USQ program in time for property boom

A new postgraduate business program geared at the property industry is ‘in the right place at the right time' as Ipswich rapidly transforms itself in a bid to meet the challenges associated with the current property and development boom in south-east Queensland.

The south-east Queensland Infrastructure Plan alone outlines approximately $80 billion worth of investment in coming years.

University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Springfield campus Lecturer Barrie Todhunter said the Master of Business (Property) would give students the skills and qualifications to be an active participant in an industry that was going into overdrive on their doorstep.

'The unprecedented growth of the property sector in south-east Queensland has resulted in major expansion in the Ipswich area and consequently numerous opportunities for careers in the industry,' Mr Todhunter said.

'The USQ Master of Business (Property) program offers students the opportunity to gain promotion within the property industry or to assist in the transition to the industry from related disciplines.

'Someone who has previously studied town planning, urban and regional planning, surveying, architecture, engineering, construction, finance, law, marketing or real estate could use the program to significantly extend their involvement in the property industry - although it is not essential to have an undergraduate degree to enter the program.

'Practical experience in industry can be sufficient to gain entry into the Postgraduate Certificate program and students can continue with the Master's program from there if they wish.

'The industry is still young and vibrant and research is helping to develop innovative and exciting models of practice which are leading to a new professionalism in a highly profitable industry."

Mr Todhunter said the Master of Business (Property) provided a concise, focused program that considered all aspects of property.

'It includes courses on the development of new property projects, ownership and management of property assets and consideration of the legal environment in which projects are developed and managed.

'Students are required to study four cores courses to provide essential skills in property, plus elective courses to allow students to explore related areas of interest.

'Alternatively, they can undertake the four core courses and graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate in Management (Property), or undertake individual subjects as professional development.

'The program is very hands on, focussing on practice and has no examinations. Instead it utilises workplace projects as the basis for assessment."

Mr Todhunter said as the majority of postgraduate students at USQ Springfield campus also work, the University specialises in flexible delivery of education where individual courses can be studied part-time, or in intensive workshop mode.

"Intensive workshop mode allows fifteen weeks of study to be compressed into two 3-day workshops to review materials, improve study techniques and interact with industry practitioners who generously share their personal experiences in the industry."

"This makes it easier for people who are working full time to fit study into their schedule."

For further information visit  www.usq.edu.au or phone Barrie Todhunter 3470 4537 or email todhunter@usq.edu.au

Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979