Student profiles
Regarded as one of the most respected property courses in industry, the unrivaled four year undergraduate BSc Real Estate and current MSc Urban Planning and Development offered by Henley Business School, has equipped me with a distinct skill set and advantageous lead within the current employment market. In addition to offering dual RICS/RTPI accredited status, wider practical experience gained through our six month Regeneration module in partnership with Bracknell Forest Homes, was instrumental in securing my current graduate role within the public sector, where I had to compete against 180 other candidates.
Chris Deeks - currently in year 4 of BSc Real Estate/MSc Urban Planning and Development
I found the course useful as it didn't just explore planning in isolation, but related it to the wider real estate / development context. There were some interesting assessment methods: not just essays, but also negotiation exercises, presentations and even spider diagrams. This varied approach kept work interesting and, at the same time, challenging.
The course has been very vocational, and I had no difficulty in getting a job afterwards (which I started part-time at Wokingham before the end of the course!). Projects such as the development control project were very applied and gave me a taster of the job I do at the moment. The negotiation project has also equipped me with skills which I don't even realise I'm using when dealing with developers and the public, forming the day-to-day requirements of my job. All in all, a very well run course with excellent lecturing.
David Wetherill - Wokingham Borough Council
I really enjoyed the MSc Planning course and although it involved hard work and dedication, it meant that I was able to gain a graduate place within one of the most prestigious planning teams in a surveying firm. The dual qualification which included modules with the Real Estate students meant I was able to widen my commercial knowledge which has been invaluable as part of my career now.
Claire Morison - Drivers Jonas Deloitte
The academic staff at Reading are insightful and supportive, offering an ideal balance of practical learning and theory. We were encouraged to write a dissertation concerning a particular area of planning and development which was of personal interest. The University's excellent links with the industry meant professionals were keen to take part in original research. I enjoyed looking into the business case for green buildings, interviewing a number of top developers.
Socially, the course is great fun - one of the highlights of the year was the field trip to Barcelona. This provided a unique opportunity to learn about the Spanish planning system, Jesepe Guardiola's tactics at the Nou Camp, and the Catalan night time economy!
The course was pivotal in helping me and others secure work. I am currently working for Network Rail Property, which is an exciting place to be.
James Dingwall - Network Rail