ACCREDITATION MANUAL

FOR

REAL ESTATE PROGRAMMES

BOARD OF VALUERS, APPRAISERS AND ESTATE AGENTS MALAYSIA

A-19-13A, Level 19, Tower A, Menara UOA Bangsar

No. 5 Jalan Bangsar Utama 1, Bangsar

59000 KUALA LUMPUR.

(FIRST EDITION 2016)

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FOREWORD

The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents (BOVAEA) have constantly receive applications from private and public Higher Education Providers (HEPs) to have their degree, diploma and executive diploma programmes accredited. There are cases where applications do not meet the assessment requirements of the BOVAEA’s Accreditation Committee. Thus, the necessity of this manual. The Accreditation Committee has now formulated the Manual which is comprehensive and I trust applicants will benefit greatly from it. The criteria was developed and adopted following numerous engagements with the stakeholders.

This manual underlines the procedure, basis and criteria for accreditation of programmes. It also projects on the eligibility criteria and methodology for assessment and accreditation apart from explaining the core values, key aspects and the rationale which is the spinal cord of the whole process.

I would like to thank the Chairman of the Accreditation Committee, Dr Sr Hajjah Norziha Binti Md Zain and her Committee Members for their tireless efforts, commitment and dedication in designing this outstanding manual for the betterment of the accreditation processes and which ultimately translates in transparency and consistency in the Board’s approval processes of degree, diploma and executive diploma from various HEPs.

DATUK SR FAIZAN BIN ABDUL RAHMANPresidentBOARD OF VALUERS, APPRAISERS ANDESTATE AGENTS MALAYSIA13 MAY 2016

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Accreditation Manual for Real Estate Programmes

Chairman of Accreditation Committee:

Dr Sr Hajjah Norziha Binti Md Zain

Members:

i. Assoc. Professor Dr. Sr Wan Nor Azriyati Binti Wan Abd Aziz

ii. Dr. Sr Hajjah Zailan Binti Mohd Isa

iii. Prof. Dr. Sr Megat Mohamed Ghazali Bin Megat Abdul Rahman

iv. Prof. Sr Yunus Bin A. Rahman

v. Sr Mohd Faizal Bin Foad@Fuad

vi. Assoc. Professor Dr. Sr Md Nasir Bin Daud

Operations Manager: Ms. Pushpa A/P Malasamy

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD iTABLE OF CONTENTS iiiABBREVIATION AND GLOSSARY

vi

SECTION 1 AN OVERVIEW 1

1.1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.2 ORGANISATIONS/AUTHORITIES RELATED TO ACCREDITATION

1

1.2.1 Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia 11.2.2 Accreditation Committee 31.2.3 Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) 31.2.4 Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) 31.2.5 Public Service Department (PSD) 31.2.6 Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) 4

1.3 AIMS OF ACCREDITATION 4

1.3.1 Purpose 41.3.2 Objective 41.3.3 Outcome 5

1.4 PROGRAMME ACCREDITATION 5

1.5 BOVAEA LIST OF RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS 6

SECTION 2 ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES 7

2.1 INTRODUCTION 7

2.2 ACCREDITATION LEVEL 7

2.2.1 Level 1: Provisional Approval 72.2.2 Level 2: Full Accreditation 82.2.3 Level 3: Re-Accreditation 8

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2.3 DECISION BY BOVAEA 9

2.3.1 Accreditation Status 92.3.2 Duration of Accreditation 92.3.3 Conditions of Accreditation 92.3.4 Publications of Accreditation Status 92.3.5 Appeals 10

2.4 FEES AND COSTS 10

SECTION 3 BASIS AND CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION 11

3.1 INTRODUCTION 11

3.2 BASIS AND CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION 11

3.3 CRITERIA 1: GENERAL INFORMATION 11

3.3.1 Particulars of Higher Education Provider 123.3.2 Particulars of Programme 123.3.3 Programme Outcomes 123.3.4 Entry Requirements 12

3.4 CRITERIA 2: PROGRAMME DESIGN 14

3.4.1 Programme Design and Curricular 143.4.2 Total Credit Hours, Curriculum Content and Structure 153.4.3 Exposure to Professional Practice 173.4.4 Practical Training 17

3.5 CRITERIA 3: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT 17

3.5.1 Approval and Review 183.5.2 Assessment and Award Regulation 193.5.3 Management of Teaching & Learning 193.5.4 Methods of Assessment 203.5.5 External Examiners 20

3.6 CRITERIA 4: ACADEMIC STAFF 21

3.7 CRITERIA 5: TEACHING AND LEARNING FACILITIES 22

3.8 CRITERIA 6: PROGRMAMME MONITORING AND 23

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CONTINUAL QUALITY IMPROVEMENT (CQI)

SECTION 4 DOCUMENTATION FOR SUBMISSION 24

4.1 INTRODUCTION 24

4.2 FLOW CHART FOR PROVISIONAL ACCREDITATION APPLICATION

24

4.3 FLOW CHART FOR FULL ACCREDITATION APPLICATION 25

4.4 FLOW CHART FOR RE-ACCREDITATION APPLICATION 26

SECTION 5 ACCREDITATION VISIT AND REPORTS 27

5.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE VISIT 27

5.2 ASSESSMENT 27

5.3 ACCREDITATION VISIT PROGRAMME 27

5.3.1 Curriculum Design And Delivery 285.3.2 Staff And Staff Competency 285.3.3 Facilities and Teaching and Learning Facilities 285.3.4 Student’s Facilities 285.3.5 Student’s File 28

5.4 ACCREDITATION REPORTS 28

5.5 PROGRAMME MONITORING 29

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ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY

TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

BOVAEA Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate AgentsAC Accreditation CommitteeRISM Royal Institution of Surveyors MalaysiaMQA Malaysian Qualifications AgencyPSD Public Services DepartmentMOHE Ministry of Higher EducationHEP Higher Education ProviderCQI Continual Quality Improvement

GLOSSARY

Accreditation A formal recognition that a degree, diploma and executive diploma programme has attained the quality standards set by BOVAEA and MQA

Accreditation Report

Accreditation Reports prepared by the AC are:

∑ Preliminary Accreditation Report is written based on document submission (prior to an accreditation visit). This would lead to a provisional approval of the program;

∑ Final Accreditation Report is written based on findings from an accreditation visit (if any) and which would subsequently lead to a full approval.

Contact Hours The number of hours in which a student is in contact with teaching staff during lectures, tutorials, lab sessions and seminars.

Credit Hours The number of hours allocated for each course

Courses Courses are components of a programme. The term is used interchangeably with subjects, units and modules

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Notional Hours The estimated learning time taken by the ‘average’ student to achieve the specified learning outcomes of the course-unit or programme. They are therefore not a precise measure but provide students with an indication of the amount of study and degree of commitment expected.

Higher Education Provider

University, Institute or College offering Real Estate programmes

Programme An arrangement of courses that are structured for a specified duration and learning volume to achieve the stated learning outcomes leading to an award or formal qualification.

Registered Valuer A person whose name has been entered under Part I of the Register and to whom an authority to practice has been issued by BOVAEA under Section 16, of the Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Act 1981 (Act 242) & Rules.

Real Estate Programmes

Valuation/Property Management/Real Estate Agency/Real Estate Investment and Finance practice, Real Estate Development and its related field.

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SECTION 1: AN OVERVIEW

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia (BOVAEA) or the Lembaga Penilai, Pentaksir dan Ejen Harta Tanah Malaysia (LPPEH) is aregulatory body responsible in accrediting all real estate programmes from Higher Education Providers (HEPs) in Malaysia and international countries.

Accreditation is important for real estate education that provides quality graduates enhancing professionalism. Thus, accreditation would:

i. maintain the standard and quality of the profession to meet the challenges ahead;

ii. ensure graduates from an accredited programme are adequately prepared to enter and continue the practice of real estate;

iii. promote best practices.

This manual outlines the authority and criteria for accreditation procedures for a real estate programme to be accredited. The content of the manual are:

i. Section 1 to Section 4 outline the procedures, basis and criteria and documents for accreditation submission;

ii. Section 5 provides information on the accreditation visit.

1.2 AUTHORITIES AND ORGANISATIONS RELATED TO ACCREDITATION

1.2.1 Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents (BOVAEA)

In accordance to the Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Act 1981 (Act 242) & Rules, there shall be established a board to be called the BOVAEA which shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal and which may sue and be sued.

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The functions of the Board shall be:

i. to keep and maintain a Register of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents, a Register of Probationary Valuers/Probationary Estate Agents and a Register of Firms;

ii. to approve or reject applications for registration under this Act or to approve any such application subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may deem fit to impose;

iii. to hold disciplinary proceedings in accordance with Part VII;

iv. to hold or cause to be held examination of persons who desire to qualify themselves for registration under this Act;

v. to prescribe from time to time with the approval of the Minister the fees payable under this Act including the scales of fees to be charged by registered valuers, appraisers or estate agents for professional advice or services rendered;

vi. to hear and determine disputes relating to the professional conduct or ethics of valuers, appraisers and estate agents or to appoint a committee or arbitrator to hear and determine such disputes;

vii. to determine and regulate the professional conduct and ethics of valuers, appraisers and estate agents and to set standards of professional practice;

viii. to award scholarships to persons who undertake professional courses in valuation or estate agency or any related discipline and to award grants or donations for the promotion of the profession;

ix. to appoint members of the Board to sit on any board, committee or body formed for any purpose relating to the profession or to any related profession;

x. to borrow or in any manner raise money for the purchase or lease of any immovable property required by the Board and to dispose of or deal with such property as the Board deems fit;

xi. to prescribe the rule concerning the taking out of professional indemnity insurances for valuers, appraisers and estate agents against any class of professional liability;

xii. to prescribe standards, directives, circulars or guidelines to carry out the provisions of Part III to Part VIII; and

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xiii. generally, to do all such acts, matters and things as are necessary to carry out the provisions of Part III to Part VIII.

1.2.2 Accreditation Committee

BOVAEA established Accreditation Committee (AC) with the main function to accredit real estate programmes offered by both local and international HEPs.Members of AC comprising both public and private-sector practitioners and academicians, are appointed by the President of BOVAEA.

1.2.3 Malaysian Qualifications Agency

Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Act 2007 places the responsibility forhigher education quality assurance in Malaysia. The main role of MQA isto implement the Malaysian Qualifications Framework as a basis for quality assurance of higher education and as the reference point for the criteria andstandards for national qualifications. MQA is responsible for monitoring andoverseeing the quality assurance practices and accreditation of nationalhigher education.

1.2.4 Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia

Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) is the professional bodyrepresenting the surveying professions in Malaysia. RISM consists of four surveying divisions, namely:

i. Geomatic and Land Surveying (LS)ii. Quantity Surveying (QS)iii. Property Management, Valuation & Estate Agency Surveying (PMVS)iv. Building Surveying (BS)

RISM works closely with each Board of the surveying divisions to support the professions through various activities and programmes. It serves as an NGO that promotes those professions.

1.2.5 Public Service Department

Public Service Department (PSD) or Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) is a government department in charge of the planning, development and management of human resources within the public services in Malaysia.

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1.2.6 Ministry of Higher Education

Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) is entrusted with the overall strategiesand planning of higher education in Malaysia. Its mission is to develop andput in place a higher education environment that encourages the growth ofpremier knowledge centres and individuals who are competent, innovated withhigh moral values to meet national and international needs.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF ACCREDITATION

1.3.1 Aims

The main aim of accrediting real estate academic programmes is to ensure quality graduates in the real estate industry. These graduates are to have adequate knowledge of both theory and practice in real estate. The BOVAEA’s primary aim is to ensure that only programmes that fulfill the requirements of BOVAEA are accredited and that the delivery of such programmes are supported by adequate resources.

1.3.2 Objectives

The objectives of programme accreditation are to:

i. ensure the academic standards of the programme are equivalent to those of comparable programmes currently recognised by BOVAEA;

ii. ensure the attributes of the graduates meet the needs of the profession;

iii. assist HEPs to improve all aspects of the programme in meeting theBOVAEA’s requirements;

iv. maintain and improve the standards of provision and facilities in HEPs;

v. guide students towards attaining quality programmes in real estate field.

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1.3.3 Outcomes

The outcome of accreditation is to benefit both the HEPs and Real Estate graduates in term of recognition by BOVAEA. This significant benefits of accreditation are:

i. one of the pre-requisites for registration as a graduate member andhence registered real estate professional;

ii. public identification of programme that have been evaluated byBOVAEA which met the stated criteria;

iii. a guarantee of standard that the real estate programmes can offerto prospective students and graduates, both local and international;

iv. a basis for international comparability reciprocal recognition, which allows graduate mobility internationally;

v. a statement to government and HEPs, of the basic requirement ofa professional real estate education, and the level of resourcesreasonably required to meet these requirements;

vi. consultative feedback on the design of new programmes, modes ofdelivery, and real estate programmes and assistance in the promotionof innovation and good educational practice.

1.4 PROGRAMME ACCREDITATION

AC evaluates programmes leading to the award of professional real estate qualifications by HEPs. BOVAEA accredits, recognises or accepts thoseprogrammes, which prepares graduates for entry into the profession and forregistration with BOVAEA. There are three levels of programme accreditation:

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a. ProvisionalAccreditation

: The first level of accreditation for a newly offered programme. This indicates that theprogramme has fulfilled the criteria specified for it to be offered and given an approval to run the programme.

b. Full Accreditation : This level is a conferment to denote that the real estate programme has successfully metall the requirements for provisional approval with the graduation of its first intake,depending on the duration of the programme offered.

c. Re- accreditation : This accreditation is carried out after five (5)years of full accreditation of the programme. Re-accreditation shall be applied by HEPsto continuously safeguard the programmes fulfilling the criteria and the standard set by BOVAEA or when the name of the degree, diploma or executive diploma, syllabus and curriculum are changed. At the same time, this phase is to ensure that accredited real estate programme offered by HEPs is kept abreast with development in the industry.

1.5 BOVAEA LIST OF RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS

The BOVAEA List of Recognised Qualifications (Accredited Degree, Diploma and Executive Diploma Programmes) is accessible on the Board website. The website provides a list of both local and international HEPs that the Board had accredited to conduct real estate programmes. This information is to provide the public, funding agencies and other related stakeholders with relevantinformation about accredited programmes.

In the case of failure to fulfil the continuous programme monitoring and quality audit for the accredited real estate programme, the cessation date may be effected on BOVAEA’s List of Recognised Qualifications to indicate revocation of the accreditation.

The approved qualification will be reviewed if and when the name, location of campus, syllabus and curriculum of the degree, diploma or executive diplomais changed by the respective HEPs.

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SECTION 2: ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES

2.1 INTRODUCTION

In designing a real estate programme, HEPs are advised to adhere to BOVAEA’s criteria for assessment and procedures.

All applications for Level 1- Provisional Accreditation; Level 2- Full Accreditation and Level 3- Re-accreditation, must be submitted to BOVAEA in both softcopy and hardcopy. The submissions must comprise ONE (1) softcopy and FOUR (4) bound hardcopies.

2.2 ACCREDITATION LEVELS

The process for the three (3) levels of accreditation are shown in paragraph 4.2 to 4.4 of Section 4 (page 25-27).

For local HEPs or international HEPs operating locally, all the three (3) levels are applicable. However, for international HEPs operating in the country of origin or elsewhere, only Level 2 and Level 3 are applicable.

2.2.1 Level 1 - Provisional Accreditation

Level 1 involves applications for provisional accreditation for a new programme. HEPs is advised to submit the necessary documentation to BOVAEA prior to setting up the programme. BOVAEA shall then carry out provisional accreditation assessment that may include an accreditation visit by the AC.

Provisional accreditation will be accorded to the local or international HEPs operating locally, subject to obtaining the followings approval to conduct the programme:

i. MQA

ii. MOHE

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2.2.2 Level 2 - Full Accreditation

New programmes conducted by local and international HEPs operating locally,will only be awarded full accreditation after the first intake of students graduate. The process of accreditation will be undertaken when the students have reached their final year. HEPs which have been awarded with provisional accreditation, are required to apply for full accreditation not later than SIX (6) months before the graduation of their first intake of student.

International HEPs operating in the country of origin or elsewhere shall directly apply to BOVAEA for full accreditation.

BOVAEA shall require HEPs to furnish further information if the above submission is incomplete. If the further information is not submitted within THIRTY (30) days from the date of request, the application shall be deemed to be withdrawn. However, if the submitted documentation is complete, then a date for the full accreditation visit will be arranged.

2.2.3 Level 3 - Re-Accreditation

HEPs shall submit an application for re-accreditation not later than SIX (6) months before the expiry date of the accredited programme. As in Level 2, should the submitted documentation is incomplete, the HEPs will be requiredto furnish further information. If the required information is not submitted within THIRTY (30) days from the date of request, the application shall be deemed to have been withdrawn.

However, if the submitted documentation is complete, a date for the re-accreditation visit shall be arranged. A review visit may be conducted for each programme.

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2.3 DECISION BY BOVAEA

2.3.1 Accreditation Status

Based on the document assessment report and/or accreditation visit report, BOVAEA may decide and recommend the followings:

i. provisional accreditation, or

ii. full accreditation, or

iii. re-accreditation, or

iv. to decline or withdraw accreditation.

In addition, if HEPs wish to conduct a similar accredited programme by BOVAEA at a different location or mode, the HEPs MUST apply for separate accreditation.

2.3.2 Duration of Accreditation

BOVAEA will decide on the accreditation period based on the accreditation status accorded as follows:

Accreditation Status Period of Validity of the Accreditation StatusProvisional Accreditation Until the HEPs is awarded full accreditationFull Accreditation Up to 3 to 5 yearsRe-Accreditation Up to 5 years

2.3.3 Conditions of Accreditation

Programmes are normally granted accreditation subject to conditions that can be both precedent and subsequent to accreditation. BOVAEA may withdrawor reject accreditation where conditions specified are not fulfilled.

2.3.4 Publication of Accreditation Status

Upon approval, BOVAEA may publish in BOVAEA’s website a list of accredited programmes for local HEPs or international HEPs operating locally and international HEPs operating in the country of origin or elsewhere.

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2.3.5 Appeals

Any appeal must be made in writing to the President of BOVAEA within THIRTY (30) days from the date of BOVAEA’s approval. Decisions by BOVAEA on any appeal is FINAL.

2.4 FEES AND COSTS

Fees and costs incurred for accreditation shall be borne by the HEPs and the amount is to be determined by BOVAEA.

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SECTION 3: BASIS AND CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This section specifies the basis and criteria for accreditation. The criteria for accreditation are detailed out to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and the factors or evidence that will be examined during theaccreditation assessment are complied.

3.2 BASIS AND CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION

Each application for accreditation will be assessed on its own merits. BOVAEA considers Real Estate programmes for accreditation at the request of the HEPsoffering those programmes. For a programme to be accredited, all pathways available to students for its completion, MUST be included in the assessmentand MUST meet BOVAEA’s criteria.

The basis for accreditation will be on the following SIX (6) key criteria:∑ Criteria 1 - General Information∑ Criteria 2 - Programme Design∑ Criteria 3 - Programme Management∑ Criteria 4 - Academic Staff∑ Criteria 5 - Teaching and Learning Facilities∑ Criteria 6 - Programme Monitoring and Continual Quality Improvement

(CQI)

3.3 CRITERIA 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

This criteria includes information on the HEP and programme outcomes. The vision, mission and goals of HEP guide its academic planning and implementation, bringing together its members to strive towards a tradition of excellence. Each programme must be supported by a published statement ofeducational objectives, which relates to the mission of the HEP/faculty/department and to the generic attributes of a graduate. All Real Estate programme must ensure that their graduates develop substantial qualities or generic attributes. The HEP should provide and submit the following general information of the programme.

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3.3.1 Particulars of HEP

i. Name, address, telephone number and email addressii. Faculty responsible for programmeiii. Head of Faculty/School; Qualificationiv. Levels of programme conducted by Real Estate departmentv. Other departments/programme under Faculty

Particulars of the above mentioned shall also be provided for programmes offered at branch campuses or twinning arrangement and the like.

3.3.2 Particulars of Programme

i. Title of the programmeii. Programme philosophy, aims and objectivesiii. Programme structure, mode and durationiv. Credit hoursv. Identification of the core areas of the programme, essential supporting

subjects and any optional elements, i.e. detailed information on all subjects taught in the programme

vi. Proposed date of commencement for new programmes, year of first intake of programme and/or year of major revisions

vii. Qualifications awarded upon completion (Degree or Diploma or Executive Diploma) and abbreviation. Sample of the degree/diploma/executive diploma to be attached.

viii. Annual academic calendarix. Any sub-sets or variants of the programme to be treated separately for

accreditation purposes

3.3.3 Programme Outcomes

Graduates from an accredited Real Estate programme are expected to possess the knowledge, understanding and skills related to the Real Estate profession.

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3.3.4 Entry Requirements

The entry requirements and minimum number of credits required are given below:

Degree Diploma Executive Diploma

Local Students

Pass Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) with at least Grade C (CGPA 2.00) in three (3) subjects or equivalent.

OR

Pass Matriculation programme under the Ministry of Education,Malaysia with minimum CGPA of 2.00 or equivalent.

OR

Pass Foundation studies orequivalent.

OR

Possess Diploma or any other equivalent qualification recognised by Ministry of Education, Malaysia

Minimum of three (3) credits in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) OR equivalent

Minimum of three (3) credits in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or equivalent

OR

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

AND

3 years working experience in Real Estate Agency & related field

AND

Minimum age of 21 years old

International Students

A-Level or equivalent as recognised by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia.

- -

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3.4 CRITERIA 2: PROGRAMME DESIGN

This criteria includes the development of the programme design and teaching-learning environment.

3.4.1 Programme Design and Curriculum

BOVAEA positively welcomes a diversity of provision of Real Estate programmes. HEPs, with appropriate expertise, skills and resources are therefore encouraged to design programmes to their particular strengths and specialisation. This will allow for greater differentiation, relevant innovative programme developments and reasonable variety of approaches. New programmes will continue to be considered on their own merits.

BOVAEA’s prime concern is to ensure that only accredits programmes that fulfil the requirements of BOVAEA are accredited. The objective is to maintain and improve existing standards of provision of Real Estate programmes. It is considered that this can be best achieved by ensuring that programmes are based on a sound philosophy and delivered within Real Estate context. It is increasingly important that due emphasis is given to the development of core skills in Real Estate programmes, and the integration of subjects. The curriculum must comprise an integrated set of tasks and structured learning experiences, which require students to develop the generic attributes, and provide the necessary opportunities and support mechanisms for them to do so.

HEPs must ensure that the curriculum as a whole address the development of each attribute in a substantial, coherent and explicit way, emphasising contextual relationships, and must be able to show how this is achieved. The degree programme is also expected to require students to do research on any specific topic for the betterment of the Real Estate industry.

There should be significant involvement by all teaching staff in ongoing curriculum development, improving effectiveness and learning and teaching. New pedagogic tools where appropriate, may be engaged to promote and support self-directed and lifelong learning, self-reliance and wide-ranging initiative for students. A holistic approach to curriculum design and delivery requires a team approach by staff, and this should be evident to students. Input from Real Estate industry is strongly encouraged.

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3.4.2 Total Credit Hours, Curriculum Content and Structure

Guidelines for credit requirements in awarding degree, diploma and executive diploma are as follows:

Table 3.1: Total Credits Hours for Real Estate Programmes

Level Local HEP International HEPDegreeDiplomaExecutive Diploma

120 credit hours90 credit hours60 credit hours

+30 credit hours (equivalent

to 3 years working experience)

Equivalent to MQA’s requirement

Note:∑ One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 40 notional hours∑ Minimum face-to-face lecture hour is 10 hours.

The programme structure and content must be such that the graduate will acquire the generic attributes and achieve the programme objectives. Accordingly, a Real Estate programme should have the following elements as in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2: Elements of Real Estate Programme

Degree Diploma Executive DiplomaCore Subjects(Minimum 60% of total credit hours)

1. Principles of Valuation2. Applied Valuation3. Economics4. Land Economics5. Principles & Practice of

Town Planning6. Principles of Law7. Law of Property8. Accounting9. Property Management10. Agency & Marketing11. Building Technology12. Building Maintenance &

Management13. Property Investment14. Property Finance15. Professional Practice

1. Principles of Valuation2. Introduction to Law 3. Laws Relating to Property4. Estate Agency Law5. Real Estate Agency

Practice6. Principles of Economics7. Land Economics8. Principles of Accounting9. Property Taxation10. Principles & Practice of

Marketing11. Building Technology

1. Principles of Valuation2. Introduction to Law 3. Laws Relating to Property4. Estate Agency Law5. Real Estate Agency

Practice6. Principles of Economics7. Land Economics8. Principles of Accounting9. Property Taxation10. Principles & Practice of

Marketing11. Building Technology

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Non-core subjects

1. Appreciation on issuesrelating to Real EstateDevelopment

2. Facility Management3. Business Valuation4. Asset Management

AND any field deemedappropriate

1. Appreciation on issuesrelating to Real EstateAgency

2. Real Estate DevelopmentAND any field deemedappropriate.

1. Appreciation on issuesrelating to Real EstateAgency

2. Real Estate DevelopmentAND any field deemedappropriate.

Soft skills

Skills (e.g. communication and report writing skills) and tools (e.g. information technology) appropriate to the discipline of study

Skills (e.g. communication and report writing skills) and tools (e.g. information technology) appropriate to the discipline of study

Skills (e.g. communication and report writing skills) and tools (e.g. information technology) appropriate to the discipline of study

Practical Training

A minimum period of three (3) to six (6) months is compulsory and credit hours shall be included in the calculation of the final grade (e.g.CGPA)

- -

The minimum durations for the programmes are as per Table 3.3

Table 3.3: Minimum Durations of Programme

Degree Diploma Executive Diploma

Full Time 3 Years 2 Years 1 ½ Years

Part Time 4 Years 3 Years 2 Years

3.4.3 Exposure to Professional Practice

Key element in differentiating professional Real Estate and its related fields against other applied science degree is exposure to professional practice. Although the status of corporate or professional Real Estate requires a substantial period of experiential formation in industry as well as completion of an accredited academic programme, it is clearly unsatisfactory for the students’perceptions of Real Estate programme to develop, over the first few critical years, in complete isolation from the realities of practice. There is obvious benefit in ensuring that at least an element of professional formation is

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interwoven with the academic curriculum, to provide a balanced perspective and relate academic preparation to career expectations.

The exposure mentioned must be integrated throughout the curriculum and must include some or a combination of the following:

i. use of staff with industry experience (see Criteria 4: Academic Staff)ii. practical experience in a Real Estate environment outside the teaching

establishmentiii. exposure to lectures on professional ethics, conduct and soft skillsiv. use of guest lecturers/speakers from the profession/industryv. industry visits and inspections

3.4.4 Practical Training

For programmes incorporating practical experience, a period of THREE (3) to SIX (6) months of such exposure is compulsory for degree programme and credit hours shall be included in the calculation of the final grade (e.g. CGPA)

3.5 CRITERIA 3: PROGRAMME DESIGN

This criteria describes the management of the programme which includesprogramme approval and review system, assessment and award regulation, management of teaching and learning, methods of assessment and external examiners.

Where entry qualifications are at a minimum threshold level, it will be necessary for HEPs to demonstrate that added value is provided within the academic programme for which accreditation is required. The presence of low entry qualifications standards may be a factor, which could initiate a special review and the reconsideration of the programme’s accredited status.

3.5.1 Approval and Review

There must be a formal documented process for programme planning, curriculum development and approval, and regular curriculum and content review, involving all academic staff. Decisions to introduce any new programmes or subjects, and determination of their educational objectives, must consider evidence of demand and importance. This includes similar programmes introduce or offer at any new location.

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i. Programme Delivery

The programme should be delivered and supported by relevant faculty. It is important that students should also have substantial interaction with staff from other programmes within faculty or other faculties.

ii. Advisory Mechanism Involving Industry

Valid preparation for professional Real Estate programme requires interaction with industry. HEPs must secure active participation of practising Real Estate professionals and its related field in definingprogramme objectives and periodic evaluation and updating. HEPs are also encouraged to seek professional involvement on the performance of employment in the industry.

iii. Liaison with the Profession and Industry

BOVAEA encourages active liaison between HEPs and members of the profession. HEPs should invite members of the profession to provide services by delivering special lectures, seminars, case study materialsand general information on current development in real estate industry and professional practice.

3.5.2 Assessment and Award Regulations

BOVAEA may take into account the following general principles:

i. An accredited award will be a degree, diploma or executive diploma.

ii. Assessment covers a wide range of modes including assignments, formal written exam, open book exam, multiple choice questions, tests, computer based exercises and other relevant mode of assessment. HEPs must ensure that there must be a component of individual assessment for the students.

iii. All re-assessment MUST be similar with the earlier mode of assessment.

iv. All core subjects MUST have at least 50% examination assessment.

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v. External examiners should be consulted to approve in principle all modes of assessment of an award and any changes to the mode of assessment.

vi. Award regulations should define plagiarism, collusion and other forms of cheating.

vii. In accrediting a programme, BOVAEA approves both the programme and all regulations applying to it at the time of accreditation.

viii. Any changes to the accredited programme must be submitted for the BOVAEA’s approval.

These principles are not prescriptive on HEPs in terms of their degree, diploma and executive diploma awarding powers but are indicative of the level of award and standard of achievement considered necessary for that award to be accepted for BOVAEA’s accreditation purposes.

3.5.3 Management of Teaching and Learning

HEPs shall provide information and documentation on teaching materials, which include lecture schedules or lesson plan and the accessibility mechanism for example via homepage, resource centre and data bank.

There should also be a proper documentation and evidence on the systems for student admission, course registration, records of examination result, appeals, students’ attendance, students’ activities, counselling services available and guideline on students’ discipline.

HEPs shall have adequate management arrangement for appointment of staff and their career development.

3.5.4 Methods of Assessment

Specific assessment processes MUST be in place. These include measurement capability and performance on a programme basis in relation to the stated programme objectives. It also particularly relates to generic attributes, knowledge and appropriate understanding of the Real Estate programme.

There must be demonstrable assessment processes for each of the required attributes. The overall assessment process demonstrates that the stated outcomes are being measured and achieved. The results are applied to the continuing development of the programme.

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Assessment methods may include subject-content examinations; project reports, self, peer, and mentor assessments of performance, student portfolios and journal, professional interviews of graduating students, and other appropriate means. It is important that students be required to perform in at least one assessable situation involving major and wide-ranging challenges, drawing on knowledge and capability from different subject areas.

The assessment system must ensure that each individual graduate has met the programme requirements in full. More broadly based and longer-term assessments are also important and are tested under quality management systems.

HEPs are encouraged to be proactive in seeking external advice and experience, and be willing to make known their own practice that have proven to be effective.

3.5.5 External Examiners

External examiners MUST be appointed from experienced practising Registered Valuer from the private or public sectors or senior academician in the related field. The external examiners report MUST be included in the documentation to be submitted for the full and re-accreditation only. The appointment and function of external examiners on approved programmes are seen as one of the effective means of maintaining standards during the period for which programmes are approved.

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3.6 CRITERIA 4: ACADEMIC STAFF

The academic staff must be sufficient in numbers and to ensure the quality of Real Estate programme in achieving its objectives and outcomes. To achieve this BOVAEA requires that:

i. All degree programmes:a) MUST have at least one (1) full time Registered Valuer.b) The academic staff-to-student ratio should be at least 1:15.

ii. All diploma/executive diploma programmes:a) MUST have at least one (1) full time Registered Valuer.b) The academic staff-to-student ratio should be at least 1:20.

iii. Ratio for full-time academic staff to part-time for degree, diploma and executive diploma programme MUST be maintained at 60:40.

The staff should be employed on a continuing basis. In determining the capabilities of the academic staff, evidence will be sought in such areas as qualifications within the real estate industry, along with practice and education involvement and participation in professional development opportunities and programmes.

HEPs must have a formal documented academic staff recruitment policy where the criteria for selection are based on academic merits.

All subjects must be taught by academicians qualified in the specific fields. The academicians MUST have a minimum of one (1) higher-level academic qualification. However, staff with first degree and wide experiences in industry and other acceptable professional qualifications is acceptable. For private HEPs, relevant teaching permit must be obtained.

HEPs are encouraged to engage part-time or sessional staff who are practising professionals in Real Estate programmes in addition to full time academic staff. There must be adequate arrangements for the supervision and guidance of both regular and sessional staff.

There must be evidence that academic staff numbers and teaching loads are such as to permit adequate interaction with students and support for the range of learning experiences offered. HEPs must ensure that adequate opportunity are provided to staff for professional engagement in addition to teaching. Arrangements for workload management should support these objectives.

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HEPs must have sufficient academic staff and facilities to provide adequate levels of student counselling, support services, and interaction with relevant constituencies such as employers and graduates.

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3.7 CRITERIA 5: TEACHING AND LEARNING FACILITIES

HEPs must ensure that adequate teaching accommodation, learning support facilities, study areas, information resources, computing and information technology systems, and general infrastructure are provided in achieving the programme objectives/outcomes.

For programmes offered wholly or partially in distance mode, or at multiple or remote locations, communication facilities must be sufficient to provide students with learning experiences and support equivalent to on-campus attendance for all programmes.

HEPs must ensure the provision of adequate quantity of physical and financialresources and services. In addition, HEPs must emphasis on the quality, accessibility, and delivery of such resources and services. These considerations must be taken into account in evaluating effectiveness of teaching and learning facilities.

In evaluating the effectiveness of teaching and learning facilities, the following main facilities are assessed:

i. Teaching Accommodation (classroom, student workroom)

The main teaching accommodation shall provide sufficient number of lecture rooms, lecture halls or theatre, workroom or studio and lecturer's rooms. These rooms shall be furnished with appropriate tools and equipment relevant to teaching and learning.

ii. Library

The library must have adequate and up-to-date reference materials and supervised by qualified staffs to achieve the needs of the programme. This includes provisions for appropriate computer and information and communication technology-mediated references materials, sufficient number of updated reference facility (such as books, journals, magazines, etc.) access to the databases.

iii. Computer Laboratory or IT facilities

The computer laboratory must have adequate number of computersincluding software packages/application. The lab must be supervised by qualified staff to ensure the smooth running of the programme.

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3.8 CRITERIA 6: PROGRAMME MONITORING AND CONTINUAL QUALITYIMPROVEMENT (CQI)

3.8.1 Benchmarked Standards

i. HEPs MUST develop a system to review its programmes from time to time.

ii. HEPs MUST initiate a review of the programme, implement its recommendations and record the achievement accomplished in the quality improvement of the programme.

3.8.2 Enhanced Standards

i. The person or unit responsible for internal quality assurance and should play prominent role in the policy process.

ii. HEPs should embrace the spirit of CQI based on prospective studies and analyses that leads to the revisions of its current policies and practices. In doing so, HEPs should take into consideration past experiences, present conditions and future possibilities.

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SECTION 4: DOCUMENTATION FOR SUBMISSION

4.1 INTRODUCTION

HEPs are to submit the application for accreditation in accordance to the attached flow chart.

4.2 FLOW CHART FOR PROVISIONAL ACCREDITATION

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4.3 FLOW CHART FOR FULL ACCREDITATION APPLICATION

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4.4 FLOW CHART FOR RE-ACCREDITATION APPLICATION

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SECTION 5: ACCREDITATION VISIT AND REPORTS

5.1 OBJECTIVE OF THE VISIT

BOVAEA may conduct a visit before awarding any accreditation. The visit allows an opportunity for clarifying all aspects of the proposed programmethrough discussion with HEPs.

The visit shall include but not be limited to the following:

i. Opening meeting with the programme administrators.

ii. Meeting with staff members and students

5.2 ASSESSMENT

BOVAEA will assess the syllabus and content of Real Estate programmes, curriculum delivery mode, qualification and experiences of academic staff, and facilities of HEPs.

5.3 ACCREDITATION VISIT

All accreditation visits will be carried out as and when BOVAEA decides. Notice will be given to the HEPs for the visit. The visit will cover the following aspects:

5.3.1 Curriculum Design And Delivery

The content of syllabus/curriculum/course and the assessment of:-

i. Core subjectii. Non-core subject

5.3.2 Staff And Staff Competency

i. Academic staff:∑ Full Time ∑ Part Time∑ Contract

ii. Academic qualification for each staff and subjects taught

iii. Number of support staff/ technical

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5.3.3 Facilities and Teaching and Learning Facilities:

i. Teaching accomodationii. Student workroomiii. Studioiv. Workshopv. Computer Labvi. Libraryvii. Internet/wifi facilitiesviii. Documents roomix. Prayer roomx. Cafeteriaxi. Other facilities

5.3.4 Student’s Facilities (if applicable)i. Hostelii. Transportation

5.3.5 Students’ File -i. Student’s admission requirements.ii. Examination slip - structure and the

number of credit hours.iii. Other relevant documents.iv. Exit meeting with programme

administrations.

5.4 ACCREDITATION REPORTS

Upon concluding the visit, the AC shall prepare accreditation report to be endorsed by BOVAEA. The accreditation report outlines the AC’s findings and recommendations.

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5.5 PROGRAMME MONITORING

CQI will be compulsory to all accredited programmes to ensure the standard of the programme is maintained and in accordance to the need of the industries.

The CQI exercises would normally involve a detailed examination of the annual report submitted by the HEPs together with any other reports and documents relating to the achievements and advancement achieved by the HEPs.

BOVAEA has a right without giving notice in advance or due to circumstances, to re-evaluate the accreditation of any programmes which appears to have failed to maintain the required standards or has had negative reports lodged against any of its accredited real estate programmes.