PgDip / MSc Quantity Surveying

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

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.

Employability Service

We are University of the Year for Graduate Employment for the second year in a row - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018, 2019.

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.

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.

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 143 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 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.