Course Overview
Course summary
Buying and renting property for professional or personal purposes is one of the most important – and expensive – decisions for a business or individual to make. Real estate offers a dynamic and exciting career requiring a skillset combining economic, interpersonal, management, planning, public policy and sales expertise.
Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), our degree covers all aspects of real estate, including buying and selling, valuing, developing, planning, managing and investing in various property markets – commercial, industrial and residential.
Our professionally oriented course has been designed with input from major employers, capitalising on our excellent industry contacts, which include Barrett Homes, Savills and British Land. With the headquarters of many major property firms close by, our central London location enables us to invite a wide range of professionals to give guest lectures and regularly contribute to the course. They provide work placements, content for coursework and help with assessment, providing a valuable practitioner perspective.
We arrange various site visits, so you can experience real-life estate strategies and see developments from construction through to completion. In the past, for example, students visited Lendlease’s nearby Elephant Park development, part of a £2.3 billion regeneration programme on 28 acres of land in the centre of Elephant and Castle. There are also optional international field trips, which have previously included visits to Brookfield Properties and Cushman and Wakefield in New York, as well as Savills in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
The course will allow you to complete the academic requirements of membership status of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. There are opportunities to enhance your CV by attending our Employer evenings.
Additionally, the course also offers practical experience opportunities, with the option to spend a year in industry between your second and third year of study. Alternatively, you'll have the chance to explore international perspectives through a year abroad, providing you with valuable real-world experience.
Recent graduates have found work within large and small property companies, local authorities, developers, health trusts, investment firms, landed estates and many other property-related areas.
Top reasons to study with us
- The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Excellent industry links with property firms and construction companies, including Lendlease, Knight Frank, Chase and Partners, RICS and Falcon Chambers
- Street walks taking in Marylebone, Euston and Fitzrovia, and street talks incorporating King's Cross redevelopment, Baker Street and Mayfair
- Central London location enables us to invite directors of leading property firms to deliver guest lectures, previously from NEC Contracts, Mendex, Luton Borough Council, HTA Consultants and BREEAM
- Put theory into practice on a year-long work placement or gain international experience studying abroad
- Opportunities for internships. For example, one student previously worked at Barratt Homes
- Contractors, developers, professional consultancies, client organisations, central government and local authorities all employ our graduates
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
In the first year, we'll introduce you to theories, concepts and practices surrounding the development, ownership and management of real estate assets.
Right from the start, we'll introduce real-world projects and case studies, also visiting construction sites, which in the past have included Marble Arch Place, the exciting new development that includes a spectacular 18-storey, 54-apartment residential building overlooking Hyde Park, Mayfair.
Subjects of study include:
- Introduction to Building Technology
- Introduction to Government and Law
- Introduction to Planning and Sustainability
- Introduction to Property
- Introduction to Property Economics and Property Accounting
Credit Level 4
As the course develops, we consider what knowledge of valuation techniques and procedures is enhanced and widened to include more detailed consideration of when particular methods and techniques should be applied. A greater understanding and linkage with RICS Guidance Notes and Practice Statements is made. The Landlord and Tenant perspective relevant to commercial property valuation is developed and key aspects considered in detail. Valuation techniques and approaches are explored in more detail, together with the risks inherent.
Subjects of study include:
- Commercial Practice
- Planning Practice
- Property Business
- Residential Practice
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6), you may choose to undertake either a professional placement year in the UK or an international experience year.
Professional Experience
You’ll have the option to take a placement year in industry. During the year, you’ll identify goals to work towards achieving whilst on placement; carry out research to develop awareness of the sector you are working in and gain the commercial skills required within the contemporary business environment.
International Experience
Alternatively, you may choose to undertake an international experience year at one of our partner overseas institutions. During the year, you’ll study and reside in the country of a host institution. The content of your study is agreed through a Learning Agreement between you, the home institution and Westminster Business School.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Among other topics in the final year, we consider the property and planning law and practice of countries other than the UK. You'll analyse European legal systems and case studies illustrating international planning processes and procedures, including Lendlease's Elephant Park and Lendlease’s developments in Asia. We also look at some of the current issues and challenges for professional practice, such as The RICS APC pathway.
Your studies culminate with the Development Project, in which you source a development opportunity and carry out valuations of all types of property.
Subjects of study include:
- Development Project
- Global Practice
- Professional Practice
- Property Management
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
The Real Estate BSc is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property, infrastructure and construction. Successful completion fulfils the academic requirements to become a professional member with the designation MRICS after gaining experience in the workplace and passing the Assessment of Professional Competence after graduating.
The University of Westminster is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) as a partnership university.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
Real estate is a dynamic, sociable and high-earning profession. It encompasses most areas of commercial (industrial, office and retail) and residential property. This course gives a thorough understanding of all aspects of real estate, designed to prepare you for employment as surveyors and property advisors.
Transferable skills and competencies are embedded and developed throughout the course. For example, a professional standard of presentation is required for all coursework, which must meet high standards of written English. Projects and studies based on real-world cases help students learn how to solve problems and act with realistic constraints on time, information and resources.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Gain your Duke of Edinburgh award
Undergraduate students within the School of Applied Management can undertake their Duke of Edinburgh award.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Industry links
Our course was designed with input from a range of industry professionals and, to retain currency and relevance, we receive ongoing feedback from the School’s Employability Advisory Board. Current members include practitioner representatives from the multinational construction, property and infrastructure company Lendlease, commercial property experts Chase and Partners, and CABE.
We are proud of our excellent industry links with a host of property companies and key professional bodies, including RICS, CIOB and CABE. They enable us to host an annual Property and Construction Careers Fair that is immensely popular with our students.
The careers fair provides a unique opportunity to meet with leading employers in the property and construction sector, learn first-hand about their organisations, secure work experience, or receive guidance from a panel of speakers on the graduate scheme application process for some of the larger employers.
In 2019 the fair attracted 40 employers, including:
- Barratt Developments
- Bouygues
- Carter Jonas and Grainger
- CBRE
- JLL
- Mace
- Savills
- UK
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles and employment areas such as:
- Property advisor
- Customer services manager
- Estate agent
- Property broker
- Property manager
- Site surveyor
- Property valuer
- Property development
- Property investment
Graduate employers
Our graduates gain employment in a variety of property-related areas, including large and small property advisors, chartered surveyors, property companies, local authorities, housing associations, developers, health trusts, investment firms, and landed estates.
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- Savills
- Cushman and Wakefield
- The British Land Company
- Montagu Evans
- Countryside Properties
- Chase and Partners
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Nicholas Vosper
Senior Lecturer
Nicholas joined the University in 2016, having worked as a professional building surveyor and building control surveyor in the property and construction industry for 22 years.
He holds a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying, an HNC in Construction Management, an Electrical Commissioning Engineer and Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Nicholas teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the areas of construction technology, building services, sustainability and surveying. He helps to organise the Construction and Property Careers Fair and speed interviewing events, select students for the Women in Property awards, and also oversees the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Our annual Construction and Property Careers Fair is a fabulous employability opportunity for students to interact and network with companies. It gives them an insight into how the industry operates and how graduates are recruited.
Course Team
Meet Senior Lecturer Krystal-Kay Dyer
Have you ever wondered what our lecturers did before joining the University of Westminster? What their first job was or what inspired them to teach? What music they listen to, and what shows they enjoy?
In this video series, we chat to various colleagues from across the University and ask them questions about their interests, their passions, and Westminster. In this episode, we chat to Krystal-Kay Dyer, Senior Lecturer in Property and Construction at Westminster Business School.
Why study this course?
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies, projects, field trips and insight from practitioners.
Learn from practitioners
Expert faculty will share their professional experiences of working as building surveyors in the property and construction industry.
Fantastic location
Our central London location means you'll be close to many of the major property firms.
Entry Requirements
- A levels – BCC (104 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 104 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D
- Access – 104 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
- International Baccalaureate – 104 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
What our students say
Rafael Jacobs
Real Estate BSc (Hons) - 2015
Graduate Surveyor | Lee Baron Group Ltd
Studying at Westminster was aided by the facilities on offer and the Faculty. The balance of academic staff and professional staff – individuals with actual experience of the industry – was key, providing an academic basis mixed with real-life experiences and examples. The excellent library and IT systems provided by the University are also of great benefit.
Amy Garcia
Real Estate BSc Honours
The University of Westminster was the best university in London that provided a course in Real Estate. I like how realistic our modules are in relation to the type of work we will do in the industry once we graduate, it gives us the ability to easily transfer skills and good preparation for the workplace. Our lecturers are very supportive and help us with any questions/problems related to the lecture or coursework.
Learn new skills
Develop key skill-sets
Develop the time management, dispute resolution, communication and ethical skills needed in property.
Improve your problem-solving skills
Improve your lateral thinking and problem-solving skills to better understand and tackle people management issues.
Build critical-thinking skills
Learn to critically evaluate the strategies that managers use to help organisations adapt in an uncertain or complex environment.
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
If you choose to take part in our field trips, the costs can vary depending on the trip, and will range:
- from about £50 to £500 in Year 1 (Level 4)
- from about £50 to £900 in Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6)
See what else you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
If you choose to take part in our field trips, the costs can vary depending on the trip, and will range:
- from about £50 to £500 in Year 1 (Level 4)
- from about £50 to £900 in Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6)
See what else you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Student work
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to visit real sites, so you can directly relate the classroom topic to actual buildings and sites. It helps you make the important connection between the intention and the reality. For example, we might pose the question: How do you plan, prepare then construct residential and commercial buildings and conduct realistic property valuations. Within the classroom you will conduct research and explore the various methods and tactics used in the Real Estate industry.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million-pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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