Heriot-Watt is ranked 1st in the UK for Building (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026) and Top 200 in the world for Architecture and Built Environment (2026 World University Subject Rankings). MSc Spatial Planning and Real Estate Development will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to work as a development surveyor or planner. It has been designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies and upon completion, you will be able to work either in the public or private sectors, advising on the complexities of property development to occupiers, investors, developers, and planning authorities. During the master’s programme, you’ll build a deep understanding of the complex interactions and uncertainties of the development process, and learn the essential components of economics, valuation, planning, law, and regeneration and sustainability principles. You’ll develop an appreciation of the skills and tasks inherent in development projects, including community participation, satisfying the statutory planning considerations, undertaking the necessary financial appraisals, and achieving funding to make it happen. The career-focused master’s programme will set you up to pursue a career as a chartered development surveyor or planner with a specific focus in land and property markets. Such opportunities are available with a range of employers in the private and public sector, including local development and regeneration agencies. As a graduate you’ll be able to: offer a holistic approach to sustainable development demonstrate sophisticated intellectual and research skills proficient for a professional career evaluate complex problems and formulate solutions associated with planning and development issues have a respect for diversity and an appreciation of social inclusion as a goal of planning have an awareness of the role that values and attitudes play in managing change in the built environment have an interdisciplinary perspective that draws on the range of disciplines that contribute to the programme
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
A minimum of honours degree at 2:2 or non-UK equivalent in any academic subject provided that it includes evidence of essay writing and a statement of purpose showing interest in Spatial Planning & Real Estate Development.
We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.