Real Estate Finance. Students therefore obtain the benefit of both highly focused modules and small group teaching.
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.
| Entry requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | Minimum 2:1 or the equivalent from an Internationally recognised university |
| Degree discipline | Business and Finance, Accounting, Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, Sciences or Engineering. |
The academic requirement for mature students may be relaxed in light of relevant professional experience.
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 |
| IELTS with pre-sessional English | 6.5 with no component below 5.5 |
For information on 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.
Pre-sessional English language programme
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.
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 is ideal if you're wishing to pursue a successful career in real estate finance, investment management and research. Since its launch, graduates from the MSc Real Estate Finance have secured employment at a variety of firms. This includes JP Morgan, Unibail-Rodamco, Schroders, CBRE Finance, LaSalle, LNR Partners, ICG Longbow, DTZ, Grosvenor and Knight Frank.
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. Our innovative mentoring programme pairs your with professionals in the industry, both in the UK and overseas.
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. The MSc Real Estate Finance students also have access to the ICMA Career Development Service.
Graduates from this programme are highly sought after. You'll be well placed to take up positions across a wide range of positions in real estate investment, finance, portfolio & fund management and research. RICS accreditation also facilitates entry into the main property service and advisory firms. Since its launch graduates from the MSc Real Estate Finance have secured employment at firms such as JP Morgan, Unibail-Rodamco, Schroders, CBRE Finance, La Salle Investment Management, LNR Partners, Grosvenor, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Savills, Knight Frank and Gerald Eve.
Our alumni have secured employment at a wide range of firms including:
Investment and Commercial Banks:
Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Erste Group, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, UBS
Institutional Investors and Investment Funds:
Allianz Real Estate, Aviva, InfraRed Capital Partners, Invesco, Legal & General, M&G Real Estate, PATRIZIA Immobilien and Union Investment
REITs and Property Companies:
British Land, Grosvenor, Hammerson, Hines, Land Securities, SEGRO and Vastned
Consultancy and Research Firms:
Accenture, Ernst & Young, Fitch Ratings, IPD, PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Property Portfolio Research
Real Estate Service Firms:
CBRE, Cluttons, Cushman & Wakefield, Deloitte Real Estate, DTZ, Gerald Eve, Jones Lang LaSalle, Knight Frank and Savills
The MSc Real Estate Finance programme is also recognised by the Investment Property Forum (IPF), facilitating fast-track membership.
Apply for 2022 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 June |
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.
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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.
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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.
“The programme is in line with the trend of future property market development. You are able to benefit from top educational and industry resources which is a rare opportunity to understand the real estate financial market.”