Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons) at Northumbria gives you the financial, contractual, and technical expertise to manage construction projects from first estimate to final account.
One of the UK's longest-running quantity surveying courses, established in 1971 and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), and the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM), this course is designed to take you from core principles to professional competence.
Work on real-world scenarios alongside industry-experienced academics, take part in field study visits, and consider an optional placement or study abroad year that builds practical experience and can count towards your RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
Graduates are prepared for chartership and equipped to take on roles across the construction, commercial and property sectors.
This extended degree offers an alternative route into higher education if you don't yet meet the standard entry requirements. Your foundation year explores architecture, the built environment and their wider context, covering spatial design, sustainability and materials, and can help you develop practical skills with industry-standard tools and technology.
Explore core principles of quantity surveying, such as construction technology, property law, and development economics. By the end of this year, you'll be equipped to apply that knowledge across the key disciplines of the profession.
Next, you sharpen skills in measurement, contract administration, construction law, and economics through increasingly complex scenarios. By the end of this year, you'll be ready to tackle specialist surveying challenges.
Your optional placement or study abroad year offers the chance to apply academic learning in a professional or international environment. Previous students have worked as trainee surveyors in public and private sector organisations, gaining invaluable industry insight.
In your final year, advanced study in construction economics, project management, and contractual management culminates in a self-directed dissertation. By the end of this year, you may be ready to pursue graduate-level roles and progress towards RICS chartership.
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This extended degree offers an alternative route into higher education if you don't yet meet the standard entry requirements. Your foundation year explores architecture, the built environment and their wider context, covering spatial design, sustainability and materials, and can help you develop practical skills with industry-standard tools and technology.
Explore core principles of quantity surveying, such as construction technology, property law, and development economics. By the end of this year, you'll be equipped to apply that knowledge across the key disciplines of the profession.
Next, you sharpen skills in measurement, contract administration, construction law, and economics through increasingly complex scenarios. By the end of this year, you'll be ready to tackle specialist surveying challenges.
Your optional placement or study abroad year offers the chance to apply academic learning in a professional or international environment. Previous students have worked as trainee surveyors in public and private sector organisations, gaining invaluable industry insight.
In your final year, advanced study in construction economics, project management, and contractual management culminates in a self-directed dissertation. By the end of this year, you may be ready to pursue graduate-level roles and progress towards RICS chartership.
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
You will be introduced here to the Built Environment as an industry and its context, both nationally and globally; its sectors and professional activity to give a good grounding in the industry, and one from which you can make an informed choice of career pathway. You will cover the structure and nature of the industry, commercial and financial aspects, business approaches, importance of business location and premises, culture, management and employment prospects. You will develop your ability to reflect and self assess.
This module is intended to introduce you to approaches to building surveys and appraisal through the investigation of structural defects in buildings. You will examine the role and function of the surveyor within the context of the built environment, and will explore the work practices of the surveyor at practical and professional level.
You will learn how to develop a client brief on a real project and then progress a professional surveying assignment through to the production of a concluding report. This will take the form of an introduction to academic, study and professional skills and will draw students’ first year studies into a holistic project experience. It aims to reflect the interdependence of the different topic areas studied at Level 3, in the context of the surveying profession. You will learn how to work both individually and as part of a team and be able to assess your own and others role, responsibilities and contribution via reflective practice.
You will study a range of topics to support the above including:
1.Property Portfolios & Estate Management
Buildings/Land/Other Assets; Commercial/Residential; Private sector/Public sector
2. The Role of Property
Property development and the UK planning system; Property investment, residential Buy-to-Let; Commercial property – Location & Use; Retail/Office/Industrial/Leisure - Occupation & Market Valuation
3. Property and Surveys
Plans & maps; Purpose & Methods of survey; Survey inspection; Property valuation techniques
4. Property Market and The Economy
Basic economic theory; The UK housing market; Finance, interest rates and inflation
5. The Property Profession
Role of the surveyor; Who does what? Key players and property professionals; The RICS and key property legislation
6. Managing the Property
Freehold/Leasehold; Landlord & Tenant Relationship;
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your future discipline specific programme.
You will be introduced here to the role and function of the architect and the architectural technologist within the built environment. You will look at the wide range of activities that go together to make up the busy world of design and construction and begin to consider your future position within the workplace. You will consider the practical application of a theoretical background that informs the way in which the built environment is designed and delivered. You will learn about the design process and fundamental construction technology and material solutions.
You will apply basic mathematical skills to the mensuration of land and buildings and to the calculation of building costs. This module will complement other level 3 modules and will contribute to an integrated project. You will develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data relating to the measurement of buildings and land and the calculation of building costs. Topics include:
• Productivity rates
• Estimating building costs
• Scheduling of building work
• Mathematical and arithmetic operations
• Mensuration formulae and techniques
• Organisation of information using databases
The emphasis is on organising and communicating information relating to the costs of buildings through the use of relational databases.You will apply basic mathematical skills to the mensuration of land and buildings and to the calculation of building costs. This module will complement other level 3 modules and will contribute to an integrated project. You will develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data relating to the measurement of buildings and land and the calculation of building costs. Topics include:
• Productivity Rates
• Estimating building costs
• Scheduling of building work
• Mathematical and arithmetic operations
• Mensuration formulae and techniques
• Organisation of information using databases
The emphasis is on organising and communicating information relating to the costs of buildings through the use of relational databases.
This module aims to provide an introduction to construction management. You will appreciate the project-based and uniquely structured construction industry, and the professional roles that operate in it. You will develop an understanding of how the construction industry is structured, how it operates, and its economic significance. The module will also provide knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of the key project team members, how they relate to each other and how they influence the construction project outcomes. In addition, you will gain an appreciation of core construction project deliverables and constraints, including how these are managed on a project, how they are linked together, and how they are connected to the client. Overall, the module will develop your skills as a reflective practitioner to support your future personal and professional development.
You will learn about how buildings evolved from antiquity to the modern age, with the intent of your being able to identify differing architectural and constructional styles. Supporting this, you will learn to identify how key developments in materials and technologies led to new ideas on construction and planning for urban living. You will also learn about the surveying professions that work within and look after the built environment, and how you can use academic skills to communicate your ideas and responses within various individual and group assessments, and support your own learning, essential to your success at university.
To facilitate this, the module will create a platform for you to learn some important academic, study and professional skills in relation to your degree programme.. You will learn how to undertake academic work and be able to assess your own and others’ role, responsibilities and contribution via reflective practice.
You will study a range of topics to support the above including:
The history of the built environment
The roles of different Built Environment professionals, including introductory presentations from different professionals and practitioners.
An introduction to academic, study and professional skills.
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific programme. The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The academic content and skills development within the module is aimed at developing you both in terms of your current and future career aspiration.
The demand for construction and property is generated from the global, national and regional economy. In this module you will learn how the surveyor works within the economic environment to provide the good and services demanded by society. You will learn about the basic and fundamental economic concepts such as demand and supply theory, market mechanism and macroeconomic objectives in order to develop an understanding of economic theory as applied to the construction industry and property. These fundamentals will be developed to help you understand money supply, the concept of risk and return and investment finance. Practical exercises will help you understand the components of value in property, property development and the construction process. You will learn about the role, key activities and the basic skills of the surveying and construction professions in different stages of the development and construction process with introductions to the key functions, professional practice techniques and concepts that are commonly deployed within the built environment such as property valuation, cost estimating and property procurement methods.
This module seeks to provide you with a fundamental understanding of how construction and structural technologies can be employed to address key principles of building, and to satisfy performance and regulatory requirements. You will also be introduced to the aesthetic, environmental, economic and legislative factors that influence the choice of technologies in the construction industry. In particular, you will develop an understanding of the following aspects of technologies for small-scale buildings:
- the construction team and their specific roles in technological decisions
- structural principles
- foundations and groundworks
- principles of enclosure
- principles of environmental control
- building envelope as a climatic modifier
- daylight and lighting need; room conditions and sound transfer
- air transfer mechanisms
- alternative sources of energy
-principles of heat loss
- material properties and choices
- external wall construction methods
- internal walls floors and stairs
- fixtures, fittings and furniture
- principles of sustainability and the impact of construction on the built and natural environments
- health and safety in the construction and use of buildings
- building regulations and associated legislation
- communications and graphical standards in construction technology
You will learn about the key areas of law, which are relevant to the surveying profession, and also start to develop professional skills. Topics include:
• Introduction to the English Legal System and how the law affects the work of surveyors
• Sources of law, reviewing a case, interpreting legislation, legal research and problem solving techniques
• Contract Law
• Land law; land ownership, land registration, public and private rights affecting land and adverse possession.
• The sale of land; overview of the conveyancing process, different methods of sale including auctions and tenders.
• Tort : Negligence, Professional Negligence, Occupiers' liability, nuisance and Trespass.
• Landlord and Tenant Law; reading a lease, key lease obligations and remedies for breach of covenant.
This module is designed as part of a package of first year modules to provide you with the key skills and knowledge to embark on a programme of study leading to professional qualification as a chartered surveyor. The module will draw on and supplement the module on Construction Technology.
The module will be introduced by exercises to identify the characteristics of property matching them to occupier demands. You will learn and experience land and building surveying and measurement, instructed in the use of surveying equipment and be able to apply these techniques in real building surveys. In addition you will learn how to analyse building defects and specify and supervise their remediation, in the context of the contractual obligations imposed in property purchase and leasing transactions.
It is essential that the property professions make a contribution in combating climate change and as such you will be taught a range of low carbon design and construction philosophies and the application of renewable energy technologies. Property refurbishment and enhancement can also make a substantial contribution to minimising the environmental impact of property occupation, you will apply the techniques taught to the refurbishment of a range properties.
You will learn how to use BIM software as a way of recording and communicating proposed and existing buildings and develop practical and technical surveying skills in extracting and/or communicating buildings and assets. You will learn how to work as part of a team to produce solutions to a project related problem/ scenario, to work to tight deadlines and presentation skills for surveyors. You will be able to assess your own and others’ role, responsibilities and contribution in completing a task.
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired form part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific programme. The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The academic content and skills development within the module are aimed at developing you both in terms of your current and future career aspirations.
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
You will learn the principles and practical application of building technology used for design and construction of complex and multi-storey buildings. This will include advanced construction techniques and materials that emphasise the repetitive nature of large-scale construction projects, associated aesthetics and building user-related considerations.
You will learn how to work both individually and as part of a team to produce technical reports for real building projects. On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory, with appraisal and evaluation will serve to enhance your future employability.
You will learn to apply basic principles of the English Law to the administration of construction contracts, the day to day control of contractual procedures and the recognition and avoidance/resolution of disputes should they arise.. The module includes a study of the relevant legislation and case law relating to express provisions of the most common Standard Forms of Construction Contract. You will also study the detailed workings of various aspects of construction dispute resolution, including Adjudication, Arbitration, Mediation and Litigation.
Key topics include;
• Comparison of Standard Forms
• Letters of Intent
• Retention of Title
• Payment Issues
• Occupiers Liability
• • Legal Issues and BIM• Dispute avoidance and resolution
• The role of a surveyor as an Expert
• Professional Liability and Ethics
In this module you will learn the consultant Quantity Surveyor’s role in the development process. You will learn preparation of cost estimates using preliminary estimating techniques, order of cost estimate and cost plan. Further, you will explore how to conduct cost checking integration of contemporary software packages compatible with BIM technology and tools. Moreover, you will discover programming of construction work, management of risk in programming of work and modern software packages in construction programming.
You will study a range of topics in this module:
• Preliminary Estimating
• Order of Cost Estimating
• Cost Planning
• Cost Modelling
• Building Morphology
• Building Information Modelling and 5D BIM
• Risk Management (Programming)
• Programming of Construction Work
You will develop core skills and understanding of the quantification of complex construction works and of building services and the relationship that these skills have with the establishment of cost models. You will be supported with worked and practice examples of measurement work and the application of the New Rules of Measurement. You will also develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data and communication skills using accepted industry terminology. Topics will include:
• Basic measurement technique [recapitulation] involving the introduction of computerised measurement software
• The information structure of the New Rules of Measurement
• Complex substructures
• Framed structures
• Drainage
• Building services cost modelling
The aim of this module is to build upon and ultimately practice the QS skills introduced to you at level 4. The common theme of the module will be to develop an understanding of the consultant’s (Quantity Surveyor) role in managing or administering the contract between the client (employer) and the contractor on construction projects. You will be able to undertake (i) pre-contract activities including deciding on the type of procurement route and building contract and examination of priced tender documents and selection of contractors/consultants; and (ii) both agency and decision-making functions following commencement of a construction project. You will be able to apply and develop skills through a range of seminar activities and online tasks which will provide verbal and written formative feedback in preparation for summative assessments. You will learn to carry out a range of standard contract administrative procedures. The summative assessment will comprise a coursework at the end of the semester.
This module will teach you about the surveying profession, the governing bodies and give you an understanding of the skill set required to succeed within the profession to allow you to consider the direction of your future career. You will learn how to develop your professional CV and how to conduct yourself within an employment interview through a mock interview. You will also look at the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence in order to understand the process to become a Chartered Surveyor to be able to start planning a learning strategy.
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
Optional modules may include:
You will learn how to apply economic theory and concepts in evaluating large scale public, private and commercial sector development and construction projects. The module will build upon your knowledge on basic economic concepts learned at level 4 and project economic evaluation and estimating knowledge acquired at level 5.
You will study a range of topics that will enable you to achieve this:
• Economic theory and concepts applicable to property development
• Development appraisal of private sector development projects,
• Economic evaluations of large scale development projects such as infrastructure using Cost Benefit Analysis,
• Evaluating commercial development project on a cradle to grave basis using Whole Life Costing concepts.
• Application of the whole life concept in private sector led investment projects and concept of Public Private Partnerships and latest developments in private financing of large scale development projects.
• Sustainability as a universally accepted fundamental concept is evaluated in large scale development projects applying the concepts of Economic Sustainability & Carbon Management, and Building Resilience in the construction projects.
• Role of ICT and e-Business enabling technologies in the construction industry and its application in economic evaluation techniques and development of the commercial viability of construction firms.
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of quantity surveying.
You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility within businesses.
You will be introduced to advanced concepts in the quantification of building and civil engineering works and the development of detailed cost models. You will be provided with worked and practice-based examples of measurement work and the application of building and civil engineering rules of measurement. You will also develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data and communication skills using accepted industry terminology. Example topics include:
• Basic measurement technique [recapitulation]
• The information structures of NRM2 and CESMM4
• Earthworks
• In situ concrete works
• Piling works
• Pipework
This module is designed to support you in independently pursuing an original piece of research on a built environment topic of your own choice and aims to provide you with an opportunity to design and conduct a substantive piece of investigative work that is directly related to your programme of study. You will draw upon and develop your independent research skills to answer a research question or test a hypothesis of your choosing. You will assemble and review relevant scholarly literature and data and to present a cogent, reasoned and objective critique of published scholarly work on your chosen topic, in order to define a precisely focus for your research.
You will develop expertise to achieve the following:
• identify an appropriate research topic
• critically review relevant academic literature;
• formulate research questions/hypotheses and appropriate methods of inquiry;
• collect your own data and/or using existing datasets and literature
• analyse and interpret your results using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative techniques,
• relate your findings to existing and up-to-date literature and theory;
• objectively appraise the ethical considerations of conducting research; and
• independently manage and implement your own research project.
In this module you will learn the concept of construction projects and related activity within the changing nature of the construction industry and Quantity Surveying. You will explore how the processes of the industry are managed within constraints imposed by the environment. In particular, core industry concepts which key to professional development and employability will be explored to provide with sound preparation for career development. Further, you will explore management of project using contemporary software packages compatible with BIM technology and tools.
You will study a range of topics in this module:
• Project Risk Management
• Value Engineering and Management
• Offsite Manufacturing
• Lean Construction
• Management of Project Using BIM
• Supply Chain Management
• Collaborative Working in Construction
• Health and Safety
• Soft Landings
• Facilities Management
In this module you will learn a range of key issues related to the strategic management of both contracting and consultancy organisations. You will also explore the requirement for consultants and commercial quantity surveyors to comply with basic accountancy processes and understand key issues such as cash flow and sources of finance. You will develop an understanding of the Quantity Surveyor’s role in the administration of a construction business from the contractor’s or commercial manager’s perspective. You will develop the ability to formulate tender estimates as well as understanding the processes inherent in managing construction business operations.
You will study a range of topics in this module:
• Corporate Strategy
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Estimating for Tendering
• Accounts including sources of finance and cash flow
• Budgeting (Organisation wide)
• Enterprise Risk
• Benchmarking
• Cost Value Reconciliation
• Quality Planning and Management
• Earned Value Management
• Delays and Delay Analysis
• Construction Claims Management
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
Standard Offer 72 UCAS Tariff Points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Contextual Admissions 56 UCAS Tariff points
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach and assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application.
To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths, Statistics, or Physics and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or equivalents.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
The UK tuition fee for 27/28 is £10,050 and is set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase this fee in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
The remaining fees for 27/28 are to be confirmed and relate to the International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
The University may increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift, as decided by the UK Government, up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments). If the University intends to exercise this right to increase tuition fees, notification will be communicated with all students affected by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which we intend to exercise that right. Student fee loans have risen in line with the level of uplift decided by the UK Government.
Extended Degrees: Students will pay the applicable Foundation Year fee in Year 0. Tuition fees will follow the Year 1 (Level 4) cap in the first year of Undergraduate study, with tuition fees in subsequent years increasing as per the above information.
* Fees subject to annual increases over the course of the period of study. Students will be liable for payment of any/all tuition fees which are not sponsored by their employer or other third party.
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Tuition fees in the academic year 2027/28* will be £10,050. Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
This is the programme fee for your first year of study. The programme fee includes the international tuition fee, International Soccer Academy and accommodation fees. Accommodation fees may increase in subsequent years. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of the re-issuing of tenancy agreements.
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RICS-accredited since 1973, this course has a long-established record of preparing graduates for professional practice and chartership in quantity surveying.
Architecture, Built Environment and Planning at Northumbria is ranked 11th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021).
93.8% of Northumbria's BSc Quantity Surveying graduates were in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation (surveyed 16 full-time, first degree, UK graduates, Graduate Outcomes 23/24).
Building at Northumbria is ranked top 15 in the UK, giving you confidence that you are studying at a recognised, high-quality institution within the built environment sector. (Complete University Guide, 2027).
An optional placement or study abroad year offers hands-on experience in the surveying profession, strengthening your employability and supporting progression towards your RICS APC.
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RICS-accredited since 1973, this course has a long-established record of preparing graduates for professional practice and chartership in quantity surveying.
Architecture, Built Environment and Planning at Northumbria is ranked 11th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021).
93.8% of Northumbria's BSc Quantity Surveying graduates were in highly skilled employment or further study 15 months after graduation (surveyed 16 full-time, first degree, UK graduates, Graduate Outcomes 23/24).
Building at Northumbria is ranked top 15 in the UK, giving you confidence that you are studying at a recognised, high-quality institution within the built environment sector. (Complete University Guide, 2027).
An optional placement or study abroad year offers hands-on experience in the surveying profession, strengthening your employability and supporting progression towards your RICS APC.
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