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We are currently reviewing modules which provide opportunities to work with industry to gain real experience. Modules will be updated in due course.

Why study International Real Estate?

By 2050 the world’s population is expected to reach 9.8 billion. Nearly 70 percent are projected to live in urban areas. Would you relish the challenge of meeting the building demands of the future city? Could you tackle the development concerns of rapidly urbanising locations in Asia, Africa, and South America? Would you revel in the opportunity of investing and valuing property all over the world? Are you ready to use your resourcefulness to help landlords and occupiers reimagine their properties in response to the challenges of Covid and the new world of work? If you enjoy using creativity to solve complex problems then this course is for you. No matter what your background, we can help you graduate with a high earning career in international real-estate and the built environment.

You are welcome to join this change direction degree from any discipline or academic background. The course is geared towards professionals or graduates, keen to gain Chartered Surveyor status, or pursue a fast-track route into the property and construction industries and allied project management services.


Why study at Northumbria?

The commercial and professional partnerships at the heart of this Masters course gives you the opportunity to immediately network with industry contacts and learn from sector experts. The Real Estate International MSc has close links with RICS Matrics , which is designed to support new members entering the surveying profession.

Accredited by the RICS, our Real Estate International MSc provides all the academic theory and professional knowledge you need to become a built environment professional. Over 95% of our students are employed within 6 months of the course ending and most before this. Of these students, 85% are employed within the top 20 recognised international real estate firms. A median starting salary for graduate surveyors working in the built environment is around £26,900, going up to £48,000 once fully qualified.

 

What can I expect from this course?

During the course you will work with world leading researchers, practitioners and professional bodies to develop the skills needed to acquire, develop, manage, adapt, value and dispose of property and land. You will be equipped with the most up to date industry knowledge, essential for your career. This will include considerations of sustainability, energy efficiency, facilities management, building information modelling and automated valuation.

 

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
1 year Full Time
2 other options available

Department
Architecture and Built Environment

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Fees
Fee Information

Modules
Module Information

Funding and Scholarships

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Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in any subject.

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 2024/25 Entry

Full UK Fee: £11,750

Full International Fee: £18,250



Scholarships and Discounts

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

ADDITIONAL COSTS

There are no Additional Costs

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

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

How to Apply

Please use the Apply Now button at the top of this page to submit your application.

Certain applications may need to be submitted via an external application system, such as UCAS, Lawcabs or DfE Apply.

The Apply Now button will redirect you to the relevant website if this is the case.

You can find further application advice, such as what to include in your application and what happens after you apply, on our Admissions Hub Admissions | Northumbria University



Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KA7008 -

International Sustainable Construction and Technology (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn the fundamentals of construction technology, exploring current and emerging technologies. This will incorporate aspects of digital design/ management and planning. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and of 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:

• Architecture & Construction technology
o Concepts
o Design Theory & Principals
o Architectural History
o Future technologies
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
• Digital technologies
o BIM concepts
o BIM Objects
o Revit & Auto CAD
o Augmented and Virtual Reality
• 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
• 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 academic programme.

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

KA7009 -

Commercial Property Valuation (Core,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.

Within Commercial Property Valuation you will study a range of topics including:-

• The valuation process and the role of a valuer
• Analysis of market data and its application to valuation
• Valuation methodology and applying to different scenarios
• Secured lending valuation
• RICS reporting and advising clients
• Asset valuation
• Statutory valuation
• Modern methods of valuation and appraisal
• Using IT software for Real Estate 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 advice clients/stakeholders in accordance with RICS governance.

More information

KA7010 -

Property Markets, Investment and Finance (Core,20 Credits)

The module has been developed in partnership with regional, national, and international practitioners to authentically reflect the real life demands and challenges faced in the contemporary real estate sector, with a particular focus on stranded assets and divestment strategies. Practitioners work in partnership with staff, co-teaching the module in a live learning conversation with the real estate industry. You will learn about and examine the global economics of real property in the context of markets, cities, investment, and finance. The module aims to evaluate concepts of global property market economics, investment and finance and analyse their application to inter-related markets in real estate. These will include the behaviour of occupiers, investors, financiers, developers, and contractors. You will be introduced to a range of economic principles relevant to global commercial real estate markets, and develop an understanding of real estate investment finance. You will appraise global real estate investment assets and their performance from the perspective of a range of stakeholders and investor types. The module will enable you to recognise the crucial role of the investment sub-market within the wider property market, and how it influences real estate activity, development, and values.
Indicative syllabus:

• Global Real estate markets and interaction with the economy
• Property cycles and demographics
• Urbanisation and the future city
• Stranded assets and contemporary concerns with environment, social and governance objectives
• Real estate investment markets
• New property technology and market disruption
• Infrastructure and real estate
• Regulating property markets
• Real estate investment yields, measuring returns and risk
• Real estate compared to other investment asset classes
• International investment and capital markets
• Financialisation
• Direct and indirect real estate investment vehicles
• Real estate portfolio diversification
• Real estate finance, real estate as collateral for debt
• Future trends in real estate investment and finance

More information

KA7032 -

Dissertation (Real Estate) (Core,60 Credits)

This module is designed to support you in independently designing and conducting a substantive original research project on a built environment topic of your own choice and aims to provide you with an opportunity to design and conduct a substantive piece of investigative work that is directly related to your programme of study. You will consolidate and apply your independent research skills developed whilst studying your first degree and on the Real Estate Concepts and Research Methods module KA7035) to answer a research question or test a hypothesis of your choosing. You will assemble and review relevant scholarly literature and data to present a cogent, reasoned and objective critique of published scholarly work on your chosen topic, in order to define a precisely focus for your research. Ultimately you are required to submit an original 12,000 word dissertation that is analytical and demonstrates an accurate interpretation and clear presentation of original research findings.

In the course of the module you will develop expertise in the following:
• identifying an appropriate research topic
• critically reviewing relevant academic literature;
• formulating research questions/hypotheses and appropriate methods of inquiry;
• collecting your own data and/or using existing datasets and literature
• analysing and interpreting your results using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative techniques,
• relating your findings to existing and up-to-date literature and theory;
• objectively appraising the ethical considerations of conducting research; and
• independently managing and implementing your own research project.

More information

KA7035 -

Real Estate Concepts and Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about some of the threshold concepts and key skills that are essential for Real Estate students to grasp before embarking on specialised property research and prepare and promote your employability as a graduate surveyor. The second half of the module is designed to develop your understanding, deployment and critical evaluation of research methods and to prepare you for conducting your own research project.

In the first semester you will undertake an initial project based on a building/site in Newcastle. The learning activities will include lectures to introduce key concepts; seminars to develop your understanding of these key concepts; workshops to apply your knowledge and practice skills; site visits to learn site inspection and measurement skills; guest speakers to provide insight to real estate markets. In the second semester you will learn about research methods and data analysis techniques in two hour workshop sessions in which a research resources will be signposted, research philosophies explored, data collection techniques evaluated and your own research skills and development reflected upon.

An indicative outline syllabus is as follows:
• Real Estate sectors and the role and professionalism of surveyors in global real estate markets
• Real Estate research and resources
• Property appraisal, professional report writing and presentation
• Individual skills audit and developing an action plan
• IT skills for Real Estate
• Philosophies of research and research ethics
• The research process: developing and implementing effective research strategies for data collection
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• The reflective researcher: evaluating research processes and outcomes

More information

KA7038 -

International Real Estate Law & Practice (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the key areas of law which are relevant to the surveying profession and examine the nature of relationships between commercial landlords and tenants. You will compare and evaluate the different approaches that countries take to the same legal issues. You will also explore current methods utilised for the marketing of real estate. Topics include:

• Types of legal system, in particular, Common Law jurisdictions and Civil/Roman law
• Professional standards and the regulation of surveyors.
• Ownership of land.
• Land reform and compulsory purchase
• Third party and public rights affecting land.
• Rights, obligations and liabilities of land owners and occupiers.
• Contract law.
• Marketing of 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.
• Methods of adding value to real estate including re-gearing leases, rent reviews and tenant mix strategy
• Green Leases and Corporate Social Responsibility

More information

KA7039 -

International Urban Planning and Development (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the planning and development process in an international context focusing on the management of pre-construction decision-making and the evaluation of projects including site investigation, planning and development control, viability assessment and development appraisal. The module aims to help you understand the complex social, economic and physical environment and market conditions within which real estate development takes place around the globe, develop your knowledge of the management of the development process, acquisition of development sites, identification of sources of development finance and allow you to recognise the crucial role that surveyors play in the real estate development process.
.
Indicative syllabus:
1. Introduction to sustainable urban development
2. Contemporary planning policy
3. Real Estate development process
4. Site evaluation and investigation
5. Development control and management
6. Development finance and funding
7. Brownfield and contaminated land
8. Construction procurement and risk
9. Development viability and appraisal

More information

KA7056 -

Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

KA7008 -

International Sustainable Construction and Technology (Core,20 Credits)

In this module you will learn the fundamentals of construction technology, exploring current and emerging technologies. This will incorporate aspects of digital design/ management and planning. The syllabus includes the processes and technology of commercial and domestic construction, both current and of 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:

• Architecture & Construction technology
o Concepts
o Design Theory & Principals
o Architectural History
o Future technologies
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
• Digital technologies
o BIM concepts
o BIM Objects
o Revit & Auto CAD
o Augmented and Virtual Reality
• 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
• 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 academic programme.

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

KA7009 -

Commercial Property Valuation (Core,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.

Within Commercial Property Valuation you will study a range of topics including:-

• The valuation process and the role of a valuer
• Analysis of market data and its application to valuation
• Valuation methodology and applying to different scenarios
• Secured lending valuation
• RICS reporting and advising clients
• Asset valuation
• Statutory valuation
• Modern methods of valuation and appraisal
• Using IT software for Real Estate 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 advice clients/stakeholders in accordance with RICS governance.

More information

KA7010 -

Property Markets, Investment and Finance (Core,20 Credits)

The module has been developed in partnership with regional, national, and international practitioners to authentically reflect the real life demands and challenges faced in the contemporary real estate sector, with a particular focus on stranded assets and divestment strategies. Practitioners work in partnership with staff, co-teaching the module in a live learning conversation with the real estate industry. You will learn about and examine the global economics of real property in the context of markets, cities, investment, and finance. The module aims to evaluate concepts of global property market economics, investment and finance and analyse their application to inter-related markets in real estate. These will include the behaviour of occupiers, investors, financiers, developers, and contractors. You will be introduced to a range of economic principles relevant to global commercial real estate markets, and develop an understanding of real estate investment finance. You will appraise global real estate investment assets and their performance from the perspective of a range of stakeholders and investor types. The module will enable you to recognise the crucial role of the investment sub-market within the wider property market, and how it influences real estate activity, development, and values.
Indicative syllabus:

• Global Real estate markets and interaction with the economy
• Property cycles and demographics
• Urbanisation and the future city
• Stranded assets and contemporary concerns with environment, social and governance objectives
• Real estate investment markets
• New property technology and market disruption
• Infrastructure and real estate
• Regulating property markets
• Real estate investment yields, measuring returns and risk
• Real estate compared to other investment asset classes
• International investment and capital markets
• Financialisation
• Direct and indirect real estate investment vehicles
• Real estate portfolio diversification
• Real estate finance, real estate as collateral for debt
• Future trends in real estate investment and finance

More information

KA7032 -

Dissertation (Real Estate) (Core,60 Credits)

This module is designed to support you in independently designing and conducting a substantive original research project on a built environment topic of your own choice and aims to provide you with an opportunity to design and conduct a substantive piece of investigative work that is directly related to your programme of study. You will consolidate and apply your independent research skills developed whilst studying your first degree and on the Real Estate Concepts and Research Methods module KA7035) to answer a research question or test a hypothesis of your choosing. You will assemble and review relevant scholarly literature and data to present a cogent, reasoned and objective critique of published scholarly work on your chosen topic, in order to define a precisely focus for your research. Ultimately you are required to submit an original 12,000 word dissertation that is analytical and demonstrates an accurate interpretation and clear presentation of original research findings.

In the course of the module you will develop expertise in the following:
• identifying an appropriate research topic
• critically reviewing relevant academic literature;
• formulating research questions/hypotheses and appropriate methods of inquiry;
• collecting your own data and/or using existing datasets and literature
• analysing and interpreting your results using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative techniques,
• relating your findings to existing and up-to-date literature and theory;
• objectively appraising the ethical considerations of conducting research; and
• independently managing and implementing your own research project.

More information

KA7035 -

Real Estate Concepts and Research Methods (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about some of the threshold concepts and key skills that are essential for Real Estate students to grasp before embarking on specialised property research and prepare and promote your employability as a graduate surveyor. The second half of the module is designed to develop your understanding, deployment and critical evaluation of research methods and to prepare you for conducting your own research project.

In the first semester you will undertake an initial project based on a building/site in Newcastle. The learning activities will include lectures to introduce key concepts; seminars to develop your understanding of these key concepts; workshops to apply your knowledge and practice skills; site visits to learn site inspection and measurement skills; guest speakers to provide insight to real estate markets. In the second semester you will learn about research methods and data analysis techniques in two hour workshop sessions in which a research resources will be signposted, research philosophies explored, data collection techniques evaluated and your own research skills and development reflected upon.

An indicative outline syllabus is as follows:
• Real Estate sectors and the role and professionalism of surveyors in global real estate markets
• Real Estate research and resources
• Property appraisal, professional report writing and presentation
• Individual skills audit and developing an action plan
• IT skills for Real Estate
• Philosophies of research and research ethics
• The research process: developing and implementing effective research strategies for data collection
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• The reflective researcher: evaluating research processes and outcomes

More information

KA7038 -

International Real Estate Law & Practice (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the key areas of law which are relevant to the surveying profession and examine the nature of relationships between commercial landlords and tenants. You will compare and evaluate the different approaches that countries take to the same legal issues. You will also explore current methods utilised for the marketing of real estate. Topics include:

• Types of legal system, in particular, Common Law jurisdictions and Civil/Roman law
• Professional standards and the regulation of surveyors.
• Ownership of land.
• Land reform and compulsory purchase
• Third party and public rights affecting land.
• Rights, obligations and liabilities of land owners and occupiers.
• Contract law.
• Marketing of 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.
• Methods of adding value to real estate including re-gearing leases, rent reviews and tenant mix strategy
• Green Leases and Corporate Social Responsibility

More information

KA7039 -

International Urban Planning and Development (Core,20 Credits)

You will learn about the planning and development process in an international context focusing on the management of pre-construction decision-making and the evaluation of projects including site investigation, planning and development control, viability assessment and development appraisal. The module aims to help you understand the complex social, economic and physical environment and market conditions within which real estate development takes place around the globe, develop your knowledge of the management of the development process, acquisition of development sites, identification of sources of development finance and allow you to recognise the crucial role that surveyors play in the real estate development process.
.
Indicative syllabus:
1. Introduction to sustainable urban development
2. Contemporary planning policy
3. Real Estate development process
4. Site evaluation and investigation
5. Development control and management
6. Development finance and funding
7. Brownfield and contaminated land
8. Construction procurement and risk
9. Development viability and appraisal

More information

KA7056 -

Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)

Academic skills when studying away from your home institution can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject area in the Department of Architecture and Built Environment. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’.
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Discussing ethical issues in research, and analysing results.
• Describing bias and limitations of research.
• Developing self-reflection skills.

More information

Study Options

The following alternative study options are available for this course:

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.

 

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* 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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Graduates of the University are entitled to a 20% alumni discount on Masters study at Northumbria (T&C’s apply).

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