Program Overview

MSc Commercial Building Surveying

About this course

All Commercial Building Surveying professionals will benefit from LJMU's RICS accredited Masters course, providing direct entry to the RICS APC training programme.

• Benefit from the internationally recognised research in our Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies (BEST) Research Institute
• Study on a course accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Select the part-time study option if you are already in employment
• Look forward to direct entrance on to the RICS APC professional training programme on graduation
• Network with industry professionals using our state-of-the-art learning technology

Designed as a conversion course for holders of non-cognate first degrees, this programme focuses on developing an awareness of technical, legal and management issues. You'll gain the professional and sound technical understanding required to operate successfully in a strategic business environment and you'll be able to specialise in a subject of your choice during your dissertation.

All course lecturers are dedicated to providing the best opportunities to develop your skillset. Staff come from a variety of backgrounds and have years of industry experience to pass on to you. They also carry out internationally recognised research into various aspects of the discipline.

Indeed it is this research and our extensive links with professional bodies and employers, that ensure all of our postgraduate degrees are industry-focused, globally relevant and at the forefront of knowledge development in this field.

Throughout the course you will have the support of a personal tutor to provide you with one-to-one guidance and advice. On graduation you will have the professional accreditation and networks, in addition to the skills and techniques, to progress quickly in this dynamic field.

Course modules

Core modules

• Research Methods (10 credits)
  • This module focuses on your critical understanding of the research process. In preparation for your research study, it also develops skills in research design, implementation and presentation. You will come to understand the differing techniques, strategies and methods used to undertake research in the built environment.
• Dissertation (60 credits)
  • This module develops and tests your ability to prepare a dissertation, based on the study of a subject related to your chosen discipline within the built environment. Dissertation preparation normally takes place after completion of the Postgraduate Diploma stage.
• Building Technology (20 credits)
  • This module enables you to understand and evaluate the principles and techniques used in the construction of buildings. You will gain a critical understanding of the properties and performance of building materials required and will come to appreciate the importance and complexity of building construction and technology. You will also investigate the decision making process involved in specifying the correct materials and integrating appropriate building services, in accordance with approved building regulations.
• Building Surveys and Dilapidations (20 credits)
  • This module introduces the students to building surveying practice and enables students to develop a critical understanding and application of property surveys and inspections. To negotiate dilapidation claims through the interrogation of commercial property leases.
• Sustainable Design Management (20 credits)
  • This module aims to develop a strategic appreciation and critical application of sustainable and inclusive design for the refurbishment of commercial buildings aligned with regulatory and client requirements.
• Building Management (10 credits)
  • This module will provide you the opportunity to examine the process of acquiring property, and the effective management and maintenance of commercial property holdings.
• Law for Surveyors (20 credits)
  • This module aims to enable the students to develop knowledge and understanding of the legal and professional environment within which surveying practitioners operate. To develop a critical appreciation of legal principles governing ownership and occupation of land and property.
• Collaborative BIM Project (20 credits)
  • The module is an opportunity for students to follow BIM protocols and practice in a collaborative multidisciplinary project team to achieve project success.

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching: You can expect to spend around 12 hours each week in lectures.
• Assessment: Assessment methods on this programme include: examinations, coursework (e.g. projects, technical reports, reviews), and presentations (individual and group).

Career paths

• LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
• When you graduate with an MSc in Commercial Building Surveying you will be eligible for direct entrance on to the RICS APC professional training programme which can then lead to full Chartered status. Our graduates usually progress to professional training programmes and roles within construction organisations, public and private businesses.

Tuition fees and funding

• Home: £9,840 (full-time per year)
• International: £18,250 (full-time per year)
• Scholarships: LJMU provides a variety of postgraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter.

Entry requirements

• Home: a minimum 2:2 honours degree or an equivalent professional qualification with appropriate work experience
• International: IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
• RPL is accepted on this programme

How to apply

• To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
• Applications from non-standard applicants are welcomed. In exceptional circumstances applications by mature healthcare practitioners without sufficient qualifications will be considered.