Real Estate Management & Investment MSc



This course is accredited by the RICS and gives you the required knowledge and skills for a successful career in the property market

Overview

The MSc Real Estate Management & Investment degree is a carefully considered programme which meets current industry demands and develops graduates who have the knowledge and skills required to enter the property industry as valuers, agents, property consultants, managers, and developers. 

Working with industry practitioners, the MSc Real Estate Management & Investment course will allow you to gain knowledge of the wide range of principles that underpin property investment assets such as: Building Economics, Property Law, Real Estate Valuation, Property Asset Management, Property Investment Analysis, and the principles of Sustainable Urban Property Development and the skills to apply these effectively. You will complete the course with a Masters Dissertation on a relevant topic. More information about the individual modules can be found below and on the module catalogue.

Property plays a key role in business and investment and there is a need to maximize both the return from and productivity of real estate assets. This requires professional expertise. There is some £883 billion invested in UK commercial property stock and just over half of this is held as investment assets. Within the residential sector, the private rented sector alone has a value of £1000 billion. These real estate assets all require on-going strategic and active management including appraisal, acquisition and disposal

Whatever your background, this Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited course will equip you with the knowledge to become a competent and resourceful professional, ready to go straight into a career as a surveyor in the fast-paced property market. The Masters degree is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) under the Commercial, Residential and Valuation pathways. A career as a surveyor may suit you if you are interested in property and people, and want a professional role with plenty of variety and prospects.

Graduate prospects are good and recent graduates have gone on to work for the likes of: Ryden, Savills, Shepherd Surveyors, DM Hall, Cushman and Wakefield, Montagu Evans, Valuation Office Agency, Lothian Valuation Joint Board, and Taylor Wimpey Homes. 

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.

 
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Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time | Distance-learning)

Duration:

1 year

Start date:

SepJan

Course details

The course content is delivered through lectures and tutorials taught by professionally qualified academic staff and industrial specialists.

You'll develop abilities to analyse, assess and synthesize solutions to problems and gain an understanding of the business drivers and constraints that influence these solutions. Your communication skills will also be developed, giving you the confidence you need to interact with clients and fellow industry professionals.

Real Estate Management & Investment is a global trend and as such there are opportunities to work across the world, particularly within the multinational practices.

Our accreditation means this qualification meets their academic requirements, putting you well on your way to Chartered status. You can obtain full Chartered status following a period of work experience after graduation and on successful completion of the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Chartered Surveyors with a degree in Real Estate Surveying apply their specialist skills in the fields of: development appraisal; Investment appraisal; valuation; agency (buying and selling land and property); and property management. Graduates can work in the private, public and voluntary sector, which might include: private practice real estate consultancies, commercial and residential surveying firms, property companies, financial institutions and local and central government. 

Recent graduates have gone on to work for the likes of: JLL, Shepherds, Rydens, DM Hall, Cushman and Wakefield, Lambert Smith Hampton, Valuation Office Agency, Lothian Valuation Joint Board, Transport for London, Avant Homes and Knight Frank

 

Lead Academics

Most of the staff teaching on the course are Chartered Surveyors, Lawyers and other property professionals. They have extensive experience as practitioners. The programme leader is Alison Andrews.
 
Alison Andrews 
Alison is a Chartered Surveyor.

How will my degree reflect sustainability and sustainable development?

The Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) – established under the UN Global Compact – places a clear onus on Higher Education to ‘transform management education and develop the responsible decision-makers of tomorrow to advance sustainable development’. The Business School is a PRME signatory, and we seek to influence professional practice and policy nationally and internationally, helping to drive key societal, economic and environmental impacts.

Our mission is ‘to empower communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact’ and we work constantly to embed practical actions into our curriculum, to promote sustainability and relate these to the key ideas of sustainability, as reflected in the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes now reflect one or more of the SDG, and our research is targeted to solve real world problems, mapped against the criteria used in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Ranking.

The most recent annual league table for Sustainability - compiled by People & Planet, the UK’s largest student campaigning network - again places Edinburgh Napier in a top 3 position among Scotland’s 19 universities. This reflects their assessment of our performance across a range of environmental and ethical considerations, which include carbon reduction and management, and education.

What is distinct about equality, diversity and inclusion?

Edinburgh Napier University is enriched by the diversity of perspectives, cultures and backgrounds brought by all within our global community. We are committed to a positive environment where diversity and inclusiveness is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status or whether pregnant or on maternity leave. We commit ourselves to providing a learning, working and social environment that is free from discrimination, prejudice, intimidation, stigmatisation and all forms of harassment and bullying.

The Business School's vision: 'To be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise and employability for all'.

Our mission statement: 'Empowering our communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact'.

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    How you’ll be taught

    The core material is delivered through lectures and tutorials taught by professionally qualified academic staff and industrial specialists. Independent study is required for each of the modules.

    Students will undertake three taught modules in each of Trimesters 1 and 2 of the academic year and complete their dissertation in the final trimester.

    You can choose to start in either January or September.

    Duration:

    • September starts: 12 months
    • January starts: 18 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)

    You will generally attend the university two days a week.

    Term dates are available through the website. This course can also be studied Part-time and by Distance-learning.


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    Assessments

    Assessments are by a mixture of coursework, projects and exams. This can consist of a variety of tasks including report writing, essays, research briefs and posters. Full details of the assessment strategy for each module can be found in the module catalogue.
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    Work placement

     Whilst there is no credit-bearing work placement, most students take up the opportunities offered by industry to engage in insight weeks and then summer internships/placements. The University Employer Mentoring Programme also offers the valuable opportunity to link you with an industry mentor. We have an excellent careers service that can assist with the application processes and to develop your CV.
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    Facilities

    Students benefit from a central city centre campus with computer facilities that are open 24 hours at the Merchiston campus of Edinburgh Napier University,

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Building Economics ( BSV11111 )

This module is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the macroeconomic factors that influence the construction industry and the innovative practices that drive its growth and sustainability. You'll start by exploring the macroeconomic overview of the national economy, focusing on the five significant components: banks, households, government, firms, and the external sector. You'll learn how each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring economic growth. However, the focus will be on the firm which is described as the construction industry in this module. You'll explore the role of the construction industry in driving other components of the macroeconomy.Additionally, you will delve into economic models of urban location and growth, learning about urban land economics and the theories that support urban development. You will examine the economic challenges that arise from construction activities in urban areas, providing you with insights into the economic aspects of urban problems caused by the construction industry. Furthermore, you'll explore the innovative practices adopted by construction firms to overcome urban economic challenges. You'll learn about balancing cost and value in construction projects, covering principles such as developers' budgets, whole-life costing, cost geometry, and value management. Also, you will explore how technologies driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution are utilised by construction firms to reduce costs and enhance the value of their projects.Throughout this module, you'll engage in interactive lectures, group discussions, and hands-on projects designed to stimulate critical thinking and collaboration. By the end of the module, you'll have a solid foundation in macroeconomic principles as they relate to the construction industry, urban economic models, and innovative construction practices, preparing you for a successful career in the construction industry.

Further information

Dissertation ( BSV11120 )

The Dissertation module constitutes a substantial piece of independent work executed within the traditions of scholarship and research characteristic of a particular discipline. Students will learn various research skills which they will then apply to their own chosen research, including developing a research proposal, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, designing a research strategy, data gathering, data presentation, data analysis, and writing up of the dissertation. The choice of a dissertation topic is left to individual students and as long as the proposal can be developed into a dissertation, students shall be allowed to proceed. Each student is allocated a dedicated supervisor to guide the student in the various stages of the research.

Further information

Law and Administration: Property and Construction ( BSV11106 )

Introduction to law and legal concepts; jurisdiction; The principles of contract law and law of negligence; Principles of property law and the law of leases; Law of health and safety relating to the construction sector; Methods of dispute resolution, including arbitration and international commercial arbitration; Forms of contract used in the construction and property maintenance sectors; Choice of procurement strategy and selection of appropriate contract types.

Further information

Property Asset Management ( BSV11109 )

This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage property assets. You will explore the strategic role of property asset management in maximising the value and performance of property assets while gaining comprehensive understanding of the role of property asset manager, as well as the models, and processes, and technologies that support informed decision-making.More so, you will examine property asset management practices in both the corporate and public sectors, which will allow you to develop an understanding of the unique considerations and best practices in each domain. Also, you will gain valuable insights into the growing importance of corporate social responsibility and its impact on property asset management.Whether your career goals are in corporate real estate, public sector asset management, or property consultancy, this module will provide you with the specific knowledge you need to succeed in the dynamic and ever-changing world of property asset management.

Further information

Property Investment Analysis ( BSV11108 )

The module is designed to equip students with skills for the analysis of property investments and investment markets (of which property is a part) and the ability to apply rigorous analytical tools to inform investment decisions. Students are introduced to investment appraisal techniques as they relate to real estate, which are then applied to direct, indirect, and derivative property investment markets. Traditional appraisal models are critiqued to provide the rationale for the application of contemporary methods. Performance measurements are applied not just to property asset levels, but also to portfolios of properties.

Further information

Real Estate Valuation ( BSV11141 )

In real estate valuation, analysis, and market insights shape property decisions. This module introduces you to the key concepts behind real estate valuation, helping you understand how valuations are carried out, the various methods used, and when to apply them. You will explore the five main valuation methods (the comparative method, investment methods, residual, profits and contractors methods), gaining the skills to assess property value accurately.You will also learn about the professional standards set by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), including ethical considerations and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in valuation.

Further information

Sustainable Urban Property Development ( BSV11125 )

The module is designed to equip students with critical knowledge and awareness of the key issues affecting the sustainability of towns and cities, informed by the UN Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities. Students are introduced to urban development processes, appraisal techniques, and models of environmental sustainability, all of which are essential for understanding the social, economic, and environmental issues affecting cities and communities.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

ACCREDITED BY

Built Environment Exchange

Join beX, our Built Environment Exchange programme that provides employability projects, internship opportunities and scholarships.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Real Estate Management and Investment? 

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme.

We may consider applicants with a lower degree classification if they has sufficient relevant work experience in the property / real estate industry. There may also be an additional essay requirement if applicants apply with less than a 2.2 Honours degree and this would be confirmed on submission of the application to the Admissions Team.

As this course is accredited by Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the minimum level of qualification to be considered will be at Bachelor (Ordinary) degree level. To check the equivalence of your qualification or experience, please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team.

Can I get admission into Real Estate Management and Investment based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.


If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £7,650
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430
Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with a MSc in Real Estate Management and Investment degree?

Completing an MSc in Real Estate Management & Investment can qualify you for a variety of roles in both Government and Private sectors, such as:

  • Real Estate Manager
  • Real Estate Investment Analyst
  • Property Manager
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Real Estate Consultant
  • Investment Broker
  • Real Estate Fund Manager

You will learn how to assess the value of different types of properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. This involves understanding market trends, economic factors, and property-specific considerations.

Real estate is subject to numerous laws and regulations governing property ownership, leasing, development, and transactions. You'll gain an understanding of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

You will also learn about the role of economics, including economic models of urban location and growth, models of property asset management and technology used. You will assess commercial property investments and their markets, apply contemporary appraisal methods and broader investment market analytic techniques. You will also learn about sustainable urban property development and appraisal.

What does a Real Estate Manager do?

As a Real Estate Manager, your daily activities can vary depending on your specific role and the properties you manage. You will be conducting regular inspections of the properties under your management to ensure they are well-maintained and in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

You might also be managing property finances, including budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting. Real estate managers are responsible for ensuring that properties operate within budgetary constraints and generate positive cash flow. You have to keep monitoring local real estate market trends and competitor properties to inform strategic decision-making. Real estate managers may conduct market research to assess rental rates, occupancy trends, and demand-supply dynamics.

You will ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing property management. This includes staying updated on changes in legislation and implementing necessary measures to maintain compliance.

Student beside savilles sign holding a book open in her hands