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Build your future real estate career with our online surveying degree.

Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the course will teach you all you need to know to succeed in commercial property surveying.

From developing your knowledge of the key concepts and frameworks related to built environment disciplines to specific real estate surveying skills -  such as your ability to value commercial property, manage property assets, analyse property market data, evaluate property proposals and acquire sites for building - this Masters degree will enhance your professional profile and earning potential.

Our RICS accreditation is evidence of our high standards of teaching, and that you’ll be learning industry-relevant content that can be applied in everyday working life, before and after graduation. 

Study your course, your way. Start in January, April, July or October and gain a respected commercial property management course within two to four years. You'll also be able to pay your course fees in module by module instalments, spreading out the cost out over the duration of your studies.

If you have a question about this course, visit our FAQ page.

50 years of surveying courses

 

See similar courses you might be interested in Real Estate MSc

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
2 years Distance Learning

Department
Architecture and Built Environment

Location
Ellison Building, Newcastle City Campus

City
Newcastle

Start
Upcoming Intakes: July 2024, October 2024

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Course Videos - Surveying MSc

Watch our videos below to hear more about the course from academic Julie Clarke and to discover the reasons you should choose our MSc.

Related Courses

Discover more about our alternative online Surveying MSc pathways.

Discover More

Entry Requirements 2025/26

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have: 

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree.

Applicants with other qualifications and relevant professional experience may apply and be judged individually on merit. 

International qualifications 

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language requirements 

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

Fees and Funding 2025/26 Entry

Full UK Fee: TBC

Full International Fee: TBC



Scholarships and Discounts

Discover More about Fees, Scholarships and other Funding options for UK and International applicants.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

It is vital that DL students have regular internet access to access the Blackboard Ultra e-learning portal, which contains online learning materials, in-course communication tools, advice and support services. The recommended computer operating systems are: Windows 7 or newer, Mac OSX 10.6 or newer, Linux – chromeOS, Mobile – iOS 7 or newer/Android 4.2 or newer.

Our Application Process

Applying for this course is quick and easy, and can be done using our online applicant portal.

 

As part of the application process, you’ll need to upload a selection of important documents including:

  • Your Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • A copy of your degree transcript (if this was awarded in a language other than English, you’ll need an official translation too)
  • Evidence of any other postgraduate or professional qualifications
  • An updated CV/resume
  • Proof of your English Language proficiency (if English is your second language)
  • A 500 word personal statement

If you are a non standard applicant, you will also need to send us two professional / personal references on headed paper.

 

After receiving your application, our Applicant Services team will aim to respond to you as soon as possible.

 

You are advised to apply early to secure your place and organise any sponsorship, scholarships or funding.

 

The University reserves the right at any stage to request applicants and enrolling students to provide additional information about any aspect of their application or enrolment. In the event of any student providing false or inaccurate information at any stage, and/or failing to provide additional information when requested to do so, the University further reserves the right to refuse to consider an application, to withdraw registration, rescind home fees status where applicable, and/or demand payment of any fees or monies due to the University.

 


Modules

Listed below are the modules that you will study on this course. Delivered in a flexible carousel structure, the order in which you study your modules will vary depending on when you begin the course. Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change between academic years. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes. If you have any questions about this, or our carousel structure, please get in touch on +44 (0) 191 276 4874 or at DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk


PE7003 -

The Business Environment (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the strategic management and organisational development contexts that shape the built environment, its markets and professions You will critically review and evaluate the operating environment of built environment organisations through the application of strategic management and organisational development theory.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
• Strategic Management
o The strategic management process
o The external and internal business environment
o Determining the organisations strategic position
o Moving the organisation on through strategic options and implementation
• Organisational Development
o The meaning and nature of organisations
o Organisation structure and culture
o Management and leadership within organisations
o Organisational development and change

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility within businesses

More information

PE7000 -

Research Methods (20 Credits)

In this module you will develop your understanding of the research process and research methods. You will engage with materials that will enable you to plan and design a research proposal for a subsequent research based study in your discipline area.

Aspects will include:
• Engagement with the purpose and process of research
• Identification and refining of appropriate research questions
• Critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics, to inform effective research design
• Searching for, managing and evaluatingsources for inclusion in a literature review

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in support of the process of completing the dissertation.

More information

PE7001 -

Research Based Study (40 Credits)

In this module you will design and implement a substantive research based investigation in order to address a self-selected, authentic work based or professional/practice related problem within your discipline area. This student-led, independent study allows you to synthesize and apply previous learning and experience, and build upon existing academic, research and personal skills.

You will learn how to effectively engage with the research process in an applied context. Aspects will include:
• Application of appropriate research questions
• Critical evaluation of existing literature and other sources to develop conceptual and theoretical frameworks for analysis
• Application of research theory and methods in implementing a piece of research in practice, including critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics.
• Application of frameworks to provide an integrated critical analysis of theory and data to identify evidence based conclusions and recommendations where appropriate
• Project management

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in the process of completing the research based study.

An in-depth and complex understanding of the chosen area of your professional discipline, and the skills developed in this module, will be demonstrated in a scholarly, academically rigorous research based study article The advanced knowledge gained through original data collection and analysis, and theoretically informed critical evaluation, will have the potential to contribute to the relevant disciplinary community of practice.

More information

PE7004 -

Construction and Sustainable Technologies (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn the fundamentals of construction technology in the context of a society’s aim of mitigating climate change. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and the recent past to equip graduates with the knowledge to manage the construction, maintenance and development of property assets. The importance of the environmental impact of materials and the use of life cycle costing to enhance sustainability will supplement the teaching of low carbon construction technology and energy sources.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:

• Construction technology
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in typical low rise domestic construction.
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in commercial and industrial property.
• Low carbon design
o Site selection and building orientation
o Passive low carbon design in the domestic and commercial field
o Water conservation
o Green roof and wall applications
o Sustainable urban drainage
• Renewable energy applications
o Photovoltaic applications
o Biomass heating
o Ground and air source heat pumps
o Solar water heating
o Wind energy

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility.

More information

PE7014 -

Urban Planning and Development (20 Credits)

You will learn about the planning and development process in an urban context focusing on the evaluation of projects including the planning context, viability assessment and development appraisal. The module aims to help you understand the complex social, economic and physical environment and market conditions within which planning and development take place. During this module you will develop your knowledge of the management of the planning process, the development process, acquisition of development sites and sources of finance for development. Through the module you will engage with real world case studies which will allow you to recognise the crucial role of effective planning and development practice to success development.. You will be introduce to the key features of sustainable urban development (SUD) which you will use to prepare and submit a critical review of a contemporary example of sustainable urban development (SUD).
Indicative syllabus
• Planning and development process – key planning policies at national and local levels.

• The fundamentals of Sustainable Urban Development (SUD)

• Urban development, master-planning, place shaping, development control and management

• Contemporary UK Planning policy: National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Guidance

• Negotiating planning and viability: planning conditions and obligations

• Market research, site evaluation, acquisition and disposal

• Urban regeneration, , heritage and conservation

• Real estate development finance and funding

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the evaluation of policy; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility and appreciate social and ethical aspects of the planning and development process.

More information

PE7018 -

Law and Surveying Professional Practice (20 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to the legal system and professional practice concepts that underpin the role of the surveying professional. You will initially study key professional competencies that form part of the RICS mandatory competencies and the CIH code of professional standards. You will then explore key principles contained within the English legal system as they pertain to practice such as legal reasoning and legislation.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
* Professional competencies

o Professional ethics

o Professionalism and client care

o Communication and avoiding/resolving conflicts

o RICS competencies and continuing professional development

* Legal systems

o Introduction to the English legal system and legal study skills

o Contract Law and the formation of contracts

o Contract law and associated problems

o Land law

o Tort

o Landlord and tenant law

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding that you have acquired will form part of the broader contextual framework that will prepare you for the further, detailed study of your chosen discipline.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of professionalism and ethics within practice.

More information

PE7012 -

Property Valuation (20 Credits)

You will learn about the valuation of commercial property and develop a systematic understanding of the valuation process so that you are able to evaluate the valuation methods available and use them in complex situations, undertake valuations for commercial property for a variety of purposes and critically appraise their outcomes in accordance with latest academic and practice based research.

In this module you will study a range of topics including:-

• The valuation process and the role of a valuer
• Analysis of market data and its relevance to property valuation
• Valuation methodology and its application
• RICS Governance
• Modern methods of valuation and appraisal

Throughout this module you will develop academic and professional skills relating to the use and analysis of data, understand real estate markets and the impact on appraisal, effective communication and be able to advise clients/stakeholders in accordance with RICS governance.

More information

PE7013 -

Real Estate Law and Asset Management (20 Credits)

There will be a series of papers delivered on the following key legal topics. This will complement your learning from Law and Professional Practice and is fundamentally important in learning the relationship between the legal principles of land and property and how the interrelate with being a surveyor:

• Marketing of residential and commercial property and heads of terms.
• Laws affecting the work of surveyors, in particular professional negligence and regulations affecting the sale of land.
• The process of the sale of land.
• Commercial Property leases including key landlord and tenant obligations.
• Landlord and Tenant Law, including the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
• Methods of adding value to real estate including re-gearing leases, rent reviews and tenant mix strategy.
• Leasehold exit strategies, including; surrender, break clauses, assignment and sub-letting.
• Asset Management

Throughout this module you will develop academic and professional skills relating to the appraisal of complex real estate markets and the effective management of property portfolios. You will develop skills of appraisal, effective communication and how to advise clients/stakeholders in accordance with RICS governance

More information

Modules

Listed below are the modules that you will study on this course. Delivered in a flexible carousel structure, the order in which you study your modules will vary depending on when you begin the course. Please note, modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change between academic years. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes. If you have any questions about this, or our carousel structure, please get in touch on +44 (0) 191 276 4874 or at DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk


PE7003 -

The Business Environment (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn about the strategic management and organisational development contexts that shape the built environment, its markets and professions You will critically review and evaluate the operating environment of built environment organisations through the application of strategic management and organisational development theory.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
• Strategic Management
o The strategic management process
o The external and internal business environment
o Determining the organisations strategic position
o Moving the organisation on through strategic options and implementation
• Organisational Development
o The meaning and nature of organisations
o Organisation structure and culture
o Management and leadership within organisations
o Organisational development and change

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of ethics and corporate social responsibility within businesses

More information

PE7000 -

Research Methods (20 Credits)

In this module you will develop your understanding of the research process and research methods. You will engage with materials that will enable you to plan and design a research proposal for a subsequent research based study in your discipline area.

Aspects will include:
• Engagement with the purpose and process of research
• Identification and refining of appropriate research questions
• Critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics, to inform effective research design
• Searching for, managing and evaluatingsources for inclusion in a literature review

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in support of the process of completing the dissertation.

More information

PE7001 -

Research Based Study (40 Credits)

In this module you will design and implement a substantive research based investigation in order to address a self-selected, authentic work based or professional/practice related problem within your discipline area. This student-led, independent study allows you to synthesize and apply previous learning and experience, and build upon existing academic, research and personal skills.

You will learn how to effectively engage with the research process in an applied context. Aspects will include:
• Application of appropriate research questions
• Critical evaluation of existing literature and other sources to develop conceptual and theoretical frameworks for analysis
• Application of research theory and methods in implementing a piece of research in practice, including critical awareness of research theory, approaches, methods and ethics.
• Application of frameworks to provide an integrated critical analysis of theory and data to identify evidence based conclusions and recommendations where appropriate
• Project management

You will develop your skills as autonomous, reflective learners in the process of completing the research based study.

An in-depth and complex understanding of the chosen area of your professional discipline, and the skills developed in this module, will be demonstrated in a scholarly, academically rigorous research based study article The advanced knowledge gained through original data collection and analysis, and theoretically informed critical evaluation, will have the potential to contribute to the relevant disciplinary community of practice.

More information

PE7004 -

Construction and Sustainable Technologies (20 Credits)

In this module you will learn the fundamentals of construction technology in the context of a society’s aim of mitigating climate change. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and the recent past to equip graduates with the knowledge to manage the construction, maintenance and development of property assets. The importance of the environmental impact of materials and the use of life cycle costing to enhance sustainability will supplement the teaching of low carbon construction technology and energy sources.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:

• Construction technology
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in typical low rise domestic construction.
o The structural elements, finishes and services found in commercial and industrial property.
• Low carbon design
o Site selection and building orientation
o Passive low carbon design in the domestic and commercial field
o Water conservation
o Green roof and wall applications
o Sustainable urban drainage
• Renewable energy applications
o Photovoltaic applications
o Biomass heating
o Ground and air source heat pumps
o Solar water heating
o Wind energy

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific professional pathway.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility.

More information

PE7012 -

Property Valuation (20 Credits)

You will learn about the valuation of commercial property and develop a systematic understanding of the valuation process so that you are able to evaluate the valuation methods available and use them in complex situations, undertake valuations for commercial property for a variety of purposes and critically appraise their outcomes in accordance with latest academic and practice based research.

In this module you will study a range of topics including:-

• The valuation process and the role of a valuer
• Analysis of market data and its relevance to property valuation
• Valuation methodology and its application
• RICS Governance
• Modern methods of valuation and appraisal

Throughout this module you will develop academic and professional skills relating to the use and analysis of data, understand real estate markets and the impact on appraisal, effective communication and be able to advise clients/stakeholders in accordance with RICS governance.

More information

PE7013 -

Real Estate Law and Asset Management (20 Credits)

There will be a series of papers delivered on the following key legal topics. This will complement your learning from Law and Professional Practice and is fundamentally important in learning the relationship between the legal principles of land and property and how the interrelate with being a surveyor:

• Marketing of residential and commercial property and heads of terms.
• Laws affecting the work of surveyors, in particular professional negligence and regulations affecting the sale of land.
• The process of the sale of land.
• Commercial Property leases including key landlord and tenant obligations.
• Landlord and Tenant Law, including the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
• Methods of adding value to real estate including re-gearing leases, rent reviews and tenant mix strategy.
• Leasehold exit strategies, including; surrender, break clauses, assignment and sub-letting.
• Asset Management

Throughout this module you will develop academic and professional skills relating to the appraisal of complex real estate markets and the effective management of property portfolios. You will develop skills of appraisal, effective communication and how to advise clients/stakeholders in accordance with RICS governance

More information

PE7014 -

Urban Planning and Development (20 Credits)

You will learn about the planning and development process in an urban context focusing on the evaluation of projects including the planning context, viability assessment and development appraisal. The module aims to help you understand the complex social, economic and physical environment and market conditions within which planning and development take place. During this module you will develop your knowledge of the management of the planning process, the development process, acquisition of development sites and sources of finance for development. Through the module you will engage with real world case studies which will allow you to recognise the crucial role of effective planning and development practice to success development.. You will be introduce to the key features of sustainable urban development (SUD) which you will use to prepare and submit a critical review of a contemporary example of sustainable urban development (SUD).
Indicative syllabus
• Planning and development process – key planning policies at national and local levels.

• The fundamentals of Sustainable Urban Development (SUD)

• Urban development, master-planning, place shaping, development control and management

• Contemporary UK Planning policy: National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Guidance

• Negotiating planning and viability: planning conditions and obligations

• Market research, site evaluation, acquisition and disposal

• Urban regeneration, , heritage and conservation

• Real estate development finance and funding

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the evaluation of policy; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility and appreciate social and ethical aspects of the planning and development process.

More information

PE7018 -

Law and Surveying Professional Practice (20 Credits)

In this module you will be introduced to the legal system and professional practice concepts that underpin the role of the surveying professional. You will initially study key professional competencies that form part of the RICS mandatory competencies and the CIH code of professional standards. You will then explore key principles contained within the English legal system as they pertain to practice such as legal reasoning and legislation.

Within each of these areas you will study a range of topics to support this:
* Professional competencies

o Professional ethics

o Professionalism and client care

o Communication and avoiding/resolving conflicts

o RICS competencies and continuing professional development

* Legal systems

o Introduction to the English legal system and legal study skills

o Contract Law and the formation of contracts

o Contract law and associated problems

o Land law

o Tort

o Landlord and tenant law

On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding that you have acquired will form part of the broader contextual framework that will prepare you for the further, detailed study of your chosen discipline.

You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of professionalism and ethics within practice.

More information

To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.

Surveying (Real Estate) MSc

START MONTH
YEAR

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 02843 780 292 or by emailing DLstudentenquiries@northumbria.ac.uk



Discover how this course could transform your surveying career. Enter your details and we’ll be in touch with more information.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

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