IPF Certificate, IPF Diploma & MSc Real Estate Investment and Finance (IPF Entry Route)

Entry requirements

• An upper second-class honours degree from a UK university, or the equivalent from an internationally recognised university
• You should normally be in relevant graduate level employment
• If your first language is not English, you are required to provide evidence of proficiency. Fluency in both written and spoken English (with a minimum IELTS level of 7 or higher)

We will consider applications from those who do not entirely fit these requirements. Please note these requirements do not apply to the introductory online module, Introduction to Property Investment.

You are normally expected to join the programme in either September or February. If you're taking the IPF Diploma or MSc Real Estate Investment and Finance, you will normally take Corporate Finance or Investment Appraisal as you first module.

Months of entry

February, September

Course content

In partnership with the Investment Property Forum (IPF), we offer a flexible route if you are wishing to obtain the IPF Certificate, IPF Diploma or the MSc Real Estate Investment and Finance. Delivered on a part-time basis, it comprises a series of professional development courses delivered by leading names in property investment and academia.

In a fast-moving global market, the IPF's industry-recognised education programme offers you a unique advantage. You will address the key areas of investment, finance and property. The programme will equip you with the latest knowledge and skills to ensure you stay one step ahead. Join your peers at these intensive, interactive sessions and immerse yourself in a fresh, topical leading-edge learning experience.

IPF Certificate in Property Investment

The Certificate consists of an introductory online course - Introduction to Property Investment. This is followed by two 4-5-day face-to-face courses; Corporate Finance and Real Estate Portfolio Management. These are delivered at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, in the Henley Business School.

The IPF Certificate is listed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Key 2 Appropriate Examination under the Managing Investments activity. Holders of the IPF Certificate will need to complete a Key 3 qualification. Namely a UK regulatory examination, to meet the full examination requirements for this activity. For more information on the appropriate examinations, please see the FCA Handbook.

If you obtain the Certificate, you are eligible to undertake three additional modules (taught at Reading) to gain the IPF Diploma. The IPF Diploma can be achieved as a stand-alone qualification as outlined below.

Any of the modules can be attended on a CPD basis, subject to eligibility.

Students already holding an IPF Certificate - route to the IPF Diploma

If you hold the IPF Certificate (achieved prior to September 2016), you are eligible to continue to the IPF Diploma. You will need to attend the Real Estate Investment Appraisal, Real Estate Securities and Real Estate Funding Flexible MSc modules.

IPF Diploma in Property Investment

These specialist modules lead to an externally accredited Diploma in Property Investment from the Investment Property Forum (IPF). This is recognised as the IPF Diploma. You will need to complete the 5 modules for this qualification. This includes Real Estate Investment Appraisal, Real Estate Securities, Real Estate Portfolio Management, Corporate Finance and Real Estate Funding. Each 4-5-day, face-to-face IPF Diploma module is delivered at the University of Reading, Whiteknights campus. It is also supported by Real Estate & Planning's Virtual Learning Environment.

If you are taking the IPF Diploma, you are entitled to free student membership of the IPF. This is for the duration of the course, to a maximum of three years. If you have successfully completed the IPF Diploma, you will be fast-tracked for full IPF membership. You can then use the designation DipIPF after your name.

• FAQs IPF Certificate, Diploma & MSc Real Estate Investment and Finance

MSc Real Estate Investment & Finance (IPF entry route)

If you have successfully achieved the IPF Diploma, this will provide 100 credits towards the MSc degree. Therefore, you will be eligible to continue to our MSc Real Estate Investment & Finance programme (IPF entry route). In order to attain the MSc, you will need to take a further 80 credits delivered in Reading. Please see timetable above.

IPF Diploma recipient - route to the MSc Real Estate Investment & Finance Flexible

If you already hold the IPF Diploma (achieved prior to September 2016) you are eligible to continue to the Flexible Masters programme.

Please email pg-rep-admin@reading.ac.uk for further information on any of these qualifications.

Fees and funding