Teaching
The MSt in Real Estate is a two-year, part-time master's degree course. The programme has a modular structure and is delivered through a combination of distance learning, including online learning through a VLE (Virtual Learning Environment), and attendance at five intensive residential blocks in Cambridge (seven weeks in total) over two years. The first year contains three residential blocks: two of two weeks and one of one week. There are two residential blocks, both one-week long, in the second year. The part-time, modular format permits students to continue their professional careers while studying.
Between the residential sessions, students undertake directed reading and prepare written work for assessment. The residential sessions focus on theoretical concepts and models, practical applications, case studies, and collaborative working.
Each residential block includes a combination of some or all of the following:
Lectures and seminars
Workshops
Guest speakers
Group projects
Presentations
Site visits
Meetings with supervisors and other faculty
Attendance at all of the residential sessions and full and active participation in all elements of the course are compulsory.
| One to one supervision |
Each student will be allocated a supervisor at the start of their first year of study and a dissertation supervisor in the second year of study. Supervisors provide general academic advice to students and subject-specific advice relating to the dissertation. Supervision is a regular and important part of the course and students can expect to receive up to ten hours of one-to-one supervision over the two years. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
Seminars form part of most modules and have largely been included in the lecture hours. In addition to those included in the lecture hours, there are approximately 20 hours of managed discussions, debates, and group exercises or workshops over the two years of the course. |
| Lectures |
There are approximately 160 hours of lectures over the two years of the course. The total number of hours may vary slightly as the course is constantly evolving in order to meet developments in the sector and in response to student and industry feedback. The lectures are largely intended to function as interactive discussions with the lecturer. |
| Practicals |
Practical exercises and group work are, additionally, embedded within the structure of the residential sessions. Students will also take part in a range of field trips as part of their study on the course. |
| Literature Reviews |
Most assignments and the dissertation require literature reviews. |
| Posters and Presentations |
Students present various pieces of work during the residential blocks. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Equal Taught/Research
|
Feedback
Students receive regular summative and formative feedback throughout the course, in a range of formats: formal and informal, individual and group, during face-to-face supervision and through written exchanges with their supervisors and/or the module leaders.
Each student is assigned a first-year supervisor who completes progress reports at the end of each term and provides ongoing support throughout the year. Dissertation supervisors are assigned in the second year; they also complete termly progress reports as well as providing support and regular feedback on written work as needed. Students receive additional feedback on the presentation of their projects and case studies during the residential sessions.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Dissertation of 12,000 words maximum (including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography), to be completed during the second year of the course.
Other
Assessment will be through a range of formats which may include coursework, written and oral examinations, posters, presentations, and projects.