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BSc Real Estate with MSc/Dip Urban Planning & Development

At a glance

Subject area(s)
Real Estate & Planning
Duration
3 year undergraduate (4 years with Study Abroad) plus one postgraduate year of study
Attendance
Full-time
UCAS Code
K400

Overview

This is a planning course with a difference. The programme matches the BSc Real Estate course for the first two years in order to build your foundation knowledge. In the third year, you will specialise in development and planning and complete your undergraduate studies. In year four, you will be able to choose between an MSc or Postgraduate Diploma in Urban Planning & Development. Both of these will give you Royal Town Planning Institute accreditation.

By taking this programme you will develop a unique combination of skills and an edge over others in the market. You will gain the ability to see the financial potential of development opportunities and will cultivate an awareness of the environmental and social issues involved in contemporary urban planning. This distinctive combination will give you a strong competitive advantage.

This programme has full accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Royal Town Planning Institute.

We expect you to work hard while you are with us but we hope that you will find our teaching stimulating and rewarding.

Right from the start of your degree you will be involved in "real world" projects and we will give you the tools to become an independent and active learner.

Our project based work is designed to develop your research skills and introduce you to group working. This is a great way to meet the other people on the course, to share ideas and to work together to solve problems.

There is plenty of traditional class room based teaching and lectures to help re-enforce what you are learning through your own work. You will also have smaller group tutorials which will give you the opportunity to discuss issues in more depth.

Our staff are world leaders in their fields and you can expect to be taught by internationally renowned experts, with a wealth of academic and professional experience. All our lectures are given by academic members of staff or by visiting speakers from senior positions in the relevant professions.

As well as the core modules we offer additional career related activities. Our alumni association - the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) - organises a series of evening lectures delivered by key industry people. These are not only an opportunity to hear up to the minute debate on relevant issues but also a great chance to network as free pizza is available after all the talks!

RREF maintains excellent links with our graduates in the industry and we offer all second and third year students the chance to have an industry mentor. This gives you a real insight into the world of work and is a great opportunity for one-to-one advice from someone already in work.

Above all, we 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.

Part 1

Compulsory modules Credits

Summary module description:

This is a ten week course which provides students with an introduction to the English legal system, the law of contract and some aspects of the law of tort.

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Introductory module covering the principles of construction and the principles and key concepts underpinning modern town planning.

Academic authors
Gavin Parker 75e5pfioc
Gavin Parker
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Summary module description:

This module is designed as an introductory course for students who are enrolled on property related degree programmes. It also provides a foundation for those who are required to undertake further and more specialist property law studies as part of their studies. It aims to provide students with an understanding of the basic legal principles governing the ownership, use and enjoyment of land.

10 [5 ECTS credits]

An introduction to economics for students of business and finance. The module aims to provide an introduction to both microeconomics and macroeconomics sufficient to help students of business and finance understand the economic forces at play and economic framework that underpins their specific field.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module introduces students to basic financial mathematics and their application for the pricing of equities, bonds, mortgages and real estate assets. Following some introductory material on asset classes and performance measurement, the students will apply models to assess investment decisions. The first part term focuses on assets different from real estate, while the second term builds on previous knowledge and it is entirely dedicated to the valuation of property.

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

The purpose of this module is twofold. Firstly, it aims to develop a range of key skills to help students make the transition from school to university and on to work; in pursuit of this there will be a strong emphasis on independent learning. Second, the module provides students with the opportunity to apply and develop knowledge gained through the study of the co-requisite modules, so demonstrating the complexity and dynamics of the ‘business’ of real estate in an academic and relevant context.

Academic authors
Mark Dobson 2019 ed
Mark Dobson
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Victor Nicholls
30 [15 ECTS credits]

The module introduces basic statistical concepts and data analysis, focusing on the real estate environment.

It introduces statistical terminology and basic concepts, allowing students to systematically analyse and describe quantitative data. Using basic econometric tools, students will learn how a research hypothesis is developed and tested. The module focus is on applications in a real estate context using Microsoft Excel. Therefore, the module further focuses on the use of Excel and on ways to visualise data.

Academic authors
Yiquan Gu Profile Picture
Yiquan Gu
10 [5 ECTS credits]

Part 2

Compulsory modules Credits

This module introduces the main aspects of landlord and tenant law including types of leases, covenants and the processes encountered by surveyors in relation to landlord and tenant legal interaction.

Academic authors
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Jo Stringer
10 [5 ECTS credits]

The module is divided into two parts. The Autumn term is focused on supporting students in thinking in a structured and strategic way about disruptive trends and their implications for real estate.

Students will be trained in applying practical tools derived from systems thinking methodology to complex problems with no defined solution. They will also be briefed on a range of technological trends which are transforming economies and societies. Students will then be required to apply the practical thinking skills they have learned so as to develop their understanding of these trends and their implications for a real estate businesses scenario.

Academic authors
Matteo Borghi Staff Profile Photo
Dr Matteo Borghi
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module explores the operation of the UK planning system in practice, and its inter-relationship with real estate development processes. It examines the role and implementation of policy and strategy, through a range of powers, resources and special organisational arrangements. It also provides an introduction to the legal principles underpinning policy implementation, using case studies and case law to illustrate the issues involved.

It examines the role and implementation of policy and strategy, through a range of powers, resources and special organisational arrangements. It also provides an introduction to the legal principles underpinning policy implementation, using case studies and case law to illustrate the issues involved.

Academic authors
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Christopher Maidment
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Summary module description:

The module provides students with an opportunity to apply during part 2, subject knowledge gained during part 1, and to obtain and apply new real estate sector knowledge, helping to inform their choice of pathway in part 3. The module develops research and information gathering, analytical and academic skills, as well as encouraging independent learning and the development of reflective and personal career management skills.

Academic authors
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Kathy Pain
30 [15 ECTS credits]

This module identifies the processes, procedures and practices necessary to value real estate, particularly commercial property investments. It examines the valuation process, including regulatory framework, role of the valuation and different concepts of value. It examines in detail various methods of valuation and which ones are appropriate for which role and examines the limitations of these methods and the results.

Academic authors
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Peter Wyatt
20 [10 ECTS credits]

The module aims to provide an insight into the application of economic and financial principles and models to property and land use, building on relevant material from Part 1, and to provide a solid basis for more specialised analytical work in Part 3.

Academic authors
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Carlo Corradini
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Part 3

Compulsory modules Credits

This module covers the approaches used to evaluate and appraise the financial viability of real estate development projects.

Specifically, this module will provide knowledge and understanding of a range of financial appraisal techniques and their application to real estate development opportunities. An understanding of the way in which land value is assessed and the distribution of returns from real estate development underpins the content of this module. It then builds on this understanding in order to investigate the way in which risks and rewards associated with real estate development activity might be shared. The module examines a range of debt and equity investments in real estate development projects.

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

This module focuses on the practicalities of real estate development as well as the broader political context in which development takes place. You will apply concepts from economics, political economy, and finance to develop your understanding of property development as a multidisciplinary and social process. 

10 [5 ECTS credits]

This module provides an introductory level overview of basic urban design concepts and sustainability principles.

Academic authors
Richard Nunes 75e5pfiod
Richard Nunes
20 [10 ECTS credits]

A project-based module that introduces new practice skills whilst drawing together existing knowledge by drawing on 'real world' scenarios covering the different aspects of development and planning practice and developing individual and group working.

The module consists of two projects, that cover the different aspects of development and planning practice and requires individual and group working.

Academic authors
Mark Dobson 2019 ed
Mark Dobson
NICHOLLS Victor Final 75nkpyjp3
Victor Nicholls
30 [15 ECTS credits]

Opportunity to Study Abroad

Optional modules

Part 4

Compulsory 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 has developed. This will include studying the concepts upon which it has been based, and the ways in which strategies have been restructured in relation to a changing local and global operating environment. The module comprises two assessed elements - one group PowerPoint presentation, and one individual research paper.

20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module provides a practical yet reflective set of skills-based projects and exercises of varying lengths and foci. The module integrates a range of knowledge and skills important for practicing planners and puts them into effect through group study, reports, presentations and role-play. Some of the project work is oriented around field visits, whilst other tasks focus on planning and development processes and sites (e.g. deliberating over planning proposals, visioning, contesting proposals, policy formulation, site planning and/or project funding). The module integrates practical skills with concepts and creative thinking abilities.

30 [15 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]

*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.

James Latham
BSc Real Estate, now at Guildhouse UK ltd,

Enrolling on the BSc Real Estate and Planning degree course at the University of Reading was one of the best things I have ever done. Three years later, I find myself employed as an Assistant Development Manager in a commercial property development company in London.

In the first two years of the degree programme, you cover a vast range of subjects with everyone in the year group. This is a great foundation for any aspiring surveyor as it helps you to work out your strengths and weaknesses. I made the most amazing friends whilst working on a number of group projects and we all helped each other when the going got tough! Having discovered where my interests and strengths lay, I specialised in development and planning for my third and final year.

The property courses at the University of Reading open the doors to a number of opportunities, which I would never have thought possible. One such opportunity at the end of my second year was to work in Shanghai, China for 10 weeks. This was a joint Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) work placement opportunity and to date, this remains one of the highlights of my time at university.

Hannah Bennett
BSc Real Estate, now at Lambert Smith Hampton,

I really don't think you can go wrong with the Real Estate & Planning course at Reading - it's very highly regarded amongst industry professionals, you will be taught by lecturers who are at the top of their field, and the course itself is very practical. I was originally attracted to the REP course because it has a business focus, and covers a breadth of broader areas such as Economics and Law, as well as more technical, property-focused topics such as valuation and investment appraisal. Plus the support you get from the REP department is invaluable - the mentoring scheme and careers advice service make a big difference and really helped me when it came to applying for jobs.

Jason Turner
BSc Real Estate, now at Deloitte Real Estate,

The course is highly regarded within the industry and so you can’t go wrong when you graduate with a Real Estate and Planning degree from Reading. The course sets you up for a career in a fantastic industry which is sociable and there are so many pathways you can take with different service lines and sectors to suit almost every individual. I would thoroughly recommend it!

Our students

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Recruitment of Graduates

We are proud of our outstanding employment record, with more than 95% of our students entering graduate level jobs within 6 months of leaving.

The most highly regarded firms in the industry continue to employ Reading graduates. The majority of our graduates have been able to secure employment before they finish their degree course.

As well as offering a direct route in to the property and planning professions, our programmes offer a solid foundation on which to build a career in a wide range of other fields such as finance, law, general management or consultancy.

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. She is available to help with the preparation of CVs and application letters and works with the Reading Real Estate Foundation to develop our evening lecture series delivered by key industry speakers and our annual Careers Fair which is attended by the major firms.

Jane also co-ordinates our new work-based learning module which enables students to gain credits towards their degree from relevant work experience undertaken while at University.

Connections with Industry

Our degree courses are very well supported by the industry. A number of important organisations actively participate in the teaching programme and supplement the resources available. These include the British Property Federation and the Investment Property Forum.

The Reading Network

The Reading degrees in property have been running for more than forty years and there are now almost five thousand graduates. Similarly, Reading has educated town planners for more than 20 years. Many of our alumni have reached influential positions within their industry. As much of the work in the property and planning fields is based on personal contacts, having a ready network to tap into is very valuable.

Our graduates have gone on to work for a wide range of leading UK and global employers including:

  • AXA Real Estate
  • Barton Willmore
  • Berkeley Homes
  • Bilfinger GVA
  • BNP Paribas Real Estate
  • CBRE
  • Colliers International
  • Cushman & Wakefield
  • Deloitte Real Estate
  • EC Harris
  • The Environment Agency
  • Gerald Eve
  • Grosvenor
  • Hammerson
  • JLL
  • Knight Frank
  • Land Securities
  • LSH
  • The National Trust
  • PwC
  • Savills
  • SEGRO
  • Strutt & Parker
  • TH Real Estate
  • Vail Williams
  • Valuation Office Agency

The University's award-winning Careers Advisory Service (CAS) also offers career advice for those wanting to pursue a career in academia or another field.

Accreditations

All our degree programmes have full accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and our Planning programmes offer dual accreditation from the RICS and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

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A thriving community

As part of the School of Real Estate & Planning you will belong to a diverse and friendly community, giving you the chance to work alongside and make friends with peers from around the world.

Through the expertise and support of our staff we hope to inspire you to share our ambitious ethos and maximise your potential. Staff are easily contactable during regular office hours, by telephone or email.

Networking

Networking and social interaction are vital business skills. We encourage our students to join a wide range of societies and groups. In addition to the sporting and social societies run by the University and the Students' Union, you can join those directly aligned to your degree course. These groups provide an ideal opportunity to meet like-minded students from various departments and a wide range of backgrounds.

The Reading Real Estate Foundation has a thriving Student Society which organises events for current Real Estate & Planning students throughout the year. These include an evening lectures series, an annual student ball, and regular sporting fixtures.

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Facilities and resources

In addition to the facilities offered by the University, we fund a professionally staffed Business Library. Here we keep copies of all course reading material together with key texts and current journals. We also have a comprehensive collection of property market reports and structure and development plans, and offer free access to relevant online databases.

Real Estate & Planning students have exclusive access to two computer labs which are equipped with more than 40 networked PCs running relevant specialist software packages.

Evening lectures

Working with the Reading Real Estate Foundation we host a series of evening lectures on campus. These are delivered by key industry people, often our alumni. These are not only an opportunity for students to hear up-to-the-minute debate on relevant issues but also a great chance to network, as free pizza is available after all the talks!

Beyond property...

As well as offering a direct route in to the property and planning professions, our programmes offer a solid foundation on which to build a career in a wide range of other fields such as finance, law, general management or consultancy.

Contact us

Undergraduate admissions

If you have any questions about admissions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Email: ugadmissions@reading.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)118 378 8372
“"The BSc Real Estate gave me a fantastic grounding across the property disciplines. The Masters gave me a more in-depth understanding and additional flexibility to shape a more varied career."”
Fred Drabble BSc Real Estate with MSc/Dip Urban Planning & Development BSc Real Estate with MSc/Dip Urban Planning & Development

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