MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development 12 months Postgraduate Programme By Heriot-Watt University |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

12 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

19,816 GBPTuition Fee/year

Scholarship

10Scholarships

Main Subject Area

Urban PlanningMain Subject Area

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

      2.7+
      169+
      59+
      6+
      79+

      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.

      1 Year
      Sep

      Tuition fees

      Domestic
      10,528 GBP
      International
      19,816 GBP

      Scholarships

      IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)

      IMechE Scholarships (for Mechanical Engineers)
      Master Bachelors Open

      Value

      $21800

      Deadline

      31 Aug 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

      The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)
      Master Open

      Value

      100% tuition fee waiver

      Deadline

      31 Mar 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Postgraduate European Union Scholarship

      Postgraduate European Union Scholarship
      Master Open

      Value

      $5000

      Deadline

      31 Jul 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Norway Early Bird Scholarship

      Norway Early Bird Scholarship
      Bachelors Master Open

      Value

      $6000

      Deadline

      1 May 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      International Merit Scholarship

      International Merit Scholarship
      Bachelors Master Open

      Value

      $2000

      Deadline

      30 Jun 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary

      Heriot-Watt University Expenses Bursary
      Bachelors Master Open

      Value

      $525

      Deadline

      31 Aug 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships

      Heriot-Watt Sports Scholarships
      Master Bachelors Open

      Value

      25% tuition fee waiver

      Deadline

      31 Jul 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

      Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence
      Master Open

      Value

      20% tuition fee waiver

      Deadline

      30 May 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship

      Americas and Europe (Non-EU) Scholarship
      Bachelors Master Open

      Value

      $5000

      Deadline

      15 Jun 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

      Alumni Discount Scheme

      Alumni Discount Scheme
      Master Open

      Value

      20% tuition fee waiver

      Deadline

      31 Jul 2026

      Application requirements

      QS Event Attendance is NOT required

      Entry requirements

      You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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