he REALM (Rural Estate and Land Management) courses provide a first step on the route to qualification as a chartered surveyor. All prospective chartered surveyors must complete the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) offered by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), and the programmes provide the academic foundation for candidates wishing to pursue the rural APC.
The MProf and MSc REALM programmes are both validated by RICS under the RICS-Harper Adams University Partnership agreement, recognising the high regard in which the courses are held. The MProf in particular, is one of a very small number of courses in the country to have this distinction with regard to the rural APC, which is why you are required to study 12 modules (180 credits) rather than eight (120 credits). The postgraduate certificate (PgC) provides a route for students who may fall short of our exacting entry requirements to get up to speed before transferring to either the MProf or MSc programmes.
Modules cover the main areas required for professional practice, in particular providing the necessary legal foundations for practice, and covering the all-important areas of the UK planning system, land tenure, rural valuation, primary production in agriculture and forestry, countryside and environmental management. A wide choice of modules means that you can tailor the programme to your own requirements.
The MProf programme is particularly popular with part-time students, often graduates who are able to combine suitable employment with study and progression through the APC.
Employment prospects in rural practice are good, and successful graduates have gone on to a wide range of jobs in recent years on rural estates and with local and national firms of rural surveyors and agricultural valuers. Feedback from students shows that the intensive modular structure is well-received, along with the practical slant of many of the assignments. This is underpinned by the professional standing of many of the tutors, who are active with the profession at the highest levels nationally and act as Assessors for the APC.
The MProf/MSc will enable you to analyse a range of stakeholder interests and their influence, generally and site specifically, in rural land management. You will become competent in a range of techniques for rural land management and appraisal, be able to appraise the value and worth of rural land, and review the role of property in organisations.
Students also become skilled at evaluating and exploiting the latest developments in technology, and developing performance indicators in rural estate management and strategy. You will learn to formulate land management strategies which meet objectives for sustainable management while taking into account legislature, regulations, ethics and morals, the environment, amenities and commercial needs.
You will also learn to evaluate how previously implemented land management strategies have achieved their objectives, and adapt them to new requirements within an evolving economic, social, legal and political framework, with due regard to developments in sustainable development and biodiversity. You will become competent in professional methodologies used by chartered surveyors to manage and appraise rural land and property.
MSc students carry out an independent research or development project to advance their understanding of a particular issue in rural land management, or to resolve a specific and novel technical problem facing rural land managers in practice.
The full-time and two year part-time courses are eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Looking for an absorbing, fulfilling career in rural land and estate management? Our MSc Rural Land and Business Management course, which prepares you for membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in professional practice, advising the owners and occupiers of rural land and property on their assets and businesses.
The course focuses on equipping you with the specialist knowledge and skills necessary to deal with the challenges facing rural businesses, both now and in the post-Brexit environment. It aims to blend theory and practice to deliver a challenging programme, highly relevant to the changing demands of modern business. You will be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the current challenges of your new profession, and learn how to apply an analytical, strategic approach to the sometimes difficult and complex situations you will meet in practice.
Programme
Many of the UK’s most successful rural land managers began their careers at the University of Reading. The programme is recognised by the UK’s top employers as an excellent preparation for a career in rural surveying. You will be taught by experts in the field (both academics and current practitioners) and will undertake real-life case studies, and visits to farms, estates and other rural businesses – while working within the busy, vibrant society of one of the UK’s leading universities.
Real Estate & Planning
Our Department is the largest in the UK for teaching and research in real estate and planning. Established in 1968 at the University of Reading, we are the only major UK real estate and planning centre to be located within a business school. Being part of the Henley Business School reflects our close and longstanding collaborative relationship with industry.
We enjoy a worldwide reputation for excellence in both teaching and research and we are consistently highly ranked in all major league tables. We undertake internationally recognised, leading edge research into real estate, planning and land and we offer a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, all of which are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Our planning courses are also fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute. Our programmes are held in high regard by leading employers, many of whom come to us each year to recruit our graduates. We are proud of our outstanding employment record, with more than 95% of our students entering graduate level jobs within 6 months of leaving us.
Henley Business School
Module descriptions are correct for modules taught in the academic year 2017/18. Optional module listings are indicative, and may be subject to change.
Core modules
Plus elective modules from a range offered by the School of Agriculture and Henley Business School, which may include: Advanced Marketing, Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects, Business Planning and Control, Ecosystem Services, Human Resource Management, Resource and Environmental Economics, Rural Diversification, Sustainability and Real Estate, Real Estate Asset Management.
The programme has an excellent employment record – 100% for the last four years. We have long-standing links with the major firms in the sector who regularly recruit from the University. Recent graduates have gone on to work for multi-disciplinary rural consultancy firms including Bidwells, Carter Jonas, CKD Galbraith, Fisher German, Knight Frank, Savills and Strutt & Parker, and specialist firms such as Dalcour Maclaren, as well as for regional firms throughout the country. They have also taken jobs with rural estate owners as trainee land agents, and organisations such as the National Trust and RSPB.
Our graduates tell us the content of the course is highly relevant to the profession, training them to be analytical thinkers and leaders. They have frequently progressed to become directors of landed estates or surveying firms. Some have secured posts in environmental organisations, government agencies, planning consultancies, or in academia. Others find this higher degree pathway an ideal entry qualification into wider management careers.
Most graduates complete the two years’ professional training and experience required to become members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and many also become members of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers.
Our alumni association, the Reading Real Estate Foundation, organises career development and recruitment events for students throughout the year. These include an evening lectures series with key industry speakers, an annual Careers Fair and a highly successful mentoring programme – unique in the sector – which pairs individual students with industry professionals. We also have a professional Careers Development Advisor who helps our students with every aspect of the career process, including identifying work placements, internships and permanent career opportunities.
This programme accepts graduates from any discipline to convert and become full RICS accredited in Land Economy and Rural Surveying.
Land Economy and Rural Surveying is very employable internationally, and it is an essential discipline in which you can contribute to the built environment covering anything from towns, cities, roads, transport systems and leisure venues. We are moving towards mega cities in which people will connect via technology to improve quality of life and infrastructure. This gives society a considerable challenge in terms of ensuring quality of life in the future where there will perhaps be more regulation. In order to give you the best start in the profession our programme is fully RICS accredited and it is the only programme of its type in Scotland. The discipline has been a strength at University of Aberdeen for many years now and our connections with industry are excellent over this time.
The programme gives you a very thorough knowledge of all areas associated with land economy and rural property management. This includes looking the wide range of environmental challenges, rural management such as forestry and game management, agriculture and planning and environmental law. These modules are disciplines in themselves and very useful for your career opportunities which could be wide ranging, adding real value to your programme.
Semester 1
Semester 2
Semester 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
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*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and the latest postgraduate opportunities
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Almost one in eight people around the world are chronically undernourished. Recurrent food price spikes and socio-political unrest, climate change, land degradation and scarcity of natural resources – coupled with decline in rural communities and livelihoods – have placed food security high on the development agenda. This course is designed to meet the growing demands for professionals equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitude needed to deal with these challenges.
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying food security, using insights from agroecological sciences, geography, social and political sciences, and innovation studies. The course will use research-informed teaching to explore and analyse global food security issues, the factors that affect food security outcomes, the solutions to food security problems, and the planning and execution of food security interventions.
Your study is designed to be practice-oriented and aims to enhance your employability within development organisations working on food security. This means that you will not only explore the status, drivers and solutions of global food insecurity, but also focus on how these aspects could be systematically analysed and acted upon in a real world setting. You’ll draw on examples from both developing and developed countries.
NTU has links with various universities and international development institutions such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The course pulls together staff expertise in various relevant disciplines from within the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, and also from other schools across NTU, including the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Social Sciences, and Nottingham Business School.
You’ll be taught through a mixture of interactive lectures, detailed case studies, tutorials, workshops, seminars, study visits, and placements. You’ll also have opportunities to present your work to peers and academic staff. Independent learning is required, and you’ll undertake high- quality research. You’ll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst Campus – a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports the effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates. The farm includes sheep, a poultry unit, and a herd of Lincoln red beef cattle, as well as arable and protected crop production. The farm promotes sustainable land use and management, demonstrating modern farming techniques whilst achieving high conservation value.
You’ll also have access to modern, bespoke scientific facilities, teaching resources, and accommodation.
Find out more about our Brackenhurst Campus on our website
Want to find out more about studying with us? Find out more at one of our upcoming open days. Reserve your place.
For more information on our courses, please visit our website.
Almost one in eight people around the world are chronically undernourished. Recurrent food price spikes and socio-political unrest, climate change, land degradation and scarcity of natural resources – coupled with decline in rural communities and livelihoods – have placed food security high on the development agenda. This course is designed to meet the growing demands for professionals equipped with the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitude needed to deal with these challenges.
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying food security, using insights from agroecological sciences, geography, social and political sciences, and innovation studies. The course will use research-informed teaching to explore and analyse global food security issues, the factors that affect food security outcomes, the solutions to food security problems, and the planning and execution of food security interventions.
Your study is designed to be practice-oriented and aims to enhance your employability within development organisations working on food security. This means that you will not only explore the status, drivers and solutions of global food insecurity, but also focus on how these aspects could be systematically analysed and acted upon in a real world setting. You’ll draw on examples from both developing and developed countries.
NTU has links with various universities and international development institutions such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The course pulls together staff expertise in various relevant disciplines from within the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, and also from other schools across NTU, including the School of Arts and Humanities, the School of Social Sciences, and Nottingham Business School.
You’ll be taught through a mixture of interactive lectures, detailed case studies, tutorials, workshops, seminars, study visits, and placements. You’ll also have opportunities to present your work to peers and academic staff. Independent learning is required, and you’ll undertake high- quality research. You’ll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst Campus – a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports the effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates. The farm includes sheep, a poultry unit, and a herd of Lincoln red beef cattle, as well as arable and protected crop production. The farm promotes sustainable land use and management, demonstrating modern farming techniques whilst achieving high conservation value.
You’ll also have access to modern, bespoke scientific facilities, teaching resources, and accommodation.
Find out more about our Brackenhurst Campus on our website
Want to find out more about studying with us? Find out more at one of our upcoming open days. Reserve your place.
For more information on our courses, please visit our website.
This course combines research and academic skills with field surveying skills, ready for practical application within the ecological consultancy industry. It’s designed to meet a rising need for highly skilled conservationists. Through practical experience, taught sessions and interaction with experienced field ecologists, you’ll gain taxonomic expertise. This will enable you to accurately identify a wide range of species and communities; use the appropriate field skills and techniques to carry out biodiversity surveys across different habitat types; and produce reports and assessments to professional standards. You’ll also have an additional and distinctive opportunity to be trained in the use of geographical information systems (GIS) – a vital tool in the surveying and management of the environment.
The skills you learn will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge of why some species and communities are conservation priorities in law or policy. You’ll also study the fundamentals of project planning, data collection and statistical analysis, in order to properly conduct your surveys and assessments. You’ll be given the chance to become a critical thinker, capable of evaluating what you do, and adept at reporting your findings to the key audiences.
This course is delivered with a strong practical approach to learning. You’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, field and laboratory work, and online learning.
Independent learning is required, and you’ll undertake high-quality research. You’ll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst Campus – a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates. It offers a good range of wetland and terrestrial habitats, which are invaluable for learning and practising surveying techniques, and the sampling of species.
You’ll also benefit from active conservation projects on the estate, including bird ringing and small mammal trapping and monitoring, alongside environmental impact assessments on construction work and renewable energy technologies.
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in field trips to Rutland and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. There are also opportunities to complete a research project in the UK or abroad.
Find out more about our Brackenhurst Campus on our website
Want to find out more about studying with us? Find out more at one of our upcoming open days. Reserve your place.
For more information on our courses, please visit our website.
This course combines research and academic skills with field surveying skills, ready for practical application within the ecological consultancy industry. It’s designed to meet a rising need for highly skilled conservationists. Through practical experience, taught sessions and interaction with experienced field ecologists, you’ll gain taxonomic expertise. This will enable you to accurately identify a wide range of species and communities; use the appropriate field skills and techniques to carry out biodiversity surveys across different habitat types; and produce reports and assessments to professional standards. You’ll also have an additional and distinctive opportunity to be trained in the use of geographical information systems (GIS) – a vital tool in the surveying and management of the environment.
The skills you learn will be underpinned by a thorough knowledge of why some species and communities are conservation priorities in law or policy. You’ll also study the fundamentals of project planning, data collection and statistical analysis, in order to properly conduct your surveys and assessments. You’ll be given the chance to become a critical thinker, capable of evaluating what you do, and adept at reporting your findings to the key audiences.
This course is delivered with a strong practical approach to learning. You’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, field and laboratory work, and online learning.
Independent learning is required, and you’ll undertake high-quality research. You’ll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst Campus – a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates. It offers a good range of wetland and terrestrial habitats, which are invaluable for learning and practising surveying techniques, and the sampling of species.
You’ll also benefit from active conservation projects on the estate, including bird ringing and small mammal trapping and monitoring, alongside environmental impact assessments on construction work and renewable energy technologies.
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in field trips to Rutland and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. There are also opportunities to complete a research project in the UK or abroad.
Find out more about our Brackenhurst Campus on our website
Want to find out more about studying with us? Find out more at one of our upcoming open days. Reserve your place.
For more information on our courses, please visit our website.
Delivered in conjunction with the internationally renowned Durrell Conservation Academy, this postgraduate degree will provide you with an international outlook on species recovery. You’ll help meet the global need for academically proficient and technically expert individuals, who can bridge the gap between in-situ and ex-situ approaches to conservation. Supported by legislation in many countries, endangered species recovery represents the recognised scientific approach to the conservation of threatened species by way of a recovery plan. This course aims to develop detailed knowledge and experience of recovery planning, and the skills and knowledge associated with in-situ and ex-situ species recovery.
The combination of theory and practical sessions will enable you to develop a holistic approach to endangered species recovery and conservation. Part of your study will take place at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) International Training Centre.
The course also offers you the opportunity to undertake an international research project using NTU’s links with conservation projects in North America, Sweden and South Africa.
You’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, online learning, and practical sessions. Independent learning is required, and you’ll undertake high-quality research. You’ll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst Campus – a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates.
Over the years, a number of rare and endangered species of wildlife have been involved in recovery programmes at Brackenhurst, including yellowhammers and great crested newts.
You will have access to our purpose-built Animal Unit, which is home to over 150 animals, from 40 different species. You’ll have the opportunity to work with the domestic and exotic species found here, as well as out in the natural habitats on the estate, and further afield on international research projects. You’ll also have access to specialised teaching and laboratory facilities.
The academic team who facilitate this course work on endangered species recovery initiatives in several countries, and have established recovery research links in Canada and America, where species recovery is a recognised process supported by government legislation. The team also have links to species recovery programmes in Mauritius, Sweden and South Africa. These links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects in the field.
Find out more about our Brackenhurst Campus on our website
Want to find out more about studying with us? Find out more at one of our upcoming open days. Reserve your place.
For more information on our courses, please visit our website.
Delivered in conjunction with the internationally renowned Durrell Conservation Academy, this postgraduate degree will provide you with an international outlook on species recovery. You’ll help meet the global need for academically proficient and technically expert individuals, who can bridge the gap between in-situ and ex-situ approaches to conservation. Supported by legislation in many countries, endangered species recovery represents the recognised scientific approach to the conservation of threatened species by way of a recovery plan. This course aims to develop detailed knowledge and experience of recovery planning, and the skills and knowledge associated with in-situ and ex-situ species recovery.
The combination of theory and practical sessions will enable you to develop a holistic approach to endangered species recovery and conservation. Part of your study will take place at the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust (DWCT) International Training Centre.
The course also offers you the opportunity to undertake an international research project using NTU’s links with conservation projects in North America, Sweden and South Africa.
You’ll be taught through a mixture of lectures, seminars, online learning, and practical sessions. Independent learning is required, and you’ll undertake high-quality research. You’ll research your chosen topic in depth, then design and implement a relevant research project, before communicating the findings to an informed audience in a comprehensive scientific report.
Teaching is supported by our Brackenhurst Campus – a 200-hectare country estate and working farm. The campus is part of the DEFRA Environmental Stewardship scheme, which supports effective environmental management of farm land and countryside estates.
Over the years, a number of rare and endangered species of wildlife have been involved in recovery programmes at Brackenhurst, including yellowhammers and great crested newts.
You will have access to our purpose-built Animal Unit, which is home to over 150 animals, from 40 different species. You’ll have the opportunity to work with the domestic and exotic species found here, as well as out in the natural habitats on the estate, and further afield on international research projects. You’ll also have access to specialised teaching and laboratory facilities.
The academic team who facilitate this course work on endangered species recovery initiatives in several countries, and have established recovery research links in Canada and America, where species recovery is a recognised process supported by government legislation. The team also have links to species recovery programmes in Mauritius, Sweden and South Africa. These links provide opportunities and scope for a wide range of research projects in the field.
Find out more about our Brackenhurst Campus on our website
Want to find out more about studying with us? Find out more at one of our upcoming open days. Reserve your place.
For more information on our courses, please visit our website.