BSc Hons Quantity Surveying

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Northumbria University

Program Overview

This degree equips you with the skills to manage the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects, from initial estimates to final accounts. It’s ideal if you’re detail‑oriented, enjoy problem‑solving, and aspire to play a key role in delivering projects on time and within budget.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Level 4)
You’ll begin with foundational modules like Construction Economics, introducing you to cost planning and financial management in construction. Measurement and Estimating will teach you how to quantify materials and labour for accurate budgeting. Construction Technology covers the materials and methods used in building projects, providing a technical base for your surveying skills.

Year 2 (Level 5)
In the second year, you'll delve into Procurement and Contract Administration, learning about different procurement routes and how to manage contracts effectively. Building Pathology focuses on identifying and diagnosing defects in buildings, a crucial skill for any surveyor. Project Management introduces you to the principles of managing construction projects, including scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.

Final Year (Level 6)
Your final year includes advanced modules such as Advanced Construction Economics, where you'll apply economic principles to complex construction projects. Strategic Management covers the broader business aspects of construction, including leadership and strategic planning. The Dissertation module allows you to conduct independent research on a topic of your choice, demonstrating your ability to apply your learning to real‑world issues.

Focus areas

Cost Planning; Contract Administration; Procurement Methods; Building Pathology; Project Management; Strategic Management.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be proficient in cost estimation, contract management, procurement strategies, defect diagnosis, project planning, and strategic decision‑making in construction contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), meeting the standards required for graduate membership and progression towards chartered status.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Northumbria is ranked Top 15 in the UK for Construction, Surveying & Planning (Guardian University League Table, 2025).
The Architecture, Built Environment & Planning department is ranked 11th in the UK for research power in REF 2021.
Building Studies at Northumbria is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Teaching Quality & Student Experience (Times Good University Guide, 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Northumbria, the Quantity Surveying degree is designed to immerse you in real-world scenarios, ensuring that by the time you graduate, you're not just academically prepared but also industry-ready. Here's how:

Site Visits: Engage in regular excursions to various properties, allowing you to conduct surveys and assessments in real-world settings.
Advanced Surveying Technologies: Receive training in tools like BIM, drones, laser scanning, and thermal imagery to enhance your surveying capabilities.
Practical Workshops: Participate in sessions that focus on defect diagnosis, property refurbishment, and building performance evaluations.
Professional Development: Modules that prepare you for RICS membership and include mock interviews and CV workshops.
Collaborative Projects: Work on group assignments that simulate real-life surveying scenarios, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Field Study Trips: Join residential visits to major UK cities to compare surveying practices and broaden your industry perspective.

For a comprehensive list of facilities and resources available to Quantity Surveying students, please refer to the official university facilities page.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program often pursue roles such as:

Quantity Surveyor
Cost Manager
Project Estimator
Contract Administrator

What makes this degree valuable:

What the Degree Offers & Why It’s Valuable

University Services & Support
• Access to Careers and Employment Services throughout your studies, providing assistance with placements, CV workshops, and career guidance.
• Opportunities for a work placement during your degree, which can enhance employability and provide practical experience.
Accreditation & Long-Term Professional Value
• The program is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), a globally recognized professional body.
• Graduates are well-positioned to pursue RICS membership, enhancing career prospects and professional recognition.
Industry Partnerships & Projects
• Collaborations with industry partners ensure the curriculum is aligned with current industry standards and practices.
• Opportunities for real-world learning through projects and placements with construction firms and consultancies.
Salary & Employability Stats
• Graduates can expect competitive starting salaries, with potential for growth as they gain experience in the field.
• High employability rates, with many graduates securing roles within six months of graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying, you can consider advancing your studies through:

Master’s Degree: Pursue an MSc in Surveying (Quantity Surveying) to deepen your expertise and enhance career prospects.
Postgraduate Research: Engage in research opportunities to contribute to the development of the built environment sector.
Professional Development: Participate in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to stay updated with industry trends and maintain professional standards.