BSc (Hons) Real Estate Development and Management - Anna Kelly

Already working in housing development, Anna chose to study at the University of Salford to build on her practical experience while gaining a deeper understanding of the sector. Combining full-time work with university study allowed Anna to apply university learning to live projects and progress professionally. Graduating with First Class Honours and two awards for academic achievement, Anna's experience highlights how an apprenticeship can support career development while making a real difference to the delivery of affordable homes.

We asked Anna...

What apprenticeship did you study?

BSc (Hons) Real Estate Development and Management – University of Salford, Graduated July 2026.

What employer do you work for?

Great Places Housing Association

What made you want to pursue Real Estate and Property Management?

I was already working at a housing association in the development team and really enjoyed the combination of the role to deliver new homes. I wanted to build on the practical experience I had gained in my role with a stronger academic understanding of the sector.

What particularly appealed to me about development was that every project is different. You can be involved in everything from identifying and appraising an opportunity, through planning, design, funding and procurement, right through to delivery. I enjoy that that there is a clear social purpose to what we do, particularly within affordable housing, where the projects ultimately provide much-needed affordable homes for people and communities.

Why did you choose to study an apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship route really suited me because I wanted to continue developing my career while studying. Rather than stepping away from work to complete a degree, I could put the things I was learning into practice immediately.

Working alongside my studies also meant that the learning was much more relevant to me. I could be studying something at university and then see how it applied to a live development project the following day. It also allowed me to gain the academic qualification alongside several years of practical experience, which I think has been incredibly valuable.

What does your apprenticeship involve day to day?

My day-to-day role is focused on housing development, focusing on the pre-contract stages of projects. This can involve identifying and assessing development opportunities, carrying out feasibility and financial appraisals, managing risks, working with consultants and partners, progressing planning and design, securing funding and taking projects through the relevant governance and approval processes.

A big part of the role is also stakeholder management. I’m regularly working with colleagues across different teams, external consultants, local authorities, partners and contractors, so communication and being able to bring different people together is really important.

Looking at your time so far on the apprenticeship, how have you found the experience?

I’ve found it really rewarding, but definitely challenging at times. Balancing full-time work with a degree requires good organisation and discipline, particularly when you’re working on complex projects at the same time.

The biggest benefit has been being able to connect the academic side with my practical experience. I’ve been able to take things I’ve learned at university and apply them to real projects, while my experience at work has also helped me understand the university material in a much more practical way.

It’s also given me confidence in how much I’ve developed professionally. Looking back at where I was when I started to where I am now, it’s been a really positive progression.

How would you describe the support you’ve received from the University of Salford?

I’ve found the support really valuable, particularly having lecturers and tutors who understand that apprentices are balancing study with a full-time job. The academic support has helped me develop my understanding of areas that I hadn’t necessarily experienced in practice, while the practical nature of the course has allowed me to relate the learning back to my role.

The university environment has also given me the opportunity to learn from other people who are working in different areas of the property sector, which has broadened my perspective.

What has been your proudest achievement so far?

One of my proudest achievements has been completing my degree with First Class Honours, alongside working full-time in housing development and taking on increasing levels of responsibility professionally.

I’m also particularly proud to have received two awards: the School Prize for Best Performing Level 6 Student in Property and Surveying, and the RICS North West Regional Board Prize for Best Student in BSc Real Estate Development and Management. Receiving recognition from both the university and RICS was a really rewarding way to finish my studies and gave me a lot of confidence in how far I had progressed.

What would you say to someone considering an apprenticeship?

I’d definitely recommend it. If you enjoy learning but also want to gain real experience, an apprenticeship gives you the best of both worlds. You’re not just learning the theory,  you’re able to see how it works in practice and build your professional experience at the same time.

It can be challenging to balance everything, but I think that’s also one of the things that makes it so rewarding. You finish with a qualification, practical experience and a much better understanding of the industry.

Do you have any advice for future apprentices?

My biggest piece of advice would be to make the most of the fact that you’re working and studying at the same time. Don’t see the university work and your job as two separate things, look for opportunities to connect them.

I’d also say don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re in a really good position as an apprentice because you’re surrounded by people with lots of experience, and most people are more than happy to share their knowledge.

Finally, be organised and give yourself enough time. There will be periods where work and university deadlines come at the same time, so planning ahead makes a huge difference. It can feel difficult at times, but when you look back at how much you’ve learned and how much you’ve progressed professionally, it’s absolutely worth it.

Find out more about studying Real Estate Development and Management