Program Overview

BSc Real Estate Development and Planning

The BSc Real Estate Development and Planning is a planning course with a difference, giving students an edge over those working in the property market. Through this programme, students will develop a unique combination of skills, gain the ability to see the financial potential of development opportunities, and cultivate an awareness of the environmental and social issues involved in contemporary urban planning.

Overview

This course is designed to introduce and develop core concepts and practical skills in Real Estate and Planning. Students will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, group work, tutorials, case studies, industry presentations, site visits, and field trips.

Our Reputation

The University of Reading is 1st in the UK for 'Land and Property Management' (and has consistently been in the top three since 2008) in the Complete University Guide 2026. It is also 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects in 'Land and Property Management' in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, and 1st for research quality for 'Land and Property Management' in the Complete University Guide 2026.

Accreditation

This programme has full accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which means that this degree is recognised by employers as a benchmark of quality and can give students a head start if they choose to undertake the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence.

Reading Real Estate Foundation

The Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF) is a unique and forward-thinking educational charity, established to support Real Estate & Planning education at Henley Business School, University of Reading. RREF will support students to achieve their full potential and become the best in the industry. Support includes a mentoring programme, an evening lecture series, the Real Estate and Planning Careers Fair, sponsored prizes for academic excellence, and a range of financial support for students in need.

Shape Your Degree

All of the Real Estate and Planning degrees offer students the flexibility to transfer between courses, so their academic journey can evolve with their interests and goals. Course transfers are available after the first or second year for single-honours courses. Students will also be able to transfer from a BSc to an MPlan and vice versa.

Learning

The first two years of this course are designed to introduce and develop core concepts and practical skills in Real Estate and Planning. Students on all Real Estate and Planning courses are enrolled on the same compulsory modules in the first and second years. In the second year, students will be able to select one optional module. In the third year, students will specialise in development and planning but will also have the flexibility to customise their learning through selecting two optional modules.

Compulsory Modules

• Introduction to Data Analysis
• Introductory Economics for Business and Finance
• Property, Law, Rights and Institutions
• Real Estate Valuation 1
• Contemporary Issues in Real Estate and Planning
• Ethics and Sustainable Development

Optional Modules

• Climate Change and Finance
• An Introduction to the Management of Information Systems
• Comparative International Management
• Trends in Finance
• Real Estate Finance and Investment
• Understanding Leadership
• Optional Language Module

Entry Requirements

• A Level: AAB
• Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ): ABB in A-level subjects on the condition that students achieve a B in their EPQ
• International Baccalaureate: 34 points overall, including 4 in English and Maths, both at standard level
• GCSE: Maths and English at grade B (5)
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Structure

• Year 1: Compulsory modules
• Year 2: Compulsory modules and one optional module
• Year 3: Specialisation in development and planning, with two optional modules

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,790 (2026 entry)
• New international students: £30,650 (2026/27)
• Tuition fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study

Careers

A Real Estate and Planning degree from Henley Business School can open up a wide range of employment opportunities. Graduates have gone on to work at high-profile organisations, including Savills, Knight Frank, and Deloitte Real Estate. Typical job titles held by graduates include Rural Surveyor, Planning Consultant, Graduate Surveyor, Investment Banker, and Financial Analyst.

Career Development

Students will receive one-to-one industry mentoring, providing real insight into the Real Estate and Planning profession. The university also hosts an annual Real Estate and Planning Careers Fair and an evening lecture series, featuring guest speakers from organisations such as Knight Frank, Savills, and Cushman & Wakefield. A professional Careers Development Adviser will help students with every aspect of the career development process.