Eimear Blunnie - BSc (Hons)Property Development

'I have always been interested in the built environment and the impact it can have on people’s quality of life. The property and construction sectors offer a wide variety of dynamic and challenging roles but I chose surveying because it offered professional flexibility. The BSc (Hons) Property Development at Portsmouth is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), so I knew I could have confidence in the quality of the course.  After graduation, I would like to study a postgraduate course in urban design.  I hope to work as an urban designer in the regeneration sector and my long-term goal is to become a regeneration consultant or manager.

The School has strong links with Matrics, the under 35s branch of the RICS, and there are regular lectures from people currently working in the industry. You can follow your own interests by choosing between the many unit options.   I have really enjoyed the units covering planning, regeneration and urban design. In the final year, there is an option to go on a week-long field trip to a European country. Sustainability is fundamental to the construction and property industry and is a recurrent theme throughout the course.

The support offered at the Careers and Recruitment Service has been excellent. The University is focused on preparing students for graduate employment, with strong links to potential employers and the wider community. There are many opportunities open to surveying graduates. If you decide to undertake an Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) with the RICS, you can gain a professional qualification whilst working in a paid role.   

The University has a beautiful Library. It has spacious group study rooms, which you can book in advance, making group work a lot easier. The School has its own Information Services facility in Portland Building and a specialist librarian who offers invaluable support to students at all levels. There is also a dedicated studio facility displaying the work of previous students.

I am a member of the Property Development University Society. The society organises visits to exhibitions such as EcoBuild and educational sites like BedZED, the first zero energy development in the UK. The society also organises guest speakers and has an active social element involving Matrics. There are plenty of opportunities to mingle at social events with professional surveyors working in the local area.

When I moved to Portsmouth, I joined Hampshire Constabulary as a Special Constable. I volunteer alongside regular police officers with equivalent powers and responsibilities. Being a Special is a great way to contribute to the local community and I have developed a range of skills that will benefit my future career. I am also an active member of the Portsmouth Cultural Consortium, an independent body promoting and developing cultural activity across the city. I attend monthly meetings and assist the executive committee. I am now doing my dissertation on cultural regeneration, so my involvement with the Consortium has been beneficial for my studies.

Portsmouth is compact and accessible, with a range of facilities that you would expect to find in a much bigger city. It is an ideal location for student lifestyle and budget. It has a central nightlife catering to students, a discount shopping complex, and the University campus is within walking distance of the main shopping areas. My favourite thing about Portsmouth is the view over the city from Portsdown hill, especially at night.'

Liam Clifford - BSc (Hons) Property Development

'I chose property development because the course offered exactly what I wanted. A huge plus is that it is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which means that when I graduate I will be in prime position to become a Chartered Surveyor and hold a professional qualification in the field of property.

The lecturers are really good and the Portland Building is impressive. It looks really cool and has its own specialist library with loads of stuff to help with your studies. The support facilities are great: the University is always there to help with all kinds of things, whether it's work related or not.'