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International Real Estate and Planning MSc

London, Bloomsbury

UCL’s 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 examines the relationship between real estate markets and planning systems, as well as the relationships between markets and policy at local, national and international levels. You study how real estate markets operate and explore market mechanisms from the perspectives of investors, developers and occupiers.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

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 course 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 equips you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for careers in real estate and planning. It prepares you for roles in areas such as property market analysis, property valuation, investment and development, as well as planning and urban policy roles. The degree explores the systems that govern 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.

  • 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.
  • Are 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 Town Planning Institute (RTPI). This degree is also currently undergoing its regular reaccreditation process with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

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 from any background. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, we offer part-time and flexible study options that let you balance work and study.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

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, including Course Director Dr Quilin Ke, who are actively involved in shaping the theories and debates in real estate and city planning. We are part of The Bartlett , the #1 faculty for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). Our faculty 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 is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

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

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

95.9% of International Real Estate and Planning MSc graduates were in employment or further study within 15 months of further study (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-23). They are now working in planning and real estate careers in 21 countries around the world.

Employers include Aecom, 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, China Fortune Land Development, and many more.

Learn more about careers in planning and our alumni careers ►

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 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.

Support is available from UCL Careers and our careers specialist in The Bartlett School of Planning to explore your options, build valuable skills, showcase your practical experience, and navigate the job application process. This includes various events and training tailored to the 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 degree 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.

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. Students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time outside of lectures (approximately 25-29 hours) 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 eight modules consisting of six compulsory modules, two elective modules and a research dissertation.

The structure of the year is:

Term 1 (October–December)

Term 2 (January–March)

Term 3 (April–May) and Summer (June–September)

Elective modules can be selected from across UCL. You can explore more specialist module options from The Bartlett School of Planning on our ‘Specialising in your urban planning master's degree’ page.

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

or 

and  

You will undertake eight 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 3 at the end of your second year. Depending on timetabling, modules may be taken in either Year 1 or Year 2. You will complete your dissertation in Term 3 and the summer of Year 2.

Term 1 (October–December)

Term 2 (January–March)

Term 3 (April–May)

Summer (June–September)

Elective modules can be selected from across UCL. You can explore more specialist module options from The Bartlett School of Planning on our ‘Specialising in your urban planning master's degree’ page.

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

or

and  

You will undertake eight 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 two to five years.

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

or

and  

Compulsory modules












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 course includes a field trip during which themes relevant to the course are explored in different place contexts. Past destinations include Amsterdam, Lisbon, Berlin, Edinburgh, and Paris. This is an opportunity to consider built environment issues in real world settings and network as a course community.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Two students looking at an exhibition of student work

The Bartlett School of Planning is one of the leading research-led planning schools within Europe. We offer a hands-on learning environment, guided by urban planning experts and practitioners. Our degrees empower students to unleash their creativity and shape the future of future of cities.

Find out more

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All open days and events

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Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course 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 with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 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.

For in-person teaching, 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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. 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 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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (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 course 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 course
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this course
  • 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 course match what the course 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 courses (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: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Planning
Bartlett School of Planning

bartlett.pg-bsp@ucl.ac.uk

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