Overview
Not just a desk job
Buildings are an integral part of all of our lives; our homes, schools, work places and public places wouldn't exist without building surveyors. This course will teach the underpinnings of building construction, as well as how to maintain and use them sustainably. Being a building surveyor is very varied work; much of the job is undertaken on site visits (it's not just a desk job) and no two days will be the same.
The programme is for those involved in the maintenance, refurbishment, alteration and extension of existing buildings, or in project management and design for public bodies, commercial organisations and professional practice firms.
Students coming to us from a non-construction/surveying background will be taught alongside those who have completed an undergraduate surveying degree and who are already working in the industry. As a result, the student cohort is diverse and contains a wide range of viewpoints. We've had students with backgrounds as diverse as drama, law and science.
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 Valuation & Surveying, Construction and Institutional & Legal Context for Property 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 for this course 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.
Why study at Building Surveying LSBU?
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- Great teaching: No. 1 London university: for 'satisfied with teaching' and 'satisfied with assessment' in Building, town and country planning (Guardian League Table 2018).
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- Ranked 1st amongst London modern competitors for Overall Score in Building (Complete University Guide 2021).
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- History: we’ve been educating building professionals for over 100 years – and have strong industry connections
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- Professional accreditation: this programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
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- Students who have accepted an offer for a place on this course can apply for LSBU's Stuart A Johnson scholarship.
| ModePart-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5282 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code4961 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code4132 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5279 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5281 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5105 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5106 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5280 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration28 months | Start dateJanuary | Application code5392 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration16 months | Start dateJanuary | Application code5393 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration24 months | Start dateJanuary | Application code5408 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration12 months | Start dateJanuary | Application code5409 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time (Top-up) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code4072 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Course Accreditations
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RICS
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
Conversion
- A minimum of a 2:1 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 2:1 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 Course Director and Module Coordinator substantial relevant knowledge and skills at least equivalent to Level 6 or Level 7. 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
Taking our part-time route requires you to be in employment related to Building Surveying (a reference from your 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.
Choose your country
Select country here:
United Kingdom
£13986.67
Tuition fees for home students
International
£22533.33
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
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Part-time
part-time
MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2331.11 International fee: £3755.55 AOS/LSBU code: 5282 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £10490.00 International: £16900.00 MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5392 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £10180.00 International: £15400.00 PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5408 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £6786.66 International: £10266.66 PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2331.11 International fee: £3755.55 AOS/LSBU code: 5106 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £6993.33 International: £11266.66 PgDip Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £5827.78 International fee: £9388.89 AOS/LSBU code: 4961 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £10490.00 International: £16900.00 MSc Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £5827.78 International fee: £9388.89 AOS/LSBU code: 5281 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £13986.67 International: £22533.34 MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £8158.89 International fee: £13144.45 AOS/LSBU code: 5282 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £10490.00 International: £16900.00 MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5392 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £10180.00 International: £15400.00 PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) (JAN) - Year 2
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5408 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £6786.66 International: £10266.66 PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4662.22 International fee: £7511.11 AOS/LSBU code: 5106 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £6993.33 International: £11266.66 PgDip Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4662.22 International fee: £7511.11 AOS/LSBU code: 4961 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £10490.00 International: £16900.00 MSc Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £8158.89 International fee: £13144.45 AOS/LSBU code: 5281 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £13986.67 International: £22533.34 -
Full-time
full-time
PGDip Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £10490.00 International fee: £16900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 4132 Session code: 1FS00 MSc Building Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £13986.67 International fee: £22533.33 AOS/LSBU code: 5280 Session code: 1FS00 MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) (JAN) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5393 Session code: 1FS00 MSc Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £10490.00 International fee: £16900.00 AOS/LSBU code: 5279 Session code: 1FS00 PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) (JAN) - Year 1
UK fee: £ International fee: £ AOS/LSBU code: 5409 Session code: 1FS00 PgDip Building Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £6993.33 International fee: £11266.67 AOS/LSBU code: 5105 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: UK: £6993.33 International: £11266.67 MSc Building Surveying (Top Up) - Year 1
UK fee: £3496.67 International fee: £5633.33 AOS/LSBU code: 4072 Session code: 1FS00
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 in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
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.
Apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship
After accepting your place on the MSc Building Surveying programme, you are encouraged to apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship. This scholarship is offered to new MSc Building Surveying, MSc Construction Project Management and MSc Quantity Surveying students and is a £4,000 waiver towards your fees.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Part-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 5282 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 4961 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 4132 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 5279 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 5281 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 5105 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 5106 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 5280 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration 28 months | Start date January | Application code 5392 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration 16 months | Start date January | Application code 5393 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration 24 months | Start date January | Application code 5408 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration 12 months | Start date January | Application code 5409 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time (Top-up) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 4072 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system. Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Accommodation
Students should apply for accommodation at London South Bank University (LSBU) as soon as possible, once we have made an offer of a place on one of our academic courses. Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
It's a good idea to think about how you'll pay university tuition and maintenance costs while you're still applying for a place to study. Remember – you don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as a postgraduate student.
Postgraduate Application Service
Book a session with one of our specialist Postgraduate Advisors. Over a one on one Advice Session they'll advise you on postgraduate degrees at LSBU that match your interests and experience.
We offer different course options depending on your circumstances:
- 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.
- If you do not hold an undergraduate Surveying degree, you should apply for our ‘Conversion’ course
- 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.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
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.
Apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship
After accepting your place on the MSc Building Surveying programme, you are encouraged to apply for the Stuart A Johnson scholarship. This scholarship is offered to new MSc Building Surveying, MSc Construction Project Management and MSc Quantity Surveying students and is a £4,000 waiver towards your fees.
By studying a combination of core and optional modules the course provides the skills required to practise. In order to complete the MSc stage, you are required to take a Research Methods unit and undertake a dissertation on a topic approved by your supervisor.
Core modules
- Building pathology
This module introduces students to the 'science' of building defects both in terms of diagnosis and remedial measures. - Property and building law
This unit focuses on various areas of construction and property law as applied in the construction and property industries. - Building surveying project
This unit covers the range of techniques used by building surveying professionals to develop a design scheme for new or refurbished buildings from initial client brief through to working drawings and statutory approval of the scheme for Planning and Building Regulation Approval. - Use and performance of buildings
This module covers the technologies used to reduce the carbon emissions from new and refurbished large buildings. The efficacy of proposals to reduce this burden is examined in terms of energy use, costs and carbon emissions. - Property and asset management
This module focuses on the knowledge base and range of techniques used by building surveyors and facility managers in the assessment and management process of property assets, their planned maintenance and statutory compliance and disasters recovery. - Dissertation (MSc Only)
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.
Additional modules (conversion course only)
- Institutional and legal context for property
This module focuses on introducing students to the various areas of law and issues of professional practice used and applied in the construction and property industries. - Construction
This module provides 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. - Valuations and surveying
This module establishes a base level of knowledge and skills in relation to surveying and valuation and develops technical an appreciation of appraising buildings and building defects. It introduces Planning, Building Control, relevant legislation and forms of building contracts. The module also introduces valuation practice and procedures.
Optional modules
Please be aware that option selection is subject to availability.
- Behavioural finance
The module develops a comprehensive understanding of the affective and deliberative decision-making process underlined in any real estate decision and it transition mechanism to market prices. - Building control
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. - Building Information Modelling and Collaborative Working
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. - Health and safety management in construction
This module focuses on the management of safety on site – a process which can be applied to a wide range of work settings and project types. - History of architecture and construction
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. - International real estate and construction
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. - Legal resolution of property and construction disputes
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.
Course structure
The following tables indicate the modular structure of the overall qualification for each of its modes.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Valuation and Surveying | Property and Building Law |
| Construction | Property and Asset Management |
| Use and Performance of Buildings | Building Surveying Project |
| Building Pathology | Building Pathology |
| Institutional & Legal Context for Property | Option |
| Dissertation |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Valuation and Surveying | Property & Building Law |
| Construction | Property & Asset Management |
| Institutional & Legal Context for Property |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Use and Performance of Buildings | Building Surveying Project |
| Building Pathology | Option |
| 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.
Nearly 100% of graduates have found employment since the inception of this course. Graduates work in a range of organisations including both small and large private practices, local authorities, housing associations and government organisations, as well as property and construction companies.
Expertise and history
London South Bank University has a long history of educating professionals for the building-related industries. With roots in the London Council School of Building (1904) and the Brixton School of Building (1940), we have been offering training in this sector for over 100 years.
We have links with major real estate consultancies, property companies, contractors, cost consultants and developers to ensure our courses are highly relevant for the current market. Our current students and alumni hold key positions in their organisation, often as senior managers and business owners.
Guest lectures
A series of guest lectures are provided as part of the Institutional and Legal Context module. Highlights have been:
- Dr Clair Benson, School of Engineering and Professor Max Weaver, School of Law discussed tall building and fire safety in the light of Grenfell
- Ion Fletcher, Direct of Policy at the British Property Federation spoke about fraud in the construction industry and what it means for business in practice
- Chris Blye OBE FCMA, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Buildings, spoke of modern slavery in the construction industry
Surveying project
We want our students to have 'real world' experiences while studying at LSBU, so field work is a major component. Our surveying and construction courses give our students the opportunity to carry out a construction project. Their work will take into account current construction technologies, energy efficiency solutions and environmental and sustainability issues.
The project is very detailed and is carried out across site visits, analysing on-going construction projects and an appraisal of eco-technologies. These factors can be influenced by location, and our field trips can take our students both overseas to expanding countries like Dubai, or round the corner to building developments happening on our own campus.
Market report and case study analysis
Students on our MSc Surveying courses can choose to study International Real Estate & Construction as an optional module. This requires students to go on a study visit to an international city which has an emerging real estate and construction market.
Past students have gone abroad either to Dubai or Shanghai. The field trip includes visits to real estate companies and construction firms, site visits and meetings with various professionals. From these briefings, students need to produce a country report with detailed strategy, including how they could break through in the real estate or construction market overseas.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a mark of quality assurance and professional relevance. The MSc and the PgDip is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is a recognised qualification for students to progress on to the Assessment of Professional Competence Graduate Training Programme.
- 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.
