News

Friday 16 April 2010

Property and construction postgraduates offer Prague development solutions

The postgraduate students in Prague

Postgraduate students on property and construction courses at Nottingham Trent University have returned from an industry-focused project looking at the redevelopment of a site in Prague in the Czech Republic. The week-long initiative, part of an innovative professional practice module, was intended to provide a crucial international dimension to postgraduate study and is a key aspect to the development of students’ employability.

Students on MSc building surveying, quantity surveying, planning and development and real estate courses were briefed and supported by development company Red Group as part of the project, which focused on the hypothetical regeneration of a 164,000m² site in Jinonice, a few kilometres from Prague city centre.  Working in multidisciplinary teams they were required to take into account issues such as scheme design, development costing, value management, planning, infrastructure, building construction and surveying.

The students also gathered expert market knowledge from a number of Nottingham Trent University graduates who work in Prague, holding positions in leading property firms such as Cushman and Wakefield, King Sturge, CB Richard Ellis and DTZ.

During the visit, students – all from the University’s School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment – were assessed on their level of professionalism and commercial awareness. Now back in the UK, the teams will refine their development proposals and produce detailed industry-standard reports and presentations.

Steven Tyler, principal lecturer in estate surveying who accompanied the students on the visit, said: “This trip was a key factor in the development of the students’ employability and has helped them to embed, integrate and apply their professional knowledge, understanding and skills. Focusing the project activity on an overseas task adds a valuable international flavour and dimension to the student experience, providing them with the opportunity to act outside of the comfort zone of UK practice.”

He added: “Despite the packed schedule and heavy workload, the students really enjoyed the week and found the trip a worthwhile and informative experience. The opportunity for them to meet and learn from practitioners working in Prague real estate and construction, many of whom were our own graduates, has been particularly invaluable. We will certainly look at other international locations when planning the module for next year’s cohort."

Mark Searby, MSc Real Estate student, said: “I feel the direct contact with professionals not only helped with this module, but also with judging what sort of career to expect after university. The networking opportunities were fantastic.”

Sven Hallin, who is on the same course, added: “I enjoyed working with my designated multidisciplinary group. It gave us an opportunity to get to know each other better and the social interaction was great.”