Real Estate - Conversion Course - Bolton Street

What is a Postgraduate Conversion Programme?

A conversion programme enables graduates of one discipline to acquire a qualification in a different discipline at Postgraduate Diploma and Masters Level. Having studied a particular degree you may decide that you wish to change your career path and consider undertaking a conversion programme at TU Dublin.

What is... Real Estate?
This exciting full and part-time programme provides an opportunity for non-property graduates to become educated for a range of careers in real estate and related industries in Ireland and abroad.

The need for competitiveness and efficiency in both the private and public sectors has resulted in a growing awareness of the role of real estate as an economic and business resource. This, together with an increased emphasis on urban economics policy and major infrastructural development, has created an enhanced demand for those with professional qualifications in real estate and training in the methods and techniques of real estate appraisal.

The programme is presented within the School of Real Estate and Construction Economics in the Faculty of the Built Environment in DIT. The total intake of students each year will be approx. 20-25 students from different disciplines and backgrounds.

The content of the programme, delivered over 2 1/2 years (Part-Time)/ 1 year (Full-Time) (5 Semesters) includes subjects pertinent to the practice of Valuation Surveyors and real estate professionals. The programme's focus is strongly oriented to real estate valuation, appraisal and investment. See Course Content for further details.

One of the primary aims of the M.Sc. programme is to provide those with a non-real estate primary degree with a post-graduate qualification in real estate. Applicants can be either working or aspiring to working in real estate investment and related industries.

What subjects are covered in the programme?

Semester 1 of the programme is designed to rapidly build the foundations required to develop the distinctive skills of the real estate professional. The core modules of this Semester: Valuations, Building Appraisal and Real Estate Law aim to engender strong foundations in the specific quantitative appraisal techniques together whilst developing specialist knowledge of the nature of commercial, residential and industrial building methods and building a strong foundation in the legislation that surrounds the built environment.

From the beginning of the second Semester, students apply the principles of valuation based on a developing knowledge of the real estate market and explore the strategic nature of Real Estate Investment Appraisals. Students also build on their knowledge of the legal framework and commence the study of Planning which is intrinsic to development appraisal practice. Building on the legal groundings established in Semester 1, students also develop a keen understanding of the statutory nature of advanced Valuations.

Investment Portfolio Analysis in Semester 3 focuses on the analysis of investment in capital and real estate assets and markets. Students gain a keen understanding of the nature of wider investment market and the function of real estate within that spectrum. General analytical capabilities are developed through a wider understanding of the Urban Economic driving forces that shape real estate development and investment. These skills are essential for completing the Integrating Project Module in Semester 4 and for the completion of the Dissertation which forms the basis of Semester 5.

In addition, these modules are designed to develop students' ability to analyse and evaluate the merits and implications of different funding techniques for real estate development. These modules aim to keep students abreast of new and further developments in the real estate investment markets gaining an implicit understanding of risk and potential for return enhancement. At the core of the Real Estate Finance module is an analysis of the nature of the relationship between the banking and real estate investment market.

Students have an opportunity in Semester 4 to tailor their own learning requirements to specialise in innovative modules in Corporate Real Estate Management or Research Themes in Real Estate.

In order to complete Semester 5 and the entire programme, students will have to undertake the completion of a Dissertation.

What is the duration of the programme?

The programme is delivered over 2 1/2 years (Part-Time)/ 1 year (Full-Time) (5 Semesters). The 5th semester involves independent learning in the completion of a dissertation.

Is the course being well received?

The programme has been running since 2005 and is well received in the Real Estate sector. It has enabled graduates from non-property backgrounds to transfer into and pursue successfully careers in the property business.

Semester 1: Investment Valuation Techniques, Building Appraisal, Real Estate Law

Semester 2: Real Estate Investment Appraisal, Planning, Development Valuation Techniques

Semester 3: Real Estate Development Appraisal, Urban Economics, Investment Portfolio Analysis

Semester 4: Integrating Project, Statutory Valuations, Corporate Real Estate Management or Research Themes in Real Estate

Semester 5: Research Methods and Dissertation

In order to be admitted to the course, students should have an honours (2.2 grade or higher) bachelor degree or equivalent.

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this programme should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 7 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6.5 in each component.

Note: Due to the considerable competition for our postgraduate programmes satisfying the minimum entry requirement is not a guarantee of a place. Depending on the programme of study applications will be assessed based on your academic grades and may also take into account your work/life experience. Applicants may also be required to attend for interview for specific programmes.

Applications will open from November 2021.

How do I apply?

Apply online using the relevant apply button at the top of this page.

Is the programme accredited by the SCSI and RICS?

The school has full accreditation from the SCSI and RICS.

How often does the programme run and when does the next programme begin?

The programme currently runs annually. Each intake is in September.

Can I apply to join the programme half way through?

No. Applications will only be considered prior to the beginning of the first Semester. It is not possible to join in the second or subsequent Semesters.

The programme is assessed through a range of techniques including: project work, group work, assignments, presentations and examinations. Assessments in the form of examinations will normally take place at the end of the respective semesters in January and May, with supplemental examinations in September. In addition, students will be expected to complete a dissertation.

Students can only progress from one academic year to the next providing all the required assessments in the pre-requisite modules have been passed.

1 year full-time

Method of Delivery Classroom

The full-time course will be completed within one calendar year, students will be expected to attend lectures either on evenings or during the day and complete the final semester over the summer months.

2.5 years part-time

Method of Delivery Classroom

For the part time course during each of semesters one to four (each 13 weeks), attendance will be required for two afternoons/ evenings (2 X 3 hours) per week. During the fifth semester (year 3), students work primarily on their dissertation.

Commencement Date: 01/09/2020.

What are my career opportunities?
The programme has full accreditation from the Society of Chartered Surveyors, Ireland (SESI) and The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).