5 years of the MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance

The original development team of Ye Xu (now the REIF programme leader) and Peter Dent who won
a university award for the development of the REIF programme

It is now 5 years since the MSc/PGD Real Estate Investment Finance (REIF) was launched by Oxford Brookes. The REIF programme was developed following an approach from APREA who wanted to find a UK university to develop their REIF certificate programme. Following formal university approval, Oxford Brookes now offers three routes through the REIF programme. The MSc (which is fully accredited by the RICS) and PG Diploma offer students the opportunity to study Real Estate Investment Finance in more depth and we also continue to offer the REIF programme as a CPD certificate. The features that made the original course so successful have been maintained and enhanced over the last 5 years:

An online, distance-learning programme tailored to students who are also working full-time
The REIF programme has been designed for real estate professionals across all sectors, as well as fund managers and investment bankers who would like to gain a better understanding of real estate as a financial asset in an investment portfolio. The programme is delivered online and offers students a flexible and innovative way to study. We have developed our use of digital media to bring together students from many different backgrounds and locations using our virtual learning platform as well as social media and webinars. Following student feedback, we have also developed our use of video - something that we feel is very important and contributes to the sense of community and belonging to the programme. We have developed a series of podcasts for each module, based around the learning packages and some modules also contain longer video lectures. A series of induction videos has also been developed for students on more general topics such as how to use the online Library.

A practically based programme which makes extensive use of real-life examples
This continues to be the focus of the programme and each module within it. Students appreciate the applicability of the programme to their work and also to their development within the workplace. As one of our students said: 'The course was very practical and applicable every way through my job. It opened my mind to global perspectives as well. All of these came in handy in my day to day property fund management role'.

Networking: opportunities to share knowledge, work practice and experience across the world 
We offer students the opportunity to come together online to share experiences and work practices which enrich the student experience. We hold at least two webinars during each module as well as Q&A sessions in the online chatroom. We also facilitate student networking through a series of (very active) WhatsApp groups as well as a REIF group for students and alumni on LinkedIn. 

Since it started in 2015, the REIF programme has widened its intake and we now have students all over the world. Locations include: Australia, Botswana, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Kenya, Latvia, Malaysia, St Lucia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, UAE, Uganda, UK, Uruguay, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. Great news for the REIF programme as students (and staff) from many different backgrounds and locations can come together online to share experiences and work practices.

Input from industry experts 
As well as input to the programme from our external examiners (one of whom is an expert from industry), we hold an annual REIF Seminar Day for students, alumni and staff which is made up of a series of lectures from industry experts and staff on the REIF team. This seminar day is live-streamed and also involves interaction via webinars. And of course there is the input from our students and alumni who are working in industry. 

If you would like to find out more about the REIF programme you can:

• Visit the REIF programme page on the Oxford Brookes website
• Join one of our online information sessions - we normally hold 4 of these a year - the next sessions will be held on 21 May 2020 and 16 July 2020. Email rec-creif@brookes.ac.uk for more information
• Look at our REIF student profiles on this blog