Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 112 - 120 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): K240 (with placement year) / K4K2 (full-time)
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Four years full-time with placement year, three years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Sandwich
- Campus: City Campus
Introduction:
This industry-accredited course is designed for those who want to be at the heart of managing the construction procurement process.
Quantity surveyors are needed to manage the commercial aspects of construction and civil engineering projects, from the initial calculations to the final figures. Their role is to minimise costs and enhance value for money, delivering projects on time and to the required quality.
With sustainable construction methods and technology at the core of your learning, this course will help you develop a thorough understanding about all of the important parts of the construction management process — finances, cost planning and estimating, law, contract administration, architectural science, through to building engineering and measurement.
We also offer this course with a part-time study route and as a Degree Apprenticeship.
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Our course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). -
We're ranked Top 10 in the UK for Building graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times University Guide, 2023). -
96% of our BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commerical Management sandwich graduates are in a 'High Skilled' role 15 months after finishing their degrees (latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21). -
Gain vital skills and experience in the workplace by undertaking a one-year placement on our sandwich route. Previous students have spent their placements at companies such as AECOM, JN Bentley and Laing O'Rourke.
What you’ll study
Linking an understanding of the construction process with key numerical and cost-management skills, your modules will help you develop a cohesive understanding of the role of the quantity surveyor, alongside the relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
Fundamentals of Construction (40 credits)
- This module will introduce you to the domestic construction industry and the technology associated with it, looking at modern and sustainable forms of construction.
- You'll develop an understanding of building materials and their properties, studying a range of building components, elements and forms.
Introduction to Measurement and Cost (20 credits)
- This module will introduce and develop your understanding of measurement principles, and your ability to apply measurement skills.
- You'll develop an understanding of how construction costs occur, learn how to prepare estimates of these costs, and how to manage their occurrence during the construction process.
Architectural Science and Building Engineering Services (20 credits)
- This module will introduce you to the methods of providing comfortable internal thermal, visual and acoustic environments – the ways in which buildings are appropriately heated, cooled, quietened and illuminated.
- You'll study the basic principles underlying the operation and function of building engineering services: how buildings are provided with water supplies and concentrated energy, such as gas and electricity, and how waste and refuse are removed.
Professional Skills and Digital Technologies (20 credits)
- On this module, you’ll be introduced to the role of technology and data within the sustainable built environment. You will be introduced to the latest technologies and processes commonly used in practice.
- You’ll learn to recognise the role of technology in your studies, your future career and to enable your development as a professional.
Construction Industry Practice (20 credits)
- This module will introduce you to some of the important roles carried out by professionals in order to create the built environment.
- Focus will be on the structure of the industry, the professions within the industry and where you'll fit into it - forming construction teams, tendering for construction work, and health and safety within the industry.
- You’ll have the opportunity to identify your future role within the industry and develop your employability skills to achieve this.
Construction Technology (20 credits)
- This module will primarily focus on industrial and commercial buildings. The key aim is for you to understand modern and traditional building technologies.
- It will also consider international construction methods and materials. Sustainability is an intrinsic driver in all construction matters, and its consideration will be an overriding requirement in this module.
Sustainable Technology (20 credits)
- In this module you'll explore the techniques of sustainability used in building technology and environmental engineering.
- You'll also learn about providing internal environments within buildings using both active and passive control methods.
Measurement (20 credits)
- The ability to measure quantities is very important and much sought-after skill for a quantity surveyor. This module will cover the measurement of building works, building engineering services, and civil engineering works.
Contract Administration: Control and Finance (20 credits)
- Contract administration is the study of construction contracts and practice. Construction related contracts are widely used in the industry and play an important role in your working practices.
- This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of this area by studying key topics related to the administration of construction-related contracts, and applying the practices and procedures to industry-related scenarios.
- These topics are crucial to any construction-related project, and represent the fundamental building blocks of a relationship between a client and a contractor, and will form a daily part of a future professional career in construction.
Law (20 credits)
- This module will introduce you to the English Legal System, to help you understand how law is made, administered and enforced. You'll also study health and safety, negligence, occupier's liability, and other relevant construction-related legal topics.
- The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of legal duties and responsibilities. One particular theme is effective decision-making for construction professionals, and in particular manager's duties in employment and business law.
Cost Planning and Estimating (20 credits)
- This module aims to develop your understanding of how construction costs occur, your ability to prepare estimates of cost and to manage the occurrence of cost during the construction process.
- The ability to produce residual valuations, life-cycle costing and cost plans is very important as a quantity surveyor. This module will cover most of the pre-tender stage estimating techniques.
Sandwich placement year
In your third year, you'll have the opportunity to take a year-long, full-time placement. This year in industry will offer you hands-on experience, adding invaluable knowledge and skills to your CV. Many students return to their placement company after graduation, having developed a useful network of contacts within the industry.
Recent placement destinations have included VolkerFitzpatrick, Arcadis, RG Group, MACE, and many more. The majority of these roles come with a salary, with some students earning over £20,000 for their year.
Successful completion of the placement year leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice.
Study abroad
If you're studying on our sandwich route you can also opt to study abroad for a full academic year, or for a semester, during Year Three. This is an optional and additional period of study that complements your degree at NTU as an alternative to taking a work placement.
This is an exciting opportunity to experience a different national culture, teaching and learning styles and subjects in an international environment. The destination university must be a year abroad / exchange partner of NTU or member of a formally recognised scheme such as the International Student Exchange Programme (ISEP).
Our NTU Global and student mobility team will support you in finding the right opportunity from one of the many international partners available around the world.
Successful completion of a period of international study will earn you a standalone award – an International Study Certificate (minimum six weeks) or the International Study Diploma (minimum 36 weeks).
Quantity Surveying Project (40 credits)
- This module aims to integrate knowledge and skills derived from the study programme, through application to a specific project scenario. It draws on industry practice to provide an overview of the fundamental principles of the construction development and delivery process.
- You'll further develop your analytical, problem-solving and creative-thinking skills, and your ability to work both independently and in teams, with minimal reliance on close supervision, preparing you for your role in the construction industry.
Contract Practice (20 credits)
- Construction-related contracts are used widely in the industry, and play an increasingly important role in your everyday working practice.
- This module will develop your existing knowledge so that you're able to undertake contract practice duties, and give reasoned professional advice on matters relating to construction contracts.
- By drawing on relevant statute, case law and research, the module aims to allow you to develop a critical, rounded knowledge base of the key issues.
Project and Financial Management (20 credits)
- This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the UK and international construction industry, and the strategies which can be adopted by clients to successfully procure and manage construction projects.
- You'll develop the ability to interpret the particular needs of different client groups, to develop relevant procurement strategies, and to apply tools and techniques to support the implementation of those strategies - both procedural and financial.
Dissertation (40 credits)
- This module offers an opportunity to develop and utilise a range of research skills to produce a thesis based on a topic you have selected.
- Through intensive research and knowledge of appropriate theory, you'll develop an extended research dissertation, guided by your dissertation supervisor.
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
You'll spend approximately 10 hours per week in scheduled learning. This includes lectures, supported by smaller group sessions including seminars, tutorials, laboratory sessions, and workshops. You'll also be involved in self-directed project work with the support of NOW, our virtual learning environment.
Outside of timetabled sessions you'll need to undertake self-directed independent study. This will include preparing for lectures, researching, completing coursework, developing a portfolio, and directed reading to expand your knowledge.
Study trips
Field trips and study visits are an important part of your learning. Trips may include site visits to live projects and residential study trips. Where a trip is mandatory it will be aligned to your modules and inform project work, and the school will cover all substantive costs, including travel and accommodation.
Optional trips may also be organised which can provide additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. Optional trips may incur a cost to the student.
How will I be assessed?
You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework and exams. The coursework will make up the majority of your assessment and will consist of group and individual projects, reports, presentations, and essays. You'll receive feedback throughout each module.
Contact hours
| Year One | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 29% | Independent study | 71% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 26% | Independent study | 74% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |||
| Year Four | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 20% | Independent study | 80% |
Further information
100% of students studying BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Construction Management would recommend studying at NTU to others.
How you’re assessed
You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework and exams. The coursework will make up the majority of your assessment and will consist of group and individual projects, reports, presentations, and essays. You'll receive feedback throughout each module.
| Year One | Coursework | 92% | Written exams | 8% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Coursework | 82% | Written exams | 18% |
| Year Three | Optional placement year | |||
| Year Four | Coursework | 83% | Written exams | 17% |
Careers and employability
Our course is designed to prepare you to succeed in the construction industry. You'll graduate with desirable skills and knowledge, boosting your employment prospects. We ensure our courses continue to be focused on current industry practice, through regular consultation with employers in industry, professional bodies, and current students.
NTU is Top 10 in the UK for Building subjects (Complete University Guide 2024).
NTU is joint 2nd in the UK for the percentage of Construction, Surveying and Planning graduates in graduate-level jobs, further education or professional study within 15 months of graduating (Guardian University Guide, 2023).
Where do Quantity Surveying graduates from NTU work?
NTU has a strong construction and quantity surveying alumni community, with many graduates working in senior positions in leading national and international companies. Recent graduate destinations have included:
- Arcadis
- Balfour Beatty
- Gleeds
- Turner & Townsend
- Faithful + Gould
- Eurovia
- AECOM
- Wates Construction
- Mace Group.
- Siemens
- Morgan Sindall
Graduate roles have included: quantity surveyor, assistant quantity surveyor, assistant contract manager, graduate quantity surveyor, and commercial management trainee.
NTU is 1st for the number of UG students studying Architecture, building and planning (HESA, 2021/22).
What our accreditations mean for you
This degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE), and the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM). These accreditations represent seals of approval that the course delivers the highest standards of teaching, and signify the quality and relevance of the course content.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
The RICS accreditation enables you to progress to Chartered Surveyor status once you have completed your studies. To become a Chartered Surveyor, you'll need to complete at least two years of relevant professional work experience – the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). If you undertake a sandwich placement, this will normally count as the first year of your professional work experience (only for RICS), however at least 12 months of study must take place on a graduate training scheme. Find out more about how to complete your APC and become RICS qualified.
This course will prepare you for future employment in a number of the RICS APC pathways.
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
The CIOB accreditation ensures that successful students have a clear route to become full members of the CIOB (MCIOB). To become Chartered you must apply directly to the body, and demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience in key areas of occupational, managerial and professional competence through reviews and assessments.
As a Chartered member of CIOB, you will be part of the world's largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership, with nearly 50,000 members in more than 100 countries.
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
All students on a CABE accredited course can apply for free Student Membership, and after graduating can apply for Graduate Membership (Grad CABE). Graduate Membership is a developmental grade on the pathway to becoming a fully qualified Building Engineer.
CABE is an internationally recognised professional body. As a member, you'll show your peers, employers and the public that you are a competent and ethical professional who can be relied upon to strive for the highest possible standards.
Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia (BQSM)
Graduates from BQSM accredited courses are able to apply for registration with the BQSM. You'll be required to complete an assessment of professional competence as part of the application process to become a registered member.
Employability team
Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course.
Networking events are run throughout the year specifically for Construction students, such as our Property, Design and Construction fair.
Excellent placement opportunities
Students have the opportunity to apply for a year-long work placement. This will give you real, hands-on experience within the industry, opening up exciting opportunities for future employment. Our sandwich route offers this year-long placement option, with a total course length of four years.
NTU is 1st for the number of UG students studying Architecture, building and planning (HESA, 2021/22).
Where can I work?
Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management students typically gain placements at construction main contractors, civil engineering main contractors, house builders, construction consultancies, project management consultancies, and local authorities.
Recent placement destinations have included:
- Morgan Sindall
- Gleeds
- Volker Fitzpatrick
- J N Bentley
- Laing O'Rourke.
The majority of students from this course work as assistant quantity surveyors during their placement.
Professional qualification
Successful completion of the 36 weeks leads to an extra qualification – the Diploma in Professional Practice, which will further enhance your CV.
NTU Enterprise
You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.
Campus and facilities
Our Facilities
We have a vast range of specialist tools, software, workshops and other facilities to help students in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment create their very best work.
Your lectures and seminars will take place on our City Campus. You'll also benefit from dedicated lab spaces in the Maudslay building, including a hydraulics lab and a concrete testing lab.
IT resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the City site, with PCs providing access to Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage, and high-speed online printing services (with a free printing allowance for each student).
Books and library resources
In our modern library, you'll have access to an extensive and diverse range of books and periodicals that focus on specialist areas within the Built Environment. The library's OneSearch system provides access to all our electronic resources, journals and books.
Within the library there is a liaison librarian who has specialist subject knowledge. They can offer detailed help in finding and using print and electronic resources and also support on things such as Harvard referencing and research skills.
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
- Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
- Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
What are we looking for?
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent).
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, that’s why we’re here to help. Take a look at our fees and funding pages for lots of handy advice and guidance.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
You’ll need to cover the cost of your own books, standard drawing and writing equipment and consumables. However, our City Campus library is home to four floors of books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! Our library team work closely with our academics to ensure that our library collection closely matches the topics you’ll be studying.
Printing and materials costs
Students should budget approximately £100 per year to cover any printing that they may require to support their studies. A drawing board and geometry sets are also recommended (estimate cost £70).
Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies
As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.
What you’ll receive
- All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
- Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
- Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
Tuition fees for September 2024 entry
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Additional costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our modern library, industry-standard workshops and study spaces, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
You’ll need to cover the cost of your own books, standard drawing and writing equipment and consumables. However, our City Campus library is home to four floors of books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! Our library team work closely with our academics to ensure that our library collection closely matches the topics you’ll be studying, to provide relevant resources for you to use, free of charge.
Printing and materials costs
Students should also budget approximately £100 per year to cover any printing that they may require to support their studies. A drawing board and geometry sets are also recommended (estimate cost £70).
Our Students’ Union shop and Bonington art shop are great places to pick up drawing and writing equipment at reasonable prices and are located right in the centre of our City Campus.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Our Building Blocks financial package: supporting you throughout your studies
As a student at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment, you’ll also benefit from our Building Blocks financial package, which aims to help minimise the additional costs of study, while you’re here at NTU.
What you’ll receive
- All of the materials needed for induction workshops and activities, working within our workshops and laboratories.
- Free personal protective equipment (PPE), which usually includes hard-wearing boots, goggles and high-vis vests, to keep you safe on site visits and while working in our workshops.
- Access to the free professional body accreditation, as appropriate for your course.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS.
As part of your application, you’ll submit a personal statement. Tell us about your ambitions, skills and experience. You have 4,000 characters to impress us – here’s how to make your words count.
Keeping up to date
After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.
You can apply for this course through UCAS.
If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU Applicant Portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.