We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in the Built Environment.
Read the course details below to find out more.
Build your future and help shape your city by studying Real Estate at Ulster and become a confident and forward thinking professional.
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 the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
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.
Diploma in Professional Practice DPP
Diploma in Professional Practice International DPPI
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.
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.
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:
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, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses 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. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. 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 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 assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
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, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. 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. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
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 Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) 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 and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - 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 from the academic year 2022-2023.
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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.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is designed to develop the student's understanding of the real estate, planning process and architectural design through the creation of a domestic development project. Students will be given the opportunity to think creatively and develop presentation skills through the production of feasibility and planning packages. The module embraces a broad range of factors that need to be incorporated into the design while accommodating client and end-user needs, and planning policy and context. Students will use digital technologies to record and share a presentation of their design proposals and then produce a final package of the design drawings and supporting planning report.
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.
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.
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 that may be applied to simple valuation problems and how each approach would be used in practice.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module highlights how low rise domestic buildings are constructed, the key component elements and the terminology used to describe them. It enables students to understand the common defects in residential buildings and how to identify these in building inspections. Furthermore, it provides students with a better understanding of the process of remediation to ensure that the defects do not materially affect human health, habitation or property value.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides students with the basis and knowledge for understanding real estate in its economic and investment context. It introduces students to the micro- and macroeconomic dynamics which contribute to understanding real estate asset and investment pricing decisions.
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.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module 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.
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.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module develops students awareness of urban regeneration and land development including the concepts of land valuation, land assembly, partnership arrangements, the planning and site context, market research and the overall feasibility of a real life project. It helps students to understand the practical steps taken in developing regeneration sites and the wider implications that these sites have in overcoming complex issues such as unemployment, deprivation or health inequalities etc. Overall students should gain a deeper knowledge of how to approach the redevelopment of brownfield land and the factors linked to its success.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module develops a range of the professional skills of chartered surveyor working in the real estate industry. The professional body (RICS) places a considerable emphasis on the need for professionalism, professional conduct and legal awareness to be demonstrated by all members. This module provides the student with the knowledge and skills to enable them to self-appraise and become professionally self-aware in developing their career path to become a professional real estate practitioner. Furthermore, the practices of building measurement, along with the procedures for recording, calculating and presentation of measured data are developed which will equip the student with the skills required in a practice based environment. The module also provides learners with practical insights into the different technology and the digitisation of real estate marketing and the wider regulatory framework within which a real estate practitioner resides.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides an introduction to valuation and financial appraisal and reporting. The module introduces students to basic financial statements and the principles and concepts underpinning corporate financial reporting. It introduces students to the use of contemporary investment based approaches to property valuation, including use of DCF and IRR based yields.
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: 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.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module equips students with the knowledge of the modern techniques applied to income flows, valuation and investment appraisal in the real estate industry, including the ability to apply cash flow techniques and display strong analytical skills to practical industry scenarios. Students should appreciate the various technical and analytical approaches involved in the appraisal and analysis of major capital investments from the basic investment strategy deployed through to the complex cash flow models and funding to critically evaluate the investment performance of property assets.
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.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module is designed to provide a practice-based understanding of sustainable regeneration and real estate development and to enhance student awareness of the innovative finance. 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 of the future drivers of the industry to the potential of regeneration and its role in delivering a sustainable, resilient built environment.
Year: 4
Status: C
The module provides students with the necessary knowledge of market dynamics in developed and emerging investment markets. The module will enable students to develop a sound knowledge of workings of the global market in terms of the participants in the market, the type of asset in which they invest, and the rationale behind their investment strategy for real estate investment practices.
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 research project 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.
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.
In this section
BBC. All subject areas considered.
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DDD
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DMM
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade B
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Diploma (2016 Suite)
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Introductory Diploma (2012 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Certificate (2016 Suite)
Award profile of M plus A Level Grades BB
112 UCAS Tariff Points to include a minimum of of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades BBCCC. All subject areas considered.
Grades CCD. All subject areas considered.
Overall profile of minimum 25 points (including 12 at higher level). Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics is also required in overall profile.
Overall profile of 63% to include 63% in each of the level 3 modules (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course).
Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merits (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course)
Applicants who do not have GCSE Maths grade C/4 must also achieve a Pass in NICATS Maths level 2.
To include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma.
For full-time study, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).
Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication will be accepted as equivalent to GCSE English.
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 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.
HNC
Pass HNC with overall Distinction to include 75 level 4 credits at Distinction for year one entry.
HND Year 1
Pass HND in a Land Administration or Estate Management subject area. GCSE Maths Grade C/4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND Year 2
Pass HND in a Land Administration or Estate Management subject area with overall Merit to include 45 level 5 credits at Distinction.
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.
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.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
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:
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.
Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership.
Undergraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
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. The current prize sponsors include CBRE, Cushman and Wakefield, e.surv, Knight Frank, Lambert Smith Hampton, McAleer and Rushe, Osborne King, Savills, Simon Brien and TDK.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. 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 Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
‘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 CBRE NI, 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, Partner 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
Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.
At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.
We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.
Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.
