Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2011-2012 (archived)

Module BUSI4Z315: INVESTING IN AND FINANCING OF REAL ESTATE

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI4Z315: INVESTING IN AND FINANCING OF REAL ESTATE

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2011/12 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1KM07

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to acquire and demonstrate a specialist knowledge and understanding of advanced techniques in real estate investment and finance as well as of the European investment vehicles for real estate.
  • To enable students to develop a critical understanding of the key aspects and drivers as well as of the underlying assumptions of real estate investment analysis.

Content

  • Real estate investment vehicles.
  • Real estate investment analysis.
  • Traditional real estate financing.
  • Innovative real estate financing.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have a specialised knowledge and critical understanding of:
  • open-ended mutual property funds;
  • open-ended special property funds;
  • closed-end property funds;
  • real estate investment trusts;
  • real estate investment analysis;
  • investment analysis with tax and without tax;
  • innovative real estate financing;
  • new forms of innovative real estate financing (Mezzanine Financing, ABS, CMBS, RMBS etc);
  • changes due to the Basel I and II accords;
  • asset securitisation.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will have developed specialist skills in the application of spreadsheet analysis with regard to financing real estate as single objects and within the portfolio context.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; Interpersonal communication; Oral communication; Teamwork; Planning, organising and time management; Problem solving and analysis; Using initiative; Computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions, supported by guided reading.
  • The assessment of the module by written assignment is designed to:
  • test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding;
  • test skills of application and interpretation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Full-day sessions combining lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions 28
Preparation and Reading 122
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Individual Written Assignment Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual Written Assignment 2,000 words (max) 100%
Component: Group Presentation Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Group Presentation 30 minutes 100%

Formative Assessment:

Classroom-based exercises involving individual and group analyses and presentations on specific business situations/problems relevant to the learning outcomes of the module. Oral and written feedback will be given on a group and individual basis as appropriate.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University