Real Estate Studies
Real Estate Economics and Real Estate Management

Real Estate Studies: Real Estate Economics and Real Estate Management

For many prospective professionals, a degree in real estate is the key to a successful career in the dynamic world of real estate. In this course of study, students not only acquire in-depth knowledge of business administration and law, but also specific knowledge of market analysis, project management and real estate valuation. The following article explains what makes a real estate degree stand out, what content and focus areas it covers, and what professional prospects alumni can expect.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 2024, Munich Business School secured the top spot among private universities of applied sciences in the field of business administration from a recruitment perspective for the fifth time in a row.

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Requirements and characteristics to study real estate

The requirements for studying real estate vary depending on the university and the course of study (bachelor's or master's). In addition, certain personal qualities and skills are helpful for successful real estate studies and later work in the real estate industry. Here are the most important characteristics and requirements:

Characteristics

  • Analytical thinking:
    • Ability to understand and apply complex market analyses and valuation models.
    • Problem-solving skills in planning and executing projects.
  • Communication skills:
    • Essential for negotiating with customers, investors and partners.
    • Good presentation skills to communicate ideas and results in an understandable way.
  • Organisational talent:
    • Ability to plan projects, manage deadlines and use resources effectively.
    • Multitasking skills to manage several tasks in parallel.
  • Affinity for numbers:
    • Confident handling of financing models, investment calculations and budget plans.
    • Understanding of economic interrelationships and financial planning.
  • Negotiating skills:
    • Strong skills in negotiating contracts and achieving favorable terms.
    • Assertiveness in business discussions.
  • Creativity and innovative spirit:
    • developing new concepts for real estate projects and sustainable construction methods.
    • Openness to new technologies and digital solutions (PropTech).
  • Attention to detail and precision:
    • exact work in real estate valuation and legal aspects.
    • Careful examination and adherence to contracts and standards.
  • Ability to work in a team:
    • collaboration with architects, construction managers and other professionals.
    • Willingness to cooperate and ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.

MBS Master International Business - No. 1 Focus

The following diagram shows that Corporate Finance is the no. 1 focus for a career in the 21st century financial world of the MBS Master International Business program.

Ways to study real estate in Germany

In the real estate sector, there are a variety of degree programs tailored to different areas of focus and career paths. Here are some of the most common courses of study:

  1. Bachelor's in Real Estate:
    • Provides a broad base of knowledge about the real estate industry, with a focus on business administration, law, finance and real estate management.
    • Practical project work and case studies are often part of the curriculum.
  2. Bachelor's in Real Estate Management:
    • Focus on the administration, marketing and management of real estate portfolios.
    • Often also includes topics such as tenancy law, facility management and marketing strategies.
  3. Bachelor in Construction and Real Estate Management:
    • Combination of construction and real estate.
    • Focus on project development, construction planning and technical understanding in connection with economic aspects.
  4. Master in Real Estate Management:
    • In-depth knowledge for the strategic management and management of real estate projects.
    • Often with a focus on international real estate law, investment strategies and market analysis.
  5. Master's in Real Estate Valuation and Financing:
    • Specializing in real estate valuation and the development of financing models.
    • Prepares students for positions in investment, banking or valuation.
  6. Master's in Business Studies with a focus on real estate:
    • For Bachelor's graduates who want to take their career in the real estate sector to the next level.
    • The focus here is on practical relevance and networking.
  7. MBA with a focus on real estate:
    • For professionals who want to take their career in the real estate sector to the management level.
    • The focus here is on practical relevance and networking.
  8. Dual study program in real estate:
    • Combining theory and practice through close cooperation with real estate companies.
    • Advantage: practical experience during studies, often with the possibility of being taken on after graduation.
  9. Distance learning in real estate:
    • Flexible option for professionals who want to expand their knowledge.
    • Content is similar to regular bachelor's or master's programs, but often with a focus on independent learning.
  10. Specialized courses:
    • Sustainability and Real Estate: Focuses on sustainable development and ecological building concepts.
    • PropTech and Real Estate Innovation: Focuses on digital technologies and innovation in the real estate industry.

These courses offer different specializations and develop specific skills tailored to the diverse requirements and fields of work in the real estate industry.

Facts: Real estate studies at Munich Business School

At Munich Business School, you can study International Business in the Master's program with a focus on real estate. This gives you the perfect mix of Business Studies knowledge and practical experience and project management skills, for example through business projects, to help you shape your future according to your own ideas. These are the most important facts about studying at MBS:

Duration of study:

18 or 24 Months

Degree:

Master of Arts

Start of studies:

February & September

Degree program:

Master in International Business

Language of study:

English

Tuition fees:

EUR 8.580 per Semester

Form of study:

In person at the campus in Munich

Highlights:

Choose your own Specialization & include a Semester abroad

Areas of focus:

6 main topics, including Corporate Finance

This is what you will learn during your real estate studies

Real estate studies contents

Business Studies Fundamentals of Economic Sciences, Corporate Management, Accounting and Controlling.
Specialization in the application of business principles in the real estate industry.
Real Estate Law Introduction to tenancy and building law, contract law and the legal framework of the real estate industry.
In-depth knowledge of land registry law and real estate purchase.
Real Estate Valuation (IV) Methods for evaluating residential and commercial real estate.
Analysis of market values, determination of market value and risk assessment.
Financing and investment Fundamentals and models of real estate financing, investment strategies and return calculations.
Introduction to financing instruments and concepts such as mortgages and funds.
Project development and management Planning, control and implementation of construction and development projects.
Project phases, time and cost management, risk analysis.
Market analysis and research Investigation of market trends, supply and demand, location analysis.
Conducting feasibility studies and utilization concepts.
Facility management Technical and infrastructural management of buildings.
Maintenance and optimization of real estate.
Sustainability and energy efficiency Concepts of sustainable construction, ecological construction and certification systems (e.g. LEED, DGNB).
Energy management and sustainable use of real estate.
Digital real estate industry (PropTech) Use of technologies to digitize processes in the real estate industry.
Smart buildings and innovative software solutions.
Practical projects and case studies Application of theoretical knowledge to practical projects and case studies.
Often in collaboration with real estate companies and industry experts.

The content of real estate studies is diverse and covers various fields in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry. This content provides a balanced mix of theory and practice to prepare students for various challenges in the real estate industry and to provide them with a broad range of expertise.

Study real estate or Business Studies with a focus on real estate?

Studying Business Studies with a focus on real estate offers you more flexibility and career opportunities than a real estate-only degree. While a real estate degree is often highly specialized and focuses exclusively on the real estate industry, a Business Studies degree gives you a broad foundation in economic and entrepreneurial topics. This not only allows you to work in the real estate industry, but also gives you the opportunity to gain a foothold in other areas such as finance, marketing, business consulting or management.
The focus on real estate within a Business Studies degree allows you to acquire the necessary specialist knowledge to succeed in the real estate industry without limiting yourself exclusively to it. In addition, the combination of general business knowledge and specific real estate knowledge is often valued by employers, as it makes you more versatile and adaptable. Especially in economically uncertain times, this flexibility can be a decisive advantage, as you can reorient yourself more quickly to other industries or fields of activity. A Business Studies degree with a focus on real estate thus combines the best of both worlds: specialization and versatility.

Studying Business Studies at Munich Business School

MBS not only offers you a Business Studies degree, but also focuses on international business, so that after graduating you can pursue your chosen career in real estate anywhere in the world. The MBS Bachelor International Business offers many highlights such as semesters abroad, internships, business projects, plenty of networking opportunities and much more. At Munich Business School, you can expect small study groups, dedicated teachers and award-winning programs. But even more important is: with us, it's you who counts. Here, you are not an anonymous member, but the driving force that motivates us every morning. As a small, private university, we take time for your concerns and offer you a customized study experience. Our lecturers have extensive practical experience and teach you skills that really count. In addition to in-depth business knowledge, we also promote values and abilities that will bring you closer to sustainability and social responsibility as a future expert in the real estate sector and optimally prepare you for a wide range of professions.

Do you want to learn more about Business Studies?

For more information, please visit our page on the subject.

Business Studies

Benefits of the MBS

MBS offers students many advantages that are possible thanks to the structure of a private university of applied sciences. You will benefit from the following advantages during your studies at MBS:

Learn from Experts

Professors with business experience and specialists as guest lecturers

Individualized Support

Small class sizes and support from the Mentoring  Program, for example

Double Education

in Finance and Management

Becoming a Generalist and a Specialist at the same time

Wide-ranging Business Studies and specialized knowledge in several key areas

International Future Prospects

Business Projects  & many Networking Opportunities

That's how easy it is to study at MBS:

 

Personal Interview

 

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The process of studying real estate and graduating

Real estate studies are usually clearly structured and aim to give students a comprehensive understanding of the real estate industry. Here is an overview of the course of study and the degree awarded:

  • Final phase (last semester):
    • Bachelor's/Master's thesis: Students work on an independent scientific research question in the field of real estate.
    • Practical projects: These are often final projects that are carried out in cooperation with companies.

Degree

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) / Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.): For undergraduate courses, depending on the focus.
  • Master of Arts (M.A.) / Master of Science (M.Sc.): For advanced, specialized courses of study in real estate management, real estate financing or project development.

After successful completion, graduates have a variety of career opportunities open to them, and they are qualified to work in a wide range of positions in the real estate industry.

The Master International Business with a focus on real estate from MBS

Do you feel at home anywhere in the world and want to start an international career? Then the Master in International Business at Munich Business School is perfect for you! You will not only deepen your knowledge of economics, but will also become an expert in various fields through individually selectable specializations, thus sharpening your personal profile. The integrated semester abroad will prepare you for specialist and management roles in the global economy. If you want to gain even more international experience, you can add a second semester abroad and thus obtain two specialized Master's degrees in just two years – your international career will then be ready to take off with the Master in International Business Administration!

The course-specific modules of the Master's program in International Business prepare you optimally for your career in international business. To ensure a strong practical focus during your studies, the Master's program offers specific concentrations in addition to general business administration and courses in international marketing and International Finance. In the first and second semesters, you choose two out of five or seven business concentrations, respectively, giving your studies an individual touch. You can choose from topics such as digital business management, international marketing or corporate strategy & innovation. These courses will enable you to deepen your skills and prepare you specifically for your future career.

International Focus

The studies at MBS focus on the international market. A large part of the course content is taught in English and MBS students come from all over the world.

Semester Abroad

Internationality is also expressed through the semester abroad. Students spend the last semester at one of our more than 60 partner universities around the world.

Business Project

Students work on a business project for a real company. In doing so, they apply the theoretical knowledge gained during their studies in practical applications.

Overview of all elective specializations in the Master International Business

The following scheme shows all specializations that you can take in your Master International Business studies at Munich Business School, including real estate in the form of corporate finance.

The Specialisation: International Finance (Corporate Finance)

Your Master's degree in International Business with a specialisation in International Financial Management (Corporate Finance) at Munich Business School will prepare you optimally for a management position in the financial industry within three semesters. If you have an additional semester, you can even earn a dual degree – and thus receive a second master's degree from one of our international partner universities. You can combine your Corporate Finance specialisation with another one, such as Corporate Strategy and Innovation. You will spend the first two semesters studying at our campus in Munich, where you will acquire in-depth knowledge of finance and accounting. The focus here is on interactive, practice-oriented lectures. In group projects, you will work closely with your fellow students and learn how to effectively utilize the strengths of the team.

In the third semester, you will continue your studies at one of our more than 60 partner universities worldwide. Our International Office will help you choose the university that best suits your career goals – be it in Europe, America, Asia or Australia. After your semester abroad, you will devote yourself to your master's thesis. All of your studies will be taught in English, giving you the ideal preparation for an international career.

If you have any further questions or need more information, please feel free to contact our student advisory service.

Looking to find out more?

Studienberater MBS: Uttamdeep Kaur, B.A.

Application

In order to qualify for admission to the business administration and bachelor studies at Munich Business School, you must first meet certain requirements regarding previous schooling and language skills. MBS offers several application rounds and recommends that you submit your application early as the number of places is limited.

Admission Requirements

Academic and vocational education

There are three admission pathways to the Bachelor’s program at Munich Business School:

  1. A school-leaving qualification that allows you to access university-level study in Bavaria, e.g. Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, Matura, IB Diploma or certain other international school-leaving qualifications.
    Did you know? You can apply early by submitting your three most recent school report cards. If your application is successful, you simply need to provide your school-leaving certificate before the start of your course. This means you don’t have to wait to receive your school-leaving certificate before applying.
  2. Completing a vocational training program in Germany and
    a) passing a mastership examination (Meisterprüfung) or equivalent vocational training examination OR
    b) completing a course of study at a technical college (Fachschule) or technical academy (Fachakademie).
    If you fulfill either of these criteria, you meet the general admission criteria for university-level study – subject to a consultation meeting at your chosen institution before the start of your studies.
  3. Successfully completing at least a two-year (commercial) vocational training program in Germany before working full-time in that field for at least three years. You can demonstrate your suitability for your chosen studies by passing the regular examinations for the first two semesters. You will then be granted special admission to the university for your chosen subject.

Munich Business School also offers a Pre-Bachelor program in International Business as the ideal preparation for bachelor’s-level study.

Language Requirements Bilingual Track (70% German/30% English)

English Proficiency

Applicants for the Bilingual Track must proof their English language skills by passing one of the following language tests:

  • TOEFL 85/IBT (MBS TOEFL Institution Code: 5772)
  • IELTS 6.5-Academic Module
  • Duolingo Overall Score 115
  • Cambridge B2 First min. Grade B
  • Pearson PTE Academic Overall Score 56
  • ELS English for Academic Purposes: Advanced Level 112

Note: If the test is also used to apply for a visa, please check the requirements of the respective embassy in advance.

Test results can only be accepted if achieved within the last two years. If you are unable to obtain your test results before handing in your MBS application, please advise us of your planned test date.

The English proficiency test can be waived by applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. US High School Diploma, IB Diploma).

Language Requirements English Track (100% English)

English Proficiency

If you apply for the English Track, you must proof your English language skills by passing one of the following language tests:

  • TOEFL 85/IBT (MBS TOEFL Institution Code: 5772)
  • IELTS 6.5-Academic Module
  • Duolingo Overall Score 115
  • Cambridge B2 First min. Grade B
  • Pearson PTE Academic Overall Score 56
  • ELS English for Academic Purposes: Advanced Level 112

Note: If the test is also used to apply for a visa, please check the requirements of the respective embassy in advance.

Test results can only be accepted if achieved within the last two years. If you are unable to obtain your test results before handing in your MBS application, please advise us of your planned test date.

The English proficiency test can be waived by applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. US High School Diploma, IB Diploma).

Transfer to MBS

You would like to change university and continue your studies at Munich Business School? We offer Bachelor students the possibility of a transfer to the 2nd or 3rd semester. Previous knowledge in the fields of business administration and management, business law, accounting, mathematics and economics is required. Equivalent study and examination achievements, which have been acquired in an economics program in the basic studies, are counted towards the first two semesters of the bachelor's program at MBS up to a total of 60 ECTS.

Pre-Check of your academic achievements

For a non-binding pre-check of your academic achievements, please submit your curriculum vitae, an official grade confirmation as well as the official module descriptions of the courses you have already completed (with details on ECTS number per course, learning content, number of hours, type of final achievement and learning outcomes). The administrative fee for the Pre-Check is 60 euros. In case of a subsequent application to MBS, the application fee is waived.

Admission requirements

  • Complete application
  • Above-average study and examination results with at least a grade of 2.5
  • Proof of 30 ECTS (lateral entry into the 2nd semester) or 60 ECTS (lateral entry into the 3rd semester)
  • Recognition of achievements from previous business studies at a state-recognized university in Germany or abroad
  • Proof of English language proficiency with TOEFL, IELTS or 100% English Schooling
  • Proof of advanced knowledge in a 2nd foreign language depending on the choice of International Focus (Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, German as a foreign language)
  • Proof of internships (only for lateral entry into the 3rd semester)
  • Document of good academic standing from Examination Office of previous university
  • Successful participation in the interview

Application deadlines for transfer students

  • November 30 for entry into the spring term (February)
  • June 30 for entry into the fall term (September)

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our student advisory service.

Application Process

Written Application

Application Documents

  • Authenticated copy of school leaving certificate, alternatively last 3 school reports
  • Letter of Motivation
  • Resume and photo
  • Proof of English language skills B2 (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge, ELS 112) by the start of studies at the latest
  • When applying for a scholarship: personal statement (1 page)

Online Application

To apply online, click here.

Application Fee

Please transfer the application fee of 60 Euro to: 

Munich Business School GmbH
Account 1020132229
Deutsche Kreditbank (Bank Code 120 300 00)
BIC: BYLADEM1001
IBAN: DE23120300001020132229

or via PayPal: paypal@munich-business-school.de

Application Rounds

Upon receipt of the application fee, the Admission Office checks your documents and invites you to a personal interview. You will receive your feedback within three days. Since the number of study places is limited, we recommend an early application. Your application is possible up to one year in advance. You will then submit your school leaving certificate and proof of English language skills by the start of your studies at the latest.

Scholarships

MBS offers partial scholarships to committed prospective students. In order to apply for one of the limited scholarships, please submit a personal statement with your application for a study place. In this statement you convincingly justify your interest in the scholarship program. You can find further information at Scholarships and Financing.

Application Rounds and Personal Interview

MBS offers application rounds on a monthly basis. You pick one round for your application.

The next application deadlines for a program start in 2025:

Round November: application deadline 15.11. with personal interview in Nov/Dec

Round December: Application deadline 15.12. with personal interview in Dec/Jan

Round January: Application deadline 15.01. with personal interview in Jan/Feb

Round February: Application deadline 15.02. with personal interview in Feb/March – Early Bird Deadline Discount!

Round March: Application deadline 15.03. with personal interview in March/April


 

The personal interview (approx. 45 minutes) consists of three parts:

  • Your study motivation
  • Short presentation and discussion
  • Your personal questions

Your Study Contract

You will receive the results of the interview within one week. If you are accepted, the Admission Office will send you your personal study contract. The place of study is then reserved for three weeks. To secure your place of study, you return your signed contract to MBS by e-mail or mail and make a deposit.

Upon acceptance of the study place, you will be required to pay an enrollment fee of 690 Euro (for international students: 1,490 Euro) and a deposit of 1,990 Euro. The latter is offset against the payment installment of your semester fee.

Your Student Visa

If you are a Non-EU national, you are required to apply for a student visa in order to start your studies in Germany. To obtain a visa invitation letter from Munich Business School, please take the following steps:

1. Hand in your signed study contract and a copy of your passport details page.

2. Transfer the one-time enrollment fee and the deposit of 1,990 Euro. The deposit will be deducted from the first semester tuition installment.

More about Student Visa

Scholarship

Munich Business School offers attractive scholarships. These are 10 - 50% for the 1st and 2nd Bachelor semester. The application for one of the scholarships is made together with the application for a study place. Further information can be found under "Scholarships and financing".

The program is also aimed at pre-bachelor students.

Alumni Experience Report

Balanced ★★★★★

"There is an appropriate balance of subjects with hard and soft skills, with important courses such as finance but also equally important courses such as agile management or resilience management. Depending on your focus, you can dive deep into areas. The mandatory 30-week internship provides a good balance to the theory."

E. on StudyCHECK

Real estate studies salary

After graduating from a real estate program, graduates can expect an average starting salary of around 36,400 euros gross per year. This salary varies depending on the size of the company:

  • Companies with up to 100 employees: an average of 25,000 euros gross per year.
  • Companies with 100 to 1,000 employees: around 36,500 euros gross per year.
  • Companies with over 1,000 employees: About €40,577 gross per year.

Over the course of a career, salary can increase to an average of €55,000 gross per year with increasing experience and responsibility.

During a dual study program in the real estate industry, students already receive compensation that varies depending on the company and region. For example, Kaufland offers the following monthly salaries:

  • 1st year: €1,500
  • 2nd year: €1,600
  • 3rd year: €1,800

These figures are intended as a guide and may vary depending on individual factors such as location, company size and personal qualifications.

The Munich Business School in Numbers

750+
Number of Students

60+
International Partner Universities

60+
Founded Startups

57 %
International Students

Career opportunities after studying real estate

This table provides an overview of possible occupations, tasks and employers in the real estate sector.

Occupation Job description Typical employers
Real estate manager Management and optimization of real estate portfolios, management of tenancies Real estate companies, housing associations
Real estate agent Brokering of properties for sale and rent, advice, viewings Real estate agencies, self-employment
Project developer Conception and implementation of construction projects, collaboration with architects and investors Project development companies, construction companies
Real estate valuer Valuation of real estate, preparation of expert opinions Valuation offices, banks, insurance companies
Real estate investment manager Analysis and planning of real estate investments, risk management Investment companies, banks, funds
Facility manager Operation and maintenance of buildings, technical planning Facility management companies, corporations
Construction project manager Management and monitoring of construction projects, cost and quality control Construction companies, real estate companies
Real estate consultant Consulting on real estate decisions, market analyses Consulting firms, business consultants
Asset manager Management and value enhancement of real estate portfolios Real estate companies, banks
Urban planner Development and planning of urban utilization concepts Local governments, planning offices
Sustainability manager Sustainable construction and environmental management Real estate companies, public institutions
PropTech specialist Development of smart building solutions, integration of new technologies PropTech companies, real estate groups
Real estate analyst Conducting market analyses to support investments Investment companies, consulting firms

3 job examples in the area of real estate

The diversity of the real estate sector is reflected in a number of exciting professional fields. Here is a closer look at three examples of professions:

Project Developer

Tasks: Developing and planning real estate projects, coordinating with architects, construction companies and authorities, securing financing and monitoring budgets and construction progress.

Special feature: Project developers combine creativity and strategic thinking. Their work is crucial because they lead projects from the idea to completion and require versatile, interdisciplinary skills.

Real Estate Valuer

Tasks: preparing expert reports for real estate valuations, conducting risk and location analyses, taking legal standards into account.

Special feature: real estate valuers are essential for making well-informed buying and selling decisions. Their work requires precision and market knowledge, which makes their expertise in the real estate market indispensable.

DID YOU KNOW?

After an MBS Bachelor's or Master's degree, you can also take up all these professions abroad without any problems.

FAQ

What is the difference between Real Estate Management and Real Estate Economics?

The difference between real estate management and real estate economics lies in their focus: real estate management mainly refers to the operational administration, maintenance and optimization of real estate portfolios. It is about the daily management and efficiency enhancement of properties. Real estate economics, on the other hand, encompasses the broader spectrum of the industry, including the analysis, planning, financing and trading of real estate, as well as strategic project development and evaluation. While management tends to concern the operation and management of real estate, real estate economics is broader and includes economic, legal and financial aspects of the industry as a whole.

What does Real Estate Management involve?

Real estate management includes the administration, maintenance and optimization of real estate portfolios, rent management, cost control, strategic planning, and measures to maintain value and increase efficiency. It also encompasses communication with tenants, compliance with legal requirements, and the implementation of modernization and sustainability projects to ensure the long-term value of the properties.

What can you do with Real Estate Management?

With a degree in real estate management, you can work in the administration and optimization of real estate portfolios, manage rental properties, work in facility management or take on project management roles. You can also work in consulting, in real estate sales or in the development of strategies for maintaining value and increasing the efficiency of buildings.

What grade point average do you need to study Real Estate Management?

To study real estate management, the required average is often between 2.5 and 3.0, depending on the university and demand. However, you do not need an NC at Munich Business School (MBS), where other criteria such as a letter of motivation and interviews are crucial.

Is Real Estate Management a Business Studies program?

Yes, real estate management is essentially a Business Studies course of study with a specialization in the real estate industry. It combines business fundamentals with specific knowledge of real estate markets, financing, valuation and legal aspects.

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Studienberater MBS: Uttamdeep Kaur, B.A.
PAGE-TITLE: Real Estate Studies