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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Real Estate Studies
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Real Estate Studies

The University of Groningen's Master of Science in Real Estate Studies offers a unique one-year educational programme in real estate to prepare you to become a leader in the real estate industry.

Real Estate Studies is a selective master. See more about the procedure under 'Entry Requirements'.

Real estate markets have become global, making the real estate profession an international enterprise. At the same time, global and commercial brokers report major differences among local real estate markets. That urges for real estate professionals who are trained in integrating financial, economic and geographic skills with knowledge of local institutions.

The Department of Economic Geography at UG is home to one of the leading Real Estate Centres in Continental Europe. It offers a unique one-year Master programme that will enable you to understand the fundamentals of real estate markets by investigating every field that impacts the real estate industry (e.g. finance, land economics, planning, construction, development, management, law). This gives the programme a multidisciplinary character. This allows us to provide you with research-based expertise to solve complex problems in contemporary real estate. This Master programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

We seek focused, committed applicants who recently finished their bachelor programme and want to apply their intellectual gifts to contribute to the real estate industry. You will be joining a diverse group of students and professionals who all share a passion for scientific rigour applied to solve complex problems in real estate and other fields that impact the real estate industry.

As a result of our many years of experience, our graduates work as developers, consultants, financiers, local policy makers, real estate valuers, real estate managers, etcetera, throughout the domestic and international real estate industry, holding positions of leadership in the real estate industry worldwide.

If you are looking to do a two year programme and are interested in doing research, you can combine the Master in Real Estate Studies with our top rated Research Master in Spatial Sciences

Master Open Day
I nterested in learning more? The next Master Open Day is on Thursday 21 March. Sign up for the presentation via the Master's Week webpage (sign up opens on 1 March).

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Real Estate Studies
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60659
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Spatial Sciences
RICS
Watch this video
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The Master of Science in Real Estate Studies is the most multidisciplinary research-based graduate degree in real estate in Continental Europe
  • The strength of the programme lies in the multidisciplinary focus and the cooperation between the faculties of spatial sciences, economics and law
  • The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • There is an open atmosphere and easy contact among students and lecturers.
  • Groningen is a beautiful historic city
Programme
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Finance for Real Estate (5 EC)
Optional course (5 EC)
Real Estate and Land Supply (5 EC)
International Real Estate Markets (5 EC)
Real Estate Investment (5 EC)
Master's Thesis Real Estate Studies (20 EC)
Optional course (5 EC)
Real Estate Research (5 EC)
Real Estate Development (5 EC)

Curriculum

The optional courses listed in period 1a and 2a can be taken in any block of the academic year. For more information about the courses in this programme, please visit https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/master-info-frw/courses-master-real-estate-studies

One-year intensive Master programme UG's Master of Science in Real Estate Studies (MSc. RES) offers a unique one-year intensive educational programme in real estate to prepare you to become a leader in the real estate industry.

UG's MSc. RES offers 10 ECTS in optional courses where you are able to specialize in your field of interest (e.g. finance, economics, geography, planning, management, law).

Students have an option to pursue internships or other opportunities. However, there is little room in our programme for intensive 3 or 6-months internships as the programme is only one-year. Therefore, we highly encourage our students to combine an internship with thesis writing at a renowned firm in the field of real estate or other related fields that impact the real estate industry. Students who want to pursue intensive internships during the Master programme without combining it with thesis writing extend their programme, on average, with 6 months. Students also have an option to study abroad, but the same dilemmas often arise if one cannot combine it with thesis writing.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Real Estate ManagementAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master

More information:

For more information about the pre-master please see https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/ This pre-master has a selection procedure.

Architecture and Construction EngineeringAll Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master

More information:

For more information about the pre-master please see https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/ This pre-master has a selection procedure.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Spatial Planning and DesignAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Real Estate Studies is a selective master. Please see the website https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/ for the procedure.

Bedrijfskunde - Technology ManagementAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Real Estate Studies is a selective master. Please see the website https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/ for the procedure.

Econometrics and Operations ResearchAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Real Estate Studies is a selective master. Please see the website https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/ for the procedure.

Economics and Business Economics - International Economics and Sustainable DevelopmentAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Real Estate Studies is a selective master. Please see the website https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/ for the procedure.

International BusinessAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

Real Estate Studies is a selective master. Please see the website https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/ for the procedure.

Human Geography and PlanningAll Research universities

No additional requirements

More information:

Real Estate Studies is a selective master. Please see the website https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/ for the procedure.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
language test

English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:

  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL internet based:

Overall: 90 Reading: 18 Listening: 18 Speaking: 20 Writing: 21

  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)
  • European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2
  • Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores are not considered in the Admissions procedure

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

Registration procedure

Selection procedure for Master students: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/

Selection procedure

Real Estate Studies is a selective master and has a selective pre-master. We have 45 places in the programme including several places for premaster students. Apply before May 1st via Studielink for the programme Real Estate Studies.

Admission and selection procedure Premaster Real Estate Studies (PDF): https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/pre-master-res-admission-selection-detailedinformation-2023update.pdf

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
language test

English on VWO level or one of the following equivalents:

  • IELTS overall band 6.5, no less than 6.0 on each section
  • TOEFL internet based:

Overall: 90 Reading: 18 Listening: 18 Speaking: 20 Writing: 21

  • Cambridge English: Cambridge certificate C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (formerly known as CAE/CPE)
  • European Baccalaureate, English level L1 or L2
  • Please note that TOEFL MyBest Scores are not considered in the Admissions procedure

A prospective student can always apply for an exemption from the English language test. The student needs to explain, and if required show proof of, why an exemption would be justified. It is up to the Admission Board to decide whether an exemption will be granted or not.

other admission requirements

Real Estate Studies is a selective master and has a selective pre-master. There is a maximum of 45 students for the master and 12 students for the pre-master. Apply May 1st via Studielink for the programme Real Estate Studies.

Admission and selection procedure Premaster Real Estate Studies (PDF): https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/pre-master-res-admission-selection-detailedinformation-2023update.pdf

You will receive the decision of the selection on or before June 1st.

Registration procedure

Selection procedure for Master students: https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/res-selection/

Selection procedure

Real Estate Studies is a selective master and has a selective pre-master. We have 45 places in the programme including several places for premaster students. Apply before May 1st via Studielink for the programme Real Estate Studies.

Admission and selection procedure Premaster Real Estate Studies (PDF): https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/pre-master/pre-master-res-admission-selection-detailedinformation-2023update.pdf

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Scholarships: Check the Study in NL website for information about scholarships.

Students are expected to follow our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. For more detailed information about laptop requirements, please visit this webpage

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Many graduates find jobs as market researchers or real estate consultants in a company, consultancy or government agency, or become a concept or property developer at a real estate investor. Graduate students find work as a research manager or portfolio manager at a real estate investor. Several people opt for an academic career at the university. In practice, graduates mostly do policy work, both in the private sector as well as at the local, regional and national government.

During the programme at the University of Groningen we offer support for your career preparation.

Throughout the year we offer support for practical career preparation and employability skills. Workshops are given about leadership, job interviews and how to present yourself. More information about the FSS Career Services.

See where our alumni end up in this graphic !

Research

Research

The program of the master in Real Estate Studies is related to the major research sub-disciplines in spatial sciences. Interim results of the research projects are integrated in to the course.

Research in geography & planning focuses on the interrelationship between property and spatial environment. Geographical and planning literature provides insight into how location decisions are made and the role of institutions. These aspects are reflected in courses like 'property and land markets' or 'real estate development'. The research in economic geography focuses on a deeper understanding of choice of locations. This choice is based on economic and financial motives. In the research in real estate development, the interests of various economic actors are important; the landowner, the developer, the builder, the investor and owner / user. The spatial economic and financial-economic research provides insight into the considerations. The business and management-oriented studies contribute to understanding the value chain and processes in real estate development. These aspects are reflected in subjects like 'finance', 'property investment' and 'property development'.

Researchers

prof.dr. Arno van der Vlist – Real Estate Economics
dr. Mark van Duijn Housing
dr. Frans Sijtsma – Land Use
dr. Xiaolong Liu Real Estate Finance
Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Saskia Enuma, Reinier Schoep, Nienke Harteveld (Study Advisors Faculty of Spatial Sciences)
    Email: study.advice.fss rug.nl

"Real Estate Studies has provided a strong and stable basis for a successful career in the Real Estate business"

I completed the master in Real Estate Studies at the University of Groningen in January of 2014. Before starting my master I studied Real Estate Management at the Hanzehogeschool. After my studies I started working at the international Real Estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, I've been employed here for the last five years.

During the master programme in Real Estate Studies you will learn to approach real estate and the environment from an academic perspective. What I found interesting was learning to approach the practice of real estate from a theoretical viewpoint. Doing this allows you to find explanations for how we deal with questions regarding real etate issues. As a result of this approach you can see that many topics can be reduced to a number of basic theories which are still very relevant in practice when entering the real estate work force as a professional.

After graduating in January 2014, I immediately started working at the taxation department of Cushman & Wakefield in Amsterdam. I started out as a trainee to learn more about the necessary job skills. Next to this, personal development was an important aspect of the training. After 2,5 years I was ready to start at a more commercial function, so I switched to the Office Agency team at Cushman & Wakefield in which I advise occupants and owners when renting, buying and selling office real estate.

Looking back at the previous five years, I can conclude that I have strongly developed myself as a real estate professional regarding both job specific as well as personal skills. A personal highlight was winning the Real Estate Young Talent Award 2018. This is a yearly award in which five young professionals are nominated by an expert jury. After participating in public debates, writing blogs and gathering online votes I was the happy winner of this prize.

All in all this master programme has provided a strong and stable basis for a successful career in the Real Estate business.

- Tim de Vries

Read more

Workfield of Real Estate Studies alumni

This infographic shows in which workfield alumni of the master's programme ended up, and is based on alumni who graduated between 2022 and 2024. As is visible, the majority of the alumni have found a job relevant to their field of study within 6 months since graduating.

Read more

Study associations

Real Estate Club Groningen

Meet the Real Estate Club Groningen (RECG). Students and alumni of the Real Estate Studies master's degree program expressed a wish to set up their own organization. To bring students, bachelor and pre-master students from, among others, the Faculty of Spatial Sciences, alumni, the business community, the government and science into contact with each other.
The goal of the Real Estate Club is to strengthen the link between science, business, government and (former) students in the field of real estate in the broadest sense of the word, with a focus on national and international levels, thereby also aimed at the northern region of the Netherlands. Through the Real Estate Club, academic students, alumni and professionals have a platform in the field of real estate to bring practice and science together by establishing contacts and meeting each other.
https://www.recg.nl/en/

Ibn Battuta

Ibn Battuta is the Faculty Association of Spatial Sciences
Becoming a member of Ibn Battuta means you can join the social drinks, foreign trips, lectures and all other activities organized by the Association. At these events you come into contact with students from all years, which is a great way to make friends that can last a lifetime! Ibn Battuta also organizes informative and career-focused activities. Our informative activities, such as lectures, In-Housedays and the Career Day will help you to orient on your future.
https://www.ibnbattuta.nl/
Read more
Study support

Our project based work is designed to develop your research skills and introduce you to group working. If you encounter any problems or have questions, lecturers and fellow students are always close by to help you out.

For any questions about your study planning, choice of study and personal circumstances that influence your study, you can contact the study advisors of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences. For more information, see https://www.rug.nl/frw/education/study-advice