12 monthsProgramme duration
20,456 GBPTuition Fee/year
3Scholarships
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Urban Planning
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work as a development surveyor or planner. It has been designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies and upon completion, you will be able to work either in the public or private sectors, advising on the complexities of property development to occupiers, investors, developers, and planning authorities.
During the master’s programme, you’ll build a deep understanding of the complex interactions and uncertainties of the development process, and learn the essential components of economics, valuation, planning, law, and regeneration and sustainability principles. You’ll develop an appreciation of the skills and tasks inherent in development projects, including community participation, satisfying the statutory planning considerations, undertaking the necessary financial appraisals, and achieving funding to make it happen.
The career-focused master’s programme will set you up to pursue a career as a chartered development surveyor or planner with a specific focus in land and property markets. Such opportunities are available with a range of employers in the private and public sector, including local development and regeneration agencies.
As a graduate you’ll be able to:
offer a holistic approach to sustainable development
demonstrate sophisticated intellectual and research skills proficient for a professional career
evaluate complex problems and formulate solutions associated with planning and development issues
have a respect for diversity and an appreciation of social inclusion as a goal of planning
have an awareness of the role that values and attitudes play in managing change in the built environment
have an interdisciplinary perspective that draws on the range of disciplines that contribute to the programme
Our Expertise
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics from The Urban Institute and the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) which sit within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS). EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and practitioners are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses.
Your Learning Environment
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development is taught though a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops including computing, debates, guest lectures and case study scenarios of properties and markets. The linking of theory and practice is prominent throughout this programme, as well as the focus on best practice. Learning is interactive, hands on and practical, combining educational and vocational aims.
You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your dissertation, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme. There is a focus on developing knowledge and skills relevant to professional practice which is assessed by a combination of individual reports, essays, and projects. The dissertation assesses higher level research skills, critical thinking, and writing capabilities.
Outside of the classroom, you can get involved with the Heriot-Watt Student Union by participating in student groups, becoming an Academic Rep, and joining societies. Societies provide a great opportunity to meet likeminded people, get involved in regular social and networking events, and gain insights into career prospects.
Customise Your Learning
You can choose whether to study the programme full time or part time at our Edinburgh campus. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle. The programme begins in September and the course will last 12 months full time or 24 months part time.You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway through choosing one real estate management, investment analysis, or social sustainability course option in semester two.
In semester three, you’ll undertake an extensive and specialised investigation through your research dissertation on a topical social science issue. You’ll be required to demonstrate your advanced understanding of the discipline in which the dissertation topic is located through effective formulation of a hypothesis, and the planning and execution of appropriate research to address the problem. You’ll do this effectively within the resources and time available thus increasing your analytical and organisational skills.
Accreditation This programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Employability With strong professional links and a focus on up-to-date industry-relevant content, this course equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to quickly and effectively contribute to the success of their working environment. On completion of this course graduates will be able to have a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the property market context and the nature and theory of spatial planning and sustainable development. Graduates can work in a variety of roles in the private and public sectors, both in the UK and abroad or continue research through completion of PhD study.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Urban Planning
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work as a development surveyor or planner. It has been designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies and upon completion, you will be able to work either in the public or private sectors, advising on the complexities of property development to occupiers, investors, developers, and planning authorities.
During the master’s programme, you’ll build a deep understanding of the complex interactions and uncertainties of the development process, and learn the essential components of economics, valuation, planning, law, and regeneration and sustainability principles. You’ll develop an appreciation of the skills and tasks inherent in development projects, including community participation, satisfying the statutory planning considerations, undertaking the necessary financial appraisals, and achieving funding to make it happen.
The career-focused master’s programme will set you up to pursue a career as a chartered development surveyor or planner with a specific focus in land and property markets. Such opportunities are available with a range of employers in the private and public sector, including local development and regeneration agencies.
As a graduate you’ll be able to:
offer a holistic approach to sustainable development
demonstrate sophisticated intellectual and research skills proficient for a professional career
evaluate complex problems and formulate solutions associated with planning and development issues
have a respect for diversity and an appreciation of social inclusion as a goal of planning
have an awareness of the role that values and attitudes play in managing change in the built environment
have an interdisciplinary perspective that draws on the range of disciplines that contribute to the programme
Our Expertise
Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active academics from The Urban Institute and the Institute for Social Policy, Housing, Equalities Research (I-SPHERE) which sit within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS). EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to economic development and societal equity. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and practitioners are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses.
Your Learning Environment
MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development is taught though a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops including computing, debates, guest lectures and case study scenarios of properties and markets. The linking of theory and practice is prominent throughout this programme, as well as the focus on best practice. Learning is interactive, hands on and practical, combining educational and vocational aims.
You will be assessed by coursework, exams, and your dissertation, and will receive support and feedback throughout the programme. There is a focus on developing knowledge and skills relevant to professional practice which is assessed by a combination of individual reports, essays, and projects. The dissertation assesses higher level research skills, critical thinking, and writing capabilities.
Outside of the classroom, you can get involved with the Heriot-Watt Student Union by participating in student groups, becoming an Academic Rep, and joining societies. Societies provide a great opportunity to meet likeminded people, get involved in regular social and networking events, and gain insights into career prospects.
Customise Your Learning
You can choose whether to study the programme full time or part time at our Edinburgh campus. This flexibility allows you to fit your postgraduate studies around your lifestyle. The programme begins in September and the course will last 12 months full time or 24 months part time.You can customise your degree to match your specific interests or desired career pathway through choosing one real estate management, investment analysis, or social sustainability course option in semester two.
In semester three, you’ll undertake an extensive and specialised investigation through your research dissertation on a topical social science issue. You’ll be required to demonstrate your advanced understanding of the discipline in which the dissertation topic is located through effective formulation of a hypothesis, and the planning and execution of appropriate research to address the problem. You’ll do this effectively within the resources and time available thus increasing your analytical and organisational skills.
Accreditation This programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Employability With strong professional links and a focus on up-to-date industry-relevant content, this course equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to quickly and effectively contribute to the success of their working environment. On completion of this course graduates will be able to have a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the property market context and the nature and theory of spatial planning and sustainable development. Graduates can work in a variety of roles in the private and public sectors, both in the UK and abroad or continue research through completion of PhD study.
Admission Requirements
A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in any academic subject provided that it includes evidence of essay writing and a statement of purpose showing interest in Spatial Planning & Real Estate Development.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Value
$21800
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
Value
$525
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
Heriot-Watt University
IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
Value
$218000
Deadline
31 Aug 2026
Application requirements
QS Event Attendance is NOT required
Entry requirements
Heriot-Watt University
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme