MSc Real Estate / Investment & Finance

As for expected salary's, I believe for a 'graduate' with little to no work experience is around the £25,000, and once you are a qualified surveyor (in the development/advisory path) this jumps up quite considerably. The Finance side seems to be a little less.

Did u get these numbers from some kind of official stats?

Reply 61

masterajb

OP

1

Original post by JTM

No, thanks for all the advice, it's extremely useful and appreciated.
I'm just wondering what to do; do I try and specialise in this or do I go with Business Management? Apparantly Business Management is a soft(ish) subject, but it's a prestigious business school and I'll get a year of training/paid employment through it, which is also a reference/possible job.

If you want to get into Real Estate, then I'd suggest getting a real estate MSc. The year of training is most likely not in real estate I presume, but business 'management' I can't really see crossing over to be honest. It's either finance or real estate. Generally if you see the organisational structure of a real estate firm they'll either be accountants (the ability to value property), finance (the ability to price real estate - intangible assets mostly, financing structures etc.) or real estate professionals (the ability to do everything already mentioned within the other two professions). You might get a job in 'real estate' but you won't be working on 'real estate' if you understand. I think in real estate as well, it's less about the uni's overall reputation, and much more focussed on their school i.e. Reading's School of Real Estate & Planning. The university itself my not be up there, but Henley is making a lot of noise and their real estate department is definitely in extremely high regards within the real estate profession.

It's probably best if you just draw up a pro's and con's list and see what suits best and really analyse what you want to do because they are two different paths to take and one might not get you onto the right path.

Reply 62

masterajb

OP

1

Original post by Amitee

Did u get these numbers from some kind of official stats?

just job sites mate. Best way to gauge how much you'll be paid is through recruitment agencies advertisements. 'Official' stats are always skewed through averages. Kind of why I took Cass's stats with a grain of salt.

Reply 63

dimossaravas

I'm a Civil Engineering graduate but my 5 year career is focused on property construction and development. Past roles ranged from site supervision to project management of residential and small commercial buildings. For the past two years I am in the property valuation sector (for mortgage purposes) as well. I am looking to permanently move to London and follow a Real Estate career. I am thinking about joining the Cass REI MSc. Realistically, what could I expect career and salary wise? Thanks

Reply 64

masterajb

OP

1

Original post by dimossaravas

I'm a Civil Engineering graduate but my 5 year career is focused on property construction and development. Past roles ranged from site supervision to project management of residential and small commercial buildings. For the past two years I am in the property valuation sector (for mortgage purposes) as well. I am looking to permanently move to London and follow a Real Estate career. I am thinking about joining the Cass REI MSc. Realistically, what could I expect career and salary wise? Thanks

hi mate, if you have the time, do you mind PMing me with regards to the property construction and development industry and your insights (I'm trying to get some information as to what the process is there for development and construction practices)?

With regards to Cass, it's a ‘middle of the road’ uni and their courses focus is on RE investment and RE finance not the bricks and mortar aspects like Reading Uni. The MSc RE is aimed at Banks, Fund Managers, Quantity Surveying, Valuations and Chartered Surveyor status. Students can take up this course with a good degree in any discipline and looking for a career in RE in valuations, appraisals, market analysis, quantitive analysis and investment finance. The course offers 2 paths one aimed at working in the UK and includes UK Law and tilted towards Chartered Surveyor and RICS status. The other path is more for international work and is tilted towards finance and funds management whilst the MSc REI is aimed at investment banking, securities, derivatives and listed companies.

All the above information is taken from their prospective students presentation. Salary wise, MSc RE students have an average salary of £21,500 with titles such as evaluator, research analyst, a tonne of surveyors, asset management etc. and the MSc REI £38,000 but the titles associated with this course are higher positions so it is very skewed. Keep in mind, this information was published from the class of 2009 so market conditions have changed quite a bit and Cass's placement rate is only 25% which is horrid.

Reply 65

dimossaravas

Ok thanks for your reply. As you put it, there is a much better course in Reading and generally salaries are better with an REI Msc but its harder to get a job. Correct?

for some reason i cant pm you so pm me with all your questions and i will reply asap.

Reply 66

masterajb

OP

1

Original post by dimossaravas

Ok thanks for your reply. As you put it, there is a much better course in Reading and generally salaries are better with an REI Msc but its harder to get a job. Correct?

for some reason i cant pm you so pm me with all your questions and i will reply asap.

Well I think it's much of a muchness. The issue with MSc REI is the crossover from finance students. I'm a big believer in the importance of specialist real estate education but unfortunately, big banks and their idiotic recruiting policies beg to differ. But because the REI is attached to the banking industry, salaries may be a tad higher. Most likely an inverse relationship between development and finance salaries though.

Reply 67

Steverockin

I'm heavy stoned man hahaha xD

Reply 68

KHG

2

Dear Dimossaravas,
to put it simple, if your goal is to get into the investment side of the property business then Cass is the better option, while if you are uncertain about your career path, Reading's MSc RE might be the better one.

Reply 69

masterajb

OP

1

Original post by KHG

Dear Dimossaravas,
to put it simple, if your goal is to get into the investment side of the property business then Cass is the better option, while if you are uncertain about your career path, Reading's MSc RE might be the better one.

to kind of clarify, Reading is great for the development sector, Cass would be ideal for working in a bank with a hefty focus towards financing (obviously) so it's a tad more limiting in what you can do. But as KHG said, MSc Real Estate is a lot more holistic because development had a multitude of variables to it, not just financing.

Reply 70

KHG

2

Original post by masterajb

to kind of clarify, Reading is great for the development sector, Cass would be ideal for working in a bank with a hefty focus towards financing (obviously) so it's a tad more limiting in what you can do. But as KHG said, MSc Real Estate is a lot more holistic because development had a multitude of variables to it, not just financing.

and master ajb works for Reading, while I am on commission from Cass! :smile:

)))) just kidding. :smile:

))

Reply 71

Amitee

Absolutely agree with KHG & masterajb.

It is definitely a lot more rounded than the MSREI since it includes subjects covering development (including project management), planning, valuation, finance, investment, facilities, portfolio management, securitisation, international market trends, statutory etc., basically everything relevant to real estate. It is excellent for someone with no background in development.

If you have past work-ex or qualification in engineering, construction or development, you would rather go for the MSREI, since that wld give you the business/finance edge needed for commercial application.

Reply 72

masterajb

OP

1

Original post by KHG

and master ajb works for Reading, while I am on commission from Cass! :smile:

)))) just kidding. :smile:

))

haha, I did get offers from both but chose Reading in the end (obvious). I do think for MSREI Cass would be more ideal

Original post by Amitee

Absolutely agree with KHG & masterajb.

It is definitely a lot more rounded than the MSREI since it includes subjects covering development (including project management), planning, valuation, finance, investment, facilities, portfolio management, securitisation, international market trends, statutory etc., basically everything relevant to real estate. It is excellent for someone with no background in development.

If you have past work-ex or qualification in engineering, construction or development, you would rather go for the MSREI, since that wld give you the business/finance edge needed for commercial application.

Yeh totally agree with this. Generally with the finance aspect you'll be involved in the commercial side of a development firm (if you so choose to work in development). I do plan on undertaking an MBA at some point (most likely Ivey in Canada) so i want the MSRE to give me the development knowledge then the MBA to give me the commercial knowledge

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 73

Amitee

For all those who have joined Cass

https://www.facebook.com/groups/124920430924279?id=141225685960420&notif_t=group_activity

Reply 74

jamesboyle

Original post by dimossaravas

I'm a Civil Engineering graduate but my 5 year career is focused on property construction and development. Past roles ranged from site supervision to project management of residential and small commercial buildings. For the past two years I am in the property valuation sector (for mortgage purposes) as well. I am looking to permanently move to London and follow a Real Estate career. I am thinking about joining the Cass REI MSc. Realistically, what could I expect career and salary wise? Thanks

Hi
I posted a reply to KHG on a seperate matter. Looking at this list of messages, I have to agree about the prospects being better (salary wise) for a career associated with finance. The big question is whether you would like to be on the client side or work for a construction company / engineer/ professional practice. Right now, anyone would find it very hard to take a long-term view as a professional (engineer etc), as the construction industry is on its knees. Conversely, there is always opportunity in fund management, private equity, development etc, as the industry reacts to change. (Right now, for example, there is enormous interest from the US private equity sector, in particular, seeing the UK as a relatively safe haven where companies can pick up property at a discount).
I have worked in project finance for a long time and now have an investment business, were we build buildings. Engineers with a god understanding of RE finance are very attractive to investment companies land enders alike, as a lot of work goes into due diligence - if you have an understanding of project management and construction, it should mean you would be viewed as a 'safe pair of hands' to investigate potential investments / loans. I would be happy to discuss this, if this would help. My email is [redacted].
Regards
James

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 75

flyzee

Great discussion all, very informative, thank you!

I'm wondering if some of you can give me some advice. I'm most interested in the investment/finance side of real estate, with the development side of things slightly behind in interest.

I just graduated from a top university in Canada with a Honours specialist degree in a related subject. However, my overall GPA is on the low side at around 2.75. I had to deal with some personal things that affected my grades during my initial time at university, but have pulled up my grades significantly since (3.6 GPA in my last year). I have strong extra-circulars, and a relevant internship in the real estate field.

What are my chances of getting into CASS or University of Reading for MSc Real Estate Investment or MSc Real Estate? I will be applying for 2012-2013. My first choice would be CASS due to its reputation in finance and brand, as I see myself working internationally in the long run.

Would love to hear your thoughts and advice, thank you!

Reply 76

Cass Business School

Official Rep

Hi Flyzee

We would certainly consider your application here at Cass. If you do decide to apply to us you should indicate in your Personal Statement why you feel your overall GPA is not a fair reflection on your abilities and the Course Director assessing the application will certainly take this into account. Also do flag up your internships and extra curricular activities as these will definitely add to your profile as an applicant.

Applications for 2012/13 will open this November and you can apply through our website: https://www.cass.city.ac.uk/courses/masters/apply

If you need any further advice you are very welcome to contact my colleague Donna Hall on [email protected] or +44 (0)20 7040 8685 who deals specifically with applications for our Real Estate MSc programmes.

Helen

(edited 12 years ago)

Reply 77

masterajb

OP

1

Original post by flyzee

Great discussion all, very informative, thank you!

I'm wondering if some of you can give me some advice. I'm most interested in the investment/finance side of real estate, with the development side of things slightly behind in interest.

I just graduated from a top university in Canada with a Honours specialist degree in a related subject. However, my overall GPA is on the low side at around 2.75. I had to deal with some personal things that affected my grades during my initial time at university, but have pulled up my grades significantly since (3.6 GPA in my last year). I have strong extra-circulars, and a relevant internship in the real estate field.

What are my chances of getting into CASS or University of Reading for MSc Real Estate Investment or MSc Real Estate? I will be applying for 2012-2013. My first choice would be CASS due to its reputation in finance and brand, as I see myself working internationally in the long run.

Would love to hear your thoughts and advice, thank you!

Hi mate,
firstly, definitely follow the finance side of things if that's where you're interests are. There's no point in pursuing something that you're not passionate about. Napoleon Hill stated "If you don't enjoy what you do, you'll never be good at it". So based on that, Cass is definitely a good option. Reading is quite difficult to get in to. For me personally, i had a mid 2:1 and a first in my final year and still didnt get into their real estate finance program but was enough to get in their real estate program (im focussing on development as opposed to finance structures et al) and was accepted in both of Cass's real estate program. Both universities will allow you to work internationally as both schools have great reputations.

My advise would be that as long as you have great recommendations (extra cirriculars is a great bonus) stress why your scores were low and emphasise that you do have the ability to get great grades and they should focus on the years that wern't affected as a result personal circumstances

I actually have a strong interest to work in the real estate industry in Canada (GTA specifically - currently here now on holiday) so if you have the time, could you please PM me and we'll go from there.

cheers

Reply 78

RSinTO

Original post by flyzee

Great discussion all, very informative, thank you!

I'm wondering if some of you can give me some advice. I'm most interested in the investment/finance side of real estate, with the development side of things slightly behind in interest.

I just graduated from a top university in Canada with a Honours specialist degree in a related subject. However, my overall GPA is on the low side at around 2.75. I had to deal with some personal things that affected my grades during my initial time at university, but have pulled up my grades significantly since (3.6 GPA in my last year). I have strong extra-circulars, and a relevant internship in the real estate field.

What are my chances of getting into CASS or University of Reading for MSc Real Estate Investment or MSc Real Estate? I will be applying for 2012-2013. My first choice would be CASS due to its reputation in finance and brand, as I see myself working internationally in the long run.

Would love to hear your thoughts and advice, thank you!

I'm from Toronto and am just starting my MSc in Real Estate Investment & Finance at Reading (It's the flexible masters one). I'm now probably a mature student (graduated 6-7 years ago) but my marks were much lower than yours. Like you though, top Canadian (and global) university with a real estate related 1st degree.

I go to a lot of international real estate conferences and the only name you hear over and over in regards to real estate masters programs are Reading in Europe and Columbia and MIT in the US. Cass seems to come second in terms of European name dropping but it is a distant 2nd. This is mainly in investment/institutional ownership/large REOC type conferences as opposed to surveyor/property management/etc. conferences so read into it what you will.

My company is quite happy that I'm going to Reading and so am I. The modules seem perfectly fitted for increasing your role in Large REOC/Pension Fund/Institutional Owner investment groups or to a lesser extent IB.