What are the entry requirements?
The entry requirement for the MSc Corporate Real Estate & Facilities Management programme is a good first degree (normally upper second) or an equivalent professional qualification such as FRICS, MRICS, ACA, ACCA. Students are also required to have a minimum of two years relevant experience.

The entry requirement for the MSc Real Estate Appraisal and MSc Real Estate Investment and Finance is a good first degree (normally upper second) or an equivalent professional qualification such as FRICS, MRICS, ACA, ACCA. Students are also required to be working in real estate or expected to be starting a career in the real estate sector by the commencement of the course.

What are the fees?
The fees are currently £1,000 per module, this will rise to £1,100 from September 2007. Students (or their sponsors) are invoiced after each module. It is not possible to guarantee that fees will remain fixed for the duration of a programme.

How do I apply?
You can download an application form here.

Do I have to have an appropriate English language qualification?
Yes, IELTS is preferred - minimum score 7.  However, we recognize that this is not necessarily appropriate where students have already been educated in English and/or the language of their current workplace is English.  We will generally require evidence that this is the case.

Do you offer a distance learning course?
No, all modules require 3-5 days residential ‘block’ attendance at the University.

How are the modules taught and assessed?
Generally, students receive some pre-course reading 3-4 weeks before a module commences. The students then come to the campus where there are 30-40 hours of lectures, workshops, exercises, presentations and/or site visits during the 3-5 day module. Whilst at the University students will be briefed on an assessment to be handed in 6-8 weeks after the module. It is estimated that students will need to work between 7-10 hours per week to complete the assignments.

Do I need to be employed in the real estate sector?
We prefer students to be in relevant employment as this often supports the learning experience.  However, we recognize that this is not always possible.  Additionally, some students find it easier to get a relevant job once they are on the course.

How many students are there on a module?
It can range from 10 to 30.

Where does the teaching take place?
It takes place in a specialist conference facility, Black Horse House, on the University's Whiteknights campus.

Can I get accommodation on campus?
There are rooms available in Black Horse House. You should book in advance as it can get full. This is the only accommodation on campus, but there is a wide selection of hotels and guest houses in the vicinity.

What are the other students like?
Diverse; many will be recent UK graduates employed by property advisory and investment firms who are in their early to mid-twenties.  There are also a number of extremely well qualified real estate professionals in mid-career who are updating or enhancing their existing skills. We have a growing number of international students from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and other countries.

Can I speak to someone who is on the course already?
Yes, it is a good way to find out if this is the course for you. We can help put you in touch with a current student.

Can I obtain exemptions from some modules?
No. the Department's policy is not to give exemptions.  Many of our students have existing property qualifications and are taking the programme in order to enhance their existing skills.  We feel that if we were to grant exemptions, the programme's integrity would be threatened.

When can I start?  Do I have to take the modules in a particular order?
You can start the programme when a module is running that you would like to take. The order that you take the modules really depends on your previous education and experience. If you have any doubts, you should discuss this with the Programme Director.  Please note that some modules have pre-requisites.  Many students who are new to the profession start with Real Estate Environment.

What support can I expect once the teaching has finished?
You will have access to Blackboard, which is a virtual learning environment, accessed via the Internet. Course documents will be posted here and there is a discussion board to enable students to debate work between modules. 

Can I attend modules for CPD?
Yes, you can attend any of the modules for continuing professional development.  You would not be required to complete the assignment if you were attending on this basis.

What if I do not want to study for the full Masters?
You are able to study for a Post Graduate diploma or Post Graduate certificate. Further details are available from the programme administrator.

How long will it take to achieve the Masters?
The flexible programme allows you to take anything from two to six years to complete your studies.

How do programmes differ from those offered by the College of Estate Management?
The Department of Real Estate & Planning at the University of Reading is one of the leading real estate departments in Europe. We are consistently in the top three in all major league tables and the Department was awarded the top rating - five - in the last Research Assessment Exercise. All our programmes are delivered by academic staff from the Department, complemented by relevant industry professionals. The College of Estate Management is not a degree awarding body although some of its courses are validated by the University. The College delivers its courses via distance learning.