COURSE IN DEPTH
Module
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
Commercial Inspection and Surveying
20 credits
This module focuses on the key surveying competencies of building pathology, inspection and measurement of land and property. The module draws on the various aspects of these competencies and their inter-relational qualities to develop a cohesive approach to the undertaking of a variety of surveys. You will be exposed to the range of data collection and data management techniques, the variety of surveys available for commercial and industrial property as well as evaluating the construction and condition of the building and the impact this might have on the viable use of the building. The need to collate information, integrate data from a variety of sources, reflect and formulate into a coherent professional report is a key employability skill.
This module is delivered to MSc Building Surveying with Facilities Management, MSc Environmental Surveying and MSc Real Estate Management.
Law and Practice
20 credits
The module introduces you to the legal framework that controls the use, occupation, management, acquisition and disposal of land and buildings, the complex nature of real property rights, and the obligations that go with those rights. The concepts and legal principles explored in this module are an essential underpinning of all professional activity in this field. The module also seeks to develop through the assessment some of the team working and time management skills required of a real estate manager in practice.
Property Management
20 credits
This module is designed to provide you with an overview of the social, practical and legal issues affecting property management. As with other modules in this programme, it has a practical emphasis and is designed to mirror the experience of real estate professionals working in the sector. More specifically, you will learn about the key principles of landlord and tenant law, financial planning and portfolio management for both residential and commercial properties. Over the course of this module, you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the principles that apply to property management by discussing them with your colleagues and applying them to practical scenario-type situations. Problem-based study aims to develop general competencies based on the kinds of abilities and skills required of a professional practitioner. As teaching will often take place in workshops, you will be provided with an opportunity to understand property management in a “real-world” context and see how appropriate solutions are devised.
Professional Practice
20 credits
The module enables you to understand the importance of working within the boundaries of established professional best practice. It focuses on the skills and competencies that are required in practice to meet professional standards and expectations. This includes ethics; stakeholder analysis; business presentation skills; negotiation; conflict management, team working; reflexivity etc. The module is designed to encourage action research and develop your capacity to address the changing needs of the built environment professions and the wider industry, giving you currency within the market.
Valuation
20 credits
Valuation is central to the work of many built environment professionals, especially real estate surveyors, property developers and planners. Valuation expertise is used in a wide range of real estate contexts including investment, asset management, property development and maintenance management.
This module introduces the theory, regulatory environment and practice of valuation. It then builds on these foundations to allow you to develop skills and expertise in advanced valuation methods. The module presents a series of true to life applications and encourages you to consider the wide range of purposes behind valuations. This module aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to facilitate your development into a leading real estate professional.
Development Project
20 credits
This integrative module enables you to apply knowledge gained in modules throughout the programme to a “real life” practical scenario based assessment. It will provide an understanding of the factors influencing development decisions and how to evaluate possible development solutions in the context of client requirements. You will work in interdisciplinary teams to meet the requirements of your client. The module encourages you to develop competence in evaluating information and will extend your communication and problem solving skills. These are all vitally important in a professional practice situation.
This module will be delivered to Masters programmes in Building Surveying, Real Estate Management and Planning.
Individual Master’s Project (Dissertation)
60 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
