UCAS code
N232Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Accredited
Yes
Overview
This accredited BSc (Hons) Property Development degree course gives you the commercial, managerial, technical and creative skills you need to launch your career in real estate. Learn to meet the challenges of a fast-moving property industry, from the refurbishment of affordable housing to overseeing the construction of multi-million-pound developments.
You'll master skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and evolve expert knowledge in the application of sustainable development, law for the built environment, property valuation, and property economics and investment. You'll also develop the entrepreneurial spirit you need to lead on pioneering projects.
Increased investment in developing infrastructure is a key part of the government's plan to 'Build Back Better' so you could play a key role in our society's goals and realising a new era of sustainable development.
Course highlights
- Choose specialist modules that match your interests and career ambitions, such as heritage property conservation and management, international built environment fieldwork, project management and dispute resolution
- Get out of the classroom through on-site visits where you'll tour building sites and meet contractors, experiencing your future workplace
- Take an optional European study trip to a construction project – past destinations include Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands
- Be inspired with visits from guest speakers with key industry experience, including property developers, land agents and course graduates – one industry contact gave a guest lecture on their experience working in the British Virgin Islands for AECOM
- Benefit from our partnerships with Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council and our professional advisory board who arrange site visits and share their industry knowledge
100%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19)
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Rob's accredited degree opened doors for his future
"One of the unique things about my course compared to other universities is the fact it is RICS accredited. This means it opens more doors in the future for me, as well as showing it’s a high-quality course."
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Property Development degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112–128 points (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
You may need to have studied specific subjects – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 29–30
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Your facilities
Building Information Modelling (BIM) software
Use our suite of Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, including our computer-aided design tools that use digital images to show physical and functional characteristics.
Specialist equipment
Learn to use the latest technology to survey sites, such as drones, and industry-standard equipment such as an Ecodist Plus laser measure. You'll also get experience with an Extech Meterlink moisture meter to measure levels of moisture and humidity in timber (and other materials).
Design Studio and Modelling Workshop
The studio and workshop host integrated AV projection systems, a dedicate model-making workshop, a refitted modelling room and space for model building and large format poster design.
Surveying Store
Get practical experience with all the equipment you'll need to develop your skills, including automatic levels, theodolites for measuring angles between designated points, computer-aided design and drafting software as well as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers for surveying and marking land.
Port-Eco House
Our Port-Eco House is a 3-bedroom property equipped with various monitoring systems, which measure everything from the efficiency of heating and insulation to dampness and exterior weather conditions.
Careers and opportunities
The UK Government has committed to loan funding of at least £624 million to house builders, as part of a £2.2 billion loan financing plan to support infrastructure and drive housing supply. So it's likely the skills you develop on this course will be in high demand when you graduate.
100% of our course graduates are in work or further study 15 months after they graduate and 90% of those graduates find their work meaningful. With your skills in demand, you can expect an average salary of £44,000 as an experience property developer – but you can also use your knowledge as a foundation for a career in surveying, property law and building conservation.
Graduate destinations
Our graduates have worked for companies such as:
- Savills
- Lambert Smith Hampton
- Countrywide
- Chichester District Council
- CBRE Group
What jobs can you do with a property development degree?
Graduates from this course have gone on to work in property development, surveying, project management and consultancy, in roles such as:
- property developer
- sustainable development consultant
- legal adviser and property lawyer
- chartered building surveyor
- real estate land and asset manager
- real estate consultant
- historic building conservationist
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year (optional)
Taking an optional placement year gives you the experience you need to increase your chances of landing your perfect role after graduation. You could work in a paid role in a professional organisation (our students earn an average salary of £19,000 during their placements) or set up your own business, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
Potential roles
Previous students have taken placement roles such as:
- trainee building surveyor
- undergraduate planner/land negotiator
- project management placement
- property developer
- real estate evaluator
Potential destinations
They've completed placements at organisations including:
- Linden Homes
- Portsmouth City Council
- Savills
- Knight Frank
- Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)
- Gatwick Airport Estates
I did an industrial placement as a trainee building surveyor with Portsmouth City Council, I loved it. I oversaw my own residential fire risk assessment project which meant I was able to make positive safety improvements to residents living spaces. I have been fortunate enough to secure a Commercial Graduate Surveying role which I am really excited to start and hopefully with some hard work in 2 years’ time I will be sitting my APC to be a fully qualified surveyor.
What you'll study on this BSc (Hons) Property Development degree
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) – 20 credits
- Construction Design & Sustainability – 20 credits
- Introduction to Law for the Built Environment – 20 credits
- Introduction to Property Valuation – 20 credits
- Multidisciplinary Project – 20 credits
- Property Economics & Financial Accounting – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Planning Procedures & Practice – 20 credits
- Professional Studies & Applied Project – 20 credits
- Property Investment & Development – 20 credits
- Urban Regeneration – 20 credits
- Valuation and Commercial Property Management – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Building Information Modelling – 20 credits
- Heritage Property – 20 credits
- International Built Environment Fieldwork – 20 credits
- Introduction to Project Management Principles – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Building Pathology – 20 credits
- Individual Major Project – 40 credits
- Land Law and Landlord and Tenant Law – 20 credits
- Professional Practice – 20 credits
- Statutory Valuations – 20 credits
- Contract Administration, Claims Management and Dispute Resolution – 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- group work
- field trips
- site visits
You'll be taught in a practical way to best prepare you for work in the property development industry.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
How you're assessed
You'll be assessed through:
- written exams
- web assessments
- essays and reports
- project presentations
- a dissertation
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £20.200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Costs breakdown
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
We will provide you with hard hats and Hi-Vis vests. You will need to buy your own safety boots costing approximately £35.
If you go on the optional international field trip in year 2 you’ll need to contribute approximately £500 to the cost.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N232
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – N232
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.