Our MSc Real Estate and Planning provides the foundation, knowledge and skills needed to work as a development surveyor or planner. On completion, graduates will be able to work either in the public or private sectors, advising on the complexities of property development to occupiers, investors, developers and planning authorities.
It is designed to build understanding of the complex interactions and uncertainties of the development process. It provides students with the essential knowledge components of economics, valuation, planning, law, and regeneration and sustainability principles. It also develops an appreciation of the skills and tasks inherent in development projects, including community participation, satisfying the statutory planning considerations, undertaking the necessary financial appraisals, and achieving funding to make it happen.
Our students
The programme is suitable for students with an interest in pursuing a career either as a chartered development surveyor or as a planner with a specialism in land and property markets. Such opportunities are available in a range of employers in the private and public sector, including local development and regeneration agencies.
Our graduates will be able to:
- draw on a wide perspective to offer a holistic approach to sustainable development
- be ready and eligible to undertake the Assessment of Professional Competence of both the RICS and RTPI
- demonstrate sophisticated intellectual and research skills proficient for a professional career
- evaluate complex problems and formulate solutions associated with planning and development issues
- appreciate the values, ethics, responsibilities, and rules governing professional membership of the RICS and RTPI, and the need for professional integrity when advising clients and the public
- have a respect for diversity and an appreciation of social inclusion as a goal of planning
- have an awareness of the role that values and attitudes play in managing change in the built environment
- have an interdisciplinary perspective that draws on the range of disciplines that contribute to the programme and within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society.
Course length
The full-time course starts in mid September and lasts one year. The course can also be taken part-time over two years, or online via Independent Distance Learning (IDL).
Accreditation
Heriot-Watt's School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure & Society is a leading education centre for planning and surveyor professionals in the UK.
The MSc has full recognition from the educational requirements of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and has professional accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
