Quantity surveyors play a vital role in the building and construction industry around the world.

On the Quantity Surveying BSc course at Northumbria you will learn to cost building designs, manage the procurement of resources and negotiate effectively with partners. Learning outcomes are aligned with the professional requirements of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to ensure you graduate with the practical, analytical, creative skills and problem-solving abilities to progress to the next level.

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

Working alongside other professionals, they manage the financial and legal aspects of building projects from initial estimate to final calculation.

Why choose Northumbria University to study Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)?

For over 40 years, our relationship with RICS has meant strong links with the construction and property industry and an opportunity to spend a year in paid employment, means this well-respected undergraduate degree provides a strong foundation for a career in quantity surveying.

• Top University - Building at Northumbria is ranked 10th in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.
• A Research Powerhouse - Architecture, Built Environment and Planning is ranked 11th in the UK for research power out of 38 submissions (REF, 2021). This is a rise of 13 places compared to 2014 – the joint highest rise in the sector.
• Teaching Quality - Building Studies at Northumbria is ranked top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality (Times Good University Guide, 2024)
• Student Rated - 85% of students studying Quantity Surveying at Northumbria thought marking criteria was fair and believed the IT resources and facilities supported their learning (NSS, 2023).
• Accredited Degree - Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for Graduate Membership.
• International Registration -  Accredited by the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM) for the purpose of eligibility for registration with that body.

What will I learn on the Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons)?

Starting out with an overview of the basic principles of construction, surveying and costs evaluation, you will then be introduced to the technology used in the industry as well as learning about law and management practice.

With the support of a dedicated placement team, you can choose to spend the third year on a professional paid placement to put the skills you have learned into professional practice. If you intend to work towards a professional qualification with RICS, the placement year can count towards the assessment of professional competence (APC), the first step towards full chartered surveyor status.

Throughout the course, assessment includes a combination of coursework, exams, individual and group projects.

Who teaches Quantity Surveying Bsc (Hons) at Northumbria?

You will learn from a range of qualified professionals with relevant knowledge and experience in both practice and academia. Staff research and professional expertise informs teaching to create a research-rich, practice-based environment which will develop your critical abilities, problem solving skills and lay a foundation for continued self-improvement.

In addition, we have established strong links with the sector over the years. Industry partners such as Nexus, Elliott Associates and EC Harris give you the opportunity to put your skills into practice on live projects, which they help to assess.

Our knowledge of industry practice, coupled with subject benchmarking, mean the design and content of the programme continually evolves in line with professional requirements and sector developments.

What facilities will I have access to on the Quantity Surveying course?

At Northumbria you’ll find the latest technologies to support you in our specialist laboratories and studios, and you’ll be given every opportunity to take your ideas out of the department and put them into practice in the world around you.

Built environment students also have project space and dedicated areas for group and individual study, equipped with work stations with large screens to help you tackle your assignments comfortably whether you’re working alone or on a group project.

The programme team have developed a coherent approach to technology enabled learning (TEL) which includes specialist software and online access to module information, key texts, podcasts and a range of teaching-related materials.

A research-led approach to teaching Quantity Surveying

We take a research-led approach to teaching. As practicing researchers, our lecturers pass on the latest techniques from their ongoing work to ensure your learning is current and relevant at both an academic and a practical level.

Our department is ranked 11th in the UK for research power, with 76% of our outputs ranked world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest UK wide Research Excellence Framework (REF2021, UoA13). This means we are well placed to support you to develop your own research skills.

In the past, Northumbria students have had the opportunity to go on site visits. A previous visit was to Shawfair, where they were shown the process of creating and developing a new town, providing them with real-world experiential learning.

Specialist areas of research include sustainable development; urban regeneration, urban and rural planning law, policy and practice; redevelopment of brownfield land; and property development appraisal.

How will a Quantity Surveying course help me with my career?

Quantity surveyors are in demand, both in the UK and globally. You will graduate with a respected qualification and the practical experience that will prepare you for a career with private construction and development companies, civil engineering contractors, local authorities and government agencies. 89% of students graduating from Construction, Surveying & Planning courses at Northumbria are in highly skilled employment or study 15 months after graduation (Guardian University Guide 2024).

At the end of a thoroughly enjoyable educational experience, you will emerge from your time at university with the characteristics of a Northumbria graduate. These include critical reflection and self-learning, collaboration and curiosity, and the ability to apply your knowledge to solve problems in ways that are sustainable and ethical.