BSc(Hons) Real Estate and Development

This module will introduce the evolution, principles and practices of domestic building construction. Indicative topics are likely to include sites, soils and foundations, load-bearing walls, framed buildings, partitions, floors, roofs, coverings and internal and external finishes. You'll explore how site and design conditions influence construction choices, alongside domestic services such as electricity, drainage, rainwater management, heating, hot water, water supply and gas. Environmentally responsible design and low-carbon construction will remain consistent themes while you develop structural understanding and communicate ideas graphically and in writing.

In this module, you'll explore the principles, challenges and practical responses involved in creating healthy, sustainable neighbourhoods. You'll examine connections between people, place and environmental systems, with attention to climate change, health inequalities, resource pressures and sustainable development. Using policy, academic literature, spatial data, case studies, fieldwork and digital analysis, you'll investigate how population dynamics and urban form influence wellbeing. You'll learn to appraise places as complex systems, evaluate planning and design responses, recognise trade-offs and use evidence to support healthier, more resilient and sustainable communities.

This module will introduce legal, economic and management principles relevant to the built environment. You'll develop an understanding of the frameworks within which property and construction activities take place, considering how legal responsibilities, economic influences and management decisions affect professional practice. Through applied examples, you'll learn to interpret information, recognise the interests of different parties and make reasoned judgements about practical situations. The module will strengthen your analytical, communication and decision-making skills while providing a foundation for later study of contracts, organisations, markets and project delivery.

This module will introduce the principles and methods used to value property across different sectors of the market. Topics are likely to include, but will not be limited to, the purposes of valuation, the role of economics in appraisal and an overview of the five valuation methods. You'll explore the RICS code of measuring practice and zoning, comparative and investment approaches, discounting theory, discounted cash flow, term and reversion valuations, rental adjustments and internal rates of return. Through these areas, you'll build a foundation in traditional and contemporary real estate valuation.

This module will develop your ability to assess the financial viability of property development. You'll learn how to identify and appraise potential sites, calculate development costs and evaluate market risk to support decisions by developers and investors. Spreadsheet tools will help you undertake rigorous land valuations and development appraisals. Topics are likely to include risk and reward, sensitivity and variability analysis, property and market intelligence, planning policy and development management. You'll also consider planning conditions, obligations, infrastructure levies and other financial instruments affecting implementation.

This module will help you develop the professional, academic and reflective skills needed to succeed within the built environment sector. You'll engage with employers, professional bodies and university support services while exploring career opportunities and future directions in a rapidly evolving and increasingly digital industry. Topics may include professional ethics, career planning, job applications, business and data skills, critical writing, literature reviews and the use of feedback. By reflecting on your development, you'll strengthen your professional identity and prepare for future employment or placement opportunities.

This module will develop your understanding of investment valuation techniques used in property practice. You'll build on existing knowledge while critically examining traditional and emerging approaches to valuation. Topics may include term and reversion, hardcore and top slice, discounted cash flow, yield analysis, over-rented properties, marriage value and lease-related valuations. Through applying these techniques to investment scenarios, you'll learn how valuation methods support professional decision-making and gain a deeper understanding of the assumptions, limitations and practical application of contemporary valuation practice.

This module will develop your ability to evaluate existing buildings from the perspective of professional surveying practice. You'll investigate building defects, construction technologies and approaches to adaptation, refurbishment and extension. Topics may include structural movement, dampness, services defects, fire risks, hazardous materials, energy efficiency and health and safety considerations. Through examining the condition and performance of buildings, you'll learn how defects and risks can influence value, future use and management decisions, helping you make informed recommendations in professional contexts.

This module will extend your understanding of economics by applying key concepts to more complex real estate market scenarios. You'll examine the roles of occupiers, investors, landowners and developers across the public and private sectors, considering how they interact with government policy, regulation and changing market conditions. Using professional data sources and quantitative software, you'll develop skills in market analysis and evidence-based reasoning. This will help you interpret market information critically and communicate balanced findings that can inform effective business decisions.

This module will develop your ability to work collaboratively across built environment disciplines. Taking on a professional role within a development project, you'll consider financial, socio-economic, political, environmental, legal and technical factors at different stages of the process. Topics are likely to include procurement, contracts, planning, building regulations, health and safety, development appraisal, finance and asset management. You'll explore team roles, barriers and enablers to collaboration, stakeholder and community engagement, professionalism and ethical responsibility while strengthening communication, teamwork and informed decision-making.

This module will support you to complete an independent dissertation on an agreed topic relevant to your programme. You'll define a focused question, critically review appropriate literature and select methods suited to your enquiry. With academic supervision, you'll manage an extended research process, address ethical considerations, analyse evidence and develop a coherent argument. The dissertation will strengthen your independence, critical judgement, project management and written communication while allowing you to investigate a subject in depth and demonstrate how your findings contribute to academic or professional understanding.

This module will develop your understanding of property valuation and the professional reasoning that underpins valuation advice. You'll examine the principles, methods and evidence used to estimate value in different property contexts, considering the influence of markets, income, risk and property characteristics. Through applied analysis, you'll learn to select and use appropriate approaches, interpret comparable and financial information, and explain assumptions and limitations. The module will strengthen your numerical skills, market awareness and professional judgement when communicating well-supported valuation conclusions.

This module will explore property management and investment from both UK and international perspectives. You'll examine how property functions as an asset and investment, and investigate the role of management in business, society and corporate strategy. Topics will include stakeholder perspectives, international property practices, investment appraisal techniques, sources of debt and equity finance, discounted cash flow analysis and property performance indices. You'll also consider contemporary investment mechanisms and market trends. By the end of the module, you'll be able to evaluate property investment decisions and compare management approaches across different global contexts.

This module will explore the legal, professional and technological dimensions of property transactions. You'll examine agency, leasing, rent review, lease termination, property management and regulatory compliance within residential and commercial contexts. Alongside these foundations, you'll investigate the growing influence of PropTech, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, virtual viewings, smart contracts and data analytics. The module will also consider cybersecurity, data protection and ethical issues associated with digital transactions. Through applied analysis and industry-relevant case studies, you'll develop the skills needed to evaluate innovation and professional practice within modern property markets.