Overview
Build your future and help shape your city by studying Real Estate at Ulster and become a confident and forward thinking professional.
Summary
Are you interested in the buying, selling, valuation, management or development of real estate? If so, you should consider studying real estate at Ulster to acquire the skills needed to tackle real life problems and excel in a range of property roles. The real estate programme at Ulster has consistently been ranked in the top 5 in the 'Land and Property Management' subject discipline by the Complete University Guide as testimony of the quality and esteem that the programme is held in.
The Real Estate programme has unique characteristics in meeting the needs of property professions at both national and international levels. The degree has a strong focus on valuation, appraisal, finance and property development set within a business and built environment context. It is an ideal starting point for those aspiring to become Chartered Surveyors or have careers with a real estate or built environment focus. Many graduates, after a period of work-based learning, progress to chartered membership status of a relevant professional institution.
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About this course
About
The Real Estate Programme offers you a diverse, exciting and challenging career in a growing business sector. It provides a skill set which involves meeting people, inspecting property and negotiating deals. Real estate professionals enjoy their work and the rewards it brings. A career in property provides numerous job opportunities that are varied and exciting including agency, development, valuation, investment, rating, and property consultancy. The profession is well respected, the lifestyle is flexible, rewarding and well remunerated.
Whilst real estate markets, like all aspects of the economy, are cyclical, there is always a need for professionals with the right skills to optimise real estate portfolios and respond to the market conditions. The property market, both locally and nationally continued to recruit at both placement and graduate levels even during the economic downturn. In this regard the Ulster real estate graduate is capable of responding to the challenges and opportunities across the property sectors in what promises to be an exciting and dynamic future for all those in the real estate industry.
This course focuses primarily on commercial real estate including real estate development, investment, management and valuation for investment, sales and acquisition. It offers a professional route to becoming a chartered surveyor and ensures that you are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive workplace. As well as offering a direct route into the real estate profession, our course also offers a solid foundation on which to build a career in a range of other disciplines due to the grounding in business acumen, strategic management and wider financial appreciation.
Associate awards
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
Find out more about placement awards
Attendance
You are expected to attend all timetabled classes which are normally spread over three to four days a week. Each semester consists of a 12 week term followed by a three week revision and examination period. The timetabled classes are a mix of lectures, seminars, computer tutorials and practical exercises. However, you are also expected to undertake independent research and study beyond your timetabled hours.
Most modules are 20 credit points and these notionally involve 200 hours of student effort, of which the class contact hours varies according to the respective module (lectures, tutorials, computer laboratory etc) with the remainder made up from a variety of assignment work, directed study, student’s private study and revision.
Start dates
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The Real Estate programme is delivered via a variety of lectures, seminars, computer tutorials, educational videos and practical exercises. Staff vary their teaching styles and facilitate small group teaching or break-out seminars as much as possible. Class sizes are kept small to ensure that you benefit from one-to-one support and tutorage. Modules are assessed through a mix/combination of coursework, examinations or practical exercises depending on the skills being assessed with an emphasis placed on real life work skills.
Content
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
Attendance and Independent Study
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10- or 20-credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate course typically 15- or 30-credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessment. The precise assessment will depend on the module and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification and the assessment timetable. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised.
Calculation of the Final Award
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (18%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2019-2020.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Introduction to the Built Environment
Year: 1
Status: C
The module presents a wide-ranging overview of the impact of public & private development, statutory legislation, procurement, building design and construction on UK industry and society. It presents the background to the development of professional and industry norms and also challenges a number of orthodoxies.
Module study includes a review of the roles and responsibilities of property and construction professionals in a complex sector, as well as the nature of professionalism in an era of climate emergency.
Sustainable Development in the Built Environment
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the student to a range of economic, environmental and social challenges and how these impact upon built environment disciplines. It provides for an appreciation of the policy and actions needed to stimulate behavioural change across a range of issues such as over reliance on fossil fuels, combating social deprivation, mobility and travel behaviour, consumerism and ethical thinking. Students will get the opportunity to reflect on their own attitudes and values to determine how to take more sustainable decisions and how to influence positive change in the wider built environment.
Technology & Services 1
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides a general introduction to construction technology with specific emphasis on the sustainable construction of small-scale, low-rise buildings.
The module also introduces the factors that affect and systems that control the internal environment of domestic buildings.
Built Environment Economics
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the student to a range of economic principles and how these are applied in a built environment context. It provides for an appreciation of the importance of market forces, macro and micro economic policy and wider economic indicators such as inflation, interest rates in shaping the design, construction and operation of built environment. Special consideration is given to real estate market cycles and wider construction economics in accordance with the professional body requirements of the RICS.
Law, Governance and Society
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of governance and the legal framework in contemporary society. Students examine the interrelationship between governance actors, the legal system and social policy for advancing sustainable development and improving social, economic and environmental well-being.
Valuation Principles
Year: 1
Status: C
This module introduces the student to a range of financial mathematics, value and investment concepts, various valuation techniques and the bases of those methods. It provides for an appreciation of the analysis and the application of different techniques may be applied to simple valuation problems and how each approach would be used in practice.
Year two
Law of Real Property
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will consider the fundamental principles and rules of the law of real property. Specifically the module will consider: the distinction between real & personal property; co-ownership; leases & business tenancies; licenses & estoppel; trespass & control of access to land; adverse possession; private planning & freehold covenants; easements & incorporeal hereditaments and mortgages.
Real Estate Appraisal and Finance
Year: 2
Status: C
The module provides students with the basic concepts and theories in valuation and finance and a practical understanding of real estate finance, market value and development appraisal fundamentals. It presents some of the major concepts, principles and analytical methods useful for analysing financial decisions in property development and investment. It also gives students exposure to Excel based evaluation tools which are integral to valuation and measurement practice.
Valuation Practice
Year: 2
Status: C
This module builds upon core skills covered in the Valuation Principle (SUR107) module. It introduces students to a range of traditional valuation techniques and methodologies used by industry. It provides for an appreciation of leases including rent reviews and the implications of the Business Tenancies Order. An introduction to rating law and practice provides the core knowledge relating to liability, valuation methods and appeal procedures.
Property and Capital Market Modelling
Year: 2
Status: C
This module develops the knowledge base of the students through the enhancement of economic and analytical skills. The module provides students with an awareness of the process and application of economic analysis and the manner of problem solving and decision making through the incorporation of spatial and temporal dimensions. The theories and decision process is applied to an array of practical situations using geographic information, basic statistics skills in property market analysis, and an in-depth understanding of capital markets.
Integrated Regeneration Project
Year: 2
Status: C
The module develops student understanding of real estate value by developing the theory underpinning development including the components of value, land assembly, acquisition, compulsory purchase and compensation of assets. Valuation methods incorporating cost and residual approaches; and local taxation affecting property decisions will be of central importance to the module. Furthermore, the module develops the core fundamentals of value link to regeneration and real estate investment. The module builds upon and further enhances valuation skills developed in Year One through the SUR107 Valuation Principles.
Professional Practice in Real Estate
Year: 2
Status: C
Professional bodies (such as the RICS) place a considerable emphasis on the need for professionalism and professional conduct to be demonstrated by all members. This module provides the student with the knowledge and skills to enable them to self-appraise and become critically self-aware in developing their career path to become a professional housing/real estate practitioner. The module also provides students with practical insights into building pathology and defect detection as well as the regulatory framework within which a real estate practitioner resides.
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to financial accounting and reporting. The module introduces the student to the study of accounting as it impacts on business and economic activity. In particular it considers the preparation and analysis of basic financial statements and introduces the student to principles and concepts underpinning corporate financial reporting.
Year three
Professional Practice - Real Estate
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.
Year four
Property Asset Management
Year: 4
Status: C
This module aims to foster a deep understanding of the fundamental challenges and opportunities presented by investment and occupational property assets. It adopts an approach of proactive asset management and seeks to equip the students with skills to add value to real estate assets and to prepare the student for employment in management of the principal events in the life cycle of property assets.
Investment Valuations
Year: 4
Status: C
This module considers the financial characteristics of investment and examines real estate from the point of view as a single asset or held within a portfolio of assets. It identifies the processes, procedures and regulatory framework necessary to value commercial real estate investments and cash flow appraisals.
Statutory valuations
Year: 4
Status: C
This module examines principles concepts, theories and practical considerations with respect to rating law and practice, compulsory purchase and compensation. It exposes students to areas of professional practice and allows them through a process of problem solving to gain an indepth appreciation of the subject matter.
Applied property data analysis
Year: 4
Status: C
This module examines principal concepts, theories and practical considerations with respect to pricing models, mass appraisal, applied statistics and inferential analysis. It exposes students to areas of professional practice and allows them through a process of problem solving to gain an in-depth appreciation of the subject matter.
Dissertation II
Year: 4
Status: C
The module introduces students to the empirical nature of research and requires students to undertake an empirical investigation to achieve the aim and objectives of their dissertation topic. Emphasis is upon the sourcing and analysis of information and data, the use of appropriate research methods, the presentation, discussion and interpretation of findings and arriving at conclusions relevant to the topic.
Integrated Development & Finance Project
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is designed to provide a practice-based understanding of regeneration, real estate investment and to enhance student awareness of the innovative investment products currently on the market. Stages in the process include the transposition of knowledge on the various stages of the regeneration process. Investment vehicles, cash flow analysis, partnership modelling, investment strategies and the risk return characteristics form the basis of the second stage of the module. Collectively the module is designed to enhance awareness of the innovative capacity of real estate as an asset class and to inform and educate student ' the future drivers of the industry to the potential of regeneration.
Dissertation I
Year: 4
Status: C
The module introduces students to the nature of a research investigation, the characteristics and requirements of an undergraduate dissertation and emphasises the compulsory elements underpinning research design including effective time management and research ethics. The module stresses that knowledge of the theoretical and literature base of the subject is critical in the delivery of a research study.
Standard entry conditions
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
A level
The A Level requirement for this course is BBC. All subject areas considered.
Applicants can satisfy the requirement for one of the A-level grades (or equivalent) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.
Applied General Qualifications
The Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment accept a range of alternative combinations of qualifications such as:
BTEC Extended Awards
BTEC Level 3 QCF Extended Diploma with overall award profile DDD.
OR
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Extended Diploma with overall award profile DMM.
A levels with
BTEC Level 3 QCF Subsidiary Diploma;
BTEC RQF National Extended Certificate;
BTEC Level 3 QCF 90-credit Diploma;
BTEC Level 3 RQF National Foundation Diploma;
BTEC Level 3 QCF Diploma or BTEC Level 3 RQF National Diploma.
OCR National and Cambridge Technical qualifications.
For further information on the entry requirements for this course please contact the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of 4 subjects at Higher Level and 1 subject at Ordinary Level. The overall profile must include English and Mathematics at Grade H6 (HL) or Grade O4 (OL).
Irish Leaving Certificate UCAS Equivalency
Tariff point chart
Scottish Highers
The Scottish Highers requirement for this course is BBCCC. All subject areas considered.
Scottish Advanced Highers
The Scottish Advanced Highers requirement for this course is CCD. All subject areas considered.
International Baccalaureate
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 25 points (12 at higher level). Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics is also required in overall profile.
Access to Higher Education (HE)
Overall mark of 63% for Year 1 entry. All subject areas considered.
GCSE
GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Additional Entry Requirements
HND/HNC
HNC requirement is overall Distinction to include 75 level 4 credits at Distinction for year one entry.
HND requirement in a Land Administration or Estate Management subject area is overall Merit to include 60 level 5 credits at Distinction for year 2 entry.
Ulster Foundation Degree
Pass in Foundation Degree in Property, Planning and Housing with an overall mark of 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules. Applicants will normally be considered for year 2 entry to the linked Honours degree.
For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence.
The General Entry Requirements must also be met including English Language minimum GCSE grade C or 4 (or equivalent). Please check the following link http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#ger.
Exemptions and transferability
Exemptions may be available from some linked HND programmes and in other circumstances on application and based upon evidence of previous experience and / or educational attainment.
For details on exemptions and transferability contact the Programme Director.
Careers & opportunities
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course are now working for:
- CBRE
- Colliers International
- Knight Frank
- Lambert Smith Hampton
- Lisney
- Savills
- Valuation office agency
Job roles
With this degree you could become:
- Graduate Surveyor
- Graduate Valuer
- Letting Agent
- Property Developer
- Real Estate Investment Surveyor
- Sales Negotiator
- Property Manager
Career options
Most graduates work as agents buying, selling and letting real estate, or as property managers, valuation surveyors, property development surveyors or investment advisors. Graduates in Real Estate will be capable of fulfilling professional roles, which relate to all aspects of the management of landed property with particular emphasis on financial appraisal and evaluation of real estate in both investment and development terms. The course content addresses legal, economic, financial and environmental issues with a focus across different asset classes, making the course an excellent first degree for a range of careers in business and the built environment. In addition, the course provides an excellent foundation for graduates who wish to undertake postgraduate study or research.
Typical job destinations include:
- Private sector such as property consultancies, developers, financial institutions, housing associations, charities, estate agents, management companies, investment companies, or research.
- Public sector such as local authorities/councils such as Belfast City Council, Land and Property Services, NIHE etc.
Work placement / study abroad
The Real Estate Programme has a compulsory work placement in the 3rd year of the full-time programme. This placement is normally undertaken with a real estate, investment or development company either locally or nationally. These work placements are facilitated by the Course Team and are awarded on a competitive interview basis. The work placement provides you with the opportunity to work in a professional office environment and apply your theoretical classroom based knowledge to real life practical scenarios. Students who successfully pass their work placement year are awarded a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) and consistently see their employability enhanced through the core skills developed during their work placement. There are some placement exemptions available for students who have successfully completed a directly linked Foundation Degree or for students who can demonstrate relevant prior work experience.
Professional recognition
Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership.
Apply
Applications to full-time undergraduate degrees at Ulster are made through UCAS using Course Code K291.
Start dates
Fees and funding
Scholarships, awards and prizes
The top two full-time students in years 1, 2 and 4 (and part-time equivalent) as well as the top placement student qualify for the Real Estate Excellence Awards each year. These awards are sponsored by the real estate industry and are designed to provide recognition to the students for their hard work and commitment to their studies. An annual prize ceremony takes place to showcase and celebrate student achievements attended by prize winners, their families, industry sponsors and student peer groups.
Additional mandatory costs
Tuition fees and costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges), and normal living are a part of university life.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses we make every effort to highlight them. These may include residential visits, field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering) inoculations, security checks, computer equipment, uniforms, professional memberships etc.
We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free wifi is also available on each of the campuses.
There will be some additional costs to being a student which cannot be itemised and these will be different for each student. You may choose to purchase your own textbooks and course materials or prefer your own computer and software. Printing and binding may also be required. There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Additional costs vary from course to course.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs as well as tuition fees.
Please contact the course team for more information.
Disclaimer
- The University endeavours to deliver courses and programmes of study in accordance with the description set out in this prospectus. The University’s prospectus is produced at the earliest possible date in order to provide maximum assistance to individuals considering applying for a course of study offered by the University. The University makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in the prospectus is accurate but it is possible that some changes will occur between the date of printing and the start of the academic year to which it relates. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.
- Although reasonable steps are taken to provide the programmes and services described, the University cannot guarantee the provision of any course or facility and the University may make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, discontinue, merge or combine courses and introduce new courses if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key staff, changes in legislation or government policy including changes, if any, resulting from the UK departing the European Union, withdrawal or reduction of funding or other circumstances beyond the University’s reasonable control.
- If the University discontinues any courses, it will use its best endeavours to provide a suitable alternative course. In addition, courses may change during the course of study and in such circumstances the University will normally undertake a consultation process prior to any such changes being introduced and seek to ensure that no student is unreasonably prejudiced as a consequence of any such change.
- The University does not accept responsibility (other than through the negligence of the University, its staff or agents), for the consequences of any modification or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University but will take into consideration the effects on individual students and seek to minimise the impact of such effects where reasonably practicable.
- The University cannot accept any liability for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its control, but the University will take all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.
Testimonials
‘Ulster University has been the backbone of the education and training of young surveyors for the past four decades. The property course in its different forms over the years has been essential in producing high quality graduates seeking a career in commercial property in both the private and public sector. CB Richard Ellis Belfast has been employing Ulster graduates for many years and has a number of Jordanstown alumni ranging from Director to Placement Student level. We see the Property course at Jordanstown as a key ingredient in the growth of CB Richard Ellis Belfast’. Brian Lavery, Managing Director CB Richard Ellis, Belfast.
‘The Property course offered at Ulster University, Jordanstown, has been the cornerstone of the surveying profession in Northern Ireland for many years and remains at the forefront of current developments in the property market. We consider the Ulster University a strategic partner in our business offering the highest standard of surveying education, research and support not only for the graduates and students that we employ but also in the analysis of the dynamics of the local property market’. Colin McDowell, Director Cushman and Wakefield.
‘This course covers a wide range of topics and provides an excellent understanding of the property profession. I feel that being a Chartered Surveyor offers a very sociable career, with quick career progression and worldwide employment potential. I gained employment soon after graduating and currently work for Homes England in Manchester tasked with increasing the housing provision and housing affordability and I would fully recommend this course as it is a unique, business focused degree that allows for an enjoyable career’. Emma Smyth, Senior Manager, Homes England
Additional information for students from United Kingdom