real estate & construction - brookes

Postgraduate MSc degrees from the Department of Real Estate & Construction

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Construction Project Management MSc

Project Management in the Built Environment MSc

Real Estate (Commercial, Residential or International MSc)All programmes are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

2 REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

The Department of Real Estate & Construction has offered highly innovative programmes of study for well over four decades. We produce high calibre graduates with the broad range of skills necessary to succeed at the highest levels in the property and construction industry.

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION AT BROOKES

We have an outstanding reputation for the quality of our teaching and we aim to give students a firm foundation and prepare them for long-lasting and rewarding careers. We offer a range of highly innovative programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, developed in collaboration with industry. We address the dynamic challenges facing the property and construction industry sectors from an interdisciplinary base, giving our graduates a broad perspective. Our staff engage in a continuous stream of cutting-edge research and scholarly activities designed to meet the current and future needs of the property and construction industry.

We have developed strategic partnerships and extensive links with the leading firms in the property and construction industry. Our industry advisory boards comprise senior staff from the leading property and construction firms. We maintain strong partnerships with the professional bodies and our courses are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). We engage leading industry figures of international standing to present regular guest lectures, providing you with cutting edge practical insights.

Many of our students are sponsored by the leading property and construction companies. Our graduates are highly sought after by employers and many hold senior management positions in the leading property and construction firms. The results of a survey published by Property Week in July 2011 indicated that one in five graduates employed in the leading property firms studied in our department. We have one of the largest and most influential alumni networks in the property sector, the Oxford Brookes Real Estate Management Society (OBREMS), which offers student internships, mentoring, prizes, and presents our graduates with highly beneficial networking opportunities.

Our teaching and research activities are developed with an international perspective to reflect the increasingly strong role of property and construction in the global economy. We have developed international links in Europe, North and South America, Russia, Africa, China, and the South East Asia region, which involve student and staff exchanges and visits.

Oxford is an excellent place to study Real Estate and Construction. The mix of historic and modern buildings presents a varied and rich environment for learning through site visits involving both new build and challenging retrofitting work.

This brochure provides you with key information about our taught courses and research activities. For more information, please visit our department website, see our blogs and follow our story on Not Just Hard Hats @ Brookes and Hot Property @ Brookes, contact us or come along to one of our open days.

Professor Joseph H M Tah Head of Department of Real Estate & Construction

Professor Joseph H M Tah

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION 3

CONTENTS

MSc Construction Project Management 4

MSc Project Management in the Built Environment 8

MSc Real Estate (Commercial, Residential or International) 12

Postgraduate research opportunities 16

Example projects 17

Research and knowledge transfer 18

Byrne Group construction site


1. People, Leadership and OrganisationsThis module develops your knowledge and understanding of how behavioural and organisational issues influence project performance and how they can be harnessed to deliver projects effectively.

2. Project Planning, Control and RiskThis module teaches you how to manage built environment projects through the use of advanced planning and control techniques.

3. Process ManagementThe successful delivery of any construction project comprises a number of processes which add value to the project by making the most efficient use of the available resources. These processes link the different project stages from inception to post-completion evaluation to provide efficient supply chain and project management.

Beginning with critical evaluation of the project life cycle, the module explores a number of alternative procurement methods, whilst placing significant emphasis on supply chain collaboration and integration.

4. Advanced Construction Technology and BIMThe current challenge for The UK construction industry is to find innovative solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the emergent technology that is becoming the fundamental vehicle in driving and delivering these innovations. This module explores both advanced construction technologies and innovations and the use of BIM in managing and organising construction project information.

MSc CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT (CPM)

Accredited by both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) our MSc in Construction Project Management (CPM) is designed for the cognate student wishing to develop their careers as Construction Managers. By holding an accredited degree, graduates of the course are able to progress towards full chartered status of both RICS and CIOB.

Course objectives

To meet the challenging demands of the modern learner and the rapidly evolving needs of the construction industry, the MSc in Construction Project Management through its intelligent use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is designed to deliver a flexible and innovative programme of study.

Through collaboration with governing bodies, advisers from industry, and use of specialist guest lecturers, the academic content of the course is continuously reviewed to maintain its relevance to industry.

Course structure

As well as the MSc, our Construction Project Management programme offers exit awards of a postgraduate certificate in Construction Studies (PGCert), a postgraduate certificate in CPM (PGCert), and a postgraduate diploma in CPM (PGDip).

The course starts in September or January, and can be studied full-time over an academic year or as open-learning over two years (extendable up to 5 years). Open-learning delivery is provided through on-line delivery using our innovative Virtual Learning Environment and attendance at residential intensive study periods, plus our international field trip.

The course is structured around the following four core modules and delivered via six learning packages:

Below: students performing tensile testing in the John Payne Building Workshop

Plus:

Applied Research MethodsThrough developing your research skills, this module complements the overall master’s programme by providing the opportunity to draw on all of the other modules in the programme to inform and direct your choice of dissertation subject matter.

DissertationThis involves carrying out an extended pieceof research in areas of interest to employers.

Suitable dissertations could include:

■ an investigation based on primary and secondary data of construction management or organisational practice to improve existing practices

■ testing or development of an existing construction management model or practice

■ a laboratory based investigation, such as exploring properties of new green or sustainable materials

■ the comparison and evaluation of international practices or approaches to an aspect of construction management.

Intensive study periods

There are two intensive study periods each lasting three to four days. During these periods, full-time and open-learning students come together to study on campus at Oxford Brookes. The aim of these study periods is to develop the following skills through the use of formal lectures, computing workshops, laboratory work, site visits and 1-1 tutorials:

■ interpersonal skills such as problem solving, team building, leadership, negotiation and assertive behaviour

■ academic skills such as research, presentations, referencing and the use of the electronic library.

For the open-learner, these study periods provide an opportunity to become part of an academic community, and to make valuable links and friendships with other open-learners. Full-time students also

get the chance to network with students already working within built environment industries. During the intensive study periods, open-learning students have the opportunity to discuss their proposed dissertations with their supervisors.

European field trip

The aim of the field trip is to integrate the knowledge gained in the early part of the course by exposing you to the different cultures of project management practices abroad. You will be encouraged to report on the different approaches to project management between the UK and another European country.

Our applied approach to learning

Our applied approach to learning leads to a more challenging and relevant course. In addition to formal lectures, learning takes place through groups of students puzzling through problems, often adapted from real situations, with much of the complexity and context intact. Practitioners and external advisers have an important role in devising problems and sharing their expertise. Our student testimonials are evidence that our applied approach to teaching and learning provides a stimulating and exciting learning environment in which to study.

Facilities

At department level, students have access to new specialist computing facilities and an extensive construction science laboratory. Our computing facilities were specially commissioned to meet the emerging and future needs for construction managers and to be fully conversant with the latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques. In the construction science laboratory, students investigate the properties of construction materials and have the opportunity to base their final dissertation within the labs; for example, one student recently experimented on the suitability of cement stabilised soil as a low carbon alternative the basic house brick.

Admission criteria

You should normally have: ■ a good honours degree

or relevant experience and demonstrable study abilities.

If your first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking is required. Find out about other acceptable language qualifications, student visa requirements and our English courses at www.brookes.ac.uk/international

Employability

Meeting industry’s requests for MSc courses to involve more practical and interdisciplinary skills, this programme is designed to provide graduates with the attributes employers seek. The programme is accredited by both RICS and CIOB, providing graduates with access to the widest range of professions that the built environment offers. Graduates can, for example, go on to employment with one of the major project management consultancy firms, which allows them to complete their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) within two years and achieved their RICS chartered status.

Our graduate employability profile for similar programmes, includes local and national government, SME and large multinational companies. Our graduate employment rate is exemplary and our students go on to be employed throughout the globe including India, Pakistan, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Peru, the Middle East and China.


www.brookes.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/cpm

London Docklands building site

WEEK 3

Study Period

WEEK 6

Study Period

FIELD TRIP

PROCESS MANAGEMENT

1. Collaboration and Procurement

2. Contract Strategy and Conflict Management

3. Integrated Supply Chain Development

4. Process and Performance Management

5. Lean construction6. Health, Safety,

Environment and Quality Management

SEMESTER 1

MSc Construction Project ManagementFull-time course structure, September entry

SEMESTER 2 SEMESTER 3

PEOPLE, LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONS

1. Organisational and human behaviour

2. Team theory3. Understanding

leadership4. Communication theory

and practice5. Conflict theory6. Learning from

experience

APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS

ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY AND BIM

1. Sustainable Construction and Carbon Management

2. Smart Technologies in Construction

3. Building Information Modelling Basics

4. Advanced BIM Modelling5. Integrated Project

Delivery6. Strategic Management

of Building Information Modelling

DISSERTATION

PROJECT PLANNING, CONTROL AND RISK

1. The context of project management

2. Project planning and scheduling

3. Value, risk and opportunity management

4. Project finance, cost planning and budgeting

5. Cash flow forecasting and capital expenditure evaluation

6. Project monitoring, control and close-out


WEEK 3

Study Period

WEEK 6

Study Period

FIELD TRIP

PROCESS MANAGEMENT

1. Collaboration and Procurement

2. Contract Strategy and Conflict Management

3. Integrated Supply Chain Development

4. Process and Performance Management

5. Lean construction6. Health, Safety,

Environment and Quality Management

SEMESTER 1

MSc Construction Project ManagementOpen learning course structure, September entry

SEMESTER 2 SEMESTER 3

PEOPLE, LEADERSHIP AND ORGANISATIONS

1. Organisational and human behaviour

2. Team theory3. Understanding

leadership4. Communication theory

and practice5. Conflict theory6. Learning from

experience

APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS

ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION

TECHNOLOGY AND BIM

1. Sustainable Construction and Carbon Management

2. Smart Technologies in Construction

3. Building Information Modelling Basics

4. Advanced BIM Modelling5. Integrated Project

Delivery6. Strategic Management

of Building Information Modelling

SEMESTER 3 (SUMMER)

DISSERTATION

PROJECT PLANNING, CONTROL AND RISK

1. The context of project management

2. Project planning and scheduling

3. Value, risk and opportunity management

4. Project finance, cost planning and budgeting

5. Cash flow forecasting and capital expenditure evaluation

6. Project monitoring, control and close-out

YE

AR

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (PMBE)

Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the MSc PMBE is designed to meet the growing demand for project managers who can oversee the entire life cycle of any project, such as constructing the 2012 Olympics. It provides graduates with all the essential skills and knowledge to become successful project managers in a dynamic and growing industry.

Course objectives

The PMBE equips graduates with the knowledge and skills that will enhance their contribution to managing projects. The main disciplines of project planning, design management, law, technology, procurement and management issues are all part of the curriculum.

The programme develops expert subject specific knowledge and the transferable skills industry desires. This provides the necessary ability and understanding to give effective, broad-based advice to your own, or client organisations. Wherever appropriate, teaching and learning will be supplemented by input from external experts and practitioners from both UK and international agencies.

Course structure

As well as the MSc, our PMBE course offers exit awards of a postgraduate certificate in Construction Studies (PGCert), a postgraduate certificate in PMBE (PGCert) and a postgraduate diploma in PMBE (PGDip).

The course starts in September or January and can be studied full-time over an academic year or as open-learning over two years (extendable up to 5 years). Open-learning delivery is provided through on-line delivery using our innovative Virtual Learning Environment and attendance at residential intensive study periods, plus our European field trip.

The course is structured around the following four core modules and delivered via six learning packages:

1. People, Leadership and OrganisationsThis module develops your knowledge and understanding of how behavioural and organisational issues influence project performance and how they can be harnessed to deliver projects effectively.

2. Project Planning, Control and RiskThis module teaches you how to manage built environment projects through the use of advanced planning and control techniques.

3. Construction Law and ProcurementConstruction procurement and associated legal arrangements are key to the development and delivery of construction projects.

4. Managing Technology for Sustainable EnvironmentsDesign techniques and technological innovations, and how they are used and managed, are key elements in the development of our built environment. In this module you will examine design and building processes and end-product-buildings as continuously changing entities.

Student field trip to Byrne Group construction site


Plus:

Applied Research MethodsThrough developing your research skills, this module complements the overall master’s programme by providing the opportunity to draw on of all the other modules to inform and direct your choice of dissertation subject matter.

DissertationThis involves carrying out an extended piece of research. Students are encouraged to undertake research in areas of interest to employers.

Suitable forms of dissertation could include:

■ an investigation based on primary and secondary data of a project management or organisational practice to improve existing practices

■ testing or development of an existing project management model or practice

■ application of theories or concepts to the solving of a project management or organisational problem

■ the comparison and evaluation of international practices or approaches to an aspect of project management.

Intensive study periods

There are two intensive study periods which each lasts three to four days. During these periods, full-time and open-learning students come together to study on campus at Oxford Brookes. The aim of these study periods is to develop the following skills through formal lectures, computing workshops, laboratory work, site visits and 1-1 tutorials:

■ interpersonal skills such as problem solving, team building, leadership, negotiation and assertive behaviour

■ academic skills such as research, presentations, referencing and the use of the electronic library.

For the open-learner, these study periods provide an opportunity to become part of an academic community, and to make valuable links and friendships with other

open-learners. Full-time students also get the chance to network with students already working within built environment industries. During the intensive study periods, open-learning students have the opportunity to discuss their proposed dissertations with their supervisors.

European field trip

The aim of the field trip is to integrate the knowledge gained in the early part of the course by exposing you to the different cultures of project management practices abroad. You will be encouraged to report on the different approaches to project management between the UK and another European country.

Our applied approach to learning

Our applied approach to learning leads to a more challenging and relevant course. In addition to formal lectures, learning takes place through groups of students puzzling through problems, often adapted from real situations, with much of the complexity and context intact. Practitioners and external advisers have an important role in devising problems and sharing their expertise. Our student testimonials are evidence that our applied approach to teaching and learning provides a stimulating and exciting learning environment in which to study.

Facilities

At department level, students have access to new specialist computing facilities and an extensive construction science laboratory. Our computing facilities were specially commissioned to meet the emerging and future needs for construction managers and to be fully conversant with the latest Building Information Modelling (BIM) techniques. In the construction science laboratory, students investigate the properties of construction materials and have the opportunity to base their final dissertation within the labs; for example, one student recently experimented on the suitability of cement stabilised soil as a low carbon alternative the basic house brick.

Employability

Meeting industry’s requests for MSc courses to involve more practical and interdisciplinary skills, this programme is designed to provide graduates with the attributes employers seek. The programme is accredited by both the RICS and CIOB, providing graduates with access to the widest range of professions that the built environment offers. Graduates can, for example, go on to employment with one of the major project management consultancy firms, which allows them to complete their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) within two years and achieved their RICS chartered status.

Our graduate employability profile includes local and national government, SME and large multinational companies. Our graduate employment rate is exemplary and our students go on to be employed throughout the globe including India, Pakistan, South Africa, Canada, Australia, Peru, the Middle East and China.

www.brookes.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/pmbe

Admission criteria

You should normally have: ■ a good honours degree

or relevant experience and demonstrable study abilities.

If your first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking is required. Find out about other acceptable language qualifications, student visa requirements and our English courses at www.brookes.ac.uk/international

Careers Fair employability event

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STUDENT PROFILEGrant CawteMSc Project Management in the Built Environment

What made you choose MSc PMBE?Primarily the course content. This course would help my career development by giving me a good base for all areas of construction as I am working in an engineering part of the council. This knowledge will help me better manage construction based project risks and allow me to spread best practice through the directorate I work in.

I will also be able to work more effectively with other professionals involved in projects such as engineers, quantity surveyors, legal, etc to ensure appropriate project outcomes are attained.

What do you think of the course now you’re here?The course is very good and certainly recommended as it has provided me with valuable and practical information that I have been able to act upon in the workplace. The broad nature of the course is excellent as it covers all the areas one may come across in managing construction type projects. Most importantly the course makes you think, it does not spoon feed you answers. It makes you consider the appropriateness of concepts to other areas and challenges you to build and implement solutions.

Do you also work, as well as study?I work full time at Oxfordshire County Council as well as study. My current project is on the re-tender of the council’s property provider which includes design and build, estates management and facilities management.

How did your scholarship or bursary enhance your experience of the course?My employer has supported me financially with this course. The dividends of working whilst studying are that I can instantly take my learning and implement it at work straight away. This is also a benefit to my employer as they receive the benefit of their investment immediately as well. There have been a number of things where I have literally walked out of the university one night and walked into work the next day and used that knowledge to do things more effectively.

What differences do think you are making in your work place as a result of studying MSc PMBE?I think I have been able to make a

number of differences to the project that I am working on at the moment, particularly around procurement and law. However the most valuable knowledge I have gained is around the leadership and management aspects of the course. The technical concepts are one thing. However if you don’t have the leadership or management qualities to influence or motivate they can amount to nothing.

What advice do you have for others?Do not be put off if you do not have a technical or engineering background. Allocate plenty of time to do the work and read more broadly than just the literature that is presented to you, as otherwise you won’t get the most from the course.

Grant’s manager, the Deputy Director of Environment and Economy at Oxfordshire County Council said:

“Grant is a valuable asset to the property project and the knowledge he has gained from the PMBE course at Oxford Brookes has influenced how we manage this project.”

‘I have literally walked out of the university one night and walked into work the next day and used that knowledge to do things more effectively.’


MSc REAL ESTATE (COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL OR INTERNATIONAL)Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

The MSc Real Estate at Oxford Brookes University has established itself as a premier postgraduate programme for students wishing to enter the real estate profession. The programme meets the strong demand for high calibre graduates from varying backgrounds and, whilst grounded in academic excellence, is a practice-based programme for students wishing to become chartered surveyors.

The MSc Real Estate programme, previouslyknown as MSc Real Estate Management and MSc International Real Estate, is one degree with three distinct pathways:

■ Commercial Real Estate ■ Residential Real Estate ■ International Real Estate

UK students are encouraged to follow any of the pathways, whereas international students are advised to follow the International pathway. The MSc Real Estate is available for full-time study only, with a September entry.

MSc Real Estate is a non-cognate conversion programme that is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It will prepare you for the challenges of entering professional practice and completing the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) to become a chartered surveyor. The APC can be done in the UK or anywhere in the world where chartered surveyors work.

Programme philosophy and outcomes

The philosophy of the degree is to provide you with a theoretical framework in the early modules of the programme and to build on this in the latter stages with practical, real life examples and case studies. The programme will provide all the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the real estate profession in preparation for long-lasting and rewarding careers in the UK and internationally. The programme is well respected in all areas of the industry.

The pathways

Each of the three MSc Real Estate pathways is designed so students can tailor their studies to their chosen career path. For most of our graduates this will be via the RICS. Each MSc pathway has been carefully designed so it dovetails into the respective RICS pathway for the APC.

Commercial Real Estate PathwayThe Commercial Real Estate pathway was the original core MSc established in 2002 and has proved itself as a premier programme for the property industry with a 100% employment record throughout its history. The Commercial pathway concentrates upon the law and policies that relate to the development, investment and management of commercial property.

Students undertaking the MSc Real Estate (Commercial) would be expected to undertake the RICS’ ‘Commercial Property Practice’ APC although they would also be able to take one of the ‘Planning and

Development’, ‘Property Finance and Investment’ and ‘Valuation’ APCs.

Residential Real Estate PathwayThe Residential Real Estate pathway is the latest addition to the suite of MSc pathways and is a direct reaction to the need for qualified RICS residential surveyors who are skilled in all aspects of the residential property market. The Residential pathway will prepare you with:

■ a broad surveying education coupled with specific knowledge of Landlord and Tenant Law for residential property

■ planning law and regulations for sustainable residential development

■ the specific rules and regulations and financial structures that relate to residential real estate investment markets.

This pathway is designed for students wishing to follow a career in residential real estate via the RICS Residential Real Estate APC.

City of London view towards Blackfriars Bridge


Of the students who graduated in 2012 and 2013, 100% had found employment within their chosen field within 3 months of completing the MSc programme.

MSc Real Estate – structure

The MSc Real Estate comprises 13 compulsory taught modules and a structured applied project. Some modules are specific to the chosen pathway. Each module is 10 credits and the total MSc qualification is 180 credits. Each semester of work gives students 60 credits. For full details, please see the table on page 14.

Learning methods include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project work and independent study. Teaching is organised around the programme’s component modules, involving a total of around 20 hours of teaching time over each 12-week teaching semester. Examinations are taken at the end of each teaching period. The programme is intensive and requires students to undertake a substantial amount of private study and project work.

Each module is assessed individually, through coursework, such as submission of reports and presentations, and/or formal written examination. Approximately 60% of the programme is common to all pathways, with the remaining 40% being pathway specific. This allows students to have a distinct feeling of unity within the MSc Real Estate cohort, while each pathway remains distinct.

Field trips

The MSc Real Estate involves a number of field trips across the UK and Europe. These help to establish an understanding of the mechanics of real estate markets as urban environments where people work and live. You will see development and investment opportunities, regeneration projects and large portfolios of property that need to be managed and maintained. Chartered surveyors are involved in all these aspects of real estate and our colleagues from industry who accompany students on field trips will provide an insight into the work that they undertake in these markets. The cost of all the field trips is included in the programme fee.

Careers

The MSc Real Estate programme at Brookes has always enjoyed a very successful level of graduate employment. Even in today’s climate, our students are still finding employment in both major international real estate consultancies and local firms. The programme is well respected in all areas of the industry and we have alumni in real estate management companies, banks, financial institutions, government bodies and corporates.

It is normal for our students to secure employment before the programme ends. Most students work for the big international real estate companies in London, but our students have also been successful in securing employment in smaller niche practices in London or in other areas of the country. Of the students who graduated in 2012 and 2013, 100% had found employment within their chosen field within 3 months of completing the MSc programme.

www.brookes.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/reicr

Entry qualifications

The programme is open to all applicants who hold a good undergraduate honours degree in a non cognate discipline or equivalent international qualification. Applicants to this conversion programme are therefore welcome from any academic discipline apart from real estate. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to a career in real estate, preferably through previous work experience, which is strongly recommended. As the programme is normally oversubscribed, all UK based applicants will be invited for an open day interview before offers are made. Applicants based overseas will be invited to participate in a Skype/telephone interview.

If your first language is not English, an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in listening and speaking is required.

International Real Estate PathwayThe International Real Estate pathway is designed to equip graduates who are likely to work outside the UK. As the RICS expands internationally, the MSc is becoming increasingly recognised as an exemplary foundation for becoming a chartered surveyor abroad. Graduates will have a broad surveying education coupled with specific knowledge of the different legal systems, jurisdictions, planning systems and specific issues around the world.

Students undertaking the MSc Real Estate (International) and working abroad would be expected to undertake the RICS International APC.

Involvement with industry

The MSc Real Estate is sponsored by seven of the major real estate consultancies in the UK, who provide support in the form of external speakers, field trips and workshops. Sponsors include CBRE, Cluttons, DTZ, GVA, Jones Lang LaSalle, Savills and Knight Frank. These organisations, together with a committee of academics, alumni and other luminaries from the property profession, have been involved in developing the programme of study and present a series of lectures and workshops throughout the year. As a result, students come into regular contact with practitioners at the forefront of the profession, both in the UK and internationally. In addition the ‘MSc Buddies’ mentoring scheme ensures that every student is paired with an MSc Real Estate alumnus who is working in the property profession.

In recent years, industry has recognised the need to recruit graduate surveyors from quality non-cognate conversion programmes. The sponsoring firms seek graduates of a high calibre, and they believe that the nature of this programme will provide the grounding for highly motivated individuals.

* The work required for this part of the programme can be undertaken away from the university with email and internet support.

MSc Real EstateStructure

AUTUMN SEMESTERAll Pathways

VALUATION AND INVESTMENT

(10 credits)

APPLIED REAL ESTATEMANAGEMENT & ANALYSIS

(10 credits)

REAL ESTATE LAW(10 credits)

REAL ESTATE ECONOMICS(10 credits)

INTEGRATIVE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

(10 credits)

CONSTRUCTION AND SUSTAINABILITY

(10 credits)

SPRING SEMESTERAll Pathways

Commercial Pathway Residential Pathway International Pathway

REAL ESTATE FINANCE AND BUSINESS ECONOMICS

(10 credits)

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT APPRAISAL

(10 credits)

PLANNING SYSTEMS AND THE DEVELOPMENT

PROCESS(10 credits)

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENTOF CORPORATE REAL ESTATE

(10 credits co-taught with Commercial)

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

(10 credits)

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE LAW

(10 credits)

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT

STRATEGY(10 credits)

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENTOF CORPORATE REAL ESTATE

(10 credits co-taught with International)

COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE LAW

(10 credits)

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

(10 credits co-taught with Residential)

SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

(10 credits)

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

(10 credits co-taught with Commercial)

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT MARKETS

(10 credits)

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE LAW

(10 credits)

SUMMER (VACATION PERIOD)*All Pathways

APPLIED PROJECT(50 credits)

The project themes vary according to the pathway

REAL ESTATE MARKETS(10 credits)

Including a week’s field trip to a European city



GRADUATE PROFILENatasha SidoliMSc Real Estate 2012 - 2013

chat with me when I came to visit the uni on an open day. He gave me his personal time and attention, something which none of the other universities did. The discussion with Nick relaxed me completely and made me excited to be going to Brookes, despite his very honest warnings of all the hard work to come. I felt that I would get more teaching attention from the smaller, more personal classes, which might not have been the case from other universities with a much higher intake.

What was it like when you arrived and started the course?Pretty scary, Nick gave us an induction talk, which terrified me. The group meal arranged in the evening was a really nice idea and helped me to get to know people immediately. In terms of the work, I felt that we were thrown into the deep end quite quickly with our first task. It was a group task and involved finding our way around Oxford, which I thought was a really good exercise to do when we first arrived. It helped me to get my bearings and find all the useful places around town, in addition to helping us get to know some of the class really quickly through the team work.

Looking back over the course now, what were the highlights?The Manchester and Madrid field trips, we had a lot of fun on both field trips and they were very informative. We met a lot of people from industry and I also thought they were brilliant in terms of ‘team bonding’ within the class. The top highlight would have to be the last meal with the lecturers in Madrid, which was possibly one of the most entertaining dinners of my life!

And the most challenging bits?All the coursework was challenging in its own way and I think the deadlines most Mondays were quite challenging and took some time to get used to. The amount

of coursework was not something I was used to with my first degree. However, the most challenging task was definitely the applied project – it required a lot of independent research and motivation.

Bearing in mind your experience, what advice would you give to someone starting the course?I would recommend that students start to work hard from the first moment and try to start coursework in advance and keep on top of all the work, because it builds up quickly, but is very do-able if the work is well-managed. I would also recommend students take advantage of the help that lecturers provide. Nick is so approachable, happy to help and would always give up his time for one of his students, so students should definitely make the most of this during their time at Brookes.

What did you do for your Applied Project and why?I did the Investment Applied Project because it was the one I initially found the most interesting and I chose it in the hope to learn more about the logic behind the decisions involved in building a portfolio.

What’s next for you?I have started work as a graduate surveyor at Savills on a two-year graduate scheme. My first rotation is in Valuation.

In 2013, the Oxford Brookes Real Estate Management Society (OBREMS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) rewarded the efforts of the best postgraduate students on the MSc Real Estate at Oxford Brookes University through the MSc Real Estate OBREMS and RICS prize. The winning student, based on overall performance on the degree, was Natasha Sidoli.

What is your background and why did you choose to go into Real Estate?I have an undergraduate degree in Economics and Finance from Royal Holloway University. On leaving school I did not know what career path I wanted to pursue, however I have always been brought up with property around me as I have a few family members which are already in the profession so it seemed like a natural route to try some work experience in the field. I worked for a couple of summers at Savills and loved it. I applied to Savills as a non-cog and after being offered the job, I chose to undertake the MSc Real Estate Management at Brookes.

Why did you choose the MSc REM at Brookes?I applied to Brookes, Reading and Cass, and chose Brookes based on recommendations of the course by people in the profession. Before I applied, I called Nick (French) to discuss the course and he was so kind and helpful. He then agreed to have a


POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

The Department of Real Estate & Construction is known for its research across a range of fields, including international land and property markets, housing policy, sustainable real estate and urban development, low carbon construction and project management and application of IT in construction.

We offer the following research degrees:

■ MPhil ■ MPhil transferring to PhD ■ PhD direct, possible in exceptional

cases for students with a recently completed master’s or MPhil degree in an area closely related to the proposed research topic.

Support and Supervision

What you can expect from us:

■ Excellent research facilities and a friendly environment. High calibre supervision for pursuing research activity in a wide range of topics at both national and international levels. Where appropriate, the department will involve experts from elsewhere in the university, or from external institutions.

■ A strong network of support due to the large community of researchers and scholars that exist within the department and with other departments such as the School of Architecture and the Department of Planning. These include regular student and staff led research seminars and other forums for debate and exchange of ideas.

■ To be allocated an appropriate research group in the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) and where possible be given the opportunity to work with staff on on-going research projects.

■ Opportunities for research collaboration, synergy, study visits and exchanges. Both staff and research students are active in publishing their findings in leading international journals.

Research Groups

■ OISD – Real Estate and Land Policy Group

■ OISD – Construction and Project Management Group

■ Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) is the largest academic research institute working on sustainable development in the built environment in the UK

Find out more

■ Tel +44 (0) 1865 484244 ■ [email protected]

Low impact design (Image courtesy of Willmott Dixon)

Research students in the Department of Real Estate & Construction

...excellent research facilities and a friendly environment.


EXAMPLE PROJECTS

Planning Obligations: What factors deliver affordable homes and what alternatives are there

Recent reforms present many challenges to achieving affordable housing. Despite previous research, which shows a clear link between poverty and house costs, the role of planning obligations in providing housing for people on low incomes has not yet been proven. This research project aims to address these issues and identify the key factors which influence the provision of affordable housing to those in poverty. The project will look for opportunities in changing policy, such as the production of neighbourhood plans, new financial tools, institutional investment and new ways of providing land for affordable housing. Researchers will develop a methodology for determining localised strategies to maximise the delivery of affordable housing through a thorough examination of six case study areas, chosen to reflect a variety of housing market and policy conditions. Future scenarios for affordable housing provision will then be devised and localised strategies to realistically achieve them suggested. The project has been awarded £75,000 by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to run for 9 months until July 2014. It will facilitate research collaboration across the three built environment areas within the Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment including the Department of Real Estate and Construction. The outcome of the project will engender debate and knowledge-transfer and will develop practical and implementable ways forward to delivering affordable homes.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Early Stage Low Impact Building Design

Existing decision-support tools facilitate the design process in a piecemeal fashion, do not interoperate, do not allow holistic assessments to be made and do not adequately address the front-end of the design process when critical decisions are made. The new Low Impact Building Explorer (LIBx) tool, which is being developed, enables designers to systematically assess alternative low impact building design options against sustainability performance measures such as carbon, waste, and cost. The tool is being developed in collaboration with construction and property firms and consultancies including Best Foot Forward Ltd, ZEDfactory Ltd, Design Builder Software Ltd, and ItsOWorks Ltd, with funding from the Technology Strategy Board and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

STUDENT PROFILETurk Shoaib, PhD Real EstateCountry of origin: Saudi Arabia

Before you came to Brookes what did you study and where?I have a background in architecture and a postgraduate degree in business and marketing from the United States. This led me to a professional career in real estate development in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, specifically where it relates to marketing, place branding and image.

What made you choose Brookes as a place to study?The specialised postgraduate programme in Real Estate and the excellent staff at the university were the main two reasons for choosing Brookes. Additionally the location and academic environment in Oxford and the proximity to London were also influencing factors.

What do/did you think of the course while studying here?I think it’s an excellent course that provides the support, resources, training and environment needed for postgrad students to succeed.

What are your plans for when you’ve completed your course, for work or further study?I plan to work in real estate development in the Middle East and Asia in a specialised consulting role.

BRE Innovation Park low carbon building

Main image: Sustainable Real Estate Development


RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

About the group

The Construction and Project Management Group brings together individuals with a wide range of expertise in the construction engineering and management fields. The work of the group is highly interdisciplinary and draws on engineering, management, computer and social sciences and psychology to address challenges facing the construction industry.

The group undertakes both fundamental and applied research that provides industry and policy makers with innovative decision support tools and solutions for planning, procuring and delivering construction projects and services that maximise economic, social and environmental benefits to society.

Research expertise

■ Climate change and sustainable construction

■ Low carbon construction and carbon management

■ Emerging technologies and innovations for sustainable buildings

■ Social networks, innovation absorption and diffusion

■ Sustainable building retrofitting and maintenance

■ Collaborative planning and supply network management

■ Procurement, project and process management

■ Risk analysis and management ■ Lean construction and applied

operations research ■ Whole-life costing and value modelling ■ Integrated design and production ■ Information and knowledge management ■ Knowledge-based systems and applied

artificial intelligence ■ Building Information Modelling (BIM)

and 4D/nD modelling ■ Virtual prototyping

Construction and Project Management Group

Training opportunities

■ PhD studies in Construction and Project Management

■ PhD Studies in Construction Information Technology

■ MSc in Project Management in the Built Environment

■ CPD and international training programmes

External links

■ Internationally, we have established research links with several leading universities across the globe including in Australia, China, Europe and the USA. We are also actively involved with international organisations such as the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building Construction (CIB).

■ Nationally, we have ongoing research links with other UK universities, professional institutes and organisations (APM, CIOB and RICS) and construction and property firms and consultancies.

Building Information Modelling

Right: Byrne Group construction site

Find out more

■ Professor Joe Tah, Director of Construction and Project Management Group

■ t +44 (0) 1865 483919 ■ [email protected]


About the group

The Real Estate and Land Policy Group brings together expertise on a wide range of topics relating to the operation of land and property markets, real estate development and land and housing policy. A major part of our work is on the impact of land and housing markets and policy on broader development processes, particularly for enhancing urban sustainability.

Research themes cover low carbon development, sustainable real estate, international land markets, housing and land policy, globalisation, urban development and urban equity. At the same time our research addresses broader market-based fundamentals such as valuation and emerging areas of research including behavioural finance. We have a strong track record in international comparative research, including developing and transition economies, while at the same time maintaining established areas of expertise on local and national topics.

Research expertise

■ Sustainable real estate (residential and commercial sectors)

■ Brownfield regeneration ■ Urban futures and scenario-based

studies ■ Globalisation, land markets and

urban development in developing and transition economies

■ Impact of ICT on the property market and urban development

■ Conservation of historic environments ■ Changing property markets and local

economic development ■ Housing and land policy ■ Corporate social responsibility

in property markets and urban development

■ Valuation ■ Corporate real estate

Real Estate and Land Policy Group

External links

■ Internationally, we have links with several leading universities across the globe, including in Eastern Europe, China and Brazil. We are actively involved with international organisations including UN-Habitat, the European Real Estate Society (ERES), and the UK representative to FIG Commission 7.

■ Nationally, we have ongoing research links with other UK universities, professional institutes and organisations (BRE, IPF, CORENET and RICS) and property firms and consultancies.

Find out more

■ Dr Ramin Keivani, Director of Real Estate and Land Policy Group

■ T +44 (0) 1865 483409 ■ [email protected]

Training opportunities

■ PhD studies in Real Estate and Land Studies, Housing, Urban Development and Urban Futures Doctoral Training Programme

■ MSc programmes in Real Estate Management, Residential Real Estate and International Real Estate

■ CPD and international training programmes

30 St Mary’s Axe, St Helen’s Church: London’s financial district

Urban development site in South America

Oxford Brookes promotes equality of opportunity for all who study, work and visit here. For more details please visit www.brookes.ac.uk/services/hr/eod or phone +44 (0) 1865 485929.

To obtain a large-print copy of (or sections of) this publication or to enquire about other formats please contact +44 (0) 1865 484848 or email [email protected] 4852 7/14

CONTACT INFORMATION

Postgraduate applications

For advice about applications to postgraduate courses, contact the Programme Administrators: +44 (0) 1865 483904 [email protected]

More information

For more information about the Department please visit our website.www.rec.brookes.ac.uk

For more information about applying as an International Student please visit:www.brookes.ac.uk/international

Department of Real Estate & ConstructionOxford Brookes University Headington Campus Gipsy Lane Oxford, OX3 0BP UK

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