Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
Want to enter the exciting world of property? Discover our BSc (Hons) Real Estate course. This degree is for you if you are interested in the study of the built environment and in the acquisition, disposal, management and valuation of land and buildings.
This real estate course has been developed in the UK in accordance with the requirements of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the leading international professional body for surveying, our course meets the needs of potential employers in the public, private and third sectors. You will complete your undergraduate degree with the most current and relevant insights.
You will gain a detailed understanding of real estate, alongside learning to make an expert analysis of the processes of its ownership, development, occupation, valuation and management. You’ll also examine economics and finance, property valuation and management, development, construction, urban planning and law, ensuring you are equipped with the attributes you’ll need for a successful career.
The course integrates technological, financial, legal and management issues, and you will connect the theories and practice of real estate to a range of real-life case studies, helping you understand the complex world of property.
We will prepare you for a career in real estate, developing your collaborative skills and ensuring you are not only able to practise effectively within the global real estate industry, but that you are also sensitive to the needs of the diverse cultures that you come into contact with in your work.
Especially relevant for the would-be chartered surveyor, this course offers a detailed study of the built environment alongside an expert analysis of the acquisition, disposal, management and valuation of land and buildings.
Benefiting from our staff's close links with industry, the course thoroughly prepares you for the enormously varied work of a general practice surveyor.
Our next Virtual Open Day is taking place on Saturday 20 March. It's the perfect opportunity to virtually tour our facilities, hear from some of our staff and get a feel of what it's like to study at BCU.
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
Are you planning to study an undergraduate degree course in a Built Environment subject? If so, you may be eligible for grant funding of up to £9,500 to help you during your studies at Birmingham City University.
Accreditations shall be renewed in accordance with the accreditor’s standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS | ||
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GCSE |
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City and Guilds Level 2 Certificates in Adult Numeracy/ Adult Literacy |
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Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2 |
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Key Skills level 2 |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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Scottish National 5 |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
A level and Advanced VCE |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Essential | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | ||
IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information. |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
1. For students who complete the full IB Diploma: a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects. 2. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. Students must have grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
As part of the application process you will be invited to attend an applicant visit day where you will undertake a short one-to-one interview with an academic member of staff. This is your chance to show us how passionate you are about the subject and it will help us make a decision on your application.
This will provide you with more information about the School and your course. In addition, it will give you a chance to meet and our staff and students to gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a student here.
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
There are three ways to apply:
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
If you study this course part-time or via distance learning, you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. This means your fee will be calculated per module.
£60
Students often choose to buy a laptop or tablet for use on campus (approx. £800), however there are PCs on campus and students can also borrow laptops. Students may need a smart phone or wireless device to participate in interactive class quizzes, etc. A list of all personal protection equipment (PPE) for labs and a basic toolkit, is provided by the School. Laboratory and workshop consumables are provided. All reports, etc. for assessment are submitted as electronic files except some of the Level 6 and 7 Project Reports for which printing and binding costs (up to 50 pages) will be borne by the students.
Students may have to contribute to the cost of optional social trips organised by Student Societies. The costs of compulsory industrial visits (if any) are paid by the School or by sponsorship secured from the Professional bodies (PSRBs). Students are expected to cover the costs of attending placement interviews and any additional travel/accommodation costs incurred to take up optional short term or sandwich placements.
Costs for student-led projects will be paid by the School subject to approved business cases submitted by the students under the supervision of academic staff. Artefacts built for projects normally remain the property of the Department, but students may be offered the opportunity to purchase them for the cost of the materials used.
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the built environment, learning about building technology and innovation, valuation and economics, and the fundamentals of property law.
In year two, you will build on your previous learning and learn about development, planning and data management, as well as enhancing your skills in property management.
For your final year, you will study more detailed and complex valuation, property investment and corporate property management, supporting your final research project and dissertation.
Assessment takes the form of unseen written examinations, essays, written assignments, posters, oral presentations and an e-portfolio, as well as workshops, online quizzes and more. Learning on the course will come from classroom sessions such as lectures, workshops and small group discussions.
For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, please take a look at the information detailed on the course overview PDF document on this page.
Ambitious Rachel Hill made the most of her 12-month sandwich placement – before graduating with first class honours. Her work placement not only equipped her with the hands-on experience to impress employers, but also counted towards a valuable professional qualification.
It’s also been the perfect way to show employers what she’s made of. Rachel was able to work towards her Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) before completing her degree, as the placement experience counted towards the first 12 months of her APC diary.
The course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Successful completion of the course will lead to Professional Membership after the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
You will be encouraged to progress to postgraduate study within the school, which provides a range of relevant Master’s courses. Details can be found on the courses section of the website.
“The high level of staff commitment to the student experience is quite evident and witnessed in positive student feedback.”
External examiner, BSc Real Estate
We are committed to practice-led learning and teaching, ensuring that you get vital experience of the world of work through relevant activities. These could include voluntary work, live projects, problem solving, case studies, site visits and opportunities to interact with visiting professionals.
The University also has its Graduate+ programme, which is an extracurricular awards framework that will enhance the subject-based skills you’ll develop on the course with broader employability skills. Graduate+ will help you with CV writing, crafting personal statements and interview techniques, as well as helping you to source jobs.
Our excellent links with industry employers provide opportunities for voluntary work placements and permanent career opportunities.
Students have been found internships or work placements at companies such as CBRE, JLL, Cushman & Wakefield, GVA, Knight Frank and Savills.
The opportunities with companies such as Birmingham-based Willmott Dixon, a leading independent construction and property company, have increased confidence, ability and skills.
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
Former graduates have progressed into roles with CBRE, Colliers International, Savills, Knight Frank, Birmingham Property Services and more, taking on roles as agents, valuers, rating surveyors and property marketers.
Tsvetomira Vincent
Former BSc Real Estate student, Tsvetomira Vincent, graduated from BCU in 2019. Tsvetomira has since secured a role as a Graduate General Practice Surveyor with Place Partnership Ltd, where she uses the skills she acquired in her degree on a daily basis.
Discover 10 exciting careers
Real Estate is an exciting career that offers a range of different highly paid careers in managing, selling and valuing real estate alongside advising on market conditions and property feasibility studies
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. We ensure that you are equipped to participate fully and possessed with the equipment needed to support your studies.
In offices today, much of the pen and paper approach to quantity surveying has been replaced by the use of specialised software systems. Here at Birmingham City University you will make use of commercial software as part of your assessment. Work is carried out in well-equipped and air-conditioned laboratories.
You will be provided with the latest CAD software – free of charge – to enable you to acquire the skills you need in a modern design office.
Part of your learning activity will be hands-on, including carrying out survey work using a range of equipment, such as:
The use of a virtual building site will help you to appreciate the surroundings of a typical construction site and experience some of the challenges you will face in practice.
Dr David Higgins is the Professor of Real Estate, Birmingham City University and past Visiting Professor, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and Xiamen University, China. David has worked in both industry and academia in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and China. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and has strong industry links.
Prior to academia, David worked in the property industry including Colliers International, Bayleys Real Estate, Jones Lang LaSalle and Tyndall Property Fund Management. For the past five years, David’s scholarly research included property market performance and strategies, and new concepts of property risk. Funded research covered property market structures, property finance and social housing covering development and performance challenges.
Tim ran his own property management and estate agency firm on the Isle of Wight for over ten years, during this time he completed his MSc in Real Estate Surveying via distance learning at Northumbria University. He went on to Reading University where he obtained his PhD in domestic energy efficiency.
Amanda is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment and teaches on post-graduate and undergraduate programmes. Her teaching experience is supported by 2:1 law degree (specialising in Planning and Environmental Law), a post-graduate professional qualification (Legal Practice Course), along with 15 years relevant practical experience with a Local Planning Authority in their Legal and Development Control Sections.