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
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
Entry requirements for individual programmes vary. Please check the details for specific programmes on the University website.
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
Sponsorship information
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Provider information
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS