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Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management

This Bachelor's programme prepares students for professional careers in real estate management. It develops expertise in property management, real estate economics, property valuation, land economics, and real estate development while building comprehensive skills for managing real estate assets and investments.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 306,000
Ksh 1,224,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 306,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,224,000 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 4 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Overhead Transmission Technician, at 10 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

Students analyse real estate markets, design property management strategies, implement valuation systems, evaluate property performance, conduct real estate research, apply investment principles, manage real estate assets, and develop sustainable property strategies. They also strengthen analytical thinking, investment skills, communication, teamwork, and property management abilities.

Kenya requires real estate management to support property development, manage real estate investments, and ensure sustainable urban development, creating demand for professionals who can manage properties, value assets, develop real estate, and support the property sector.

The programme combines coursework, studio work, fieldwork, property projects, and research. Students gain hands-on experience through property management, valuation exercises, and real estate development.

Graduates pursue careers as real estate managers, property managers, valuers, real estate developers, and investment analysts across real estate firms, property companies, government agencies, and financial institutions.

The programme is ideal for students interested in real estate management, property management, real estate economics, property valuation, and real estate development.

What you study

6 subjects
  • Real Estate Management
  • Property Management
  • Real Estate Economics
  • Property Valuation
  • Land Economics
  • Real Estate Development

Modules

12 in the programme

  • Introduction to Real Estate Management

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Overview of real estate management, property industry, and management principles.

  • Property Management

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Property Management: Property operations, property maintenance, and tenant management. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.

  • Real Estate Economics

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Real Estate Economics: Real estate markets, economic analysis, and real estate economics. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.

  • Property Valuation

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Property Valuation: Valuation principles, valuation methods, and property valuation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Land Economics

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Land markets, land economics, and land use planning. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, co...

  • Real Estate Development

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Real Estate Development: Development process, project management, and real estate development. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Real Estate Law

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Property law, land law, and regulatory frameworks. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, cour...

  • Real Estate Finance

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Real Estate Finance: Property finance, mortgage finance, and real estate investment. Covers financial reporting, budgeting, investment analysis, and regulatory frameworks.

  • Real Estate Investment

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Real Estate Investment: Investment analysis, portfolio management, and real estate investment. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Urban Planning

    Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore

    Urban Planning: Urban development, planning principles, and urban planning strategies. Covers planning theory, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development practices.

  • Real Estate Studio

    Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore

    Real Estate Studio: Property design, studio projects, and practical applications. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Real Estate Management Project

    Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore

    Independent project on real estate management topic. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, co...

Specialisations

  • Property Management

    Focus on property operations, property maintenance, and tenant management. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Real Estate Development

    Specialization in development process, project management, and real estate development. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Real Estate Investment

    Focus on investment analysis, portfolio management, and real estate investment. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • General Practice

    Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

Students attend lectures, conduct studio work, participate in property visits, and engage in real estate projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
Critical role in property development and real estate investment.Real estate market can be volatile due to economic fluctuations.
Growing demand for real estate professionals due to urbanization and property development.Property management requires dealing with tenants and property maintenance issues.
Studio work provides practical experience in property management and valuation.—

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 331 business courses
Public223k to 306k
223k at University of Nairobi306k at Kenyatta University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN 222,500/yr Y1; KU 306,000/yr (intracolleges, joweri). Private unverified.

HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Scholarships

3 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    Government fundingKenyan

    Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies

Scholarships you could apply for

11 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSEminimum entry
Alternative entry

Diploma holders in Real Estate, Property Management, Land Economics, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.

Subject requirements
MathematicsC+
Physics/Chemistry/BiologyC+
Geography/Accounting/Commerce/EconomicsC
English/KiswahiliC

When it next starts

Taught at 4 institutions
January 20274 institutions

Including Mount Kenya University, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya.

May 20274 institutions

Including Mount Kenya University, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya.

September 20274 institutions

Including Mount Kenya University, University of Nairobi, Technical University of Kenya.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Exam70% of the mark

    Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.

  • Studio Practice Assessments

    Practicum100% of the mark

    Evaluation of studio skills, property management, and practical applications.

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat30% of the mark

    Regular tests, assignments, and studio projects throughout the semester.

  • Research Project

    Project100% of the mark

    Independent research project on real estate management topic.

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education

    NationalRequired

    Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.

Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Investment Analyst

    Medium demandKsh 62,000 to Ksh 135,000

    Analyse real estate investments, provide investment advice, and support investment decisions.

  • Real Estate Developer

    Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000

    Develop real estate projects, manage development, and ensure project success.

  • Real Estate Manager

    High demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 130,000

    Manage real estate assets, oversee property operations, and ensure property performance.

  • Property Manager

    High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000

    Manage properties, oversee property operations, and ensure tenant satisfaction.

  • Valuer

    High demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000

    Value properties, conduct valuations, and provide valuation advice.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work in real estate management, property management, and real estate development across Kenya's property sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Microsoft Excel

    SpreadsheetPrimary

  • QuickBooks

    Accounting

  • ChatGPT / Claude

    Ai

  • Google Workspace

    Cloud

  • Power BI

    AnalyticsPrimary

  • SAP

    Enterprise

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Real estate investing requires a large amount of capital

    While having capital helps, there are many ways to invest in real estate with smaller amounts including partnerships, REITs, and creative financing strategies.

  • Location is the sole determinant of success

    Location is important but not the only factor. Property condition, market timing, financing terms, and management quality are equally critical for success.

  • House flipping is a fast and easy way to get rich

    Flipping requires significant expertise, market knowledge, and risk management. It's not easy and many beginners lose money due to underestimating costs and timelines.

  • Real estate always appreciates in value

    Real estate markets are cyclical and can decline. Property values depend on economic conditions, local markets, and many other factors.

  • Property management is passive income

    Property management requires active involvement including tenant relations, maintenance, legal compliance, and financial management. It's not truly passive.

  • You need to own property to invest in real estate

    There are many ways to invest without direct ownership including REITs, private equity, crowdfunding, and real estate partnerships.

Further reading

Read next