Real Estate Management & Investment MSc



Gain the knowledge, skills and professional recognition needed for a successful career in global real estate on this RICS-accredited course

Course overview

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

This degree will allow you to gain knowledge of the wide range of principles that underpin property investment assets and the skills to apply these effectively such as: Building Economics, Property Law, Real Estate Valuation, Property Asset Management, Property Investment Analysis, and the principles of Sustainable Urban Property Development. You will complete the course with a Masters Dissertation on a relevant topic.

Real estate plays a key role in business and investment and there is a need to maximise both the return from and productivity of real estate assets. This requires professional expertise. There are hundreds of billions of pounds invested in UK commercial property stock, around half of this held as investment assets. These assets all require on-going strategic and active management including appraisal, acquisition and disposal.

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

Graduate prospects are good and recent graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as: Savills, Shepherd Surveyors, Graham and Sibbald, Cushman and Wakefield, Aberdeen Group, Valuation Office Agency and Lothian Valuation Joint Board.

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

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Mode of Study:

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

Duration:

1 year

Start date:

SepJan

Course details

You will study six taught modules. A standard module is worth 20 credits and equivalent to 200 hours of learning.

You will also undertake personal research and complete a dissertation to gain 60 credits towards your masters degree.

You will undertake three taught modules in each of Trimesters 1 and 2 and complete your dissertation in Trimester 3.

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    How you’ll be taught

    The core material is delivered through lectures and tutorials taught by professionally qualified academic staff and industrial specialists. Independent study is required for each of the modules. Lectures present concepts, theory, techniques and background information.

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

    You can choose to start in either January or September.

    Duration:

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

    You will generally attend the university two days a week.

    Term dates

    This course can also be studied Part-time and by Distance-learning.

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    Assessments

    Assessments are by a mixture of coursework, projects and exams. This can consist of a variety of tasks including report writing, essays, research briefs and posters.

    Detailed assessment strategies for each module can be found in the module catalogue.
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    Work placement

     Whilst there is no credit-bearing work placement, most students take up the opportunities offered by industry to engage in insight weeks and summer internships/placements. We have an excellent Employability & Careers Service that can assist with the application processes and to develop your CV.
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    Facilities

    Teaching takes place at the Merchiston campus of Edinburgh Napier University. This is situated at the heart of the beautiful city of Edinburgh, giving you easy access to one of the most desirable cities in the world.

    The campus is a modern and vibrant facility with state of the art teaching and student support resources, including computer labs that are open 24 hours.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Building Economics ( BSV11111 )

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

Further information

Dissertation ( BSV11120 )

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

Further information

Law and Administration: Property and Construction ( BSV11106 )

To enable students acquire basic knowledge and skill set on law and administration as it relates to property and construction. Much of these will be through teaching exposure to Introduction to law and legal concepts; jurisdiction; The principles of contract law and law of negligence; Principles of property law and the law of leases; Health and safety law and CDM Regulations; Methods of dispute resolution, including arbitration and international commercial arbitration; Forms of contract used in the construction and property maintenance sectors; Choice of procurement strategy and selection of appropriate contract types; digitalisation of law administration in construction and property sectors; and sustainability in planning and development. These will be achieved through lectures spread over a 10 week period punctuated regularly with formative assessment in the form of group discussions and tutorial sessions that will involve performing some learning tasks in the class. Summative assessment will be in the form of a report writing (LO1 and LO2) to be competed at the 7th week of the trimester and an oral presentation (LO3 and LO4) at the 11th week of the trimester.

Further information

Property Asset Management ( BSV11109 )

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

Further information

Property Investment Analysis ( BSV11108 )

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

Further information

Real Estate Valuation ( BSV11141 )

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

Further information

Sustainable Urban Property Development ( BSV11125 )

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

Further information

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

ACCREDITED BY

Meet your Programme Leader and Teaching Team

Throughout your studies, you'll learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders who bring valuable expertise, insight and real-world perspectives to your learning experience. Most of the staff teaching on the course are Chartered Surveyors, Lawyers and other property professionals with extensive experience as practitioners.

Programme Leader: Andrew Smith.

Built Environment Exchange

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

Disclaimer

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

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

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

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

We may consider applicants with a lower degree classification if they have sufficient relevant work experience in the property / real estate industry. There may also be an additional essay requirement if applicants apply with less than a 2:2 Honours degree and this would be confirmed on submission of the application to the Admissions Team.

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

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

Tuition fees
Students from 2026/27 2027/28
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,030 tba
Overseas and EU £22,290 tba

Tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding links above.

The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online degrees. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here.

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

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

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

Please read our full T&C here

Careers & employability

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

In Real Estate Management & Investment there are opportunities to work across the world, particularly within the multinational practices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What does a Real Estate Manager do?

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

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

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

Student beside savilles sign holding a book open in her hands