Real Estate, MA

In this section
Real Estate, MA

Introduction

Real Estate at Aberdeen examines real estate markets from the perspectives of economics, investment and business, at Scotland's top centre - second in the UK - for real estate research. Professionally accredited programmes prepare you for a career in surveying, with a focus on commercial real estate, investment, management, valuation and development

Study Information

At a Glance

Learning Mode
On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification
MA
Duration
48 months
Study Mode
Full Time
Start Month
September
UCAS Code
K437
Pathway Programme Available
Undergraduate Foundation Programme

Studying Real Estate at Aberdeen provides you with a deep understanding of how real estate markets operate, throughout the UK and internationally.

You will visit sites and companies in Scotland and enjoy a fieldtrip to London as an integral part of your studies. As part of the Business School, we focus on understanding real estate from a finance and investment perspective together with the role of real estate in business generally.

We are concerned with how to create value in property and manage it responsibly. Real estate forms nearly 70% of the global asset wealth and is responsible for 40% of global energy use and so is important to everyone. You will be taught by internationally recognised researchers, working on current challenges in property markets, and by experts in professional practice. The University of Aberdeen has been ranked 3rd in the UK, 4th in Europe and 19th in the world for its real estate research (EduRank 2024)

Besides your real estate courses, you have the opportunity at Aberdeen to study a wide variety of optional subjects which lets you develop your own personal interests. You can also have the opportunity to Study Abroad in your second year.

What You'll Study

Real Estate at Aberdeen offers a range of courses that will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to pursue a variety of careers in related fields. Some of the topics you will study throughout the programme include the principles of investment and finance, Land and Property Economics, Property Valuation, Land and Property Law, Applied Valuation, Real Estate Portfolio Investment and Research Methods for Business.

Year 1

Compulsory Courses

Academic Writing for Business (AW1003)

This compulsory evaluation is designed to find out if your academic writing is of a sufficient standard to enable you to succeed at university and, if you need it, to provide support to improve. It is completed on-line via MyAberdeen with clear instructions to guide you through it. If you pass the evaluation at the first assessment it will not take much of your time. If you do not, you will be provided with resources to help you improve. This evaluation does not carry credits but if you do not complete it this will be recorded on your degree transcript.

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students and articulating students who are in their first year at the University, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.

Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.

The Economics of Business and Society (EC1006)

15 Credit Points

This course is an introductory course in microeconomics where we study the decision making of individual actors (consumers, employees, firms, governments, etc.) in an economy. Actors must make decisions about behaviours because they face scarce resources, but often they find that trading with other actors in markets can increase the wellbeing of all parties. This course models and examines the nature of these interactions, highlighting when they work well and when they fail to increase wellbeing and what might be the solution to these failures.

Finance, Risk and Investment (PO1002)

15 Credit Points

This foundation course in finance, risk and investment is the requisite for several degree programmes and for level 2 real estate and finance courses. The module considers the nature and operation of investment markets, focusing on three asset classes; shares, bonds and real estate. It looks at the characteristics of these investment options in terms of their risks and returns. The module introduces basic financial mathematics: time value of money, calculation of present values and investment rates of return. Finally, it considers the role of financial institutions and regulatory bodies in personal finance, where consumers and financial markets interact.

The Global Economy (EC1506)

15 Credit Points

This course is an introductory course in macroeconomics where we study the behaviour of the economy as a whole. Whereas microeconomics focuses on individual markets, macroeconomics addresses the “big issues” such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and financial crises. Macroeconomics is a lively subject, full of discussion and debate, as economists and policymakers take different views on macroeconomic issues, their causes and appropriate policy responses. Issues such as: Is the economy growing? What causes unemployment and how can we reduce it? How can we avoid recessions? When is inflation a problem? Are banks lending too much?

Understanding Property (PO1504)

15 Credit Points

This course introduces students to the world of the built environment, professional surveying practice and the construction industry. The first section of the course discusses the different types and characteristics of property in the UK and the different legal interests that can exist in property, why people invest in property and why and how property is developed; the second section focuses on the design and construction of buildings, the identification of defects as well their impact on the environment and relevant sustainability issues.

Optional Courses

Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 2

Compulsory Courses

Land and Property Law (PO2010)

15 Credit Points

This course considers the different legal relationships which can exist in Scotland with regard to rights in land and to outline the implications of these relationships.

This course is intended to enable participants:

  • To understand the place of land tenure in society.
  • To explain the concept of ownership and its implications in Scotland.
  • To describe the principal forms of subordinate right that can be carved out of land ownership in Scotland.
  • To identify and explain the principal restrictions on land ownership in Scotland, including planning law and land reform
Land and Property Economics (PO2009)

15 Credit Points

The course will facilitate greater understanding of real estate and land markets and of the linkages between supply, demand and price. It will provide explanations of market behaviour and discuss activity patterns and outcomes with reference to specific property markets. Students will gain an understanding of the institutions that govern land use and real estate transactions and will develop skills to identify and interpret property market data in order to analyze market sectors and property types. Students will also make critical economic assessments of land use and planning policy and the methods of policy delivery.

Understanding Statistics (PO2508)

15 Credit Points

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of statistical concepts and methods relevant to accounting, management, finance, real estate and economics. The course is intended to enable students

i) To understand the principles of descriptive statistics, index construction, statistical inference, correlation, regression and time series analysis

ii) To apply statistical techniques to the analysis of accounting, business and economic issues and interpret findings

iii) To identify important sources of data in accounting, business and economics

Principles of Property Valuation (PO2509)

15 Credit Points

This course deals with the detail of why property requires to be valued and how the valuation process operates in the UK by way of the implementation of the RICS “Red Book”. The five property valuation methods are discussed via a series of lectures supplemented by tutorials/workshops in which valuation problem-solving tasks are discussed, with a focus on the investment method and the critique of traditional approaches. Practical valuation exercises are undertaken, which include the inspection and measurement of property and the analysis of comparable evidence.

Optional Courses

Select a further 60 credit points from courses of choice.

Year 3

Compulsory Courses

Applied Valuation (PO3006)

30 Credit Points

This course applies the principles of valuation taught at level 2 to more complex real world examples. Topics covered include rent reviews, compulsory purchase, property investment, property development and national and local taxation. Numeracy and analytical skills are further developed along with expertise in the use of Excel. In addition, the course also covers professional surveying practice, including ethics, and stimulates students to consider their career path by requiring students to prepare a CV and prepare for a mock interview.

Real Estate Development & International Investment (PO3513)

30 Credit Points

The course covers two key aspects of real estate, namely development and international investment. While development is an intrinsically local activity, the drivers of demand to occupy and invest in real estate are increasingly global. Thus, the course first deals with the process of development and then provides the context of globalisation of economies and real estate markets, which underlies the demand for real estate occupation and investment. The course involves a UK field trip.

Optional Courses

Select 60 credit points from level 3 courses of choice to gain a total of 120 credits, including at least 30 credits from Business School courses (AC, EC, FI, IN, MS or PO)

Year 4

Compulsory Courses

Responsible Real Estate Asset Management (PO4009)

30 Credit Points

This course takes an experiential learning approach to develop knowledge and experience gained in previous real estate courses. The course is structured primarily around workshops, in which students will critically evaluate typical problems encountered when managing a real estate portfolio and make decisions which will feed forward into their portfolio. Managing responsibly – considering the social, environmental and economic impact of your actions - is at the heart of this course.

Real Estate Portfolio Investment (PO4510)

30 Credit Points

The course introduces students to concepts of portfolio management and recent developments regarding real estate investment vehicles. The course takes a financial economics viewpoint and places real estate investments within this context. The course covers such important aspects as securitization of initially illiquid real estate assets, the management of building portfolios and the use of index swap contracts for risk management purposes. The course discusses also real option theory and applies it to land development and the pricing of lease contracts.

Real Estate Dissertation (PO4506)

30 Credit Points

The dissertation can be a rewarding, interesting and challenging exercise, with a process that differs from taught courses. With self-directed study, you are introduced to the process of independent research starting with finding a topic that is both academically interesting and can be covered in the given time frame. In addition to utilising skills acquired during previous years of study, it is an opportunity to develop new skills useful for future employment, such as writing reports. Your dissertation will be judged on evidence of competence in independent research. The greater the degree of competence, the higher the mark awarded.

We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

How You'll Study

Courses usually involved two or three lectures and one small group tutorial//seminar per week. Students will also be required to undertake project work. Practical courses include field trips, project and computer modelling. All courses are assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination.

Learning Methods

  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:

  • Coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course.
  • Practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course.
  • Written examinations at the end of each course.

The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.

Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.

Why Study Real Estate?

  • The University of Aberdeen was ranked 12th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2025 and 15th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
  • Professional training facilities including the Bloomberg finance lab, used by major financial services companies across the world and integrating real activity in financial markets directly into our students’ courses
  • Third year students have the opportunity to visit London to meet with Industry experts and learn from some of the world’s leading Real Estate companies.
  • The spectacular, award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, a top-class study environment with state-of-the-art technology and a first-class collection of reference works in business and management.
  • A packed campus programme of student, public and business events, seminars, invited speakers and the annual May Festival which welcomes internationally acclaimed public figures, business leaders, authors and broadcasters to discuss and debate critical issues and challenges in the world today.  
  • With a community of over 130 nationalities at the University of Aberdeen, students are immersed in an environment that enables international discourse creating truly global exchanges, generating deep insights that spark innovative change.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme.

View the Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.


General Entry Requirements

2024 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: AABB

Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBB

Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.

Adjusted: BB

Applicants who achieve BB over S4 and S5 and who meet one of the widening access criteria are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBB

Minimum: BBC

Adjusted: CCC

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Entry from College

Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

2025 Entry

SQA Highers

Standard: BBBB

Applicants who have achieved BBBB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.

Minimum: BBC

Applicants who have achieved BBC at Higher and meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an unconditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees. 

Adjusted: BB

Applicants who have achieved BB at Higher, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria above are encouraged to apply and are guaranteed an adjusted conditional offer for MA, BSc and BEng degrees.

We would expect to issue a conditional offer asking for one additional C grade at Higher. 

Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

A LEVELS

Standard: BBC

Minimum: BCC

Adjusted: CCC

More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.

International Baccalaureate

32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL.

Irish Leaving Certificate

5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3.

Entry from College

Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.

The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Arts and Social Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.


English Language Requirements

To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:

IELTS Academic:

OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0

TOEFL iBT:

OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21

PTE Academic:

OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59

Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:

OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Read more about specific English Language requirements here.

International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements

The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.

Fees and Funding

You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.

Fee information
Fee category Cost
RUK £9,535
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
EU / International students £20,800
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year
Self-funded international students commencing eligible undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £6,000 tuition waiver for every year of their programme - See full terms and conditions
Home Students £1,820
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

Additional Fees

  • In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
  • For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.

Scholarships and Funding

UK Scholarship

Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer eligible self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. More about this funding opportunity.

Funding Database

View all funding options in our Funding Database.

Careers

Students graduating in Real Estate from Aberdeen have a wide range of career options in related fields. The insights that you will gain into the property market in the UK and overseas and the valuation and development knowledge that you will acquire will help you meet the requirements of top employers. Previous graduates of this programme have gone on to work with major property consultants, real estate departments of financial institutions, specialist research companies and in property investment.

You will enjoy a wide range of potential employers, including major firms of property consultants, real estate departments of financial institutions, property investment or development companies, specialist research companies, or research departments of large organisations. Companies our students have gone on to work for include Strutt & Parker, Savills, Knight Frank, Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield.

Accreditation

Accreditation and world-wide recognition from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) allows graduates to proceed to the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.

This degree holds accreditation from

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Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024

Our results speak for themselves with 97.9% of graduates from the University of Aberdeen Business School in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024)

Our Experts

For more details on academic experts and those who will be teaching within your programme discipline please visit the People section of the Business School website.

Programme Leader
Selma Mairi Carson

Information About Staff Changes

You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.

World Class Facilities

The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University. The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century. This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.

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Sir Duncan Rice Library

Sir Duncan Rice Library

The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.

Find out more
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Aberdeen City

Aberdeen City

Named Scotland's Safest University City (Unbroken Britain Survey, Provident Financial, 2018) and is in the top 10 in the UK for places to live and work (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2018).

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Affordability

Affordability

Aberdeen has been named the cheapest place for students to rent private accommodation in the UK. In 2024, StuRents reports that the average price of a student private rental property in the Granite City was just over £96 a week.

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Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX

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