Course description
Facilities and Property Management MSc.
This course is aimed at graduates who are (ideally although not essentially) already in property-related employment, and who aspire to professional and/or senior positions in the field of facilities and property management. It is a challenging, stimulating and professionally relevant course which is directly related to the management of real estate. You will develop your skills and ability to appraise options and independently evaluate alternative courses of action. The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
You will take modules totalling 180 credits as follows:
Modules:
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules:
DISSERTATION
(40 credits)
The work for this module involves the completion of a structured research programme resulting in a dissertation or major research project. You can opt for a traditional academic dissertation which identifies a hypothesis and research questions, involves some original research, draws conclusions and, if appropriate, makes recommendations. Alternatively you can complete a defined project involving the preparation of a strategy or action plan for an issue relevant to your studies, and include a 20,000-word reflection on, and evaluation of, the strengths and weaknesses of the approach and the constraints which are likely to impact on the proposals.
FABRIC AND SERVICES MANAGEMENT
(20 credits)
This module aims to devise and develop a strategic approach to the understanding of the role of building fabric and building services management in meeting corporate objectives. You will examine the fabric and services of building structures, their life cycle and the maintenance, refurbishment and rebuild relationship; maintenance strategy and effectiveness; organisation and management of the maintenance function; planning and co-ordination techniques; managing cost effectiveness; and the more detailed aspects of energy management.
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT: STRATEGY AND PRACTICE
(20 credits)
In this module you will address the strategic role of facilities management in supporting the core activities of organisations. You will focus on the operational aspects of the built assets and examine the influence of facilities management practices on corporate strategy, procurement, human resource management and financial decision making. You will aim to achieve an integrated understanding of the basic knowledge and operational skills required for the good management of buildings, their environments, facilities and support services, and personnel.
FINANCE AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
(20 credits)
The aim of this module is to set corporate decision making in the context of the business environment, corporate goals and the practice of company finance, estate and portfolio management. You will gain a grounding in property as an asset class, and a practical and theoretical appreciation of the techniques and practices currently being used in the management and valuation of commercial property. In the financial element of this module, you will explore issues relating to accounting principles and financial management accounts, and the implications of tax. Equally important is an appreciation of ratio analysis and strategy.
LANDLORD AND TENANT
(20 credits)
In this module you will cover the concepts and law surrounding commercial lease practice and rent reviews/lease negotiation, from both a landlord's and tenant's perspective. You will develop an understanding of, and familiarity with, the legal background to the landlord and tenant relationship, and its application in practice. This will include the study of statutory security of tenure, rent review, and other usual lease clauses including 'break' clauses, repair, user, alterations and alienation. You will also consider and discuss points of practical difficulty and complexity involved in negotiating lease terms and their subsequent implementation.
LAW FOR PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS
(20 credits)
This module fosters reflection on where the law comes from and how it develops (including the influence of European Law), and encourages your understanding of the relationship between the legal process and social change. You will develop mastery of the key principles (and their operation in practice) of English Law relating to business, including contract, tort, real estate law and regulatory regimes which particularly affect the property industry.
You will also gain a greater understanding of legal theory, including statute and judicial precedent; the role of Europe; tort, contract and business law; administrative law and regulatory regimes; real estate law; and landlord and tenant law.
SPACE STRATEGIES AND LEGISLATION
(20 credits)
The aim of this module is to develop your cultural and analytical understanding of how buildings and the space configuration within them support the strategic objectives of the organisation. You will address sustainability, corporate social responsibility and the underpinning legislation. You will also review the principles and application of the legislation affecting the workplace. You will explore the concepts of strategic business space usage, and gain a critical understanding of the use and management of space resources in the role of informed client. You will also develop your ability to analyse and adopt an informed tactical methodology toward solutions for space planning and utilisation, and be able to apply a range of decision-making tools for strategic space planning and management.
