Bachelor of Science Property Development and Estate Management Honours (BPE Hons) degree

Bachelor of Science Property Development and Estate Management Honours (BPE Hons) degree
NUST code:		BPE
DURATION:	4 Years
TYPE OF DEGREE:		HONOURS
CREDIT LOAD:	495
LEVEL	SADC-QF - Level 8
ACCREDITATION ORGANISATION(S):	Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education (ZIMCHE)
LEARNING MODES:	CONVENTIONAL (Offered in Bulawayo Only) PARALLEL (Offered in Bulawayo Only) BLOCK RELEASE (Offered in Bulawayo Only)

Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Development and Estate Management is developed to meet the needs of new entrants or aspiring professionals seeking to work in the property profession. Equally, the programme is relevant to those individuals already working in the property industry (as property developers and managers, estate managers, agents and Valuers) who seek to enhance their skills and knowledge on how to deal with real property challenges. Overall the programme equips graduates with analytical and problem-solving skills, and academic qualification necessary to practice in property development, management and valuation division of the property profession. The strength of the programme emanates from its ability to marry issues from the property development discipline to those from the estate management discipline including the legislative framework governing property development, management, transaction economics and property investment markets. It takes a theoretical and practical approach to study. Students shall be exposed to real property challenges or problems in valuation and management discipline.

The 4-year Bachelor of Bachelor of Property Development and Estates Management programme includes twenty-eight months of supervised industrial attachment. The attachment shall normally be taken during Part III of the programme.

Career Opportunities and Further studies
Employability
Property Valuers, Property Consultants, Property Managers, Project Managers, Facilities Managers Marketing Manager, Property Developers, Investment and Estate agent.

Further Studies
Master’s and Doctoral Studies in Property Development, Investment and Estate Management, Valuations etc

Normal Entry

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.

Special Entry

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.

Mature Entry

The admission of mature entry applicants shall be considered as provided in the General Regulations.

Programme delivery

Teaching and learning methods

Face-to-face lectures, guest lectures, online and blended learning, projects, exhibitions, laboratory, studio and workshop practicals, field trips, industrial attachment

Assessment methods

Written examinations, in-class tests, assignments, practical and research projects, reports, oral presentations, displays, etc.

Programme competences

Generic:

Multi-disciplinarily:

Ability to draw appropriately from multiple academic disciplines to define and solve problems based on

understanding

of complex property industry

Quantitative and innovative reasoning:

Capability to create and interpret qualitative data and use analytics for informed decision making and transfer knowledge across concepts and disciplines.

Communication skills:

Ability to communicate effectively and to present information orally and in writing and using ICTs to both expert and non-expert audiences

Analysis and synthesis:

Ability to argue inductively and deductively, concept building, decision making based on reasoned arguments.

Ethical commitment:

Professional integrity and awareness of

impact

of spatial development on society and the environment

Entrepreneurial skills :

Capability to identify and create new business ventures based on knowledge and new thinking paradigms

Discipline Specific:

Deep knowledge:

Extending art and design knowledge to include the underlying science e.g. characteristics of materials,

chemistry

of fabrics, etc

Production skills:

Ability to

conceptualise

and develop artistic ideas into

artefacts

and functional products; psychomotor skills development

Technology development skills:

Use of various technologies including ICTs in design ideas and processes, explore new technologies for the design specialist

Problem-solving skills:

Improve lives and the aesthetic environment through solving problems arising through expressed and normative human needs

Analytical and computational skills:

Ability to use various computer software packages for processing and

analysing

phenomena e.g. needs and preferences for artistic products

Intended Learning outcomes (ILOs)

Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Real Estate Development fundamentals
Understanding of the property industry value chain in terms of practice, technology applications and the associated products
Ability to capitalise on all situations that have potential for development into business and entrepreneurial ventures
Ability to share and spread knowledge through formal teaching and other informal channels such as seminars, workshops, exhibitions, symposia, etc

To develop supervisory and management skills

Ability to develop best practice and technologies that enhance efficiencies and outputs of the property industry.

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