BSc Investment and Finance in Property

UCAS code: N380

Course length: 3 years

Entry requirements:

A Levels:  AAB from 3 A Levels or ABBb from 3 A Levels and 1 AS Level, excluding Key Skills and General Studies

IB: 6, 6, 6

GCSE: Mathematics and English Language grade B or above

Deferred entry: Yes 

Overview

If you are interested in managing property investments, working with or on behalf of major financial institutions, then this is the degree course for you. It develops your understanding of property from an investment perspective by demonstrating how real estate can be compared to other forms of investment such as shares and gilts. You will develop strong financial expertise which will enable you to work not only in the property sector but also in a wider financial role.

This course builds on the BSc Real Estate programme with foundation studies (the first two years) being shared. In the final year your modules are focused on investment and finance subjects but, like all degrees in the field, addressing both the theoretical and practical aspects of real estate markets. You will undertake a number of applied investment and finance projects to develop analytical and key employment skills.

Teaching and assessment

This course is divided into three parts, each one lasting one academic yearand totalling 120 credits. Teaching and continuous assessment take place in the Autumn and Spring terms. Examinations are held in the Summer term following a period for revision. The method of assessment varies depending on the aims, content and style of each module. Modules may be assessed by coursework, class tests, examinations or a mixture of these methods.

Career prospects

Recent graduates of this course have found jobs in major financial institutions, real estate investment and development companies, and property advisors, while others have used the degree as a route into the City. We are able to offer you specialised career advice if you intend to work in the real estate or planning industries. Every year we hold a Careers Fair in conjunction with the Reading Real Estate Foundation when more than thirty leading companies come to the University and host stands showing Real Estate & Planning students what they have to offer. The University's award-winning Careers Advisory Service (CAS) also offers career advice for all students.

Course content

Part 1

Economics for managers
• General introduction to law
• Introduction to planning & building
• Introduction to property law
• Investment appraisal

+ projects-based modules focussing on real-world scenarios

Part 2

• Applied property law
• Management in the real estate sector
• Planning law & practice
• Property valuation
• Real estate economics & investment 

+ projects-based modules focussing on real-world scenarios

Part 3 Compulsory modules

• Finance & markets
• Investment & finance projects
• Investment strategy & management 

Optional modules including for example:

• International real estate markets
• Environment & sustainability
• Property investment appraisal
• A modern language