Master in Real Estate Development - Study Plan

Real Estate Investments

The objective is to lay the foundation of Capital Markets and to learn about different financing methods, as well as the developmental instruments used for real estate investment at a global level.

Economics, Real Estate and The City

Real estate assets represent the physical support of a city’s economic activities. Understanding the connection between the economic and physical environments allows us to design more viable development projects and more competitive urban environments.

Management Skills

Management and negotiation skills, fundamental principles of business strategy and effective communication and marketing tools are essential skills for a successful professional in real estate practice.

City Context

Most of the real estate investments and developments are concentrate in urban centers or cities. Understanding urban historical evolution and analyzing its possible future development is essential in the viability of development investments.

Urban Development and Regeneration

New developments and regeneration of cities involves new building, as well as retrofitting existing ones. Coordination with city infrastructure and sustainability concerns must be taken into account. Understanding the complex process from vision to its implementation is key.

Urban and Environment Legal Frameworks

Laws and guidelines regulating urban area and governing sustainability and the built environment vary from country to country and even city to city. These parameters determine how construction activities are carried out and shape strategies for real estate developments. It is important to have an understanding of the different frameworks of control.

Leadership and Coaching

Students will learn different leadership styles, as leaders are becoming more involved in people development. They will also learn key concepts and skills required for increased employee performance through coaching.

Presentation and Communication

Students will learn effective communication skills, since it is the foundation on which companies and careers are built and a crucial component of lasting success. They will improve their interpersonal and presentation skills as well as their writing techniques, being able to communicate in a fluent and confident way.

Teamwork

Turning a group of people into a well performing team is not an easy feat to accomplish. Even in the best of scenarios, numerous and pervasive challenges must be overcome. This workshop is designed to provide theory and practice on building and leading winning teams.

Business Valuations

Transactions are fundamental components of real estate activities in both the public and private sectors. Principles of valuation and understanding the appraisal process are addressed, using recognized international standards set by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Professional business valuations form the basis of performance analysis, financing decisions, transactional or development advice, dispute resolution, taxation and other applications.

Real Estate Finance I

Financial concepts and tools are an essential part of real estate development. Designing a financial strategy and structure, knowing how interpret financial outcomes, and drawing valid business conclusions are day-to-day real estate investment tools.

Real Estate Products

Each type of real estate has a different set of drivers influencing its performance. There are four broad types of income-producing real estate properties: offices, retail, industrial and leased residential. There are many other less common types as well, such as hotels, mini-storage, parking lots and seniors care housing. In addition to location, typology and other factors specific to each product must be taken into account.

Real Estate Finance II

Real estate companies are responsible for the implementation of projects. Understanding the nature of mergers and acquisitions, financing and refinancing of investment projects, structuring joint ventures and strategic alliances are fundamental.

Strategic Real Estate Management

Strategic management is key to the viability and robustness of development projects over time. It is based on business plans and KPIs, as well as identifying the stakeholders’ interests and socio-economic impacts that are generated.

New Construction, Design and Development

How does architecture add value to a development project? Is sustainability a competitive factor in an investment? A livable city depends on the quality of both private and public spaces. Future developments will need to assume design, quality, and socio-environmental responsibility.

Social and Affordable Housing

Meeting the needs of all city dwellers, providing diverse housing options and creating vibrant neighborhoods are paramount for all cities. Various models for housing development and financing are explored.

Framework and Strategy for Development

Solid development and management strategies are crucial for real estate activities. Different financing models, such as a private financing initiatives (PFI) and public private partnerships (PPP) models are explored in order to evaluate options and maximize successful outcomes.

International Legal Principles

International legal frameworks serve as a comparative guide to understanding the real estate sector and the development of our cities in many different places. This knowledge helps real estate professionals have the flexibility and knowledge to be able to operate in global environments.

Property Practice

Property practice aims to maximize the value of the existing real estate assets and help to make strategic decisions. The goal is to manage a portfolio more efficiently, legally, financially and technically.

Corporate Real Estate

Large global corporations have large real estate portfolios. Expert management and innovative approaches to these assets is a competitive factor and must reflect responsible corporate values.

Project Management

Integrated project management procurements and execution of work in keeping with international standards (such as Project Management Professional -PMP) are key to ensure quality and guarantee project delivery on time and on budget.

Sustainable Building Retrofit

Retrofitting existing real estate assets is addressed with an integrated approach. Considerations such as sustainable design, technology, new ideas for functional spaces are part of the analysis, in addition to the expected return.

Comparative Principles and Policies

Real estate development is increasingly becoming a global activity. It requires an understanding of regulatory policies that may affect developments and development decisions. It is important to know that building regulations vary from place to place and must always be considered.

Capstone Project

MRED capstone project is a multifaceted assignment that serves as a culminating academic and intellectual experience for students at the end of the academic program. Students will develop a proposal for a real estate project, with the support of a tutor, that will demonstrate learning acquired and an appreciation for tackling complex problems. A presentation of the capstone project is made before a panel of experts, MRED members and external professionals who collectively evaluate the quality, coherence, feasibility, sustainability, and innovative aspects of the project.

Digital Trends and Tools for the City

Disruptive technologies such as big data, smart cities, BIM, GIS and others are transforming many aspects of city management and real estate investment. They can also improve the decision making process and can contribute to a more holistic design process.