Finance and Real Estate, MSc
Introduction
Open for September 2025 applications.
Educating future leaders of the real estate profession, our Master's in Finance and Real Estate bridges the gap between undergraduate studies and the workforce. With two leading industry qualifications built-in, it is a valuable asset that demonstrates to the industry that you adhere to the highest standards in the world.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
Combining the study of two complementary subject areas with leading industry accreditations and professional training ensures our students graduate as industry-ready - and this qualification is highly sought-after by employers all over the world.
Designed to extend your capability and range in all financial aspects of real estate and property development , this Master's offers a particular focus on commercial property valuation and investment and the study of international real estate markets.
Several key strengths include:
- your degree that is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
- your degree is recognised by the well-respected Investment Property Forum (IPF) to add further allure to your CV.
- we support your understanding of finance in practice with access to a market-leading financial database.
During the year, the programme provides you with a deep understanding of the latest theoretical and numerical material:
- how do developers decide what to build?
- what is the role of the planning authority?
- how do developers acquire the land?
- how is the land value calculated?
- what are the key factors – costs and revenues - that need to be controlled?
- how do developers make their profit and when do they receive their profit?
In the summer term, in lieu of a dissertation, you can also choose to travel to Asia and study property investment and development case studies in several major cities. Location of case studies varies each year, with previous cohorts of students visiting real estate developments in Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing.
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
-
Compulsory Courses
- Quantitative Methods (BU5025)
-
15 Credit Points
This course develops a mathematical and statistical ‘toolbox’ for PGT students in the Business School. These tools will useful in understanding and implementing research in business- and economics-related fields both during a student’s academic career as well as after graduation. The first part of the course covers basic mathematical models common across these fields. The second part of the course develops standard data analysis methods, including multivariate regression. The final part of the course examines shortcomings in the standard model and describes ways of overcoming those shortcomings.
- Accounting (BU5031)
-
15 Credit Points
Students will gain an understanding of what financial information is for and how it is controlled by government, the stock exchanges and other institutions. Students will explore financial accounting assumptions and conventions. They will develop their technical knowledge and skills to enable them to record business transactions and prepare financial statements. Finally, students will be introduced to financial statement analysis and the calculation of key metrics. This will allow them to explore how accounting information is used by stock market participants and the impact on users of current developments and issues in accounting practice, governance and standards.
- Valuation and Finance (BU5035)
-
15 Credit Points
The course introduces the mathematics of valuation and investment and considers the principles underlying basic valuation and investment formulae. The distinguishing characteristics of the bond, equity and property market are critiqued. The five property valuation methods are discussed via a series of lectures supplemented by tutorials/workshops in which valuation problem-solving tasks are discussed, with an emphasis on the investment method of valuation. While the focus is on real estate, the course seeks to raise awareness of the range of investment opportunities. The course seeks to develop good numeracy and analytical skills.
- Real Estate Economics (BU5036)
-
15 Credit Points
This course aims to provide an overview of basic economic models and recent developments regarding the working of real estate markets and urban land markets. The course is intended to enable students
i) To examine real estate as a set of linked markets, functionally divided between use, investment and development
ii) To understand the dynamics of specific types of real estate markets and appreciate real estate market modelling approaches
iii) To understand the location patterns of land use within urban areas and regional development
iv) To understand the role that regulations and planning play in real estate markets
- Stage 2
-
Compulsory Courses
All of the courses for Stage 1 plus:
- Portfolio Analysis (BU5526)
-
15 Credit Points
This course examines theories and issues relevant to portfolio analysis. Themes include: risk and return; investment motives; the application of modern portfolio theory (including the Capital Asset Pricing Model); information and market efficiency; portfolio analysis and asset pricing; bonds and equities; real estate and derivative markets.
- Financial Analysis and Markets (BU5575)
-
15 Credit Points
Like football, this course is a game of two halves. The first half is financial analysis and builds your ability to analyse companies and think about the implications of financial performance for investors. We will be using Datastream and Bloomberg software. In the second half we will think about how stock markets work and how they are regulated.
- Real Estate Development and Appraisal (BU5578)
-
15 Credit Points
This course applies the principles of valuation to more complex real world examples. Topics covered include rent reviews, compulsory purchase, property investment, property development and national taxation. Students are encouraged to critique traditional approaches to valuation and to consider contemporary alternatives. Numeracy and analytical skills are further developed along with expertise in the use of Excel. In addition, the course also covers professional surveying practice, including ethics, and stimulates discussion on contemporary issues and debates in the real estate industry.
Optional Courses
And
Studies in Finance || Compulsory for non-CFA Route (BU5848)
Or
Professional Finance || Compulsory for CFA Route (BU5849)- Studies in Finance (BU5848)
-
15 Credit Points
If you do not wish to undertake the CFA exam, then you will be choosing this course. This is designed for those seeking a more theoretical rather than professional edge to their MSc. You will be teamed with a member of faculty to develop a literature review of a mutually agreed area of finance research.
- Professional Finance (BU5849)
-
15 Credit Points
Becoming a Certified Financial Analyst charter holder is the aspiration of every finance industry professional. This course covers the CFA syllabus courtesy of our friends from FitchLearning who will teach you week by week and prepare you for the CFA level 1 exam. You will also write an essay reflecting on professional and academic approaches to finance
- Stage 3
-
BU5951/5952/5953/5954 Asian Cities Touror
BU591T Real Estate Internship
* Students choosing the Real Estate Internship option will be responsible for finding their own internship in a real estate organisation based in the UK. (Where a student does not hold a UK passport, the student will be responsible to check whether they are eligible to work in the UK given any Visa regulations that might apply to them.)
or
BU5955 Real Estate Dissertation
Optional Courses
All of the courses for Stage 1 and Stage 2 plus
- Asian Cities - Hong Kong (BU5951)
-
15 Credit Points
This is one of four courses that comprise the Asian Cities module. Students travel to six Asian cities (Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo) over approximately thirty days in July. This intense program involves daily meetings and seminars with key real estate investment and development professionals. Participants will complete four case studies based on current development projects and investment scenarios in four of six cities visited. This program follows a rigorous schedule with students engaged in site visits, lectures, discussions and seminars for upwards of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week over the month long course.
- Asian Cities - Seoul / Tokyo (BU5952)
-
15 Credit Points
This is one of four courses that comprise the Asian Cities module. Students travel to six Asian cities (Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo) over approximately thirty days in July. This intense program involves daily meetings and seminars with key real estate investment and development professionals. Participants will complete four case studies based on current development projects and investment scenarios in four of six cities visited. This program follows a rigorous schedule with students engaged in site visits, lectures, discussions and seminars for upwards of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week over the month long course.
- Asian Cities - Singapore (BU5953)
-
15 Credit Points
This is one of four courses that comprise the Asian Cities module. Students travel to six Asian cities (Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo) over approximately thirty days in July. This intense program involves daily meetings and seminars with key real estate investment and development professionals. Participants will complete four case studies based on current development projects and investment scenarios in four of six cities visited. This program follows a rigorous schedule with students engaged in site visits, lectures, discussions and seminars for upwards of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week over the month long course.
- Asian Cities - Shanghai / Beijing (BU5954)
-
15 Credit Points
This is one of four courses that comprise the Asian Cities module. Students travel to six Asian cities (Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo) over approximately thirty days in July. This intense program involves daily meetings and seminars with key real estate investment and development professionals. Participants will complete four case studies based on current development projects and investment scenarios in four of six cities visited. This program follows a rigorous schedule with students engaged in site visits, lectures, discussions and seminars for upwards of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week over the month long course.
- Real Estate Dissertation (BU5955)
-
60 Credit Points
The dissertation is an independent piece of work. The choice of topic is largely your own but approval must be obtained from the course coordinator and your dissertation supervisor. The dissertation should contain a large degree of original work and allow you to demonstrate in depth the skills and knowledge you have acquired on the MSc. The dissertation should be around 15000 words in length. You will be expected to show competence for independent work and to demonstrate a clear definition of the problem or subject area to be studied and the formulation and expression of a logical, workable solution.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| UK | £15,700 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year |
Fee Information
An option may be available to include our Asian Cities tour modules in lieu of the dissertation at a cost of £1,000 for the tuition fees only. Students doing this option must note that they are responsible for travel and accommodation expenses additional to this sum. All fees are subject to annual review.
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme:
The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information can be found here.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
By course work, group work, presentations, by written examination or by a combination of those, as prescribed for each course.
Why Study Finance and Real Estate?
This programme offers:
- excellence with relevance
- a 'conversion' programme that can be completed in a single year as a route to a professional career in real estate
- combine two complementary specialisms within one degree programme
- the skill sets, employable knowledge and the practical experience demanded by financial and real estate markets and appropriate techniques applied in these markets.
- the only professional accredited Master's in Scotland within a business school
- multi-disciplinary input (Economics, Finance, Law and construction as well as Real Estate)
- research-led education
- Investment Property Forum (IPF) has included this programme on their selected list of graduate programmes that they consider to provide the relevant skills necessary for those operating in the property investment market
- excellent employment prospects
We are also home to the Centre for Real Estate Research (CRER), which acts as a focus for interdisciplinary research in the area of Real Estate Investment and Property Market Analysis. Since inception in 1995, CRER has matured into an established and internationally recognised research grouping. It supports staff in the development of collaborative activity and seeks to shape the rapidly emerging international research agenda in real estate. The University of Aberdeen has been ranked 3rd in the UK, 4th in Europe and 19th in the world for its real estate research (EduRank 2024)
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
This programme is open to graduates from any discipline, and does not require business or management study to be completed at undergraduate level.
Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a degree at 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours level (or a degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
This MSc’s unique combined programme provides a credible platform for both finance and real estate career options – preparing students for rewarding posts in real estate finance or real estate portfolio management. Once you possess the key professional skills and commercial knowledge this programme provides, you’ll have greater scope to apply for higher-level positions and enjoy higher levels of reward.
Our MSc graduates have entered into a wide variety of employment, including professional firms, finance, real estate research, consultancy and the public sector.
Industry Links
The Real Estate Group has strong links with the profession with practitioners regularly involved in workshops and field trips.
Accreditation
Accreditation and world-wide recognition from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) allows graduates to proceed to the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
This degree is also recognised by the well-respected Investment Property Forum (IPF). All of which gives you strong advantages in the jobs market - which makes a very compelling argument for choosing Aberdeen.
The Business School is EQUIS accredited, placing it among a select group of globally recognised institutions. Out of over 15,000 business schools worldwide, only around 200 schools across 45 countries have attained this distinction.
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Kristoff Kunst
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Fiona Stoddard
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
World Class Facilities
- 24 hour access to our online Learning Support provided via our Virtual Learning environment MyAberdeen
- Membership of the University Library, learning materials including access to core text books
- Access to international networking and continuing professional development
- Join our business societies such as the Entrepreneurial Society
- Access to the Internet
- Access to all campus facilities
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Business School
University of Aberdeen
MacRobert Building
King Street
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX