Overview

Built for leaders

In an ever-changing and competitive environment, this MBA programme is designed for ambitious and experienced real estate and construction professionals seeking an accelerated route to senior management.

This MBA combines the theoretical and real-world knowledge of our industry experts with practical, applied learning and attracts built environment professionals from across the globe, offering virtual networking and exchanges of experiences in different international contexts.

This is an industry-recognised MBA that focuses on business and management principles within the local and international construction and real estate industries. It is a fully supported online programme with great flexibility to earn while you learn, giving you the ability to study anywhere in the world.

THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR YOU IF:

  1. You are already an experienced real estate and construction professional
  2. You are seeking an accelerated route to senior management
  3. You want to study an accredited programme
  4. You want to fulfil your ambitions and achieve your goals

About your programme

The details

This leading specialist MBA provides a rigorous understanding of key property and construction subjects alongside core management disciplines such as finance, organisational leadership, strategic change management and marketing. Accredited by globally renowned professional bodies, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)*, this leading specialist MBA offers professional body membership and a fast-track route to chartered manager status. The programme also leads to MRICS (chartered surveyor) status on passing the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Students who successfully complete the programme will also achieve a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 qualification in Strategic Management and Leadership, subject to confirmation by the student that they wish to be registered for this award and subject to an associated CMI audit of their assessments. The CMI qualification will provide students with the opportunity to achieve membership of the leading professional body for managers and enhanced access to chartered manager status.

*Please note that CABE accreditation is available only when the following electives are chosen: CON7CMC Management of Construction and QSP7SPT Procurement and Tendering

  • This postgraduate degree programme comprises eight modules including a project
  • Our programmes are flexible and can be started in either autumn or spring
  • All modules are worth 20 credits, except the project module which is worth 40 credits
  • Accredited by globally renowned professional bodies RICS, CIOB and CABE*
  • *CABE Accreditation available only when the following electives are chosen: CON7CMC Management of Construction and QSP7SPT Procurement and Tendering
  • Registered with the Hong Kong Non-local Courses Registry (NCR registration number 252666)

Sustainability

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The SDG’s are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

How does this course align?

This course has been designed with the UN SDG’s in mind. The following SDG’s are of particular significance for this module:

How you will learn

Study methods

Studying online means taking control of when and where you study so you can study at your own pace, no matter where you are in the world. It means being able to balance your home and work life with your education so you can earn while you learn.

When you study at UCEM, you will be using our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a specialised resource which provides you with everything you need to keep on top of your studies and succeed.

You will be guided through your learning with weekly study schedules and course guides, which you can adapt to suit your needs, pace and lifestyle. Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone as you will be fully supported by tutors and a community of students throughout your journey.

The online learning experience

Your learning experience with UCEM will be fully supported through a range of activities on the VLE. You will also have access to UCEM’s valuable and comprehensive e-library service, providing you with a wealth of subject-specific materials to support you throughout your studies.

Your learning will be broken down into the following (on average):

Directed study time (30%)

Participating in webinars and online discussion forums

Watching videos and voice-over presentations

Undertaking exercises and quizzes linked to programme material

Self-directed study time (35%)

Reading text books and study papers to develop your subject knowledge

Assessment study time (35%)

Planning and writing coursework

Each 20-credit module equates to a total of 200 study hours broken down between directed online learning, self-directed learning and assessment.

The types of assessments used on this programme will include coursework (such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections, problem or short questions or video presentations), computer-based assessments and computer-marked assessments (CMAs). The exact combinations of assessment will vary from module to module.

YOUR COMMITMENT

The expected time commitment for the standard route is around 15-20 hours per week (based upon studying two modules per six-month semester).

Support

How you will be supported during your studies

PROGRAMME LEADER

Alison Andrews MRICS FHEA

While studying with UCEM, you will be fully supported on your programme by our friendly and informative academic and support teams who will be there to guide you from the moment you enrol until the day you graduate. They will assist you with your online learning experience, provide you with academic support and be there for you if you have any disability or wellbeing support needs.

Student engagement team

This team is your first point of contact as a student. They will support you in your studies and queries, ensuring you are put in touch with the right teams and services within UCEM.

Support tutors

This team will help you navigate the world of online learning and the VLE. Whether you need help with online learning or managing your workload, this team is here to support you all the way through your journey.

Academic support

Our academic staff are experts in their fields and are here to make your studies with UCEM stimulating and inspiring whilst offering vital support and guidance along the way.

Module team

Your module leader is assisted by a team of module tutors to provide support via discussion forums and webinars.

Disability and wellbeing team

This friendly team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.

Alison joined UCEM in August 2021 and is the programme leader for the MBA Construction and Real Estate programme and the academic delivery manager for Level 7 real estate, law and management.

After graduating with a degree in land economics, Alison worked in industry and became a Chartered Surveyor, working initially in rating, then valuation and investment. She joined Edinburgh Napier University 16 years ago as a lecturer in valuation, teaching mainly on the undergraduate real estate course. In 2007, she became programme leader for the MSc Real Estate Management and Investment programme. Her teaching specialisms are valuation and investment. In more recent years, she has contributed to the development and delivery of the real estate provision for the graduate apprentice degree. Alison was part of the school leadership team at Edinburgh Napier for seven years and held a variety of leadership roles including school academic lead(s) for quality enhancement, learning and teaching, and, more recently, online delivery. She is an RICS assessor for the assessment of professional competence (APC).

The programme equipped me to progress from a professional quantity surveyor into a business entrepreneur. I fully utilised the knowledge I gained from the UCEM MBA in my start-up company from setting up business strategies and team-building to marketing, accounting and financial control. I obtained useful knowledge and extended my network to other countries as well. Since graduating, I have set up a company. It seems to me that the UCEM MBA programme was tailor-made for me to acquire all the necessary skills and knowledge for overcoming the difficulties encountered during the start-up process. My studies provided the perfect opportunity for me to rehearse my company start-up before actually doing it.”

Annie Chu, MBA Construction and Real Estate
Co-Founder, QnS Consultancy Limited, Hong Kong

Entry requirements

and access options

Don’t meet the entry requirements listed below?

If you do not the meet the entry requirements but would like to be considered for this programme, please get in touch with our friendly admissions team. Your application may still be considered or an alternative programme offered.

Providing evidence

Evidence is required in the form of certificates or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

Standard Entry

Academic requirement

A Bachelor’s degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2) or equivalent and be employed in a relevant role

English language requirement

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification
  • Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
  • 88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
  • Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
  • A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in English can be considered for entry in the absence of the English language qualifications detailed above.

Alternative entry

Academic requirement

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus three years’ experience in a relevant field

Or

A level 5 qualification as defined by the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) plus five years’ relevant experience

Or

A professional qualification plus five years’ relevant experience, two of which should be at senior management level

English language requirement

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification
  • Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
  • 88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
  • Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
  • A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in English can be considered for entry in the absence of the English language qualifications detailed above.

Fees and funding

Financial options

2023/24 academic year

£1,225 per module x 7 plus the postgraduate project £2,450 (usually students undertake two modules per semester).

Total programme fee £11,025

2024/25 academic year

£1,325 per module x 7 plus the postgraduate project £2,650 (usually students undertake two modules per semester).

Total programme fee £11,925

 

You can find out more on our payment options page.

You may be eligible for funding for your studies. This programme is designated for Student Finance, and students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may apply for a Postgraduate Loan. Eligible students can apply for funding each academic year. The loan is then paid in three instalments throughout the academic year. It is also registered with the Skills Funding Agency for Professional and Career Development Loans. You can find out more on our student finance page.

Your programme fees are fixed for the duration of your studies. This means that the fee you pay per module will not increase from one year to the next, as long as you remain registered on the same programme. All learning resources required for successful completion of each module are provided as part of your fee. The core reading resources within each module and additional reference material and supplementary resources to support your studies will be provided via the specific VLE module pages and within the e-library.

Sponsorship

Alternative funding

Have a talk with your employer about sponsoring your degree

Many employers will sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.

To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship webpage.

Bursaries

Need a helping hand with your fees?

Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme

UCEM will fund up to 50% of the UCEM postgraduate programme fee for a limited number of new students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability and financial need.

You can find out more and apply for the Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme on our financial support page.

Your career

Unlock your potential

This programme enables aspiring and current leaders within the built environment to acquire management skills and competencies which will enable them to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The programme also provides a platform for students to further enhance their professional and technical skills in an area of the sector that will further improve their knowledge base.

There are a broad range of careers that UCEM students undertake whilst/after completing this programme which include; construction programme management, international marketing, business management, property development and management, international procurement and tendering, property management, real estate investment management and strategic, innovation and management of change.

This programme is designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies, and allows entry to:

*CABE accreditation is available only when the following electives are chosen: CON7CMC Management of Construction and QSP7SPT Procurement and Tendering

** Students who successfully complete the programme will also achieve a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 qualification in Strategic Management and Leadership, subject to confirmation by the student that they wish to be registered for this award and subject to an associated CMI audit of their assessments. The CMI qualification will provide students with the opportunity to achieve membership of the leading professional body for managers and enhanced access to chartered manager status.

YOUR CAREER AT A GLANCE:

  • Property finance
  • Management of development projects
  • Consultant for international construction projects
  • Building envelope construction manager
  • Investment portfolio manager
  • Entrepreneur

You can find out more about your potential with our careers service.

Graduate

This postgraduate programme offers a fantastic array of opportunities across the built environment and beyond

Ethical

You will also have UCEM career support for the three years after graduating so you can have confidence in taking the next steps in your exciting career

Our online MBA Construction and Real Estate programme combines quality and international excellence with the flexibility to enhance your ability to successfully perform within various business environments. The programmes will help you sharpen your existing skills and acquire new knowledge and fresh perspectives into your professional goals. You can manage your studies around other personal and professional commitments, with support from our student services’ teams and our body of experienced academic tutors and practitioners”

Alison Andrews
Programme Leader, MBA Construction and Real Estate

Application process

It’s time to apply

Autumn 2024

Apply by 12 August 2024 to start on 30 September 2024