Overview

Built for success

Are you ready to dive into the dynamic world of real estate, or advance your career in the industry? Our fully online and industry-recognised MSc Real Estate is your gateway to becoming an expert in this thriving industry.

As a General Practice Surveyor, you’ll shape the future of cities and communities by valuing properties, advising on investments, managing portfolios, and guiding sustainable development. You’ll work with clients of varying sizes, playing a pivotal role in decision-making across the property lifecycle.

This conversion MSc Real Estate programme equips you in areas including valuation techniques, property development, transaction, management and investment to name a few. It will provide you the foundational knowledge and practical skills you need to launch or further your exciting career in areas like development, agency and investment.

Supported by experienced tutors and a vibrant learning community, you’ll be prepared to pursue chartered status with leading professional bodies such as RICS and HKIS. Take the next step—specialise, advance, and become a sought-after expert in the global real estate industry with our MSc Real Estate

About this degree

Course accreditations

Hong Kong Institute of Certified Property Managers HKCPM accredited Real Estate and MBA programmes of University of the Built Environment (previously UCEM)  Institute of Shopping Centre Management ISCM accredited Real Estate programmes of University of the Built Environment (previously UCEM)

 

Course recognised by:

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.

OR

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 (start)

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.

Structure details

The module structure above is indicative for those beginning their studies in the autumn. For further information about programme content, or to see how modules are structured for those starting in spring, you can view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods.

For further information on modules view our module descriptors. Please note that modules are subject to change.

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 (SDGs) are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

We are currently undergoing an evaluation of how SDGs relate to modules. This will be updated shortly.

Programme leader

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.

Meet David

Introduction webinar

Join lecturer David Hourihan in his programme introduction webinar. Here you can learn more about the University, 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 University of the Built Environment lecturers and subject matter experts

Stay connected

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

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.

30

Directed study time (%)

35

Self-directed study time (%)

35

Assessment study time (%)

Applications

Ready to apply?

Autumn 2025

Apply by 11 August 2025 to start on 29 September 2025

Spring 2026

Apply by 09 February 2026 to start on 30 March 2026

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