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’re the number one London modern university for overall score in Building (Complete University Guide 2021).
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.
| ModeFull-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5283 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5285 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code4962 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code4129 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5284 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5286 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5107 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration24 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code5108 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeFull-time (Top-up) | Duration12 months | Start dateSeptember | Application code4071 | 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. See our location page for more details.
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 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
Select country here:
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.
United Kingdom
£14666.67
Tuition fees for home students
International
£20666.67
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
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Part-time
part-time
MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2444.44 International fee: £3444.44 AOS/LSBU code: 5285 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500 PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2444.44 International fee: £3444.44 AOS/LSBU code: 5108 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £7333.33 International: £10333.33 PgDip Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £6111.11 International fee: £8611.11 AOS/LSBU code: 4962 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500 MSc Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £6111.11 International fee: £8611.11 AOS/LSBU code: 5286 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: UK: £14666.67 International: £20666.66 MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £8555.55 International fee: £12055.55 AOS/LSBU code: 5285 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500 PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4888.89 International fee: £6888.89 AOS/LSBU code: 5108 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £7333.33 International: £10333.33 PgDip Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4888.89 International fee: £6888.88 AOS/LSBU code: 4962 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £11000 International: £15500 MSc Quantity Surveying (Non-Cognate) (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £8555.55 International fee: £12055.55 AOS/LSBU code: 5286 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: UK: £14666.67 International: £20666.66 -
Full-time
full-time
MSc Quantity Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £14666.67 International fee: £20666.67 AOS/LSBU code: 5284 Session code: 1FS00 PGDip Quantity Surveying (Non - Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £11000 International fee: £15500 AOS/LSBU code: 4129 Session code: 1FS00 MSc Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £11000 International fee: £15500 AOS/LSBU code: 5283 Session code: 1FS00 PgDip Quantity Surveying (Cognate) (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £7333.33 International fee: £10333.33 AOS/LSBU code: 5107 Session code: 1FS00 MSc Quantity Surveying (Top Up) - Year 1
UK fee: £3666.67 International fee: £5166.67 AOS/LSBU code: 4071 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.
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.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home
| Mode Full-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 5283 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 5285 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 4962 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time PgDip (Conversion) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 4129 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time MSc (Conversion) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 5284 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time MSc (Surveying graduates) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 5286 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 5107 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time PgDip (Surveying graduates) | Duration 24 months | Start date September | Application code 5108 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Full-time (Top-up) | Duration 12 months | Start date September | Application code 4071 | 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.
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.
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.
Core modules
- Project evaluation
This module focuses on the range of techniques used by construction professionals to appraise and manage cost and value in construction projects. - Construction contract administration
This module introduces the student to key elements of contract administration applied to the roles of contract administrators, quantity surveyors and commercial managers. - Construction law
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. - Procurement and management of construction
This module focuses on developing an awareness of the issues which need to be considered when deciding how to procure and manage construction projects. - Economics and finance for construction
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. - 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)
- Construction
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. - Measurement, documentation and estimating
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. - Institutional and legal context for construction
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.
Optional modules
Please be aware that option selection is subject to availability.
- Behavioural finance
The module develops a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making process 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 that 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.
Structure of the qualification
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Measurement, Documentation and Estimating | Construction Law |
| Construction | Construction Contract Administration |
| Institutional and Legal Context for Construction | |
| Economics and Finance for Construction | Project Evaluation |
| Procurement and Management of Construction | Option |
| Dissertation | |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Measurement, Documentation and Estimating | Construction Law |
| Construction | Construction Contract Administration |
| Institutional and Legal Context for Construction | |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| Procurement and Management of Construction | Project Evaluation |
| Economics and Finance for Construction | Option |
| 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.
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.