Program Overview

MSc Quantity Surveying

Course summary

This MSc accelerates recent graduates and career changers into quantity surveying. You’ll develop essential skills required in the construction industry, from financial management to procurement strategies. With industry accreditation, you’ll graduate ready to meet the high standards of professional bodies, unlocking career opportunities in both the public and private sectors worldwide.

How you learn

The MSc Quantity Surveying course blends academic knowledge with practical skills, preparing you for a career in both UK and global markets. You’ll engage with real-world construction challenges – developing problem-solving skills in financial management, contract administration and procurement strategies.

Active, problem-based learning underpins your studies, encouraging innovation and independent thinking. Lectures introduce key concepts, which are reinforced through interactive seminars, tutorials and group discussions. You’ll learn in a diverse cohort, benefiting from peer learning and international perspectives. Site visits provide direct industry insights, while interdisciplinary field trips help you understand the broader built environment.

A virtual learning environment enhances your studies with access to online resources, technical reports and industry-standard software – such as CostX and Bluebeam. You’ll develop critical skills in data analysis, teamwork and communication, culminating in an individual dissertation that sharpens your research and analytical abilities.

You learn through:

• interactive lectures, tutorials and seminars
• problem-based learning and industry projects
• site visits and field trips
• collaborative activities and interdisciplinary teamwork
• online learning tools and industry-standard software
• coursework, reports and case studies
• presentations
• a final dissertation

Key themes

During the course you’ll develop commercial expertise in cost control, procurement and contractual agreements. You’ll learn how to assess and manage project costs effectively, while exploring sustainable construction practices and international project management. You’ll also gain experience in using industry-standard software for cost estimation, Building Information Modelling (BIM), risk management and financial planning.

Course-level support

You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:

• access to student support advisers for personal, academic and career guidance
• one-to-one sessions, webinars and online resources from our Skills Centre to help with assignments
• networking opportunities with industry professionals and guest speakers
• career support, including CV advice, interview preparation and job search assistance

Applied learning

The MSc Quantity Surveying course emphasises practical learning, ensuring you gain industry-relevant experience and graduate with the skills to succeed in the construction sector.

Live projects

Throughout the course you’ll work on live projects that reflect real construction challenges. These projects develop problem-solving skills, teamwork and professional competencies, mirroring the demands of industry practice.

Field trips

Previous field trips have taken place in Shanghai, Toronto and Berlin, with assistance from international surveying firms.

Networking opportunities

Regular guest lectures, networking events and industry workshops help you connect with leading professionals in the field. These events provide career insights and potential job opportunities with major construction firms.

Recent graduates have secured roles at leading organisations such as Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), Gleeds, Turner & Townsend, Balfour Beatty, Arcadis, and Mott MacDonald. These industry links not only reflect the strength of the course but also create valuable networking opportunities for current students. Our strong relationships with these employers mean you’ll be regularly exposed to real-world insights and potential career pathways throughout your studies.

Modules

Compulsory modules

• Applied International Project
• Applied Research Methods And Dissertation
• Construction Law & Professional Context
• Economics And The Built Environment
• Financial Management And Cost Planning
• Measurement Of Construction Works
• Project Procurement And Contract Administration
• Sustainable Building Technology

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• chartered quantity surveying
• cost management
• commercial management
• contract administration
• project management
• estimating
• claims consultancy
• procurement management
• construction cost consultancy
• risk management

Graduates have secured roles with leading companies, including:

• Turner & Townsend
• Balfour Beatty
• Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)
• Arcadis
• Mott MacDonald
• Henry Boot
• Bowmer & Kirkland
• Faithful+Gould
• Sweco
• Cushman & Wakefield
• Gleeds

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Equipment and facilities

You’ll study in modern lecture theatres accommodating large groups, as well as seminar rooms and IT suites designed for interactive learning. Sheffield’s active construction sites provide valuable learning experiences through site visits.

Teaching is supported by audiovisual resources, recorded lectures and online materials accessible via Blackboard Ultra. Industry-standard software and specialist equipment help you develop essential technical skills.

Current resources include:

• Blackboard Ultra for online learning and recorded lectures
• 24/7 access to library resources
• CostX and Bluebeam software for cost estimation and project planning
• virtual reality equipment for immersive learning experiences
• 3D laser scanners for surveying and digital modelling
• IT suites with specialist software
• printing and digital design resources

This combination of industry-focused teaching, applied learning and state-of-the-art facilities ensures you’ll graduate ready for a successful career in quantity surveying.

Entry requirements

• Minimum 2:2 degree or equivalent in a recognised professional qualification at corporate membership level.
• We also consider applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and relevant work experience.
• You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam.
• If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.0 score with a minimum of 5.5 in all other skills or equivalent.

Fees and funding

• Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course.
• Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 for the course.
• Up to £12,858 is available in 2025/26 for home students on most masters courses.