Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (part-time) BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: 5 years
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
-
Entry Requirements:
More information
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 as a full-time study route and as a Degree Apprenticeship.
-
This 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). -
NTU is joint 2nd for the percentage of Construction, Surveying and Planning graduates in graduate-level jobs or further study within 15 months of completing their degrees (Guardian University Guide, 2023). -
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.
Year One
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.
Practice in the Workplace (40 credits)
- This module allows you to learn from the work environment. It is designed so that you can acquire an appreciation of the structure of the construction industry and understand the role of construction professionals within the construction industry.
- You will also develop appropriate key skills and competencies in maths, IT and professional communication.
Year Two
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.
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.
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 will 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.
Year Three
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.
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.
Sustainable Technology with Environmental Control (20 credits)
- In this module you will explore the techniques of sustainability used in building technology and environmental engineering.
- You will also learn about providing internal environments within buildings using both active and passive control methods.
Year Four
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 will 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.
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 will 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.
Final Year
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.
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?
The part-time study route is taught one day a week, and where possible part-time students are taught alongside full-time students on the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management course. Your typical day will run from 9 am through to about 7.30 pm, and normally three different subject areas are taught on each day.
The course is organised into structured modules and is delivered through lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminar groups, site visits, laboratory sessions, and individual and group projects. As this course is taught on a part-time day release basis, no formal placement is provided by the University. The delivery of the course is enhanced by the incorporation of guest lectures delivered by external practitioner experts, extensive use of case studies and projects (some set by real companies).
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 substantive costs – including travel and accommodation – will be paid for by the school. Optional trips may also be organised which can provide additional opportunities to enhance your knowledge and experience. These optional trips may incur a cost.
Contact hours
| Year 1 | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 20% | Independent study | 80% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 26% | Independent study | 74% |
| Year 3 | Optional placement year | 26% | Independent study | 74% |
| Year 4 | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 26% | Independent study | 74% |
| Year 5 | Lectures/seminars/workshops | 17% | Independent study | 83% |
How you’re assessed
You will 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 will receive feedback throughout each module.
| Year One | Coursework | 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year Two | Coursework | 83% | Written exams | 17% |
| Year Three | Coursework | 83% | Written exams | 17% |
| Year Four | Coursework | 83% | Written exams | 17% |
| Year Five | Coursework | 83% | Written exams | 17% |
Careers and employability
Your future professional career
Completing this degree will start you on the path to a professional career as a Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager in the dynamic and varied construction industry. We ensure our courses continue to be focused on current industry practice, through regular consultation with employers in the industry, professional bodies, and current students.
As a part-time student in employment, you'll split your time between University and your workplace. You'll be able to apply your learning directly to your work throughout your studies and develop a comprehensive knowledge of construction principles and processes in practice. By the time you graduate, you'll have accumulated up to five years' worth of industry experience, alongside a highly regarded degree - putting you in a very competitive position to progress.
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).
NTU is Top 10 in the UK for Building subjects (Complete University Guide 2024).
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
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). 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, skill 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. Our Employability team runs a series of events throughout the year specifically for Construction students, including our Property, Design and Construction fair, bringing our students together with prospective employers.
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
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.
Take a look at the industry-standard facilities we have at the School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment.
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 will 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
For all applicants:
- GCSEs – English and Maths grade C/4.
- Relevant employment in the construction industry including a letter from your employer.
For entry at Year One
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
For advanced entry:
- A merit profile from all H2 units in a relevant HNC or HND is required, along with current employment in the construction industry.
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 Two. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Contextual offers
As well as assessing your application and qualifications, we use contextual data and information to make offers for this course. Depending on your circumstances, we may make you an offer up to two grades below the standard entry criteria. Find out how we assess your application.
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions and Enquiries Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Fees and funding
As a part-time student you can apply for a loan to cover your tuition fees – visit our funding page for further information.
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, 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.
- £20 pre-paid printing allowance for use at the NTU Print Shops, and library photocopiers. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
How to apply
How to apply
Applications to this course can be made through our NTU Applicant Portal - click on the Apply button at the top of the page to be taken straight through to the Portal. Candidates are not required to attend an interview for this course.
Application deadline
Applications for the part-time course can be submitted up until the start of the course in October. Places are subject to availability and therefore we would advise early application.
Non-standard applicants
We welcome applications from students who may not meet the entry criteria but hold relevant work experience. We will assess applicants of this nature on an individual basis. Non-standard applicants can submit their applications through the NTU Application Portal too.