A new major in Real Estate Studies within the Bachelor of Commerce at the Australian School of Business will commence in 2014.

This new major will offer an industry-focussed, multidisciplinary curriculum, with the goal of developing real estate leaders who have the breadth and depth of knowledge to succeed in this evolving industry. Illustrative of the scope of the program, core topics will include Land Economics and Valuation, Property Law, Real Estate Finance and Investment, and Real Estate Economics and Public Policy.

Professor Kevin Fox, who is overseeing the development of the new major said, “it is a fantastic opportunity for undergraduates to explore this diverse and important industry, either to complement another major or as preparation for a specialist career. The courses that make up this major will result in graduates who are fully proficient in a wide range of tangible industry-relevant skills, from evaluating real estate financing to understanding the construction and content of contracts, as well as the theory of urban land and housing markets, and the spatial development of cities". 

Industry support has played a central role in developing the real estate major, led by Andrew Roberts, an alumnus of the Australian School of Business. Previously CEO of Multiplex, he oversaw its transformation from a construction contractor to a property group encompassing development and investment, facilities and funds management.

“Everyone is impacted by the property market,” says Roberts. “We need a place to live and work, we want secure investments, and because property developments define the urban landscape.  I have worked with many talented people across the property industry. Many of them have degrees – but few of them have any tertiary education which includes real estate as a field of study. In the past that was simply because there were few options, and this new major aims to change that, by providing high quality teaching backed up by rigorous research. That is why I am supporting this new major at the Australian School of Business.”

Media contact: Julian Lorkin, Australian School of Business, 9385 9887, j.lorkin@unsw.edu.au