| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This MSc/PgDip in Building Surveying equips students with a comprehensive understanding of building construction, maintenance, and sustainable use. The program prepares students for a career as a building surveyor, project manager, or design consultant and offers pathways for both those with and without a surveying background. With accreditation from RICS, CIOB, and CABE, graduates are highly employable in the building surveying and construction industries.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program is designed for individuals involved in the maintenance, refurbishment, alteration, and extension of existing buildings, or in project management and design for public bodies, commercial organizations, and professional practice firms. It caters to both those with an undergraduate surveying degree and those with a non-construction/surveying background. The program aims to equip students with the underpinnings of building construction, maintenance, and sustainable use.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of building construction, maintenance, and sustainable use.
- Develop practical skills in building surveying, including site visits, project management, and design.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to practice as a building surveyor.
- Prepare students for professional accreditation with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Outline:
Course Content:
The program covers a range of topics, including:
- Building Pathology: Diagnosis and remedial measures for building defects.
- Property and Building Law: Construction and property law as applied in the construction and property industries.
- Building Surveying Project: Techniques used to develop design schemes for new or refurbished buildings, from initial client brief to working drawings and statutory approvals.
- Use and Performance of Buildings: Technologies used to reduce carbon emissions from new and refurbished large buildings, examining energy use, costs, and carbon emissions.
- Property and Asset Management: Assessment and management of property assets, planned maintenance, statutory compliance, and disaster recovery.
- Dissertation (MSc Only): Independent research on a chosen topic, including research methods.
- Institutional and Legal Context for Property: Introduction to law and professional practice in the construction and property industries.
- Construction: Broad and critical perspective of building construction, assembly, performance requirements, and decision-making processes.
- Valuations and Surveying: Surveying and valuation knowledge and skills, including appraising buildings, building defects, planning, building control, legislation, building contracts, and valuation practice.
Optional Modules:
- Building Control: Control and enforcement of Building Regulations, associated legislation, technical documents, and alternative solutions.
Course Structure:
Full-time Mode:
- Semester 1: Valuation and Surveying, Property and Building Law, Construction, Property and Asset Management, Use and Performance of Buildings, Building Surveying Project, Building Pathology.
- Semester 2: Building Pathology, Institutional & Legal Context for Property, Option, Dissertation.
Part-time Mode:
- Year 1: Valuation and Surveying, Property & Building Law, Construction, Property & Asset Management, Institutional & Legal Context for Property.
- Year 2: Use and Performance of Buildings, Building Surveying Project, Building Pathology, Option, Dissertation.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Exams: Written examinations to assess theoretical knowledge.
- Assignments: Written assignments to demonstrate understanding and application of concepts.
- Presentations: Oral presentations to showcase research and communication skills.
- Case Studies: Analysis of real-world scenarios to apply knowledge and skills. However, common criteria include:
- Application: Applying knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
- Communication: Communicating ideas effectively in written and oral form.
- Research Skills (Dissertation): Conducting independent research and presenting findings in a scholarly manner.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Delivering theoretical knowledge and concepts.
- Seminars: Interactive discussions and group work to explore topics in depth.
- Workshops: Practical sessions to develop skills and apply knowledge.
- Case Studies: Analyzing real-world scenarios to apply knowledge and skills.
- Site Visits: Experiential learning through visits to construction sites and buildings.
- Guest Lectures: Insights from industry professionals and experts.
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced and qualified faculty members with expertise in building surveying, construction, and related fields.
Unique Approaches:
- Field Work: A major component of the program, providing students with real-world experience through construction projects and site visits.
- Guest Lectures: A series of guest lectures from industry professionals, providing insights into current trends and challenges.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the building surveying and construction industries, including:
- Building Surveyor: Assessing and managing building projects, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing expert advice.
- Project Manager: Planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction projects.
- Design Consultant: Providing design solutions for new and existing buildings.
- Property Manager: Managing and maintaining property assets.
- Asset Manager: Assessing and managing property assets for investment purposes.
- Construction Consultant: Providing expert advice on construction projects.
Opportunities:
Graduates can find employment in a range of organizations, including:
- Private Practice Firms: Small and large firms specializing in building surveying and related services.
- Local Authorities: Working on public sector projects and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Housing Associations: Managing and maintaining housing stock.
- Government Organizations: Working on infrastructure projects and policy development.
- Property and Construction Companies: Providing surveying and project management expertise.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are highly employable and often secure positions in senior management and business ownership roles.
Other:
- Accreditation: The MSc and PgDip are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Builders (CIOB), and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers.
- Scholarships: The Stuart A Johnson scholarship is available to new MSc Building Surveying students, offering a £4,000 waiver towards fees.
- History: London South Bank University has a long history of educating professionals for the building-related industries, dating back over 100 years.
- Industry Connections: The program has strong links with major real estate consultancies, property companies, contractors, cost consultants, and developers.
UK Tuition Fees: £14666.67 International Tuition Fees: £20666.67 Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases.
