Students from MSc Building Surveying recently joined students from other postgraduate courses on a week-long visit to Prague. You can read their behind-the-scenes blog here.
Why choose this course?
This is a fast-track conversion course for graduates from disciplines unrelated to construction and real estate, which leads to Chartered Surveyor status.
This is one of a suite of MSc courses which provide the academic foundation for holders of first degrees in an unrelated subject area to obtain an accredited route into the real estate and construction industries.
MSc Building Surveying develops the skills needed to become the equivalent of a 'building doctor'. It has a building performance and pathology focus and looks at inspection, evaluation, maintenance, remediation and refurbishment of existing buildings. It also focuses on the management of building works.
Modules can also be studied as Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Latest blog
Read the latest field trip blog
Postgraduate scholarships
The School will be offering a number of scholarships for students commencing their studies on one of our postgraduate courses. Find out more about these scholarships.
Postgraduate open evenings
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
Any questions?
Course enquiries
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
Admissions enquiries:
AskNTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
Please note the following information for applicants
Fact file
Entry requirements: Please see the
Applying section
Starting: September
Course length: One year full-time or two years part-time
Study location: City site
Fees and funding:
Please visit our fees page for full details.
Course focus
MSc Building Surveying develops the skills needed to become the equivalent of a building doctor. It has a building performance and pathology focus and looks at inspection, evaluation, maintenance, remediation and refurbishment of existing buildings. It also focuses on the management of building works.
Graduates will be equipped with a blend of knowledge, understanding, skills, qualities and attributes that will enable them to pursue and develop careers Building Surveying on an international level.
Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), enabling successful graduates entry to the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) of the RICS; a prerequisite for full Chartered Surveyor status.
Course content
Full-time, One Year
- Law and Ethics (15 credit points)
- Property and Construction Economics (15 credit points)
- Research Methods and Study Skills (15 credit points)
- Building Technology (15 credit points)
- Professional Practice (15 credit points)
- Building Pathology (15 credit points)
- Conversion, Adaptation and Care of Buildings (15 credit points)
- Contract Administration (15 credit points)
- Postgraduate Dissertation / Consultancy Project / Internship (60 credit points)
Part time, Year One
- Research Methods and Study Skills (15 credit points)
- Building Technology (15 credit points)
- Building Pathology (15 credit points)
- Conversion, Adaptation and Care of Buildings (15 credit points)
- Postgraduate Dissertation / Consultancy Project / Internship (60 credit points) (continued in Year Two)
Part time, Year Two
- Law and Ethics (15 credit points)
- Property and Construction Economics (15 credit points)
- Professional Practice (15 credit points)
- Contract Administration (15 credit points)
- Postgraduate Dissertation / Consultancy Project / Internship (60 credit points) (continued from Year One)
Work experience
This course offers a couple of opportunities for placements:
Internship - 60 credit module
Students have the option to choose to complete an internship for their major 60 credit module.
This option will consist of approximately two months working within a company on a specific project. Internships are subject to availability an can be undertaken in the UK and abroad. Students will be required to complete a project/task during their internship and produce a report.
Professional Practice module
For this module students have the option to either go on an international field trip or complete a short work experience placement. These are subject to availability.
Mentors from industry
Our mentoring scheme for property students was launched in September 2011. The scheme introduces students to a mentor currently working in the property industry; many of the mentors are NTU alumni. The mentors share their professional experience and expertise. Some also provide and opportunity for a visit to their office and work experience.
How do you study?
Study routes
- One year full-time
- Two years part-time - one day a week
Students may change between the pathways to suit their changing circumstances if required.
A range of methods for teaching and learning are used within the courses. These include a balanced mix of contact and non contact study activities ranging from:
- lectures
- interactive seminars
- student presentations
- group-based projects and exercises, to directed and self-directed research.
Field trip
Students will also have the opportunity to take part in an international residential field trip. The week-long trip, part of the innovative Professional Practice Module, provides a crucial international dimension to postgraduate study and is a key aspect to the development of students' employability.
Read the Budapest 2011 trip blog.
Read about the 2010 trip to Prague.
Take a look at field trip images.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used including:
- project work (individual and group based)
- independent written assignments and reports
- research proposal and dissertation
- seen and unseen written tests and examinations
- poster presentations.
Who teaches on this course?
Course Leader: Chris Keast
Rebecca Goodall
Steve Tyler
Chris Coffey
Professor Mike Hoxley
Professor Michael White
Rachel Mansfield
Andrew King
Postgraduate open evenings
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
These Masters courses provide an opportunity for holders of first degrees unrelated to Real Estate and Construction to embark on a professional career in Real Estate development, investment and management, building surveying, construction cost management or quantity surveying.
The courses provide a strong foundation for gaining relevant employment leading to full professional status. Our graduates are highly regarded by employers, enjoy excellent career prospects and have gone on to work for a wide range of major national and international organisations.
Entry requirements
You will need a minimum 2.2 honours degree (or equivalent) UK honours degree , or equivalent, in a subject unrelated, or partially related, to real estate and construction.
We welcome mature applicants with non-standard qualifications and relevant work experience (these will be considered on an individual basis).
International and EU students also need to meet the English language requirements. Also see the full list of alternative qualifications for EU and international students.
How to apply
Applications should be made directly to the University via the online application form.
You will be required to provide the following documentation with your application:
- a copy of your university / college qualification certificate.
- a copy of your university / college qualification transcript.
- a copy of your English language test certificate (if applicable).
Applicants are advised to provide a comprehensive personal statement which clearly indicates why they have selected the course, their motivations for it, and how they expect to benefit from it.
Postgraduate scholarships
The School will be offering a number of scholarships for students commencing their studies on one of our postgraduate courses. Find out more about these scholarships.
Other funding opportunities
The University offers several bursaries and scholarships. For the latest information please visit the Fees and funding section of the website.
Postgraduate open evenings
Our postgraduate open events are a great opportunity to meet our postgraduate teaching staff and students, visit the University, find out about the courses we offer, bursaries and funding opportunities.
Find out more and book your place.
Any questions?
Course enquiries:
Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
Admissions enquiries:
AskNTU
Telephone: +44 (0)115 9418 418
"Before starting the postgraduate course I completed an undergraduate degree in law. I decided the law wasn't a career I wanted to pursue so I began working for a local lettings agent. While there, I became increasingly interested in surveying and the diverse opportunities available in the property sector.
"I chose Building Surveying because it seemed to match all of my interests perfectly. You're not stuck in an office everyday plus there is the opportunity to become chartered and you can earn some decent money! On top of that the role can be increasingly varied and, with RICS holding international prominence, the prospect of working abroad is an exciting option.
"I chose NTU because I've lived in Nottingham most of my life and I'm fully aware of the excellent reputation that the University carries, this was reaffirmed by many of my friends who had previously studied here. I attended a couple of open days and was instantly impressed with the facilities, the friendliness of the staff and the attitude of the current students. The whole place had a relaxed yet professional feel, making NTU an obvious choice.
"I heard about the course through the RICS website. I initially thought I would have to do another three-year undergraduate degree however I soon realised that NTU offered a one-year MSc course with the same RICS accreditation.
"I received a scholarship to study on the course… this meant that I got a reduction of £1000 off my course fees.
"The academics and facilities at NTU are… second-to-none, particularly the recently renovated Newton-Arkwright buildings. The academic staff are always there to help and there is a wealth of knowledge at your disposal.
"The highlight of the course has been the field-trip to Prague. Not only was it extremely valuable in terms of the number of different companies and professionals that came to talk to us about a host of key industry issues, it was also a great chance to explore a fantastic city with friends. The experience was a perfect demonstration of how NTU and the course operates; professionally but relaxed, which I feel is important when undertaking this level of study.
"The best thing about studying at NTU is the level of support available throughout. From academic help to careers advice, the University has scores of fantastic opportunities to aid your future employability. Most of the academic staff on the course possess many years of industry experience with numerous industry contacts that can prove invaluable when applying for graduate positions.
"The opportunity to be mentored by someone already in the industry has been an extremely positive experience and one that I would recommend to all future students. My mentor was able to give me valuable advice when making applications for jobs.
"My future plans begin with a graduate job at Faithful+Gould. I hope to one day spend some time working overseas before starting my own practice later down the line."
Read more student profiles
