Overview

BUILT FOR LIFE

This programme is designed for experienced employees in professional practice in real estate or construction who are seeking to gain additional specialist knowledge. It is a fully supported online programme with great flexibility, meaning you can fit it around your life and work, and study wherever you are in the world.

THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR YOU IF:

  1. You are experienced in professional practice and seeking additional specialist knowledge
  2. You want to progress to a Postgraduate Certificate or Master’s award
  3. You want to improve your potential to become a member of RICS
  4. You want to improve your marketability and job prospects and develop new skills
  5. You want to increase your earning potential

About your programme

The details

Single module study is designed to develop your ability to integrate interdisciplinary theory and practice and to research and evaluate data in order to solve complex problems. It will prepare you with a foundation for further professional development and extension of your knowledge in preparation for further academic study if you wish, including completion of a Postgraduate Certificate or Master’s award at UCEM.

  • Successful completion of this programme provides access to a UCEM postgraduate programme of your choice
  • Our programmes are flexible and can be studied in either autumn or spring
  • Each module is worth 20 credits
  • You will receive a Certificate of Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) upon successful completion
  • Successful completion of three modules (60 credits) grants you a PGCert Built Environment Studies (no pathway) or PGCert Building and Property Studies (specified pathway)
  • Furthers your professionalism within the industry
  • Enhance your career opportunities

The modules

You’ll study

Students can choose to study whichever modules interest them, however, we recommend you choose a module from the pathway that is relevant to your professional specialism. If you plan on studying multiple single modules and then wish to progress to one of our MSc or MBA programmes, you should ensure that you choose an area of specialism and then complete modules from that specialist pathway only. If you complete three single modules (60 credits) you are eligible to receive the PGCert Built Environment Studies (no pathway) or PGCert Building and Property Studies (specified pathway).

If starting in Autumn 2024

*Please note that the availability of modules and their delivery semester may vary year to year and will be confirmed on the UCEM website.

** It is strongly advised that you study VAL7VAE Valuation and Ethics, or have a firm understanding of the topics covered in VAL7VAE Valuation and Ethics, before attempting VAL7AVL Applied Valuation.

*** It is strongly advised that a student attempting INV7REV Investment Appraisal and Portfolio Management should already have a firm understanding of the concepts, such as the time value of money, which underpin the traditional and modern methods of commercial property valuation.  Students should also have experience in the use of Microsoft Excel.

If you require further information about programme content, please view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.

If starting in Spring 2025

*Please note that the availability of modules and their delivery semester may vary year to year and will be confirmed on the UCEM website.

** It is strongly advised that you study VAL7VAE Valuation and Ethics, or have a firm understanding of the topics covered in VAL7VAE Valuation and Ethics, before attempting VAL7AVL Applied Valuation.

*** It is strongly advised that a student attempting INV7REV Investment Appraisal and Portfolio Management should already have a firm understanding of the concepts, such as the time value of money, which underpin the traditional and modern methods of commercial property valuation.  Students should also have experience in the use of Microsoft Excel.

If you require further information about programme content, please view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.

Your module choices explained

The choice is yours to study whichever modules interest you. However, you are advised to choose a module from the pathway that is relevant to your professional specialism. Please read below to familiarise yourself with your options. If you need any help to make your decision, just get in touch with our friendly admissions team.

BS = Building Surveying Related to: RICS Building Surveying Pathway.

To follow this pathway, you cannot take both CON7CMC Management of Construction and PTY7PRM Property Management, you must choose only one.

CM = Construction Management Related to: RICS Project Management Pathway
QS = Quantity Surveying Related to: RICS Quantity Surveying Pathway
MBA = Master of Business Administration Related to: RICS Management and Consultancy Pathway.

To follow this pathway, you cannot take more than 2 of the following modules: PTY7PRT Property Transactions, CON7CMC Management of Construction, QSP7SPT Procurement and Tendering, INV7REV Investment Appraisal and Portfolio Management, PTY7PRM Property Management and VAL7VAE Valuation and Ethics.

RE = Real Estate Related to: RICS Valuation Pathway and Commercial Real Estate Pathway.

To follow this pathway, you cannot take more than 2 of the following modules: CON7SDC Sustainable and Innovative Construction, PLN7PLD Planning and Development, INV7REV Investment Appraisal and Portfolio Management, VAL7AVL Applied Valuation, VAL7SVA Statutory Valuations. The choice of VAL7AVL Applied Valuation follows APC Valuation pathway whereas the choice of INV7REV Investment Appraisal and Portfolio Management follows APC Commercial Real Estate pathway (should this be a determining factor for a student).

This choice may be dictated by the CPD requirements specified by some professional bodies. Choosing from a pathway also allows progression with full credit transfer onto our postgraduate programmes.

The choice of ‘No pathway’ allows a choice to be made from all modules but limits possibilities of progression onto subsequent postgraduate programmes, with potentially only some of the credit transferred.

How you’ll 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’ll 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’ll 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’ll 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 our VLE. You’ll 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 single module study is around 7 – 10 hours per week.

Support

How you’ll be supported during your studies

While studying with UCEM, you’ll 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’ll 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.

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 single module study, please get in touch with our friendly admissions team. Your application may still be considered or an alternative programme offered. We also offer a Postgraduate Access Programme which helps those who don’t currently meet the entry requirements to progress onto their chosen course on completion.

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

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 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
  • HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5* or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).

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

Alternative entry

Academic requirement

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus 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

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

2023/24 academic year

£1,400 per module

You can find out more on our payment options page.

Your career

Unlock your potential

Postgraduate single module study will support you in furthering your professionalism within industry and will enhance your career path opportunities. It will enable you to decide whether to progress to a UCEM fully accredited Master’s programme. You would be given credit for applicable single modules successfully completed from the selected pathway.

If you complete three single modules (60 credits) you are eligible to receive the PGCert Built Environment Studies (no pathway) or PGCert Building and Property Studies (specified pathway).

There are various choices of module to study on the Postgraduate Single Module Study Programme, each relating to one of our MSc programmes. You can learn more about each programme and the career paths of these routes with our careers service.

Graduate

Single module study offers a fantastic array of opportunities across the built environment and beyond

Ethical

You’ll 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

Application process

It’s time to apply

Autumn 2024

Apply by 12 August 2024 to start on 30 September 2024