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Postgraduate research at Henley Business School

Real Estate and Planning PhD Opportunities

At a glance

  • Teaching and research activities
  • Join a department which produces leading research
  • Formal research training
  • Student-staff interaction
  • Emphasis on timely completion of the degree
Subject area(s)
Real Estate & Planning
Duration
Three years (FT), four years (minimum, PT)
Attendance
Full-time , Part-time
Programme Director
Pat Mc Allister 75e5pfiod
Pat McAllister

Overview

We offer PhD opportunities in a wide range of research areas in real estate and planning. The programme emphasises on flexibility to meet individual needs and learning in a quality research environment.

You will be equipped with skills to develop a successful career in academia and other organisations. This includes joining faculty positions in leading universities and key research roles in the public and private sectors.

Henley Business School holds triple-accreditation status and enjoys a reputation for high quality academic and applied research. It is a part of the University of Reading, consistently rated among the UK's most research-intensive institutions.

The module descriptions set out on this page are correct for modules being taught in the current academic year. Optional module listings are indicative and may be subject to change.

A PhD is usually taken on a full-time basis over three years. A part-time option, taking a minimum of four years, is also available. On a full time basis, the PhD Programme starts in September at the beginning of the academic year. However, if necessary for your training, you may be required to come to the University earlier to attend some preparatory courses.

Year One

During your first year of studies, you will be required to:

  • Pass at least 60 credits from PhD/Masters level courses in Research Methods* and other modules required for your area of concentration (to be decided with your PhD supervisor and approved by the PhD Director);
  • Attend some short courses (two -three hours each) required for the Reading Researcher Development Programme at the Graduate School;
  • Attend the Graduate School’s Preparing to Teach module (if recipient of one of the Studentships);
  • Participate in the weekly REP research seminars and other research seminars offered by other Schools/Departments and relevant to your research area;
  • organise periodical meetings with your supervisor(s).

Quantitative Path

Compulsory modules Credits

This module aims to equip new PhD students with a clear understanding of the necessary requirements for obtaining a PhD at Henley Business School and at the ICMA centre.

Academic authors
Dr alfonso dufour 397 3 Alfonso Dufour 75e5pfi5e
Dr Alfonso Dufour
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module aims to introduce students to the understanding of qualitative research, (in social science and particularly in the area of business and management studies). It is designed for students mainly using quantitative methods in their PhD studies who wish to have an introductory class in qualitative research.

Academic authors
Kleio Akrivou New Photo
Professor Kleio Akrivou
0 [0 ECTS credits]
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces research students to advanced microeconometrics techniques, focusing on methods for causal inference.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

Qualitative Path

Optional modules Credits

The module aims to provide students with an understanding of all the issues involved in researching, preparing and writing a literature review for their thesis, together with the specific techniques and resources involved.

Academic authors
Professor peter scott 397 3 Peter Scott 75e5pfi6j
Professor Peter Scott
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The module aims to deepen students’ understanding of qualitative research, particularly in the areas of business, organisational, social and management studies.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

The module aims to broaden students’ understanding of data analysis by providing an overview of key methods and particularly focusing on regression analysis.

Academic authors
Min Zou 75edwqcke
Dr Min Zou
0 [0 ECTS credits]
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Examples of advanced quantitative modules that can replace ECM607A-B as core module:

Optional modules Credits

This module is designed for advanced Master’s students and doctoral students. It has a very high technical content. It aims to equip the students with the foundations of theoretical asset pricing and with the relevant skills for performing empirical tests. The objective of the module is to prepare students to become independent and quality researchers.

Academic authors
Marcel Prokopczuk mtime20200428162716
Professor Marcel Prokopczuk
20 [10 ECTS credits]

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 397 3 Michael Clements 75e5pfi6i
Professor Michael Clements
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Examples of other modules offered within the University of Reading (subject to changes):

Optional modules Credits

This course is intended for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. The course will help researchers to make full use of economic concepts in international business research.

Academic authors
Prof Mark Casson
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This course is intended for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. This is an advanced course focusing on the key academic debates with regard to the issues in managing human resources in the multinational enterprises (MNEs) with an understanding of cross-national differences in HRM.

Academic authors
Dr chul chung 397 3 Chul Chung 75e5pfi5f
Dr Chul Chung
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This course is intended for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. This is an advanced course focused on the theory of the multinational enterprise (MNE), and its implications for international strategic management.

Academic authors
Professor alain verbeke 397 3 Alain Verbeke 75e5pfi6g
Professor Alain Verbeke
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This module is intended for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. It will provide an introduction to the role multinational enterprises (MNEs) can play in development, and how governments are able to influence the positive and negative outcomes associated with this interaction. Delivery of this module will take two days.

Academic authors
Professor rajneesh narula 397 3 Rajneesh Narula 75e5pfi6j
Professor Rajneesh Narula
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This course is intended for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. It addresses the complex relations between innovation, IB and Economic Geography, by providing a state-of-the-art critical overview of conceptual and empirical research.

Academic authors
Davide castellani 397 3 Davide Castellani 75e5pfi5e
Professor Davide Castellani
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This course is intended for doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. This is an advanced course focusing on the Economic Theory of IB. Delivery of this module will take over 2 days.

Academic authors
Professor Lucy Newton
Professor Lucy Newton
10 [5 ECTS credits]

A first major assessment of the student’s progression will happen after one year from enrolment, according to the criteria and providing the outcomes set in the Code of Practice and Monitoring Rules.

In the Department of Real Estate & Planning the first assessment takes place in February of the second academic year and coincides with the Confirmation of Registration.

Year Two

During your second year of studies you will:

  • Continue to work on your PhD dissertation;
  • Hold periodical meetings with your supervisor(s);
  • Attend some short courses (two -three hours each) required for the Reading Researcher Development Programme at the Graduate School;
  • Participate in the weekly REP research seminars and other research seminars offered by other Schools/Departments and relevant to your research area;
  • Prepare a poster for the annual PhD day organised by Henley Business School;
  • Present a poster/paper at a national/international conference;
  • Contribute to teaching and research activities (if recipient of a Studentship);
  • Your assessment will take place for your Confirmation of Registration.

Year Three

During your third year of studies, you will:

  • Continue to work on your PhD dissertation to prepare the final submission;
  • Hold periodical meetings with your supervisor(s);
  • Attend some short courses (two - three hours each) required for the Reading Researcher Development Programme at the Graduate School;
  • Participate in and present a paper at the weekly REP research seminars and other research seminars offered by other Schools/Departments and relevant to your research area;
  • Present a paper/chapter at the annual PhD day organised by the Department;
  • Present a poster/paper at one or more international conferences;
  • Contribute to teaching and research activities (if recipient of a Studentship).

* First year students are asked to attend a combination of at least two courses from the Graduate School (of two - three hours each) and to pass a total of 60 credits. In particular:

  • A 20 credit module focusing on literature review to be chosen between Understanding Management and Financial Research (quantitative stream) and Introduction to Thesis Literature Review (qualitative stream);
  • A 20 credit module in either Advanced Quantitative Research Methods or Advanced Qualitative Research Methods depending upon the stream (quantitative or qualitative respectively);
  • Other modules (level 7 or above, equivalent to 20 credits) in research methods or subjects relevant for the specific area of research (and chosen within Henley Business School or other Schools);
  • A no credit bearing module focusing on Basic Qualitative Research Methods or Basic Quantitative Research Methods depending upon the stream (quantitative or qualitative respectively).

*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.

How can Henley Careers work with you?

We have an award-winning careers team here to support you through your time at Henley and four years after graduating.

Henley Careers and Professional Development run numerous events throughout the autumn and spring terms to help you gain industry experience. These events are aimed to enhance your professional development and network with employers. We also offer one-to-one career coaching appointments where you can talk to a Careers Consultant about your professional development. This may include planning your ideal career journey or building confidence in a particular area. It could also involve practicing for interviews or having your CV checked.

For more information please see our Careers page.

Continuing your career

A PhD in the area of Real Estate and Planning from Henley Business School can open doors to a highly successful career in academia, large multinationals, leading firms and governmental and non-governmental organisations worldwide.

Thinking of doing a PhD in Real Estate or Planning?

Renowned for being one of the world’s premier centres for teaching and research in Real Estate and Planning, our research interests span all major areas of real estate and land use. Our aim is to provide you with a first class environment, conducive to the production of the highest quality research.

Some ideas for research topics of our interest are reported below. However, this list is not exhaustive of the broad spectrum of topics our members of staff are currently working on. Consequently, we suggest you to access individual academic staff web profiles to understand the willingness and suitability of our faculty to supervise in your intended area of research. Should you wish to discuss your proposal or have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of staff directly or alternatively you can email: phd.rep@reading.ac.uk

Research Areas

Environment, Sustainability and Participation

We have a strong and long standing interest in sustainability, and community involvement and the environment in its widest sense.

Housing economics and finance

As the overall economy is struggling to recover from a deep financial and economic crisis and governments face issues related to housing affordability, we intend to build on the strength and research interests of our existing staff. We study issues related to the relationship and functioning of housing and mortgage markets and their role in a wider national and international economy.

Real Estate Investment and Finance

Alongside pricing in private real estate markets, we conduct research in corporate finance and asset pricing applied to real estate investment trusts (REITs), unlisted funds, mortgage-backed securities and other real estate-based financial products. Finally we have an interest in investment, portfolio management (incl. performance measurement) and the impact of behaviour on pricing.

Valuation, Leasing and Market Practice

Being the largest cluster of academics in Europe, we develop an interest in the valuation of buildings, developments and land real options. We also carry out high quality and objective research into core policy and practice issues facing the real estate industry and their occupiers.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of the broad spectrum of topics our members of staff are currently working on. We suggest you view individual academic web profiles, as well as a list of currently advertised themes to understand the willingness and suitability of our staff to supervise your intended area of research.

Current Research Degrees

Visit our Real Estate & Planning Current PhD Students page for information on students and topics.

Pat McAllister

Professor of Real Estate

Angelique Chettiparamb

Professor of Urban Planning and Governance

Angela Cropley

Associate Professor of Rural Management

Neil Crosby

Emeritus Professor of Real Estate

Eamonn D'Arcy

Professor of International Real Estate

Pin-Te Lin

Lecturer of Real Estate Finance

Gianluca Marcato

Professor of Finance and Real Estate

Richard Nunes

Associate Professor of Planning and Sustainability

Kathy Pain

Professor of Real Estate Development

Gavin Parker

Professor of Planning Studies

Henry Russell

Lecturer of Historic Environment

Emma Street

Associate Professor of Urban Policy and Governance

Jorn van de Wetering

Associate Professor of Sustainable Real Estate

Peter Wyatt

Professor of Real Estate Appraisal

Yi Wu

Lecturer in Real Estate Economics

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact our PhD Administrator Sharon Burton via email or by phone.

Email: phd.rep@reading.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0) 118 378 6037