MSc Real Estate

Overview

Built for property

A career in real estate is a career of variety, possibilities and opportunity. It’s an industry driven by people and relationships, where every day professionals have the chance to shape the world around them and make a genuine difference, both for individuals and for society at large.

UCEM’s fully online and accredited MSc Real Estate programme will help you develop the industry-recognised competencies expected of professionals in the real estate sector. From valuation and ethics to law and property management, this programme will give you the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to launch or further your exciting career in areas like development, agency, investment and sustainability.

View programme brochure >

Reasons why degree is for you

Why study this degree?

Gain accreditation that can help you become a Chartered Surveyor

Develop a diverse and internationally recognised set of skills

Learn from academics and lecturers with professional experience

Build a foundation of knowledge from which you can specialise

About this degree

Programme details

No matter what area of real estate you’re keen to work in, this flexible online programme is structured to deliver the wide range of skills you’ll need to launch or develop career. Your studies will align with the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies, giving you a broad set of knowledge and skills that spans the residential, commercial or industrial areas of the real estate sector.

This conversion MSc Real Estate programme enables graduates from disciplines unrelated to construction and real estate to obtain an accredited degree.

Course accreditations

Course recognised by:

Point 1

RICS-accredited course and PSRA-recognised

Point 3

96% of graduates in work/further study after 15 months

Point 5

Registered with the Hong Kong non-local courses registry
(NCR registration number: 252439)

Point 6

Spring and Autumn start dates available

Point 2

8 modules

Point 4

Modules worth 20 credits (except 40-credit project)

Point 4

Conversion programme providing access to professional membership

Structure

Modules you will study

You will study 8 modules across 2 years.

Autumn

Year 1

Valuation and Ethics

Explore the need for valuations and the key approaches to valuation of freehold interest in property. This includes comparison and investment, with an overview of the profit and costs base methods. The strengths and weaknesses of these methods are also explored.

Applied Valuation

Advance your knowledge, understanding, research and analytical skills to undertake complex and specialist valuations in both a UK and international context.

Law for the Built Environment

Gain an introduction into English law, the legal system and the law making process, along with the law of contract and tort. Develop an understanding of legislation appropriate to the project such as planning, building regulations and health and safety legislation. Alternative dispute resolution is also covered.

Investment Appraisal and Portfolio Management

Understand the key principles underpinning commercial property investment in international markets and explore the different styles and techniques of portfolio management and portfolio restructuring.

Year 2

Planning and Development

Gain an introduction to planning law and the planning process relevant to property development. The property development process, including site selection, financial appraisal of the development sites and development funding, are also considered.

Property Transactions

Explore the practice of estate agency, with a focus on the commercial property market in the UK. Examine the client-agent relationship during the contract for property agency, and learn how sales and property markets function. Gain an understanding of assessing prospective tenants and the dynamics of property markets as key functions of business planning. Reflect on UK arrangements and global comparators.

AND

Electives (choose 1):

Statutory Valuations

Gain the knowledge and skills to carry out valuations for statutory purposes, specifically for compulsory purchase, planning compensation and rating. This module demonstrates how valuation principles and practice are applied to an artificial statutory context.

Property Management

Develop your understanding of the principles of law and practice appropriate to the effective and efficient management of commercial property, both in the UK and globally. In business planning terms, this module examines key issues, such as strategic use of property, property performance evaluation, and life cycle planning.

Postgraduate Project

Build your research skills within the context of the built environment with the opportunity to conduct a self-directed research project that reflects the culmination of your studies. The topics selected are expected to reflect the current and critical issues that concern the built environment.

Periodic review and revalidation

To make sure our programmes are always high quality and relevant for our students we review and update our programmes on a regular cycle. This is known as “periodic review and revalidation” and this year our Postgraduate programmes will be going through this process. Therefore, the programme information presented here may change.

Programme leader >

Academic profile >

Programme leader

David Hourihan

MSc Prop Invest FSCSI FRICS FHEA

David Hourihan qualified as a chartered surveyor in 1994 while working in Ireland. There he specialised in the sales, lettings and acquisitions of commercial property in Dublin.

Introduction Webinar

Join lecturer David Hourihan in his programme introduction webinar. Here you can learn more about UCEM, online study and the course, and ask any questions you may have,

Lecturer Appointment

Ideal for those who have already attended the introduction webinar, this is a great opportunity to ask your specific questions to the lecturer one-to-one.

Online learning

The future of study

Flexible study

Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals

e-Library access

Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies

Interactive

Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources

Expert-led

Learning activities that have been designed by UCEM tutors and subject matter experts

Stay connected

Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world

Explore online learning >

Time commitment and study breakdown

Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.

Directed study time (%)

Self-directed study time (%)

Assessment study time (%)

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

SDG's

Sustainability

Fees

Financial information

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

Students are required to be 18 years or over at the start of their programme.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2) or equivalent

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus experience in a relevant field

A level 5 qualification as defined by the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) plus five years’ relevant experience

A professional qualification plus five years’ relevant experience

Successfully completed the UCEM Postgraduate Access programme at the first attempt (Autumn 2025 intake only)

English requirements

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification

Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
Grade 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5* or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).

Degrees and MScs taught and awarded in English can also be used as supporting evidence.

Further admissions information

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice: Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

If an applicant does not meet the standard entry requirements UCEM will consider the application on an individual basis. In these cases, the application will be assessed by the Programme Leader, who will give careful consideration to any professional and life experiences as well as any academic or vocational qualifications the applicant may hold.

International students

The academic level of international qualifications will be assessed using UK ENIC.

Hong Kong students

For Hong Kong students, the application may be assessed by the Dean of School (International) if standard entry requirements are not met. The applicant may be asked to provide a detailed personal statement and/or a reference or letter of support from an employer or mentor to support the application.

Contextualised admissions policy

UCEM is committed to widening participation in higher education and enabling students to achieve their full academic potential. We recognise that some students are more likely to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school/college than others, through no fault of their own. Our contextual offer scheme exists to provide fairness and equality of opportunity, by ensuring that adequate steps are taken to address differences between applicants, including differences in their experience of educational opportunities. It compliments and supports our existing Access and Participation Plan.

Read more about the UCEM Contextualised Admissions Policy.

Providing evidence

Evidence is required in the form of certificate or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.

Personal Learning records can be used as evidence of academic qualifications and these will be automatically checked in lieu of certificates or statements.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

SDG's

Sustainability

How does this course align?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

UCEM is currently undergoing an evaluation of how SDG’s relate to modules. This will be updated shortly.

Fees

Financial information

Course fees

Total programme fee (spring 2024/25): £11,200

£1,400 per module x 8 modules

(usually students undertake two modules per semester)

Total programme fee (2025/26): £11,600

£1,450 per module x 8 modules

(usually students undertake two modules per semester)

Sponsorship

Many employers will sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.

To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship page.

Bursary support

UCEM has a number of bursaries and scholarships available for a range of students.

You can find out more and apply on our financial support page.

Apprenticeship Route

This programme is also available as part of an apprenticeship, for those in relevant employment.

To find more information, head to our become an apprentice page.

Careers

Where can it take you?

Real estate is a diverse, thriving and global sector full of opportunity. A graduate from this programme can pursue a wide range of career pathways and specialisms, including: