The Real Estate Master's Programme is a Master of Studies (MSt) course offered by the Department of Land Economy drawing on the multidisciplinary strength of the Department and the University. It is aimed at experienced professionals and those identified as future leaders in the real estate and associated industries and it combines academic rigour with significant industry input. The course aims to equip participants with a broad and deep knowledge of all aspects of the real estate industry, familiarise them with models and theories that help understanding of market behaviour,  and develop insight into a range of long-term themes and strategic issues in the market  while developing a range of research and other skills.

This is a two-year part-time master's course designed for those with several years of professional experience in real estate or associated business, who have attained a leadership role or are seeking to take up a leadership role. The format permits students to continue with their professional career whilst studying. The course will enhance students’ technical skills and develop a range of other skills to enable them to be agents of change in the real estate industry and beyond.

The aims of the course include:

• enabling students to build their knowledge across a range of disciplines around real estate including finance, investment, economics, environmental policy, planning and law;
• enabling students to build on previous study and work experience across real estate and related disciplines;
• equipping students to take leadership positions in the industry and develop their understanding of key skills in management, innovation, strategy, negotiation, partnering and risk management;
• providing opportunities to learn from colleagues from different cultures, work backgrounds and with experience from different countries with different social, economic and legal systems;
• providing students with the skills to manage information and resources effectively and to be able to manage their own research; and
• building a passion for research and strategic thinking.

The programme aims to ensure that students have a solid understanding of the end-to-end processes in real estate investment and finance while promoting innovation in real estate through highlighting some of the trends influencing the industry and the opportunities and risks that this will bring. The course breadth is reflected in the topics it  addresses, from looking at the high-level drivers of capital flows in real estate and changes in the urban environment through to asset management of individual buildings and optimising their performance. 

The course has a number of themes running through it that reflect some of the key trends shaping the industry:

• Interaction between the economy and real estate markets
• Globalisation and its influence on the market
• Risk management and mitigation
• The impact of technological change on real estate
• Sustainable buildings and cities

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course students will have developed a deep understanding of market processes in real estate investment and finance and have developed both their technical and broader skills to equip them to take key leadership roles in real estate and related industries.

These skills include the following:

1. Knowledge and understanding of the real estate industry and the factors likely to shape global real estate markets over the next 20+ years.
    
2. Intellectual skills: the ability to engage with complex issues and assimilate large amounts of information swiftly, to challenge and critically review evidence and evaluate countervailing positions, engage effectively with those with whom they disagree and apply own opinions and judgement in achieving outcomes and formulating  succinct arguments.
    
3. Practical skills: proficiency in techniques and methodologies applicable to the discipline, including data analysis, modelling and IT skills, case evaluation, the convergence of theory and empirical data and advanced critical analysis. The ability to study steadily, plan and implement projects effectively, author reports, and identify and use bibliographic materials.
    
4. Transferable skills: the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to work to deadlines and under pressure; to manage time; to set priorities; to formulate an argument; to work independently and with initiative; critical analysis; to present material convincingly in a seminar or meeting context; skills of analysis and interpretation; self-discipline, self-direction; listening and respect for other views. The ability to develop and present a major piece of work.
    
5. Research and technical skills: the ability to locate, utilise and organise a wide range of materials independently, on paper and electronically. The ability to assess and evaluate such material, to develop and pursue a critique of existing material. The ability to develop, structure and sustain a line of argument. The ethical use of research material.  Statistical/quantitative analysis and appraisal skills.
    
6. Communication skills: the ability to marshal arguments and present them succinctly and lucidly. The ability to effectively criticise the views of others powerfully but fairly. The presentation of written material in a persuasive and coherent manner.  Negotiation and listening skills.
    
7. Interpersonal and team-working skills: the ability to work with others, whether in a leadership or membership role,  towards common goals and to recognise relative strengths and weaknesses within a group. The ability to respect the views of others and to acknowledge deficiencies in one's own argument.

Continuing

The MSt in Real Estate provides a valid route for applying to study a PhD degree. Students wishing to apply for continuation to the PhD would normally be expected to attain a minimum overall course mark of 67 per cent and dissertation mark of 70 per cent. Continuation from the MSt is not automatic and students will need to follow the separate application procedure for the PhD and identify an appropriate supervisor.

Open Days

The University of Cambridge will be hosting its Cambridge Postgraduate Open Day on Friday 1 November 2019. Visit the Events page on the Graduate Admissions website for more details.

Departments

This course is advertised in the following departments: