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Gain a recognised qualification aligned with professional quantity surveying standards, with options to progress from PGDip to full Masters

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Tailored pathways for both surveying and non-surveying graduates, with conversion modules to build essential construction knowledge

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Learn from practitioners, develop real-world business skills, and benefit from an active alumni network within the construction sector

Overview

The course is intended for graduates working, or intending to work, in the construction industry offering advice on project feasibility, methods for financing and procuring construction work and financial management of the design and construction process within consultant firms, client organisations or contracting companies.

Applicants should have an interest in construction cost management and the motivation to pursue an intensive route to professional qualifications. Course content covers the skills required of the practicing quantity surveyor.

We offer different course options, depending on your circumstances:

  • Cognate version: If you hold an undergraduate Surveying degree, you should apply for the ‘Surveying graduates’ route as you will study fewer modules; your previous study will be taken into account.
  • Non-Cognate version: If you do not hold an undergraduate Surveying degree, you should apply for our ‘Conversion’ course. Three supplementary modules at the beginning of the course bring you up to speed in relation to construction technology, law and contract documentation and administration before you embark on the masters level modules. These supplementary modules are a distinguishing feature of the course and are highly valued by students and their employers. There is a higher fee because you will be studying more credits.
  • For either of the above routes, you can opt to study either a full Masters qualification or a PGDip (without dissertation) qualification. Please note: Postgraduate loan funding via Student Finance England, is only available for students taking full Masters courses without any module exemptions. PGDip courses are ineligible for this scheme.

Features of the course

  • RICS accredited (PGDip) award in 2 semesters for full-time students or 4 semesters for part time students
  • Option to achieve a PGDip award, take a break of up to 2 years, and return to do a 'top-up' Masters
  • Emphasis on the business skills required in quantity surveying practice
  • Contributions to programme from practitioners
  • An expanding Alumni Association that provides you with excellent networking opportunities.

Excellent scholarship opportunity

Students who have accepted an offer for a place on this course are encouraged to apply for LSBU's Stuart A Johnson scholarship. Find out more about the Stuart A Johnson scholarship.

Course Content

What will I learn? 

The postgraduate modules cover project appraisal, methods for financing and procuring construction work and financial management of the design and construction process. There is also a module that develops understanding of the construction industry from an economic perspective and a module on construction contract law.

You also select one option from a wide selection of modules that are offered to all our postgraduate students. In order to complete the MSc stage, students are required to take a research methods module and undertake a major dissertation on a topic approved by their supervisor.

This module focuses on the range of techniques used by construction professionals to appraise and manage cost and value in construction projects.

This module introduces the student to key elements of contract administration applied to the roles of contract administrators, quantity surveyors and commercial managers. 

This module examines the various types of construction contracts, including families of standard construction contracts, and the common law, legislation and administrative procedures, which govern them. It provides a working knowledge and understanding of construction contract legal problems, and related applicable law, such as non-contractual liabilities. It examines when a dispute arises in legal terms, and how dispute resolution methods may be employed to resolve problems and disputes.

This module focuses on developing an awareness of the issues which need to be considered when deciding how to procure and manage construction projects. 

This module uses some analytic tools from economics and finance (and management) in broad discussion of construction markets and construction firms. The nature of construction projects is identified and their demand is considered in national and international contexts. Attention is also focused on the production process of construction products and current debates within the industry regarding project-based industries. The main principles of corporate finance will be considered in the analysis of the firms' performance while international construction, innovation, and entrepreneurship topics will provide a bigger insight to the dynamics of this industry. 

The module provides the opportunity for students to undertake an independent piece of research, investigating in depth a subject, in which, they have a particular interest and of their own selection. Each student will submit a dissertation of between 15,000- 20,000 words. The module includes teaching of research methods. 

This module is intended to provide a broad and critical perspective of the construction and assembly of buildings and their performance requirements and also to provide an understanding of the context in which construction decisions are made and implemented. 

This module introduces students to documentation used for tendering in the construction industry and the techniques used to measure and specify construction work and produce estimates and tenders. 

This module examines the relationship between ethics and the law, and introduces the sources of and basic rules of UK law, including common law and statute law as it affects construction professionals. It provides an introduction to construction contract law, tort and restitution. It explains the difference between common law and equity and its relevance to construction professionals. 

Please be aware that option selection is subject to availability.

 The module develops a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making process in any real estate decision and it transition mechanism to market prices.

The module focuses upon the control and enforcement of the Building Regulations and associated legislation, along with supporting technical documents and alternative solutions, to meet specific regulative requirements as they apply to various building schemes. 

A module to provide a general understanding of the role that BIM can play throughout the design, construction and operation of building assets. It looks to identify and develop the necessary managerial, technical and interpersonal skills required to deliver better value through a collaborative BIM approach. 

This module focuses on the management of safety on site – a process that can be applied to a wide range of work settings and project types.

This module examines the inter-relationship between building design and production as it occurred throughout historical time. Particular attention will be paid to those periods in history when major transformations occurred in architectural style and the building process. Other historical themes will also be pursued. 

 This module introduces students to the international context of real estate markets, construction industry and project development. It specifically focuses on the activity of international real estate investors and large construction companies. The module also provides students a comparative perspective on real estate markets and construction process.

This module focuses on the range of dispute resolution techniques used by construction and property professionals to resolve and manage disputes in the construction and property industries. 

Teaching and Assessment

Structure of qualification

Module structure - full-time
Semester 1Semester 2
Measurement, Documentation and EstimatingConstruction Law
ConstructionConstruction Contract Administration
Institutional and Legal Context for Construction
Economics and Finance for ConstructionProject Evaluation
Procurement and Management of ConstructionOption
 Dissertation
Module structure - part-time (Year 1)
Semester 1Semester 2
Measurement, Documentation and EstimatingConstruction Law
ConstructionConstruction Contract Administration
Institutional and Legal Context for Construction
Module structure - part-time (Year 2 and 3)
Semester 1Semester 2
Procurement and Management of ConstructionProject Evaluation
Economics and Finance for ConstructionOption
Year 3 
Dissertation

Careers

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

  • An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
  • Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

The employment record for students on this programme is excellent, with previous graduates gaining employment across nearly all of the largest consulting and contracting firms. Many are also employed by smaller firms in this exciting industry.

The MSc/PgDip  is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; this will allow entry to Quantity Surveying and Construction Faculty through APC.


Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors logo

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the world's leading professional body for setting standards in the surveying industry. They have accredited our degrees and diplomas for almost 50 years.


Brighter connections

London location affording access to:

  • Major development areas and schemes to visits / study
  • The main offices of the country's leading property consultancies and companies
  • The RICS headquarters and its library
  • Other professional and academic libraries and exhibitions
  • A well developed alumni organisation
  • Extensive programmes of talks and lectures, promoted by the RICS and others, often at reduced cost or free to students.

Expertise and history

London South Bank University has a long history of educating professionals for the building-related industries. With roots in London Council School of Building (1904), Brixton School of Building (1940) we have been offering training for this sector for over 100 years.

Today we are expert at attracting property and construction students from the UK and around the world. Much of this is down to the highly successful links we have with major real estate consultancies, property companies, contractors, cost consultants and developers to ensure our courses are highly relevant for the current market.

Today, according to the Guardian PG subject tables 2013 we are the largest School of Building and Town Planning in the UK (combining full-time and part-time modes of study) and our building graduates have the best employment prospects in London (Complete University Guide 2014).

Our current students and alumni hold key positions in their organisation, often as senior managers and business owners.


LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

  • AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
  • Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
  • Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Find out more

Entry Level Requirements

Conversion

  • A minimum of a 2:2 Honours degree, the subject area does not matter as number of students undertake the course as part of a career change

For Surveying graduates/professionals

  • A minimum of a 2:2 Honours degree in a Surveying subject, or
  • Corporate membership of a professional body concerned with property or construction, for example, CIOB, RIBA, RTPI, CIOH or other relevant body of equal standing.

APEL/APL

  • An applicant who is offered a place on the course may seek credit for recent prior academic qualification or professional experience. The applicant should expect to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Course Director and Module Coordinator substantial relevant knowledge and skills at least equivalent to Level 6 or Level 7 as appropriate to those modules for which credit is being sought. Applications should be made before the commencement of the semester in which the particular modules are being offered.
  • Please note however, that if you are granted any APEL/APL which allows you module exemption you will be ineligible for a Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan. If you have already started to receive loan instalments and you are then granted module exemption, the University has a duty to inform SFE that you are no longer eligible for the loan and no further loan payments will be made.

Part-time additional requirements

The P/T mode requires the student to be in employment related to Quantity Surveying (a reference from the employer will be required)

Admissions based on experience

Applicants who do not meet this requirement will be considered for entry on the basis of the length and quality of their employment experience in areas cognate to surveying and construction. Evidence of this will be required in support of any application made.

Overseas applicants

Applicants are expected to have competency in spoken and written English. Oral presentations are an integral part of the course. Written English should be at the British Council/Cambridge IELTS Level 6.5 or above.

Choose your country

  • Afghanistan
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belgium
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Council Women in STEM Scholarships
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic
  • Egypt
  • Estonia
  • Ethiopia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Lebanon
  • Libya
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Pakistan
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Russian Federation
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Sierra Leone
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Tunisia
  • Turkiye
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States of America
  • Uzbekistan
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Need further information?

Call us on 0800 923 8888 to discuss entry requirements.

More contact info

Apply

Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode Duration Start date Application code Application method
Full-time MSc (Surveying graduates) 12 months September 6120 Direct to LSBU
Part-time MSc (Conversion) 24 months September 6125 Direct to LSBU
Part-time PgDip (Conversion) 24 months September 6127 Direct to LSBU
Full-time PgDip (Conversion) 12 months September 6126 Direct to LSBU
Full-time MSc (Conversion) 12 months September 6124 Direct to LSBU
Part-time MSc (Surveying graduates) 24 months September 6121 Direct to LSBU
Full-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) 12 months September 6122 Direct to LSBU
Part-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) 24 months September 6123 Direct to LSBU
Full-time (Top-up) 9 months January 6128 Direct to LSBU
Full-time MSc (Cognate) 12 months January 6137 Direct to LSBU
Part-time MSc (Cognate) 24 months January 6138 Direct to LSBU
Full-time PgDip (Cognate) 12 months January 6135 Direct to LSBU
Part-time PgDip (Cognate) 24 months January 6136 Direct to LSBU

International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.

How to apply

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Prepare to start

Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!
Enrolment
Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.

Fees

United Kingdom

£14740

Tuition fees for home students

International

£22440

Tuition fees for international students

Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.

full-time

Full-time Year 1 - All Available Courses

MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (FT) (JAN) - Year 1 FT Southwark JAN
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £12060 International fee: £18360
AOS/LSBU code: 6137 Session code: 1FS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £12060
International: £18360
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (FT) (JAN) - Year 1 FT Southwark JAN
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £8040 International fee: £12240
AOS/LSBU code: 6135 Session code: 1FS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £8040
International: £12240
MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £12060 International fee: £18360
AOS/LSBU code: 6120 Session code: 1FS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £12060
International: £18360
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £10720 International fee: £16320
AOS/LSBU code: 6126 Session code: 1FS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £10720
International: £16320
MSc Quantity Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £14740 International fee: £22440
AOS/LSBU code: 6124 Session code: 1FS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £14740
International: £22440
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £8040 International fee: £12240
AOS/LSBU code: 6122 Session code: 1FS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £8040
International: £12240
MSc Quantity Surveying (Top Up) - Year 1 FT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £4020 International fee: £6120
AOS/LSBU code: 6128 Session code: 1FS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £4020
International: £6120

part-time

Part-time Year 1 - All Available Courses

MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 1 PT Southwark JAN
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £5360 International fee: £8160
AOS/LSBU code: 6138 Session code: 1PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £12060
International: £18360
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 1 PT Southwark JAN
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £5360 International fee: £8160
AOS/LSBU code: 6136 Session code: 1PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £8040
International: £12240
MSc Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £5360 International fee: £8160
AOS/LSBU code: 6125 Session code: 1PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £14740
International: £22440
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £5360 International fee: £8160
AOS/LSBU code: 6127 Session code: 1PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £10720
International: £16320
MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £4020 International fee: £6120
AOS/LSBU code: 6121 Session code: 1PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £12060
International: £18360
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £4020 International fee: £6120
AOS/LSBU code: 6123 Session code: 1PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £8040
International: £12240

Part-time Year 2 - All Available Courses

MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 2 PT Southwark JAN
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £6700 International fee: £10200
AOS/LSBU code: 6138 Session code: 2PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £12060
International: £18360
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 2 PT Southwark JAN
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £2680 International fee: £4080
AOS/LSBU code: 6136 Session code: 2PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £8040
International: £12240
MSc Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £9380 International fee: £14280
AOS/LSBU code: 6125 Session code: 2PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £14740
International: £22440
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £5360 International fee: £8160
AOS/LSBU code: 6127 Session code: 2PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £10720
International: £16320
MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £8040 International fee: £12240
AOS/LSBU code: 6121 Session code: 2PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £12060
International: £18360
PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2 PT Southwark SEPT
The fee shown is for entry 2026/27
UK fee: £4020 International fee: £6120
AOS/LSBU code: 6123 Session code: 2PS00
Total course fee for this location/stream:

* The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.

UK: £8040
International: £12240

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees to reflect increased costs of delivery and to maintain an a high-quality student experience. This increase would be no more than Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increases plus 5%.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.

Stuart Johnson scholarship

We are able to offer a subject scholarship from the generous donations of alumnus Stuart Johnson. Read more about the Stuart Johnson scholarship.

A student can change to writing up status for the purpose of a lower fee when the examination arrangements have been submitted and approved. Examination arrangements are submitted 3 months prior to submission of the thesis for examination. A student only has one year of writing up at the reduced fee that covers submission, viva, and minor corrections. The writing up fee 25/26 is £1,246

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