Course offers non-cognate graduates a path into property

1 November 2017

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Non-cognate graduates who wish to move into the property surveying sector should consider doing a Master’s degree in Real Estate Management through the University College of Estate Management. The qualification complies with requirements of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) for non-cognate graduates who wish to gain their APC in order to become Chartered Surveyors.

Hazel Davies, Land Agency Surveyor with Cooke & Arkwright has just gained her Masters after graduating with a business degree.  She comments, “Achieving the Masters qualification was extremely rewarding and offers benefits both personally and professionally. However, those wishing to venture down this route need to be prepared for sacrifices and demanding hours outside work, including coursework submissions and examination study. Cooke & Arkwright have been extremely supportive throughout the two year experience, offering sit-down sessions to review assignments and engaging me in specific areas of work which were relevant to the topics I was studying at the time. This proved extremely beneficial as I was able to apply the knowledge I had gained through work to my academic writing and vice versa.”

The two year course covers: Surveying Law, Valuation, Planning & Development, and Property Agency & Transaction in year one, and Real Estate Investment, Property Management, Dissertation, and Applied Valuation in year two.

Hazel says, “UCEM allowed me to undertake distance learning whilst working full time at Cooke & Arkwright. The course involved interactive lectures and one of the many helpful tools provided was the forum discussion pages which gave me the opportunity to discuss areas of work and any queries with fellow students. As the course is offered across the globe to all ages, it was always interesting to read opinions, views and answers of fellow students /professionals which gave an insight different from my own.

“From a professional perspective, now that I have gained a Masters within the property industry, I am in a position to move towards the next stage of sitting my APC to obtain Chartered Surveyor status. I would encourage any non-cognate graduate wishing to pursue a career in Surveying or the Built Environment to undertake a Masters degree through this avenue. My advice would be to utilise the professional experiences of your colleagues and ensure time management is a key priority so that work and university balance is developed sensibly with realistic goals for submission deadlines.”

The Leekes Retail and Leisure Group have substantial property assets within the group and have engaged Andrew West to appeal against rating assessments on these properties since 2010. We have consistently been impressed by Andrew's knowledge of the property market and his negotiating skills have been exceptional. Given Andrew's outstanding performance, we would not hesitate to recommend Andrew to any business large or small seeking to appeal their rates liabilities.

Mike Fowler, Group Finance Director, Leekes Group