Embedding Employability in the Postgraduate Real Estate Education Experience: A Case Study of Intent

A large proportion of students entering professionally accredited postgraduate programmes in the general fields of real estate and construction have little, if any, direct relevant work based experience of the operation and nature of practice within these industries and professions. Indeed, the majority of entrants to such programmes of academic study at postgraduate level generally hold a first degree in a non or semi relate or cognate subject area. Given this limited exposure and experience of professional activity and practice, and the ëfast trackí nature of these postgraduate, often Masters programmes, it is essential that they provide opportunity for students to develop experience of, and employment skills, in their chosen field of specialisation within the built environment sector. Embedding the development of relevant skills in these very intensive postgraduate programmes requires that a balance is struck between academic and theoretical development, the development of a coherent understanding of professional practice, and the provision of opportunity for direct or simulated exposure to practice within the industry, profession, and/or workplace. Whilst different programmes and programme providers will pursue different solutions to this challenge, often through a multi-tiered approach, this paper will present details of the central features of the approach taken on the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyorsí accredited, MSc suite of programmes in the fields of real estate and construction, offered at the Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK. In particular, the paper will examine and report on the suiteís module in Professional Practice, which serves as a cornerstone for the facilitation of studentsí engagement with industry and professional activity, and development of key employability skills; this being achieved through a mix of simulated group based activity or short-term secondment to industry, and completion of a negotiated consultancy project. During these activities it is intended that students will enhance their knowledge and understanding of practice within the built environment professions and industry, and develop and apply skills critical to ongoing employability and success and achievement within these professions and industries.