Quantity Surveying - PgCert / PgDip / MSc
- Level: Postgraduate Taught
- Starting: September 2021, January 2022
- Study mode: Full Time, Part Time
- Location: City Centre
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
On our MSc Quantity Surveying degree, you will learn how to add value to projects through demonstrating excellent knowledge and skills in managing cost and information, advancing practices and procedures, and managing risk effectively.
What's covered in the course?
The Quantity Surveying course will develop your skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, business development, team collaboration, cost management and awareness of sustainability in the built environment. You will learn how to ensure construction projects are delivered to the satisfaction of the client and other construction professionals and influence a better future in the built environment.
You will develop knowledge and skills to meet the challenges presented by change and innovation in the sector.
The course provides opportunities for graduates from diverse backgrounds including students from the UK and international students, students with limited exposure to the built environment, as well as students looking for mid-career development in a quantity surveying specialist area.
The course is designed to challenge you to question your current thinking and practices in the face of a rapidly changing global construction industry, and develop your ability to be innovative and creative in solving unique problems.
It will encourage you to engage in life-long learning and become an independent professional learner through a range of modern interactive teaching.
Why Choose Us?
- Accredited course - Fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is seeking accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
- Preparation for industry - Successful completion of the course enables you to pursue professional membership of RICS.
- High graduate employability rate - 96% of our graduates find work or further study within six months (DLHE 2016/17). Our graduates have an average starting salary of £26,000 (DLHE 16/17).
- Strong industry Links - Our links help you make vital contacts and gain practical experience to back up theory.
- Multi-professional learning - Develop understanding of all aspects of this exciting industry in workshops with students from other built environment post-graduate courses.
- Specialised modules - We deliver the latest knowledge and skills in cost management and quantification including advanced whole life costing approaches, probabilistic risk modelling and BIM cost management.
- A well-established provider - The faculty has a reputation as the West Midlands' chief hub of knowledge, technology and skills-transfer into industry.
Virtual Open Event
Our next Postgraduate Virtual Open Event will take place on Wednesday 2 December from 3pm. Register to chat with our staff about your subject interest. Plus, we’ll have experts on hand to answer your questions about entry requirements and student support.
Book your place
This course is open to International students
Discover the School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- RMS
And in jobs such as:
- Junior Quantity Surveyor
Course Accreditations
Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
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A good UK honours degree at 2:2 or above/equivalent in surveying, construction, civil engineering, real estate or any other construction subject. |
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We will also consider other qualifications and suitable work based experience on an individual basis. You may be asked to attend a selection interview. |
Additional information for EU/International students
| Essential |
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Non-EU students need to demonstrate a good command of English. IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is needed before they can enrol in this programme. |
| Introduction course |
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If you do not have a Quantity Surveying degree or considerable experience in quantity surveying, there is an online introduction course based on self-directed learning available (at no charge) to prepare you for entry to this Master’s programme. You are required to complete this at your own pace as part of your application process. |
International Students
Don't meet our entry requirements? You could apply for courses at our International College.
- UK students
- International students
Award: PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £7,700 per year
- Part Time
- 20 months
- £3,900 per year
Award: PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £7,700 per year
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement*
- £8,500 per year
- Part Time
- 28 months
- £3,900 per year
Award: PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £13,200 per year
Award: PgCert / PgDip / MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement*
- £14,600 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
Professional Placement option*
The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course. All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
Personal statement
Students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.
Your postgraduate personal statement is going to shine a light on your personal experience, academic success, personal skills and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Your passion and motivations
Studying a postgraduate course usually means you want to specialise in something. So what’s driving you?
Why this course?
Show that you’ve researched the course offering. What is it about this particular course that appeals to you? Is it the lecturers? The modules? Etc.
What makes you a good postgraduate candidate?
Tutors want to know that you can handle postgraduate study, so show them how your undergraduate experiences or work life has equipped you for a more advanced level of study. Key areas to address are research and group work but this can vary depending on your chosen course.
Relevant academic or work experience
Add anything relevant that relates back to your chosen course and shows how your skills will contribute towards your learning. What extra-curricular activities have you taken part in? What awards have you won? What employment or voluntary experience do you have that has helped you develop transferable skills? How do these specifically relate to the course you are applying for?
You should also mention your future plans and how a postgraduate qualification fits in. Try to look beyond your postgraduate study – do you plan to jump straight into a specific career or follow your studies with a research degree? Lastly, use plain, professional English and, where possible, utilise the language of your chosen industry.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Additional costs
Specialist costs
£60
Students often choose to buy a laptop or tablet for use on campus (approx. £800), however there are PCs on campus and students can also borrow laptops. Students may need a smart phone or wireless device to participate in interactive class quizzes, etc. A list of all personal protection equipment (PPE) for labs and a basic toolkit, is provided by the School. Laboratory and workshop consumables are provided. All reports, etc. for assessment are submitted as electronic files except some of the Level 6 and 7 Project Reports for which printing and binding costs (up to 50 pages) will be borne by the students.
Placement costs
Students may have to contribute to the cost of optional social trips organised by Student Societies. The costs of compulsory industrial visits (if any) are paid by the School or by sponsorship secured from the Professional bodies (PSRBs). Students are expected to cover the costs of attending placement interviews and any additional travel/accommodation costs incurred to take up optional short term or sandwich placements.
Other costs
Costs for student-led projects will be paid by the School subject to approved business cases submitted by the students under the supervision of academic staff. Artefacts built for projects normally remain the property of the Department, but students may be offered the opportunity to purchase them for the cost of the materials used.
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible postgraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
Did you know that you will soon be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,906 for some courses and options?
Master's
The teaching for this course puts you at the centre of learning and teaching, with a particular focus on the reflective learner and the development of professional skills and applied research. The course team use lectures, seminars, workshops, action learning sets, group work, problem based activities, guest speakers, on-line learning via Moodle, a study trip and discussion forums to deliver learning.
Critical thinking is vital in Master’s study, and you are required to develop your own ideas and come up with solutions to problems based on solid evidence and logical analysis. You’ll also be expected to complete reading and assignments outside of class hours.
Part-time students attend lectures on a day-release basis, and share the modules with full-time students.
This course is accredited by:
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
The course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Successful completion of the course will lead to Professional Membership after the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC).
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
The Chartered Institute of Building is at the heart of a management career in construction. Its focus is on those entering and already in a management career in construction, by delivering qualifications and certifications that meet the needs of a changing industry. It works with members, employers, academia and governments across the globe to drive forward the science, practice and importance of management in construction.
Further Study
Funded PhD research opportunities are available in the school.
Enhancing your employability skills
Birmingham City University programmes aim to provide graduates with a set of attributes which prepare them for their future careers. The BCU Graduate:
- is professional and work ready
- is a creative problem solver
- is enterprising
- has a global outlook.
The University has introduced the Birmingham City University Graduate+ programme, which is an extra-curricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject based skills that you develop through your programme with broader employability skills and techniques that will enhance your employment options when you leave university.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
This course has a very strong international flavour in terms of teaching content and recruitment. The course considers UK construction practice as well as the shared and different practice around the globe in order to meet the demand of a globalised construction industry.
Existing students are from many different countries including India, China and Nigeria. The diversity of our students means that you can work with people from different cultural backgrounds, share your experience and understand construction project management from different perspectives.
This course has been successfully franchised to Hong Kong and Sri Lanka, and our international partners bring in invaluable project case studies.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our Facilities
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. We ensure that you are equipped to participate fully and possessed with the equipment needed to support your studies.
Computer Assisted Taking Off (CATO)
In offices today, much of the pen and paper approach to quantity surveying has been replaced by the use of specialised software systems. Here at Birmingham City University you will make use of commercial software as part of your assessment. Work is carried out in well-equipped and air-conditioned laboratories.
Computer Assisted Design (CAD)
You will be provided with the latest CAD software – free of charge – to enable you to acquire the skills you need in a modern design office.
Surveying equipment
Part of your learning activity will be hands-on, including carrying out survey work using a range of equipment, such as:
- Levels
- Theodolites
- Measuring tapes
A computer-generated virtual site
The use of a virtual building site will help you to appreciate the surroundings of a typical construction site and experience some of the challenges you will face in practice.
Surveying equipment
Part of your learning activity will be hands-on, including carrying out survey work using a range of equipment, such as levels, theodolites, measuring tapes.
Computer Assisted Design (CAD)
You will be provided with the latest CAD software – free of charge – to enable you to acquire the skills you need in a modern design office.
Our staff
Our academics have worked alongside small, medium and large companies and bring to the table expertise from within the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, ICT, environmental and health sectors.
Dr Franco Kai Tak Cheung
Associate Professor in Quantity Surveying
Franco Cheung joined Birmingham City University in 2016. Coming from a professional background as a quantity surveyor for a consultant and contractors specialising in cost planning, he developed his specialism in cost modelling and forecasting techniques through his PhD study.
Franco is an active researcher. His recent research studies are in the areas of risk analysis, building information modelling (BIM) and value co-creation. His research studies have been published in leading refereed journals in the field of construction management such as Building and Environment, Construction Management and Economics, and Automation in Construction.
He is keen to develop links with the industry through research studies. He has managed and contributed to a number of research studies including two recent projects funded by EPSRC and Innovate UK to develop integrated data model for low impact design and collaborative BIM platform for low impact schools. He is experienced in teaching a broad range of quantity surveying and commercial management subjects including cost planning, procurement, risk management, BIM cost management and project appraisal at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Dr Beck Collins
Senior Lecturer
Dr Beck Collins currently teaches across all undergraduate courses in the School of the Built Environment, as well as MSc Construction Project Management and MA Planning Built Environments.
Beck was awarded her PhD in “Local Projects for Sustainable Energy – Exploring the Nature of Success” in 2014, and is interested in local approaches to installing sustainable energy. This could be as social housing refurbishment projects, community renewable energy projects and so on. Beck is particularly interested in questions of governance, systems intervention, behaviour change and projects for change, that sustainable energy throws up.
Beck explores this both in her research and in practice – Beck has worked on local authority energy efficiency programmes and is also a volunteer Director of a Community Energy Company which is looking to install renewable energy in Birmingham.
Beck also brings all these research and practice based insights into the classroom, where she lectures on sustainability and research methods topics.
Dr Hong Xiao
Senior Lecturer
Hong obtained his BEng in Industrial and Civil Buildings in 1985, and MSc in Construction Management in 1988 from Hunan University, China. He lectured there until 1998. He came to Britain in 1998 as an academic visitor sponsored by the Chinese Government, and then began his PhD study at the University of Wolverhampton. His PhD research project was ‘A Comparative Study of Contractor Performance Based on Japanese, UK and US Construction Practice’, and he obtained his PhD in 2002.
On June 2003, Hong joined the Birmingham City University as a Research Assistant to conduct a DTI sponsored research project, ‘An approach to knowledge management for SMEs’. Upon the successful completion of the research project, he moved to a lecturing post and has been teaching and researching since.