IPFET Prize for the best dissertation

The IPFET Dissertation Prize is awarded each year, commencing in the 2009-10 session. It is awarded by the Investment Property Forum Educational Trust, a charity established by professional practice, which seeks to advance education in the area of property investment. The IPFET also supports and promotes research into the operation of the property investment market and regularly funds leading research projects in this area. Further details of the Trust´s role can be found here

IPF Educational Trust Website

In addition to this the Investment Property Forum, an independent membership organisation aimed at improving the awareness, understanding and efficiency of property as an investment, can be found here:

IPF Website

The prize is awarded annually and is to the value of £500. All students registered on a RICS accredited MA degree with the Department are eligible for the prize, which is awarded for the best dissertation on property investment, as assessed by the Examiners for the Department and by the IPFET.

2011 winner of IPFET Prize for Best Dissertation

Now in its second year, the annual IPFET Prize for Best Dissertation is awarded to Chris Bird. He studied towards his MA Commercial Property during 2010-11 and chose to carry out research into “Overseas Investment and Liquidity in the London City Office Market: A Transaction Based Analysis”.

 

Chris Bird today said, “It is a privilege to accept the award. I have a close connection with China after studying Mandarin and living in the Far East for two years, so relished the opportunity provided by the dissertation to explore international property investment. Although data constraints meant that I was unable to focus exclusively on Chinese property transactions, contacts that I had developed through the London Field Trip sponsored by the IPFET and through my work experience meant that study into overseas investment in the comparatively transparent London office market was possible. With help from my supervisor and other tutors, it was interesting to draw on both academic and industry research publications and this helped me to develop critical reviewing skills. It was interesting to explore evolving trends in the dominant overseas investors in the London market. Overall it was a good experience, if a little stressful at times, but producing a solid dissertation and having your hard work acknowledged by your tutors and the IPFET has made it a very rewarding process.”

Dr Cath Jackson, Programme Director for the MA Commercial Property commented, “Chris’ dissertation was inspired by his time spent living in China and I’m really pleased that he was able to combine his interests with his studies. He chose a topical and interesting area for his dissertation, but also one which presented him with a number of methodological and data challenges. I’m thrilled for him that he produced a really good piece of work and that we were able to recommend to the IPFET that he be award the Prize for Best Dissertation.”

First winner of IPFET Prize for Best Dissertation

We are pleased to announce that Kate O´Neill, MA Planning and Development, has been awarded the IPFET Prize for Best Dissertation. Kate studied for her RICS-accredited MA during 2009-10, culminating in the submission of her dissertation, entitled "Buildings of Cultural Importance: Exploring the Networks Within".