Knight Frank KSA, Oxford Brookes University Partner to Establish Academy

The academy offers an opportunity to ambitious graduates to work and simultaneously obtain an MSc in Real Estate

Knight Frank, a global real estate consultancy, has launched The Knight Frank Academy, KSA, a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing exceptional talent in the real estate sector. In collaboration with Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom, the academy offers a formal two-and-a-half-year graduate scheme, providing a unique opportunity for ambitious graduates to work and simultaneously obtain an MSc Real Estate, alongside the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualification.

The Knight Frank Academy is designed to attract dynamic individuals with a flexible attitude and diverse skill sets, offering them an unparalleled learning experience in a fast-paced working environment. Upon completion of the programme, successful candidates will not only hold a master’s degree but will also qualify as chartered surveyors through the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).

Key Highlights of the Academy

• Certified MSc Degree and RICS Qualification: Graduates will obtain an MSc in Real Estate from Oxford Brookes University, coupled with the globally recognised MRICS qualification upon successful completion of the APC.
• Systematic Service Line Rotation: Candidates will gain a broad spectrum of experience by rotating through various departments at Knight Frank, ensuring a well-rounded skill set.
• Supportive Mentorship: The programme places a strong emphasis on mentorship, offering candidates guidance from Knight Frank’s industry experts.

Talal Raqaban – Partner of Valuation, PPP and Deal Advisory, KSA says, “The Knight Frank Academy aims to shape future leaders in Saudi Arabia, providing thorough academic education and hands-on experience to enable the next generation of real estate professionals. Besides looking after our clients, we also look after our people. This graduate programme, supported by our international network and Oxford Brookes, opens up a world of career opportunities for graduates in specialised departments such as Capital Markets, Valuation and Advisory, Healthcare and Education, and Retail Advisory among others within Knight Frank.”

 “The Knight Frank Academy is our way of fostering homegrown talent in Saudi Arabia. By collaborating with Oxford Brookes, we ensure that our graduates receive the best real estate education while gaining diverse experience through rotations in various service lines.”

Max Gardiner – Senior Manager in Valuation, PPP & Deal Advisory, KSA 

Paul Jenkins, BSc(Hons) MRICS, Subject Coordinator and Senior Lecturer in Real Estate says, “By offering a formal graduate scheme coupled with our specialised MSc Real Estate programme, we aim to equip aspiring professionals with the knowledge, skills, and professional qualifications needed to become RICS and Taqeem qualified and excel in the dynamic field of real estate. Through this collaboration, we look forward to shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's real estate landscape by nurturing top-tier talent equipped with both academic qualifications and practical skills.”

James Lewis, Managing Director – Middle East & Africa says, “This initiative represents our commitment to creating the future and nurturing talent and in so doing - valuing the individual. The Knight Frank Academy offers a unique opportunity for ambitious graduates to receive a world-class education and hands-on experience, setting them on a path to become future leaders in the industry. We believe that this partnership will not only benefit our firm but also contribute significantly to the growth and development of the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia.”