Planning and Real Estate

The MSc in Planning and Real Estate at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic fields of spatial planning, urban development, and real estate. This program integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, providing a robust platform for understanding the complexities of urban environments and the real estate markets that shape them. Students will explore key topics such as urban policy, sustainable development, land use planning, property valuation, and investment analysis, gaining insights into how these elements interact within a global context. The programme emphasizes critical thinking and strategic problem-solving, encouraging students to develop innovative solutions to contemporary challenges faced by cities and communities worldwide. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, case studies, and field trips, participants will engage with industry professionals and academic experts, fostering both academic expertise and practical skills. The MSc in Planning and Real Estate prepares graduates for careers in urban planning consultancies, real estate development firms, property management, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations involved in urban development projects. It also provides a solid foundation for those considering further research or doctoral studies. The course structure allows for flexibility, enabling students to tailor their learning experience to their specific interests and career goals. With its blend of theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and real-world exposure, this programme aims to produce forward-thinking professionals who can contribute effectively to shaping sustainable, resilient, and vibrant urban environments worldwide.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual compulsory modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The programme is structured carefully to equip students with a coherent understanding of urbanism and the built environment, with a particular focus on the role of real estate investment, development and appraisal. Core modules are structured around the three streams of understanding, managing and delivering urban change, with specialist real estate modules covering real estate economics, management, investment, development and appraisal.  

Students will become equipped with theories, methodologies, skills, and techniques taken from the social science, urban planning and design disciplines. These aim to develop a capacity for critical thinking, problem solving and creative expression.

In the first two years, students follow eight core modules a year, one of which is directly related to the real estate specialism. The others seek to build core knowledge, competencies and skills across the discipline. Students are eligible to apply to study abroad in the second term of year two.

In the final year students specialise in real estate, with four out of eight modules covering specialist real estate topics. 

A levels

Grades

AAB

Subjects

No specific subjects.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

36

Subjects

A score of 17 points in three higher level subjects, with no score lower than 5.

The University College London offers various funding options for students enrolled in Planning and Real Estate programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore scholarships, bursaries, and studentships available through UCL's central funding services. These include the UCL Graduate Research Scholarships, which provide financial support for high-achieving students undertaking postgraduate research. Additionally, there are subject-specific scholarships such as those offered by the Bartlett School of Planning, aimed at supporting students in related fields.

International students may be eligible for external funding sources, including government sponsorships, private scholarships, and aid from their home countries. UCL also provides guidance on applying for loans and financial aid schemes available in the UK, including student loans from the Student Loans Company for eligible UK and EU students. The university recommends early application for funding opportunities, as some awards are competitive and have limited quotas.

Moreover, students are encouraged to seek part-time work opportunities on or near campus to supplement their income during studies. UCL's Careers Service assists students with job placements and employment advice relevant to their areas of study. Some students may also receive funding through their employer, if they are sponsored or working professionals seeking further education.

For postgraduate taught students, the tuition fees vary depending on residency status and specific course requirements. International students generally pay higher tuition fees, but scholarship programs can mitigate these costs significantly. The university also provides detailed financial planning resources to help students budget effectively throughout their studies. Overall, the university aims to support students financially through a combination of scholarships, loans, part-time work, and external funding sources, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to high-quality education in Planning and Real Estate at UCL.

The MSc in Planning and Real Estate at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex fields of urban planning, property development, and real estate management. This program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical tools necessary to address contemporary challenges in urban environments, including sustainable development, housing affordability, land use, and infrastructure planning. The curriculum covers core areas such as spatial analysis, property valuation, real estate finance, land policy, and development project management, providing a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for careers in private practice, public sector agencies, consultancy firms, and urban development organizations.

Students will engage with cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies, utilizing case studies, GIS technologies, and industry-standard software. The program emphasizes the integration of planning principles with financial and legal considerations, fostering an understanding of how land use decisions impact economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to undertake practical assignments, group projects, and fieldwork, which deepen their insight into real-world issues and policy-making processes.

The department benefits from strong links with industry professionals, government bodies, and academic researchers, offering students opportunities for networking, internships, and collaborative projects. The program’s structure typically combines taught modules with a dissertation or research project, allowing students to specialize in areas of particular interest and contribute original insights to the field. Graduates of the MSc in Planning and Real Estate are well-positioned for leadership roles in urban planning, property investment, development consultancy, and policy analysis, with many alumni advancing to influential positions across the UK and internationally.

UCL’s location in London provides a unique learning environment, where students can observe and analyze a dynamic, diverse cityscape that exemplifies the challenges and opportunities in planning and real estate sectors today. The program fosters critical thinking, technical proficiency, and ethical awareness to develop responsible professionals capable of shaping sustainable urban futures.