INTRODUCTION
IN A NUTSHELL
In the post-pandemic recovery, not only will the construction industry build back better, it will grow greener. Repurposing buildings into sustainable new spaces is at the heart of this strategy. If you are considering a career where you can reimagine a building’s potential, our Building Surveying masters degree is your next step.
Building Surveying postgraduate degree course is recommended for graduates and experienced industry professionals seeking a career conversion route. The course is available with full-time, part-time and distance learning pathways.
Led by academics and industry practitioners, you will build the core technical skills that underpin the building surveyor’s particular expertise in understanding the fabric of existing buildings. You will also explore how BIM technology is revolutionising practice, and consider current industry trends in refurbishment, conservation, and adaptation.
You will:
- Study the core technological skills that underpin the building surveyor’s particular expertise in the fabric of existing buildings, including how buildings are constructed, and how they can deteriorate and fail
- Learn how buildings can be brought back into use at the end of their lives through refurbishment, conservation, and adaptation
- Understand the legal, professional and statutory context of the building surveyor’s role, including requirements relating to planning permission, construction contracts, and professional conduct
students accepted
Course accreditations
THIS IS FOR YOU IF...
You to have a real passion for developing, advancing and shaping the built environment
You are keen to develop technical skills in a recognised professional role
You're practical, creative and business-focused, with an enthusiasm to progress
ALL ABOUTTHE COURSE
Course delivery
Our MSc Building Surveying postgraduate course is delivered through a range of industry-aligned modules. The 180-credit MSc award comprises eight taught modules plus a dissertation. The 120-credit PgDip comprises eight taught modules. The 60-credit PgCert award comprises four specified taught modules.
Flexibility is at the heart of our learning approach. You can choose to study this postgraduate course full-time or part-time on campus, or part-time via distance learning:
- As a campus-based full-time student, you will complete four 15-credit taught modules in each of the first two trimesters. In the final trimester, you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits
- As a campus-based part-time student, you will complete two 15-credit modules in each of the first four trimesters. In two additional trimesters, you will complete a dissertation worth 60 credits
- As a distance learning student, you will complete two 15-credit taught modules in each of your first four trimesters. In two additional trimesters, you will complete your dissertation online, with tutor support
Learning experience
There are few better places to study building surveying. Located just over a mile from Manchester city centre, we're at the heart of the UK's largest architecture, engineering and construction market outside of London, with plenty of live case studies and a strong network of industry partners where you can find career opportunities once you graduate.
If you are studying on campus, you will have opportunities to visit live construction sites and assess potential development sites. Distance learning students will also experience our Collaborate Ultra virtual learning environment, supported by real-time and on-demand interactive sessions. Module assessment is driven by real-world problems aligned to your workplace or role.
Alongside gaining a strong understanding of real-world practice, you will develop your building surveying knowledge in topics such as planning and development, legal frameworks, procurement and information modelling. You will also strengthen your research and analytical skills by completing a dissertation on a topic of your choice. Learn more about the current course modules in the section below.
Course team
Our Building Surveying postgraduate programme is delivered by an academic team with extensive research and subject knowledge. The team is part of a global built environment community with prominence in shaping construction industry best practice.
- Building Law Principles
- Building Procurement and Contract Administration
- Building Information Modelling
- Building Surveying Practice
- Building Technology
Trimester two (Trimesters three and four for part-time and distance learning)
- Building Technology
- Building Pathology
- Planning and Development Control
- Building Adaption
Trimester three (trimesters five and six for part-time and distance learning)
- Dissertation
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
100%
Coursework
TEACHING
Campus-based teaching and learning will develop your knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods, including:
- Lectures will introduce the core module knowledge, with tutorials designed to provide a forum for tutor-led discussion and debate
- Project work is your chance to conduct research and other techniques that will help you to develop solutions to prescribed tasks
- Directed study enables you to cover materials at your own pace
- One-to-one tutorials (by appointment) are available to discuss your learning progress
- Guest lecturers from the building surveying profession, with expertise in curriculum areas, are invited to share their knowledge
- Field trips are organised in co-operation with local surveying practices, giving you the opportunity to visualise what is taught and apply it to a real-world context
Distance learning students will experience our online learning environment and intensive tutor support. Weekly online tutorials are delivered to encourage student participation.
Our online learning materials enable you to complete self-directed study at your own convenience. Learning is driven by real-world problems in workplaces and job roles.
ASSESSMENT
You will be assessed through written coursework (100%) and continuous informal assessment by your tutors. Methods include:
- Design projects
- Essays
- Case study analysis
- Precedent studies
During your studies, you will have the opportunity to participate in our Building Surveying Industry Mentoring Scheme. This initiative is designed to help you navigate the transition between academic study and working life. By offering you the opportunity to share your concerns and queries with mentors who have made the transition, we hope to better prepare you for success as a graduate.
EMPLOYMENT
This course will equip you for a rewarding career as a building surveyor in the construction industry. The life of a building surveyor is varied and challenging and it is highly likely that you’ll have plenty of opportunities to travel, and that you’ll play a key role in shaping the built environment.
With an extensive understanding of buildings, the law, property and construction, you will be well equipped to pursue roles in a variety of areas including: building defect diagnostics, the conservation of historic buildings, acquisition and condition surveying, refurbishments alterations and extensions, the specification and supervision of construction work, dilapidations, party walls and rights to light work, and the design of new buildings.
Opportunities exist for building surveying graduates in a range of private and public sector environments. These include surveying and architectural professional practices, property and construction companies, and the estates departments of major organisations with substantial property holdings.
Our building surveying graduates have found employment with a number of organisations including: B&Q, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gleeds Construction Consultants, Manchester City Council, Mansell Construction Services, National Grid, Network Rail, Property Tectonics Ltd, STMC Building Control Ltd.
REQUIREMENTSWHAT YOUNEED TO KNOW
APPLICANT PROFILE
Designed to provide a career focus, the course is open to graduates from a broad range of subjects, including the arts, sciences, law or business. This course is also recommended for current professionals who want to formalise their existing building surveying skills.
No prior knowledge of building surveying, property or construction is required, however, it is important that you are prepared for the scope of the course content. Building surveyors have a passion for historic and modern buildings, possessing practical, creative, business-focused skills and able to operate in a professional environment. Possessing these qualities will enhance your learning experience.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, however we do accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Additional costs
You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
International student scholarships
If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.