International Real Estate and Planning MSc

London, Bloomsbury

International Real Estate and Planning MSc prepares you to build your career in real estate, planning and urban policy. This real estate and planning master's degree explores the relationship between real estate market and the planning systems around the world. You will study the systems through which real estate market operates and consider market mechanisms from the perspectives of investors, developers and occupiers of the built environment and the relationships between markets and policy at various geographical levels.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£20,500
£10,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£36,500
£18,250
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours Bachelor's degree (or higher) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of equivalent standing is required. There is no particular subject requirement as the MSc provides an 'initial' planning and real estate education for graduates with cognate or non-cognate degrees. Applicants who do not hold an upper second-class degree may, in exceptional cases, be admitted to the programme if they are able to demonstrate considerable senior-level professional experience in planning real estate or a related field (but in all cases a minimum of 2:2 will be required).

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The International Real Estate and Planning MSc is designed to equip you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in real estate fields such as property market analysis, property valuation, investment and development, as well as planning and urban policy. The degree explores the systems governing urban planning and the property market, including commercial real estate, residential market mechanisms, ownership frameworks, taxation and subsidies, land use, and planning policies. It examines market mechanisms from the perspectives of investors, developers, and occupiers of buildings, and explores the interplay between markets and policies. Additionally, the degree offers insight into the variations across national boundaries, providing you with theoretical and practical knowledge applicable on an international scale.

During your studies you will:

  • Learn about the operation of real estate markets and planning policies and the interaction of them in the international context.
  • Understand and engage with the opportunities and challenges facing the city, town, communities and places in which we live and work.
  • Understand effective planning, development, and management of our cities, towns, and natural environment.
  • Diversify your learning outside of lectures, enjoying a variety of field trips, site visits and guest speakers from industry.
  • Be equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in real estate industry or planning sector or urban areas.
  • Gain a degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Who this course is for

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to work in real estate industry (commercial or residential sectors) and planning sector internationally, and to break the boundaries between built environment professions. The course is designed for graduates and professionals with any backgrounds.

What this course will give you

World-class, research-led education
You will be taught by academic experts at UCL’s Bartlett School of Planning who are actively involved in shaping the theories and debates in housing and city planning. Our faculty, The Bartlett, has been ranked #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024). The Bartlett is also where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Immerse yourself in London
London is not only the heart of real estate and development in the UK but also a global hub, hosting leading international organisations across the sector. London has been named the best city for students in the world (QS Best Student Cities).

Build your career in real estate and planning
Through hands-on teaching and learning, field trips and site visits you will gain the skills and knowledge required to excel in your future job. From enrolment, through to three years after graduating you can also access UCL’s Careers Service to support you in finding the right path for your career ambitions.

The foundation of your career

95% of graduates from The Bartlett School of Planning are in employment or further study within 15 months of further study. They are now working in planning and real estate careers around the world in 44 different countries (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2021).

Graduates of the International Real Estate and Planning MSc have been very successful in gaining subsequent employment, and at present there is a growing demand for our master's graduates in both public and private sectors. Employers include CBRE, Colliers International, Savills, Cushman and Wakefield, Knight Frank, Notting Hill Housing Association, KPMG, PwC, Fosun International, M3 Consulting, Project Management Bureau of the Municipality of Rotterdam and more.

Learn more about careers in planning and our alumni careers

Panel interviews, site visits and industry events organised by UCL Careers and the Bartlett School helped me gain key industry knowledge … I cannot emphasise enough the importance of internships and work experience

UCL Portico building with welcome sign between columns.

Jeffrey Chiu

MSc International Real Estate and Planning

Employability

This degree prepares you both theoretically and practically to practise across international boundaries in the fields of urban policy, real estate market analysis and property valuation, investment and development. You will develop the necessary skills, knowledge and aptitudes to become a creative, problem-solving professional and to co-operate and engage creatively with others as both a team member and team leader. Graduates are also equipped to engage in research, policy and regulatory activities relating to the field. Many pursue careers as commercial real estate surveyors or planning consultants.

The Bartlett School of Planning and UCL’s dedicated Careers Network are here to assist you in exploring your career options, gaining valuable skills and experience, and guiding you through the job application process. You will be given the opportunity to participate in various events and training tailored to your industry, such as alumni and industry insight panels, career taster sessions, masterclasses, careers fairs and more. 

Networking

During your degree you will engage with practitioners, alumni and academic guests through seminars, site visits and workshops. Throughout the academic year The Bartlett School of planning hosts a vibrant schedule of public events and workshops giving you a wealth of opportunities to network.

Accreditation

The master’s programme is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Learn more about urban planning degree accreditation ►

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, individual and group work, student presentations, seminars, study visits, workshops and a field trip. We also have significant input from industry experts and external contributors. These diverse approaches to teaching and learning are developed to enhance your experience on the International Real Estate and Planning MSc.

You will be assessed through varied coursework assessments, written examinations and the dissertation.

In terms 1 and 2 full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 12 contact hours per teaching week through lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. In term 3 students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors. Outside of lectures full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

A Postgraduate Diploma, six core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), full-time nine months, is offered.

Modules

You will undertake 8 modules consisting of six compulsory modules, two elective modules and a research dissertation. Typically, as a full-time student, three compulsory modules and one elective will be taken by you in terms one and two, with term three devoted to dissertation research, coursework submissions and examinations.

Students wishing to gain RTPI accreditation, and who do not hold an accredited undergraduate degree, must complete the following modules as their electives:

  • Spatial Planning: Concept and Context
    or
  • Comparative Planning Systems and Cultures
    and 
  • Planning Practice

You will undertake 8 modules consisting of six compulsory modules, two elective modules and a research dissertation. As a part-time student you will typically take your eight taught modules over a period of two years (four teaching terms) and will complete your dissertation in term three at the end of your second year.

Students wishing to gain RTPI accreditation, and who do not hold an accredited undergraduate degree, must complete the following modules as their electives:

  • Spatial Planning: Concept and Context
    or
  • Comparative Planning Systems and Cultures
    and 
  • Planning Practice

You will undertake 8 modules consisting of six compulsory modules, two elective modules and a research dissertation. Modular/flexible students can take their eight modules during term time and after completing these will move to their dissertation research. The modular/flexible approach can be completed in 2 - 5 years.

Students wishing to gain RTPI accreditation, and who do not hold an accredited undergraduate degree, must complete the following modules as their electives:

  • Spatial Planning: Concept and Context
    or
  • Comparative Planning Systems and Cultures
    and 
  • Planning Practice

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in International Real Estate and Planning. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in International Real Estate and Planning.

Fieldwork

The programme includes a field trip during which themes relevant to the course are explored in different place contexts. This is an opportunity to consider built environment issues in real world settings and network as a course community.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £20,500 £10,250
Tuition fees (2025/26) £36,500 £18,250

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For flexible/modular offer holders a £500 fee deposit will be charged.

There is no fee deposit required for PG Dip and PG Cert applicants.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

This course includes one field trip. Travel and accommodation (including breakfast) for the trip will be covered by UCL, however students will need to cover the costs for visas, other daily meals and any other personal expenses. The exact costs will depend on the location and prevailing exchange rates; however, it is estimated that students would need to budget between £200 and £300.

During the course we will also attend site visits across London. Students will need to pay for their own transport to sites. Based on visits last year you should expect to budget up to £60 across the year to access sites by public transport. Sites are always within the TFL travel zones, and full-time students should be able to benefit from a student Oyster card for slightly discounted travel rates.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

We have given an overview of other funding options you may be eligible for on The Bartlett School of Planning and the The Bartlett websites.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 28 March 2025
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,864 maintenance/yr (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study International Real Estate and Planning at graduate level
  • why you want to study International Real Estate and Planning at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

To support you in the application process we have written a guide on writing a personal statement for an urban planning degree

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Got questions? Get in touch

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