Thanathorn Ouipanich (Mo)
MSc Real Estate Management, 2022
Thailand
Getting a job like this was possible in part to the great career services that UWE provides, which helped me learn about how to find work in the UK and increased my chances of doing so.”
My interest in real estate began through an agricultural project in Thailand that I started for my parents’ retirement. Wanting them to enjoy a slower pace of life, I invested in farmland and planted durian and mangosteen trees six years ago, when demand for these fruits was rapidly increasing.
Later, when I decided to sell one of the plots, I discovered that the land’s value had risen significantly because the crops were already producing fruit. This experience made me realise how property can appreciate over time and inspired me to understand the real estate sector more deeply.
To pursue this interest, I contacted Mango Learning Express, an education consultancy that had previously helped arrange my English studies in Bath and Canterbury. Because of my positive experience in the UK, I was eager to return for higher education.
They recommended the MSc Real Estate Management programme at UWE Bristol and connected me with the programme leader, who explained the course structure and opportunities available. I was especially encouraged to learn that the programme included free student membership with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which would strengthen my future career prospects.
At the same time, I considered taking a short course in Thailand to obtain a real estate license. However, I realised that the course fee was nearly equal to the tuition cost of the master’s programme at UWE Bristol. I decided that earning an MSc abroad would provide broader knowledge, international exposure, and better long-term opportunities. With support from both the consultancy agents and UWE staff, the application process was smooth and straightforward.
I arrived in the UK in July 2021 to begin my studies. Although some modules were challenging, the professors were always supportive and responsive, helping me complete assignments successfully. In particular, Grazyna Wiejak-Roy and Thomas Appleby stood out for their guidance and encouragement, especially in Real Estate Law, one of the most demanding subjects for me. I also appreciated the diversity of my classmates, whose different nationalities and experiences created a balanced and engaging learning environment.
Living in Bristol has also been an enjoyable experience. Compared with Bath, which I found quieter, Bristol offers a more energetic atmosphere while still providing relaxing places such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Village.
During my studies, I secured a part-time internship with a London real estate company specialising in accommodation for Asian students. I currently work in Covent Garden, focusing on the Thai market. UWE’s career services played an important role in helping me achieve this by reviewing and improving my CV and guiding me through the UK job application process.
Although I originally planned to return to Thailand after graduation, my experience in the UK has opened new opportunities. If my internship continues successfully, I hope to remain in London on a graduate work visa. Looking back, studying abroad has strengthened both my confidence and career prospects, and I believe the experience has been worthwhile.
