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Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work as a development surveyor or planner. It has been designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies and upon completion, you 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. During the master’s programme, you’ll build a deep understanding of the complex interactions and uncertainties of the development process, and learn the essential components of economics, valuation, planning, law, and regeneration and sustainability principles. You’ll develop 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.  The career-focused master’s programme will set you up to pursue a career as a chartered development surveyor or planner with a specific focus in land and property markets. Such opportunities are available with a range of employers in the private and public sector, including local development and regeneration agencies. As a graduate you’ll be able to:

  • offer a holistic approach to sustainable development
  • demonstrate sophisticated intellectual and research skills proficient for a professional career
  • evaluate complex problems and formulate solutions associated with planning and development issues
  • 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
Customise your learning You can choose whether to study the programme full time or part time at our Edinburgh campus. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle. The programme begins in September and the course will last 12 months full time or 24 months part time. You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway through choosing one real estate management, investment analysis, or social sustainability course option in semester two. In semester three, you’ll undertake an extensive and specialised investigation through your research dissertation on a topical social science issue. You’ll be required to demonstrate your advanced understanding of the discipline in which the dissertation topic is located through effective formulation of a hypothesis, and the planning and execution of appropriate research to address the problem. You’ll do this effectively within the resources and time available thus increasing your analytical and organisational skills. Accreditation This programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Employability With strong professional links and a focus on up-to-date industry-relevant content, this course equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to quickly and effectively contribute to the success of their working environment. On completion of this course graduates will be able to have a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the property market context and the nature and theory of spatial planning and sustainable development. Graduates can work in a variety of roles in the private and public sectors, both in the UK and abroad or continue research through completion of PhD study.

Modules

Year 1 Mandatory September -Spatial Planning -Urban Economy and Property Markets -Real Estate Appraisal and Finance -Strategic Spatial Vision Project Mandatory January -Real Estate Development -Environmental Planning -Governance, Participation and Community Planning Optional January -Real Estate Management and Sustainability Real Estate Investment Analysis Social Sustainability Mandatory May Research Dissertation (Urban Studies)

Assessment method

You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your dissertation, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme.  There is a focus on developing knowledge and skills relevant to professional practice which is assessed by a combination of individual reports, essays, and projects. The dissertation assesses higher level research skills, critical thinking, and writing capabilities.

Entry requirements

A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in any academic subject provided that it includes evidence of essay writing and a statement of purpose showing interest in Spatial Planning & Real Estate Development. We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details. English language requirements: If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5. If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

Sponsorship information

Future Planner Bursaries: The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) will be offering ten £5,000 RTPI Future Planners bursaries, to a selection of students who choose to enrol on an RTPI fully accredited Planning Masters in Scotland for this coming academic year.

Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development at Heriot-Watt University - UCAS