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Overview
Building all-rounder
The Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship includes a degree qualification in BSc (Hons) Building Surveying and a qualification leading towards chartered membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
This Degree Apprenticeship is for surveyors acting on behalf of clients or employers, including quantity surveyors, building surveyors, commercial property surveyors and residential property surveyors. LSBU provides the Surveying Standards via either a 5 year part-time route or a 4 year part-time route covering levels 4, 5 and 6 of the degree.
Whether you’re looking to start a career in building surveying, or are an established professional, this course will give you new routes into the construction and property practice industries.You’ll study a strong core of technology, alongside sustainable construction, property law and business management.
The full apprenticeship standard and assessment plan can be found on the IfA website.
Apprenticeship Employment Guidelines
Apprenticeship Evidence Pack Guidance
Why study at Building Surveying LSBU?
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- 100% of students on this programme said that the library resources supported their learning well (National Student Survey 2023).
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- 100% of students on this programme said that it was easy to access subject-specific resources when needed (National Student Survey 2023).
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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: we’re fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
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- Our subject-specific facilities include a Building Information Modelling (BIM Centre).
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- Study part-time - one day a week.
| ModeApprenticeship | Duration5 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code4926 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Course Accreditations
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RICS
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CIOB
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. See our location page for more details.
Register your interest
Entry Level Requirements
- A-Level BBB or;
- BTEC National Diploma DDM or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions 21 Merits or;
- Access to HE qualifications with 24 Distinctions 21 Merits or;
- Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points
In additional, applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Math’s and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).
Advanced entry
For those holding a Level 4 qualification with specific grades may be possible to enter onto Level 5 of the course and 'top up' your existing qualification to a full degree:
- BTEC HNC/HND in a Building Surveying/Building related subject
- Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Building Surveying/Building related subject
- Construction Surveying Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship or;
- Cognate Level 4 qualification in Construction and Built Environment
Employer commitments
Employers are responsible for ensuring:
- Apprentices have a supervisor throughout the duration of their apprenticeship
- 3 monthly assessments of competence are completed by the supervisor and counsellor during the final 2 years of the apprenticeship
- Apprentices complete an appropriate range of work activities in order to complete their logbook successfully. For full details on this please refer to the Apprenticeship Standard Assessment Plan
- In addition to that apprentices have an appropriately qualified ‘Counsellor’ who will support them through their application and assessment for Chartered status.
Each apprentice must be allocated a separate supervisor and a counsellor.
The supervisor must be provided by the employer (this is part of the terms of funding.) The councillor can be provided by either the employer or the University*. Details of roles/responsibilities are contained within the Apprenticeship Standard Assessment Plan.
- The councillor must be a member of RICS. The councillor’s role will be to support the apprentice’s preparation for end point assessment. This is the final assessment for the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
- The supervisor must assess the apprentice’s competence every three months and the counsellor will make an assessment every six months. The outcome of the assessment is recorded by the apprentice in their logbook. Listed in the logbook will be the competence, skills and behaviours that the supervisor and counsellor will need to assess.
- The logbook and the listed criteria to assess competence against will be provided by the university.
- The logbook is expected to be completed over the final two years of the Apprenticeship programme.
- The assessments require apprentices to demonstrate the required skills and behaviours. The duration of the assessment could be from two hours to a full day.
Apprentice counsellor
Should the employer be unable to identify a suitable RICS recognised counsellor, LSBU will provide this service which will include;
- A total of 8 monthly onsite reviews of logbook and assessment of competence
- Support for the candidate with the preparation of the written submission for the RICS APC Final assessment
*All offers will be conditional on completion and submission of an evidence pack provided to employers by LSBU.
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Funding
The cost of the apprenticeship is paid fully by the employer (sometimes part funded by the government) through apprenticeship levy. The apprenticeship levy is a pot of money some companies pay into, which all businesses have access to spend on the training costs of apprenticeships. Companies fall into two categories: levy-payers (who pay into the pot) and non-levy payers (who do not). You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers
The apprentice does not contribute toward the cost of study.
Bands
Apprenticeship standards are all assigned a funding band by the Government – these funding bands are the maximum amount the Government will fund via the levy towards a given apprenticeship standard. There are currently 30 funding bands ranging from £1,000 to £27,000.
Incentives
Employers with less than 50 staff sending an apprentice aged 16-18 will have 100% of the training costs paid by the government. All employers who employ an apprentice aged 16-18 on the first day of teaching will receive a £1,000 incentive from the government. You can find out more in our Levy and Funding section, specifically for employers.
Cost
You can find out the funding band for an Apprenticeship Standard on the Government website. To find out how much we are charging, please get in touch with us at apprenticeships@lsbu.ac.uk
Field trips
Some modules include field with and site visits, which may be residential or outside the United Kingdom, ranging from three to five days. These are organised by the Division and students are required to contribute towards the cost. If there are any field trips or any course visits as part of your course, we will let you know in good time.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Apprenticeship | Duration 5 years | Start date September | Application code 4926 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
An Apprenticeship Standard is comprised of a programme of study, an End Point Assessment and on-the-job learning. This means that in addition to meeting academic requirements, you’ll need to be employed in a role related to your apprenticeship. The process of applying depends on whether you have an employer to sponsor (and support) you.
If you are employed and your employer has confirmed they will support your apprenticeship:
You are welcome to submit an application via our application system. You’ll need to provide details of your employment/employer as part of the application. You’ll also need to ensure you and your employer meet the requirements – find out who can be an apprentice to see if you meet the entry requirements and employer commitments to find out more about your employer’s role.
If you are not employed:
- You will need to find a job role related to the apprenticeship you wish to apply for, with an employer who is happy to support you. If you would like to find an employer to support your apprenticeship with LSBU, you can search which employers are currently advertising Apprenticeships via the National Apprenticeship Service website searching for ‘London South Bank University’ as keywords.
- If there are no search results, this means there are currently no vacancies. We update our vacancies regularly, so please do check back regularly.
- Many employers advertise their apprenticeship vacancies on their websites or via other portals. You could search for ‘find an apprenticeship’ online.
- When you’re ready to apply, see the government's advice on how to write a winning apprenticeship application and make your application.
Further information for apprentices
If you’re a prospective apprentice, you can find out more about who can be an apprentice on our student pages.
Further information for employers
If you’re an employer, you can find information about the employer commitments and further related information on the related pages for business.
See our admissions policy 1.0 MB and complaints policy 516.0 KB.
Prepare to start
There are steps the apprentices, the employer and the University need to complete before you start your course. Take a look at the steps to be completed in the New Students: Apprentices section. Employers may also like to look at our steps to offering an apprenticeship.
Preparatory reading list
- Domone, P. & Illston, J., (2010) Construction Materials. Their Nature and Behaviour, 4th Ed, Taylor & Francis
- Seward, D., (2009) Understanding Structures, 4th Ed, Palgrave Macmillan
- Bradney, A., Cownie F., Masson J., Neal A.C., Newell D., (2010) How to Study Law, 6th ed, Thompson, Sweet & Maxwell, London.
- Mankiw, N.G., and Taylor, M. P., (2010) Economics, Thomson, London.
- McMullan R, (2007) Environmental Science in Building, Macmillan, 6th Edition, 2007
- Irvine, W. and Maclennan, F., (2006) Surveying For Construction, 5th Edition, McGraw Hill
For advanced entry:
- Hughes, W., Champion, R., Murdoch, J. (2015) Construction Contracts Law and Management, 5th ed, , Routledge.
- Edwards, B., (2010) Rough Guide to Sustainability, 3rd Edition, RIBA.
- Riley, M. and Cotgrove, A. (2011) Construction Technology 3 – the Technology of Refurbishment and Maintenance, Palgrave McMillan
- Morgan, P.H. and Nott, S.M. (1995), Development Control: Law, Policy and Practice, 2nd ed., Butterworths
With a broad construction curriculum, this course will help to develop the skills and expertise to feel confident working within the building surveying industry. We’ll cover: construction technology; project management; property law; valuation; planning and development; sustainable construction; asset management; property inspection, repair and maintenance.
- Building services and environmental science
This module focuses on building services and the environmental performance, and develops an understanding of how buildings perform in the areas of acoustics, heat and moisture transfer, lighting, ventilation and air conditioning design. The underlying principles of each topic will be covered, together with more advanced applications, enabling you to demonstrate an understanding of building performance to other professionals within the industry. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Building survey and inspection
This module focuses on the principles and application of surveying in the construction industry using both traditional and modern surveying technology, including the establishment of horizontal/vertical control and basic setting out techniques and processes. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Construction technology and materials
This unit will introduce you to the study of building materials and how buildings are pieced together (i.e. building technology). Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Construction technology and structures
This module will introduce you to the study of building technology associated with larger, more complex buildings, as well as to the fundamentals of structural analysis. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Legal and economic context
The legal content of this module will introduce the sources and basic rules of UK law, including common law and statute law, as it affects construction and property professionals. It will provide an introduction to construction contract law, and tort and restitution law as they affect professionals. It will explain the differences between common law and equity and criminal law, and their relevance to construction and property professionals. It will establish the legal and ethical framework of Health and Safety regulation. The economics content of the module will introduce you to micro and macro economics, and will examine the theoretical and empirical framework of economics, including price formation, the theory of the firm, degrees of competition, Government economic objectives, monetary policy, behavioural economics, contract theory, inflation and unemployment. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Construction practice
This module aims to provide you with the knowledge of the interrelationships between industry, professional bodies and education, and an understanding of key professional and research requirements. It will provide you with a roadmap for your professional career, and will enable you to prepare for employment in the construction discipline. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Construction contract law
This module examines the various types of construction contracts, including families of standard construction contracts, and the common law and 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. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Estate and property asset management
This module will give you a practical insight into managing property. The roles and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants will be considered in property management, as well as financial calculations informing property management decisions. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Planning and development controls
This module examines the structure and role of development controls within the development process. Planning policy and building regulations are looked at in order to understand how planning and building controls influence the success of a development, as well as its compliance with development policy. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Property inspection, repair and maintenance
This module focuses on the range of techniques used by building surveying professionals in the undertaking of different types of surveys on commercial and large residential properties. It also focuses on the development of planned maintenance programmes and reviews financial controls and planned roll-out programmes of work, facility and asset management, building and fire safety legislation, post occupancy legislation incl. the Party Wall etc Act. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Theory of architecture, design and conservation
This module is an in-depth review of key aspects of architecture theory, modern design and conservation through the study of selected British case studies. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Sustainable construction and the environment
This module looks at the increasing important role of energy and environmental factors that are increasingly impacting on buildings, their use, and their occupants. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Research paper
This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an independent piece of research, investigating in depth a subject in which you have a particular interest and of your own selection. You'll have to submit a dissertation of between 6,000 and 10,000 words. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Project management
In recent years the specialism of construction project management has been developed by construction professionals working within construction companies, construction consultancies and the public sector. This specialism is required to achieve effective and efficient management of the whole construction process from inception to completion. This module seeks to support this response by introducing the theory underlying project management and applying this to practical issues and problems in the construction industry. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - Management of the firm
This module looks at the role of the entrepreneur and how to set up a business, forms of ownership, the management and marketing of a business, in addition to understanding the financial accounts and risk management. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Contract administration
This module provides the knowledge necessary for the execution of the contractual duties of architects, building surveyors, property and construction managers in contracting and development companies, consultancy practice, public service and private corporations. It's designed to build on and apply knowledge obtained from a study of construction law. The module is an introduction to the period of professional training necessary to qualify as a professional and covers key areas of practice. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam. - European construction and property
This module takes an international perspective on the built environment by focussing on current developments in Europe in the property and construction economic sectors. The module offers a field trip to a major European city, which includes company visits and professional presentations and provides the basis for the summative assessment. Assessment method: 100% coursework. - Property law and valuation
This module focuses on introducing you to the various principles of law and valuation that are relevant to surveyors working in the construction and property industries. Assessment method: 100% coursework.
Careers
Employability Service
By completing the apprenticeship route, you’ll have the advantage of having real-world work experience, working in a role related to your area of study. This will give you a competitive edge among other graduates when you complete your apprenticeship standard.
During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, who can help you develop your skills through the Careers Gym workshops and presentations. Our JobShop advisers support students and graduates with finding the right job for them.
We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.
Job role
The occupations covered by this standard are associated with surveyors acting on behalf of clients or employers.
For those who love buildings and enjoy variety in their work, building surveying is an interesting and stimulating career choice. Building surveyors advise clients about the design and construction of new buildings and maintenance and repair of existing buildings.
Take a look at some potential careers, including building surveyor, in our Prospects section.
Many of our graduates enter the industry as trainees with quantity surveying/construction firms and organisations in UK and abroad. Recent graduates have gone onto jobs such as Graduate Building Surveyor and Property Manager.
Continuing to postgraduate studies and APC training
This course prepares you for a career in building surveying, allowing you to enter postgraduate studies and the profession at graduate surveyor level. From there you can progress to chartered status through RICS-approved Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) training.
Benefits of the apprenticeship standard route
By studying the apprenticeship route, you gain real world work experience, building skills and contacts to give you the edge on graduation.
The on-the-job part of your apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to work and network with other professionals in the industry.
This course will provide you with a CIOB-accredited degree in preparation for a career in building surveying and property management in the construction industry.
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.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) focuses on those entering and already in a management career in construction. It delivers qualifications and certifications that meet the needs of a changing industry.
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. You’ll benefit directly from our longstanding ties to the industry.
Our current students and alumni hold key positions in their organisation, often as senior managers and business owners.
Teaching and Assessment
Your Lecturers are leading practitioners in their fields, so everything we do is industry relevant. Inspiring guest speakers from renowned arts organisations and theatre companies will give you further industry insight and build your professional connections.
Apprenticeship structure
The Apprenticeship Standard is comprised of on-the-job learning, as well as both structured and self-directed study.
Duration
5 years plus 6-9 months to take the end point assessment.
End Point Assessment
Comprised of a structured interview supported by a written exam, and a written report, CV and CPD records and presentation, the End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final part of the Apprenticeship.
The Apprenticeship will consist of the following elements;
- Successful completion of the modules and assignments which compromise BSC (Hons) Quantity Surveying or BSC (Hons) Building Surveying
- Completion of a diary and log book of experience gained
- 3 monthly assessments of competence by a supervisor and counsellor
- The end point assessment is the final assessment for the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This is a substantial assessment and will typically take between 3 and 6 months to complete.
The EPA will be a qualification as a chartered member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).
Apprentices may still be required to receive ‘off-the-job‘ training and support to complete their Apprenticeship beyond graduation.
Schedule
The apprenticeship is available via a 5 year part time delivery route as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)
Year 2 (Level 4)
Year 3 (Level 5)
Year 4 (Levels 5 & 6)
Year 5 (Level 6)
