Real Estate with Foundation BSc Honours

The module aims to explore the construction methods, materials, and technologies used when designing, constructing and operating built environment assets. It will look at new build, refurbishment and infrastructure projects, traditional and modern construction techniques across a wide range of sectors, including the residential, commercial, educational and hotel sectors. It considers the building materials used and the benefits of sustainable sourcing during the project lifecycle.

Critical thinking is fundamental to our ability to progress in an increasingly complex and changing world. It is an essential skill across a range of academic and practice-based disciplines.

This module helps you understand the importance and function of critical thinking both at university and beyond. By working in partnership with academic staff and peers, you will explore how critical thinking aligns with disciplinary practices, shapes scholarly knowledge, and addresses inequalities. Through problem-posing education and anti-racist practices, you will engage with real-world problems, fostering the ability to create a more just and sustainable world.

The module aims to explore the building lifecycle, including the design, development and operation stages. Breaking the lifecycle into stages, it will explore the functions and stakeholders who engage, along with the outputs from each stage, including the production of scaled plans, initial quantities and budget costs. It considers how different stakeholder groups influence the development process.

This module introduces you to the key academic, professional, and personal skills essential for success at university. It encourages good practices in writing, presentation, and time management, while also fostering reflection to help you build confidence as you transition to higher education. Open to all students enrolled in courses delivered through Westminster Foundation Pathways, the module provides a creative and supportive environment where you can reflect on and develop their academic and professional journey. You'll work with specialist facilitators who play a crucial role in guiding your academic and professional development.

With a focus on managing academic choices in a higher education setting, the module emphasises the importance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), using methodologies that prioritise equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through these lenses, you'll explore topics that prepare you to address real-world challenges as highlighted in the SDGs in a socially conscious, inclusive, and responsible manner.

The module aims to investigate both the residential and commercial markets. It will enable you to explore the processes involved in buying, selling, leasing and renting a residential and/or commercial property. The module will also provide you with an opportunity to gain understanding on the responsibilities of owning and managing buildings, outlining the five valuation methods and three approaches, considering both the economic and the social aspects within the markets.

The module aims to introduce the basis of sustainability and sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the light of planning, and land use. You will acquire knowledge about various types of communities which establish themselves as sustainable, considering the social, environmental and economic sustainability impact of community developments through environmental assessment models. You will develop an understanding of the basis of development regulatory system as well as implications for the Built Environment on globalisation, urbanisation and megacities.

The module will examine the construction technology, processes, and performance requirements associated with buildings and their environmental services within the context of domestic building construction. Sustainability and conservation issues relating to Future Homes Standards will be integrated throughout the module.

This module introduces a set of theoretical principles, practical skills and strategy in economics which enables property professionals to develop, manage and grow successful businesses in the sustainable cities.

The main content of the module includes introduction to economics, the laws of demand and supply, the market equilibrium, the real estate markets, market failure, Managing and measuring the macroeconomy and the sustainable development agenda.

This module briefly overviews the English Legal System, focusing on Contract, Property, Tort Law, and Professional Ethics. Learners will study real-life examples of Tort Law, particularly Duty of Care and Negligence, while emphasising Professional Ethics. Exploring property rights, CSR, human rights in property development and ownership structures, and how they affect different stakeholders. Learners will also discuss the roles of landlords and tenants, highlighting the importance of Lease agreements and their relationship.

Throughout the course, they'll improve communication skills for real estate contexts, including writing reports and presenting. Teamwork and networking skills will be emphasised for navigating various real estate situations. Lastly, they will enhance their understanding of legal principles through analysis and critical thinking, enhancing problem-solving abilities and time management skills.

This module introduces the foundations and principles underpinning the valuation of Real Estate interests. The module provides an initial overview of the three approaches to valuation and an introduction to the five main methods of valuation. The module also covers the principles of property inspection and measurement as a precursor to the provision of valuations.

The module will focus on the building blocks' of valuation, ie compounding and discounting and embed a thorough knowledge of three of the five methods of valuation: the comparable, cost, and traditional investment methods of valuation. These will be applied to a variety of different types of real estate.

The generic acquired skills will include the collection and recording of information; clear communication through a variety of media; contribution to group discussions; use of various IT platforms; the development numeracy skills and an initial appreciation of what professionalism entails.

This module is designed to provide you with the essential skills and knowledge to support their journey toward a successful career in real estate, with a focus on becoming a Chartered Surveyor. Through real-life case studies, the module introduces you to various property types and sectors, exploring how property owners make investment decisions and manage assets to enhance value. Engagement and preparation of the materials for the Westminster Employability Award is encouraged to formally recognize extracurricular activities and further develop employability skills.

This module introduces the English planning system within the context of spatial planning framework, providing a context for what planning is, why we plan, how planning fits within a wider governmental context and the role of the planner in society, economy and environment.

The module profoundly dives into the principles of retrofitting within the context of sustainability, aligning closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The module's core focus is on understanding and applying retrofitting methodologies to enhance environmental performance in existing structures, aiming to transform them into sustainable, energy-efficient buildings.

This module examines the complicated landscape of commercial real estate law, offering a comprehensive exploration of fundamental legal principles and regulations governing commercial property transactions. Students will understand landlord-tenant relationships, financing structures, purchase and sales transactions, and professional ethics within the commercial real estate sector through a blend of theoretical analysis and practical application.

Additionally, students will critically appraise the legal rights, obligations, and remedies of both landlords and tenants. This appraisal thoroughly examines the impact of statutory regulation, case law precedents, and market dynamics on these rights and obligations. Students will develop a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between legal frameworks and practical considerations within commercial real estate transactions by engaging in critical assessment.

The module introduces students to the practice of conducting building surveys, taking them through the processes for completing RICS Survey reports, the identification of defects (from damp and structural movement to problems with steel and concrete frames), following the trail of evidence in order to provide reasoned professional advice on appropriate action to be taken with a sustainable approach to rectifying defects and the correct reporting procedures during surveying buildings. Students will be introduced to the concepts of building developments for various projects with the emphasis on sustainability and innovation.

This module will cover advanced concepts and techniques essential for assessing the value of real estate property. Based on real-life case studies, there will be in-depth market analyses, assessment of supply and demand factors, and interpretation of economic indicators to enable the ability to conduct accurate valuations and make informed decisions.

As aspiring Chartered Surveyors, it is essential to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics which will be covered from the aspect of real estate valuation.

This module will provide an overview of real estate investment principles, including the different types of real estate investment vehicles, and comparison of different investment strategies. An important element is understanding company accounts, with an introduction to financial statements and analysis of key financial ratios relevant to real estate investment to assess the financial health and performance of a real estate investment. The principles of portfolio diversification, risk management and asset allocation strategies will be considered. There will be an analysis of real-world investment scenarios and case studies along with an investigation into compliance with industry regulations and standards of professional conduct.

The learning from this module will be brought together with the students investing a sum of money in a fantasy property portfolio. This will reinforce their comprehensive understanding of real estate investment principles and provide the analytical skills and practical knowledge necessary to build and manage successful property portfolios in diverse market environments.

This module explores the strategies and techniques used to maximise the value of commercial assets and manage investment portfolios efficiently and effectively. The module will cover the characteristics and main value drivers of a variety of asset classes; the analysis of portfolio performance; and the identification, analysis and management of key risks.

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal, managerial, and ethical aspects of housing law, sales and marketing process, management policies, and estate agency principles, which are essential for professionals in the real estate industry.

This module provides an in-depth overview of the English planning system with a focus on how planning policies are designed to achieve sustainable development.

Residential property management includes the day-to-day administration of a variety of residential property including social housing, private sector housing, long leases, HMOs, student accommodation, Airbnb, holiday homes, and Build to Rent schemes. This is usually carried out by professional managers although some investors may manage their own portfolios.

This module will cover the responsibility of a property manager for the maintenance, repair, security, and safety of buildings together with financial obligations, ethical and professional behaviour. A thorough coverage of service charge regulations and legislation will be included. It will also consider methods of maintaining value and, where possible, adding value to the investment.

This module provides students with pertinent knowledge concerning the people and structure of commercial organisations, including leadership and management, culture, efficient and effective communication, conflict resolution, client care together with ethical practice.

This module aims to integrate knowledge and skills acquired from previous modules covering economics, valuation, law, sustainability, and urban planning. It includes sourcing a development project opportunity to create a self-selected development and carrying out analytical review of social demographics in the surrounding area to the development along with creative thinking. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will be applied to design an innovative and sustainable development scheme within a set distance from Central London that responds to market demands, societal needs, and environmental challenges. Knowledge and personal experiences gained by attending various mixed use development site activities will be required to be demonstrated within assessments.

This module examines real estate structure and agency in global markets and aims to develop the students’ understanding of legal frameworks and practice underpinning development and investment in global cities within and outside the UK.

Property management includes the day-to-day administration of a variety of properties including shopping centres, offices, industrial estates, hospitals, etc. Residential property management will only be mentioned briefly as this is covered, in detail, in a separate module. Property management is usually carried out by professional managers due to the detailed knowledge of legislation, regulations and specific markets required.

This module will equip you with advanced marketing and stakeholder management knowledge and skills tailored to the real estate sector. It emphasises the application of marketing theories, customer behaviour insights, and relationship management techniques to develop ethical, inclusive, and effective marketing strategies. Through a combination of practical tasks, client interaction scenarios, and reflective activities, students will enhance their ability to analyse trends, design targeted campaigns, and maintain professional relationships, preparing them for diverse real estate contexts.

The Prop Tech revolution is reshaping the real estate industry through innovative technologies and digital solutions. This module explores the future of real estate accounting for  the impact of Prop Tech.

The module provides context to the definition facilities management as the comprehensive approach to the provision of a building’s functionality, comfort, safety, sustainability and efficiency of the built environment - the buildings we live and work in and their surrounding infrastructure. You will develop skills and appropriate management techniques for maintenance and upgrading of building fabric and building services systems meeting legislation and a sustainable approach. You'll also devise and develop recognition of the role of building fabric and building services management in meeting corporate objectives, consider the decision-making processes associated with the management of the life cycle, and critically analyse the different systems of organisation and management of maintenance and refurbishment of building fabric and building services systems.