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Overview
This course is designed for those pursuing a career in quantity surveying and commercial management in the construction industry. It includes the study of management and business practice in a construction context as well as law and economics. The course has a broad construction curriculum and develops expertise in relation to the procurement and financial management of construction.
The BSc (Hons) Commercial Management (Quantity Surveying) aims to:
- Produce graduates who are equipped to take up responsible professional employment as quantity surveyors and commercial managers in the construction industry.
- Maintain recognition and accreditation by the appropriate professional institution.
- Develop the intellectual and practical skills required to collect, analyse and interpret information, evaluate evidence and opinion, solve problems, reach sound judgements and communicate them effectively.
- Produce graduates who have knowledge and understanding of the construction industry, construction technology and the organisation and management of construction procurement.
- Develop understanding of the context within which graduates will work and the impact of changing social, economic, legal, cultural, environmental and technological frameworks on their working lives.
- Prepare students for work in a business-based and project-based, multidisciplinary industry.
- Develop specific skills and expertise relating to the procurement and financial management of construction work.
- Develop transferable skills that are required for study and employment and give students the confidence and ability to embrace change, engage in future study or research and career development.
Why Commercial Management (Quantity Surveying) at LSBU?
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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.
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- Our subject-specific facilities include a Building Information Modelling (BIM Centre)
The full apprenticeship standard and assessment plan can be found on the Institute for Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship Employment Guidelines (PDF File 736 KB)
Apprenticeship Evidence Pack Guidance (PDF File 737 KB)
| ModePart-time | Duration3 years + EPA | Start dateSeptember | Application code4949 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Course Accreditations
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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.
Entry Level Requirements
In order to be considered for entry to the course applicants will be required to have the following qualifications:
- HNC in related subject with merit grade or;
- Level 4 Apprenticeship in relevant subject or equivalent level 4 qualification
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above)
On application we will also ask applicants to complete a skills scan against the knowledge, skills and behaviours in the apprenticeship standard to assess eligibility for funding.
Choose your country
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
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.
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.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
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| Mode Part-time | Duration 3 years + EPA | Start date September | Application code 4949 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
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 an undergraduate student.
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
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Welcome Week
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 Welcome Week pages.
Preparatory Reading List
- Temple, M.(2004) Studying the Built Environment. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Parker, D. (1994) Tackling coursework: assignments, projects, reports and presentations. London: Letts Educational
- Domone, P. & Illston, J., 2010: Construction Materials. Their Nature and Behaviour
- Using Light Steel Framing: Design of Residential Buildings
- Seward, D., 2009: Understanding Structures(4th Ed), Palgrave Macmillan
- Taylor, G.D., 2000: Materials of Construction (3rd Ed), Longman
- Bradney, A., Cownie F., Masson J., Neal A.C., Newell D., (2010) How to Study Law (6th edn.) Thompson, Sweet & Maxwell, London.
- Coyle, D., (2004) Sex, Drugs and Economics, an Unconventional
- Introduction to Economics, Thomson, Australia, New York.
- Mankiw, N.G., and Taylor, M. P., (2010), Economics, Thomson, London.
- Turner C., and Hodge S., (2010) Unlocking Torts (2nd edn.) Hodder, Turner, London.
- Turner C., (2010) Unlocking Contract Law (3rd edn.) Hodder, Turner, London.
- McMullan R, Environmental Science in Building, Macmillan, 6th Edn, 2007
- Hall F and Greeno R, Building Services Handbook, Butterworth Heinemann, 5th Edition, 2009
- Irvine, W, Surveying For Construction 8th Edition McGraw Hill, 2008
- Uren and Price, Surveying For Engineers(5th Ed), Palgrave Macmillan
- Brookes, A.J. & Meijs, M., Cladding of Buildings, 2007
- Eisele, J. & Klaft, E. (Eds.), High Rise Manual: Typology and Design, Construction and Technology, 2003
- Reichel, A., Ackermann, P., Hentschel, A. & Hachberg, A., Building with Steel: Details, Principles, Examples, 2007
Apprentices study 12 modules, six at Level 5 and six at Level 6. The course is delivered on a semester pattern, each semester being 15 weeks in duration.
Each module of study is a self-contained part of the course and carries a single credit value (20 credits).
The course is delivered over three years, part-time, taught one day per week over six semesters with two or three modules being taught in each semester.
Level 5
- Measurement 1 and documentation (QS)
This module provides an understanding of the fundamental concepts underlying the requirement to quantify and specify construction work. You'll establish the underlying principles required for the independent production of tender documents. The module will also provide the basic practical skills in measurement required for private practice, contracting and public service. - 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. - Measurement 2: Estimating
This module is designed to provide you with a sufficient grounding in measurement and analytical estimating to both be able to apply measurement skills to more advanced forms of construction and perform measurement and estimating duties in the role of a junior quantity surveyor in a practitioner’s office. - Project appraisal and cost control
The module focusses on the Contractor’s QS systems for appraising projects, controlling contract costs. Project budget and cashflow. Valuation procedure. Understanding applications for loss and expense. Sub-contract Payment - Building economics
This module is about the economics of the construction and property sectors. It focuses on providing a description of the construction sector and an economic explanation of markets and industries, as well as some of the major features of construction products. Furthermore, it briefly provides an economic analysis of how investment, property and construction link together and to the wider economy. It also examines the role of regulation in dealing with negative externalities. Aspects of European construction will be examined, and flexible production in the context of construction organisations will be discussed. - Management of organisation
This module has two broad approaches. The first is an analytical approach to understanding organisations and managerial actions by considering the development of management theory, through the Classical Schools of thought up to the present day. This includes the nature of the roles of management, and the competencies required to manage organisations. The second approach introduces human resource management, the principles of personnel management and industrial relations, with particular reference to the construction industry. In parallel to the above broad areas of analysis and management practice, you'll spend time developing aspects of personal skills important in carrying out future management roles.
Level 6
- Contract practice and administration (QS)
This module provides the knowledge necessary for the execution of the contractual duties of the quantity surveyor and commercial manager 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. - Corporate management and finance
This module will provide an introduction to financial and corporate management through an outline of the types of firm, their sources of finance, and the requirement to keep accounts and develop corporate strategy to match the firm's specific objectives. The module will explore the changing nature of financial and business markets, the need to budget and to plan in uncertain environments, and will provide an understanding of corporate governance and business ethics. The development of an understanding of finance and accounts supplemented by an understanding of markets, of opportunities and threats, will lead to the wider issues of corporate and strategic planning. - Research project
This module applies research method skills on a project-based, applied research topic chosen by you, which includes two main phases: an initial research project proposal submitted for approval and the preparation of the full research project at the end of the module. - Project management
n 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. - 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. - Quantity surveying project
This module holistically integrates learning from all Level 4 and 5 modules on the BSc Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying courses. It sets learning in a realistic project environment and simulates practice problem solving and task management.
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:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- 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.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
On successful completion, students would be eligible (subject to grades) to progress onto a range of postgraduate courses within the division.
This apprenticeship will include the knowledge, skills and behaviours typically required to achieve full member or chartered status with the industry’s recognised professional bodies. The final assessment process for this Apprenticeship will typically be partly representative of the review process required for professional registration.
- The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is the professional body representing the building industry. It focuses on those entering and already in a management career in construction and it delivers qualifications and certifications that meet the needs of a changing industry.
Teaching and Assessment
Staff teaching on the course have a vast array of experience coming from a variety of academic and industry related backgrounds with many having close links with the professional bodies associated with these subject areas.
