The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) is offering a foundation degree in residential estate agency.

The first degree course of its kind in the UK is being launched at the Cirencester university's Swindon campus.

The unique course - which is now recruiting its first entrants to start their studies in September 2024 - will be taught two days a week, enabling students to work while studying for the qualification.

Areas covered will include valuations, marketing, law and professional sales practice, as well as more hands-on modules, such as surveying, inspecting and measurement.

The course will also include a 10-week work placement, during the summer between the first and second year, where students will gain further on the job training and experience, as well as developing their confidence and employability skills and gaining valuable industry contacts.

Course leader William Leschallas, senior lecturer in the land and property team at the RAU, said: "The role of an estate agent requires a diverse set of skills and attributes - from acting as a sales person to showing clients available properties, helping private buyers and investors buy and sell homes or investment properties, marketing properties for sale and assisting clients to find that perfect home to rent or buy.

"This new course will give students a broad and innovative introduction to the key principles and practices in property services which examine property valuation, property law, finance, sales and marketing, people management and business strategy to enable students to become familiar with the core issues concerning the residential property sales sector."

The university already offers degree courses in both real estate and rural land management, which are accredited to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), but realised there was a need for a more specific and focused course for those wanting to become residential estate agents.

William continued: "Residential estate agency has become an increasingly complex area of business, with modern and traditional approaches adding to the competitive nature of the work. The home remains the main asset for most private owners who can afford them and the return on capital remains the priority for investors.

"This course sets out to provide the foundations specifically required for a career in residential estate agency - providing students with the skills and knowledge they need for a successful career in this industry - and is ideal for those already working in the industry or those considering becoming an estate agent.

"I firmly believe that it will really give students that little bit extra, which will set them apart from others in their early career in estate agency."

This new programme, which will include input and guest lectures from industry professionals, will also give students an introduction to the relevance of technology to residential estate agency, including reference to property portals, online agency, social media, client relationship management systems and software packages to help with compliance.

Local estate agent Sam Butler, senior partner at Butler Sherborn, said: "The very best estate agents are often those who understand the core principles and practices. Capitalising on new technology will also be a key to success now.

"They will be handling owners' major assets and that requires the agent to be competent, skilful, well trained and to inspire confidence. Prospective employers will always look for candidates who have an edge and who can demonstrate commitment in addition to a strong work ethic. I would strongly recommend this programme to anyone who wants a career in estate agency and to make a success of it!"

To launch the course, the university is holding two events - one for schools and colleges on Tuesday February 20, starting at 4.15pm, and one for estate agents and other potential employers, on Tuesday February 27 from 5pm to 6.30pm - at its RAU Swindon campus.