Master's degrees in Real Estate and Planning require students to either complete a traditional Dissertation (13,750 words) or a Major Research Project (see Course Specification for Major Research Project) on a self-selected topic relevant to their chosen specialist pathway. Preparation for the Dissertation is supported by a course in Applied Built Environment Research, with a supervisor allocated to each student at the start of Semester 2.

A supervisor will be appointed as the main point of contact for each student during the Dissertation period, and students should expect to meet with their Dissertation supervisor for a minimum of five meetings, scheduled at the time agreed by the student and supervisor. Most of the work for the Dissertation will be carried out by the student in their own time.

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Assessment is based solely on a research project in the form of a traditional dissertation of 13,750 words (maximum).

The aim of the Dissertation is to develop students' social science research and appraisal skills through the practical application of data sourcing, collection, investigation, quantitative/qualitative analysis, weighing evidence and reaching sound conclusions in their chosen disciplinary specialist pathway. By the end of the course, students will deliver a substantial social science research Dissertation and present their results in a well-argued and coherent written form.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Evaluate the nature and purpose of research in real estate and planning, and interpret, analyse and evaluate theories, concepts and principles in a specialist area of study determined by their degree pathway choice.

■ Define a research problem and refine it into research aims, objectives, questions and/or hypotheses.

■ Search for and review critically research literature and other secondary data sources.

■ Plan and manage a research project by understanding ethics issues, collecting information from a variety of sources, synthesising it effectively and presenting it succinctly.

■ Select and apply appropriate methodological approaches and methods for particular research topics and appropriately weigh evidence, present it meaningfully and reach sound conclusions that contribute to the achievement of the aims and objectives of the research.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment. 

Minimum requirement for award of credit for students on MSc City Planning, MSc City Planning & Real Estate Development, and MSc Real Estate is D3 or above.

University standard regulations apply to students on other qualifications.