Applicants must have at least 2 Advanced Level passes, in any of the following: Geography, Mathematics, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies or Management of Business, Geometrical and Mechanical Drawing, Law, Art, Physics, Sociology and Agricultural Studies.

A minimum of a National Diploma in any of the following: Town Planning, Valuation and Estate Management, Quantity Surveying, Architectural Technology, Agricultural Studies, Mining Estates, Tourism, Marketing, Civil Engineering, Banking, Finance and Business Studies; The Real Estate Institute of Zimbabwe certification or its equivalence.

1. LIST OF MODULES

YEAR    I                                        125 CREDITS    SEMESTER 1

BLP    1101    Principles of Property Development                     15 Credits

BLP    1102    History of Urban Development                        12 Credits

BLP    1103    Property Construction Materials I                    8 Credits

BLP    1104    Economic Principles                            10 Credits

BLP    1105    Statistics for Property Studies                         8 Credits

BLP    1106    Introduction to Information Technology and Application        10 Credits

SEMESTER 2

BLP    1201    Property Accounting                            12 Credits

BLP     1204    Construction Law                            10 Credits

BLP    1205    Land Economics                            10 Credits

BLP    1206    Urban Planning and Environmental Design                12 Credits

BLP    1204    Property Construction Materials II                     8 Credits

    CLT    1101    Conflict, Leadership and Transformation                    10 Credits

YEAR    II                                        120 CREDITS

SEMESTER 1

BLP    2102    Property Valuation I                             12 Credits

BLP     2104    Building Economics                            10 Credits

BLP    2105    Property Law I                                8 Credits

BLP    2106    Estate Planning                             12 Credits

BLP    2107    Architectural Presentations                        10 Credits

BLP    2108    Municipal Services                             8 Credits

SEMESTER 2

BLP    2201    Property Valuation II                            12 Credits

BLP    2202    Property Law II                                10 Credits

BLP     2205    Building Services                            8 Credits

BLP    2206    Building Construction                            8 Credits

BLP    2207    Research Methods                            10 Credits

BLP    2208    Property Management                            12 Credits

YEAR    III                                        120 Credits

Semester I and II

BLP    3001    Industrial Attachment                            120 Credits

PART IV                                        130 CREDITS

SEMESTER 1

BLP    4001    Property Studies Research Project                    20 Credits

BLP     4101    Property Valuation III                             12 Credits

BLP     4103    Property Taxation                            10 Credits

BLP     4104    Project Planning and Management                    10 Credits

BLP    4105    Urban Management                            12 Credits

BLP    4106    Sustainable Property Development                     12 Credits

SEMESTER 2

BLP     4201    Property Valuation IV                            12 Credits

BLP     4202    Professional Practice & Procedure                    10 Credits

BLP    4204    Property Development Finance                        10 Credits

BLP    4205    Real Property Marketing and Sales                    10 Credits

BLP    4206    Property and Facilities Management                    12 Credits

BLP    1101    Principles of Property Development                     15 Credits

Introducing property development - definitions / structure of the real property industry & its links with the construction industry, characteristics of the real property industry, the property development process, actors in the property development process, managing risk in property development, feasibility studies and site appraisals, cost benefit analysis, real property industry and the economy (property cycles), property market research, team development & managing property development resources, contractual obligations & managing the property development,

BLP    1102    History of Urban Development                     12 Credits

The module covers City in history, [Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic period].  A general survey is made of major development theories and contemporary issues and the characteristics of high, medium and low-income societies that establish contexts for development planning and policy- making.  Industrial cities and their problems, urban Legislation, Public Health Act 1848 and 1875, need for urban planning, design concepts [Radburn, neighbourhoods concept], the post-world war industrial city [modern city], new towns concept.  The operations of several cities and metropolitan areas are analyzed.

BLP    1103    Property Construction Materials I                     8 Credits

An introductory review of the materials used in construction, of their physical properties and characteristics, and the processes they undergo to convert them to building materials. It also covers primary and unprocessed construction materials and secondary and industrially processed construction materials and their behavioural changes to environmental exposure. The advantages and disadvantages of different substituting construction materials are explored.

BLP     1104    Economic Principles                             10 Credits

This module covers basic foundation for the subject matter of Economics to enable students to prepare themselves to use the concept of rationality to analyzing behaviour at a micro-level and macro levels. The topics to be covered include: the economic problem, demand and supply, determination of market prices, theory of the firm, macro-economic analysis, national income, fiscal and monetary policies, inflation & unemployment

BLP    1105    Statistics for Property Studies                        8 Credits

This module covers basic concepts of statistics and probability theory. The topics covered include concepts of probability, basic statistical inference procedures of estimation, confidence interval and hypothesis testing, descriptive statistics, normal and Poisson distributions, T-test, analysis of variance, multiple regression, non-parametric procedures and the analysis of categorical data directed towards application in property development and estate management.

BLP    1106    Introduction to Information Technology and Applications         10 Credits

Coursework based computer aided designs and applications to provide an insight into the use of computers in design and functionality of Modern CAD and GIS integrated systems.  Emphasis is placed on the generation and use of software applications in property development and estate management such as MS Project, Primavera, Model Marker, Spreadsheets and so forth.  Students should always be kept updated and abreast with IT changes and improvements.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    1201    Property Accounting                             12 Credits

Lectures and discussions accounting for property rentals/commission; cash transfers and disbursements that include associated accounting records, reconciliation statement, financial statement, financial reports, cash flow statements, contract accounting, accounting ratios, trading, profit and loss account and stock control procedures. It also focuses on the production of balance sheets, assets and liabilities with particular reference to the real estate industry. Trust accounting, management of trust funds

BLP    1204    Construction Law                             10 Credits

Principles, purpose and sources of law, law of contract, terms of contracts, essentials of a contract, valid and void contracts and remedies thereto, law of restitution, law of tort, (misrepresentation, negligence, duress, undue influence, trespass, nuisance). Building contracts formation, general conditions of contract, standard building and civil engineering contracts, different types of building construction contracts and procurement systems.

BLP    1205    Land Economics                            10 Credits

Supply and demand of land, location theory, determination of the price of land, rent-earning capacity and land use thresholds, a general pattern of urban land use, the impact of government economic policy objectives on land resources, urban land zoning, subdivisions and consolidations and land values.

BLP    1206    Urban Planning and Environmental Design                 12 Credits

The module examines the development planning process and paradigms.  These include comprehensive, sectoral, transport, strategic and contingency planning.  Development Plans (master and local plans, layout, site and building plans), subdivision and consolidation, incorporations, zoning and development control are covered. It also covers participatory, advocacy and lobbying works.  The planning theories and models and their influences on the urban space (practice). Problems of urban growth and solutions are explored. Different types of land reforms and tenure systems, property development and reforms and institutional economics. It also covers rural properties, rights of access, control and ownership of common properties. Climatic issues, environmental site planning, outdoor designs, building envelops (internal), designs, natural versus artificial systems design, ecological and biodiversity, adverse weather conditions and design for adversities, fabrics, facades and landscaping.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    1207    Property Construction Materials II                     8 Credits

A continuation of the module through site visits and field studies, with an examination of construction systems, and the ways in which materials are used in construction and various financial and environmental costs implications. Aspects of Construction materials modeling and simulations are explored. Project based assignments and models and assessed as continuous assessment (CA).  

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP     2102    Property Valuation I                             12 Credits

The module is an introduction to property valuation, reasons for valuation, methods of valuation (comparative, residual valuation, contractor's’ method investment method), factors affecting property values. Discussions on real property rights/interests and the effect on property values and management

BLP     2104     Building Economics                             10 Credits

Concepts and techniques of pricing, forecasting and estimating using preliminary methods of estimating [unit, cube superficial, approximate quantities, storey enclosure method] on building projects; Discussions of the fundamental principles and basic techniques used in economic comparisons of various investment options, project appraisals , cost analyses of equipment and facility/property ownership, retirement and replacement, considering the time value for money, discounted cash flow analysis,  inflation, depreciation, maintenance and other related costs - principles of engineering/technological economics as they apply to evaluation of construction projects, assets, plant and equipment.

BLP    2105    Property Law I                                 8 Credits

Property rights and legal descriptions (real vs. personal rights, fixtures, minerals, air & water rights; estates in land), Land tenure systems, Legal interests in real property [freehold, leasehold, condominium, etc.], landlord and tenant law, private restrictions on ownership (liens, covenants, easements, licenses, encroachments), licenses in real property, real property sales contract, case laws shall be used in the module of study.

BLP    2106    Architectural Presentations                         10 Credits

The module gives an introduction to the purpose of architectural designs and drawings.  It considers an appreciation of site layout planning, two to three dimensional drawings and their uses and the relationship between scale and degree of details, lettering, hatching, shading and colour detailing and their meanings.  The overall elevations and three-dimensional presentations in different forms are explored.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    2107    Estate Planning                            12 Credits

The module covers estate planning, probate, inheritance, shall trusts, revocation, conveyance, hereditaments and the Administration of Estates Act and related legislation. Students should familiarize themselves with other relevant legal instruments.  Estate planning and administration issues are covered. East planning processes such as probate, revocation and inheritance laws and systems. Formation and types of shall and trusts. The effects of tenure, real rights and title systems on property and Afro-centric systems are explored.

BLP     2108 Municipal Services                             8 Credits

A study of the infrastructural services of water supply, roads, drainage, and sewerage and sewage treatment, energy, and telephone installations. Student are expected to do Geographic Information (GIS) Mapping, photogrammetric remote sensing and practical surveys. The module includes case studies and project based assessments.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    2201    Property Valuation II                             12 Credits

Mathematics of valuation, compound interest, present worth (uniform series, dual rate), term and reversionary valuations, Annual sinking fund, capital recovery [annuity $1 shall purchase], application of mathematics of valuation to practical valuation of properties.

BLP    2202    Property Law II                                10 Credits

Extracts and cases as they relate to the business of real estate: Estate Agency Act, Valuers Act, RTCP Act, Urban Councils Act, Rural District Councils Acts, Deeds Registry Act, Land Acquisition Act, Environmental Management Act, Utilities and Infrastructure-related Acts and Commercial and Residential Rent Regulations, Property transactions laws & procedures, commission and other statutory fees.

BLP     2205    Building Services                            8 Credits

The module is a study of the integrated mechanism, electrical and telecommunications systems that enable large complex buildings to function efficiently as working environments. Air conditioning, acoustics, lighting, heating and fluid reticulation systems are covered.

BLP    2206    Building Construction                             8 Credits

The module investigates a range of conventional construction systems, for foundations, walls, suspended floors and roofs.  Systems investigations and analysis such as timber, steel, masonry, and reinforced and precast concrete. Lectures are supplemented by demonstrations and site visits. The module examines the construction process and materials used in construction through lectures, case studies and project assignments.  Students shall be required to study a building under construction and create a portfolio for documenting the project.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    2207    Research Methods                            10 Credits

The module is an introduction and development of use of exploring source and the preparation of specialised and technical information, document research organisation, format and style. Drafting and interpretation of in-depth technical reports and comprehensive specification in the various forms of surveying, construction and engineering drawings are covered. Research approaches and design, research topic formulation, data collection methods, objectives setting, hypothesis formulation, data presentation and analysis, research design, ethics in research, sampling techniques, questionnaire design, data gathering techniques, research proposal writing skills, research project documentation and reporting skills. Issues relating to professional communication and academic writing shall be covered.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    2208    Property Management                             12 Credits

Introduction to property management, estate setting, formation of estates, Lease agreements, rent regulations in Zimbabwe, Rent determination for retail, residential, industrial, office use; Role of Estate Agents in Property Management; Identification and assessment of building defects; repair and maintenance of buildings; aspects of architectural additions and alterations on buildings

BLP    3001    Industrial attachment                             120 Credits

The industrial attachment shall cover Twenty-eight weeks in compliance with University Regulations and Procedures. Students may be attached to professional Valuers and Estate Agents firms, Estates Department of Local Authorities, Parastatals, Central government, Building Societies and Commercial Banks, Insurance companies, contractors and property developers. This attachment should expose students to practical property development processes and applications, valuation, management and conveyancing experiences. Furthermore, students are expected to use the attachment period to identify potential research areas in preparation for their dissertations in Part IV

BLP    4001    Property Studies Research Project                    20 Credits

The module borders on the preparation for dissertations. With the aid of lectures, students shall choose topics of their choice and prepare a dissertation individually.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment at the end of academic year.

BLP    4101    Property Valuation III                             12 Credits

The module applies theories, principles and concepts of valuation to different sectors of real property. Emphasis shall be put to practical valuation assignments of office blocks, industrial properties, plant and equipment. Also included in this module is the preparation of a valuation reports, certificates, and calculation of professional fees for valuation using prevailing scale of fees. Risk and uncertainty, investment appraisal, component variables of a valuation are covered.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    4103    Property Taxation                            10 Credits

General direct taxation and land resources, income tax, capital gains tax, stamp duty, estate duty, tax concessions in special areas, effect of taxation on property transactions. Computations of various forms of taxes and assessing their effect on real estate business

.

BLP    4104    Project Planning and Management                    10 Credits

The module introduces the student to general management principles as applied to construction projects. Areas to be covered include: construction theory and practice, project planning and control, project scheduling, the project manager’s role, project quality management principles, project proposal writing, project appraisal/assessments, project internal and external environment, project procurement requirements and process, project resources management.

BLP    4105    Urban Management                            12 credits

The module focuses on the provision and management of urban infrastructure, housing and related    community facilities. These include transport, water, sewage, electricity and communication supply services. The Intervening issues such as waste management, urban agriculture and disaster management systems. Addresses governance, legal and policy frameworks for sustainable urban and land development projects. It also considers the paradigm shift from traditional systems to the development and management of sustainable city concepts. The Provision and maintenance of urban infrastructure services through the use of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangements is covered. Creation and management of urban institutions & urban governance systems

BLP    4106    Sustainable Property Development                    12 Credits

The module introduces the principles of sustainable development to real property. Sustainability principles, Location and sustainability of buildings, property-related environmental issues, the economics of sustainable buildings, the use of sustainability rating tools in real property, design & procurement of sustainable buildings, environmental laws, stakeholder participation on sustainable / green projects

BLP    4201     Property Valuation IV                             12 credits

The module builds on the provisions of the previous valuation modules. It intends to prepare the student to the practical realm of valuation of real property as they graduate. The module shall focus on advanced valuation of specialized property like hotels, chalets, recreational properties. Also included is statutory valuation (for taxation, compulsory acquisition etc.), and deceased estates valuation, valuation of property in a rural setting. More emphasis shall be placed on the legal issues relating to valuation of such properties.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BLP    4202    Professional Practice and Procedure                    10 credits

This module aims to inculcate the expected minimum expectations of a property professional. The discussions and seminars on ethical procedures, professionalism and, duty of care when dealing with other people’s properties will be and issues of corruption and gender in property industry will be conducted. Professional role of a property valuer and manager and how the property professional should diligently execute his/her professional duties.

BLP    4204    Property Development Finance                    10 Credits

Exploring sources finance for real property development, private versus public sources of capital, cost of capital, types of loans & mortgages to finance real estate, factors affecting financing of real property development, exploring the critical factors in national, regional and local markets that determine real property development opportunities; business and construction cycles, principles of managerial finance focusing on financial markets, planning and control, working capital management and international finance, discussions centered on finding best financial packages for property development, including assessment of market and potential strategies, appraising alternative funding opportunities and estimating debt, cash flow and capital investments appraisal techniques.

BLP    4205    Real Property Marketing and Sales                     10 Credits

Concept of real estate asset & space markets, pricing of various categories of real estate, principles of marketing, methods/ strategies of marketing real property, property marketing research techniques, real property conveyancing (complete and incomplete buildings), memorandum of agreement, deeds of sale, change of ownership of real property, registration of property, commission and other statutory fees, challenges in marketing of real property.

BLP    4206    Property and Facilities Management                    12 Credits

Understanding property portfolio and its development, investment analysis, principles behind portfolio and strategy, asset-mix ratio, getting tenants for property portfolio, tenant mix, managing a property portfolio, legal issues related to estate management, insurance regarding real property, scheduling of operation and maintenance of buildings and its environs, property management reports on management of public estates and institutions, management of the environs and facilities in and around the property, environment, health and safety of users of the building space, waste management, space allocation and management, demolition of leased premises & security deposit, role of facilities manager, integrated property and facilities management

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment