Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
On the Quantity Surveying BSc course at Northumbria you will learn to cost building designs, manage the procurement of resources and negotiate effectively with partners. Learning outcomes are aligned with the professional requirements of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to ensure you graduate with the practical, analytical, creative skills and problem-solving abilities to progress to the next level.
Working alongside other professionals, they manage the financial and legal aspects of building projects from initial estimate to final calculation.
For over 40 years, our relationship with RICS has meant strong links with the construction and property industry and an opportunity to spend a year in paid employment, means this well-respected undergraduate degree provides a strong foundation for a career in quantity surveying.
See other similar courses you may be interested in: Building Surveying BSc (Hons), Construction Management BSc (Hons) or Real Estate BSc (Hons).
UCAS Code
K240
Level of Study
Undergraduate
Mode of Study
3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department
Architecture and Built Environment
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2025
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Find out about the what it's like to study Quantity Surveying at Northumbria.
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112 UCAS Tariff points
From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.
Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator
Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our University regardless of personal circumstances or background. To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo
Subject Requirements:
There are no specific subject requirements for this course.
GCSE Requirements:
Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.
Additional Requirements:
There are no additional requirements for this course.
International Qualifications:
We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.
If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English Language Requirements:
International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
UK Fee in Year 1: £9,535
* The University may increase fees for subsequent years of study at our discretion in line with any inflationary uplift as decided by the UK Government up to the maximum amount for fees permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year. To give students an indication of the likely scale of any future increase, the UK government has recently suggested that increases may be linked to RPIX ( Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments)
International Fee in Year 1:
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Occasional field trips and site visits are offered at a maximum cost of £100. Attendance is not compulsory in order to pass the course.
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
KA4001 -
The Evolution of the Built Environment (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn about how buildings evolved from antiquity to the modern age, with the intent of your being able to identify differing architectural and constructional styles. Supporting this, you will learn to identify how key developments in materials and technologies led to new ideas on construction and planning for urban living. You will also learn about the surveying professions that work within and look after the built environment, and how you can use academic skills to communicate your ideas and responses within various individual and group assessments, and support your own learning, essential to your success at university.
To facilitate this, the module will create a platform for you to learn some important academic, study and professional skills in relation to your degree programme.. You will learn how to undertake academic work and be able to assess your own and others’ role, responsibilities and contribution via reflective practice.
You will study a range of topics to support the above including:
The history of the built environment
The roles of different Built Environment professionals, including introductory presentations from different professionals and practitioners.
An introduction to academic, study and professional skills.
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific programme. The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The academic content and skills development within the module is aimed at developing you both in terms of your current and future career aspiration.
KA4014 -
Development and Construction Economics (Core,20 Credits)
The demand for construction and property is generated from the global, national and regional economy. In this module you will learn how the surveyor works within the economic environment to provide the good and services demanded by society. You will learn about the basic and fundamental economic concepts such as demand and supply theory, market mechanism and macroeconomic objectives in order to develop an understanding of economic theory as applied to the construction industry and property. These fundamentals will be developed to help you understand money supply, the concept of risk and return and investment finance. Practical exercises will help you understand the components of value in property, property development and the construction process. You will learn about the role, key activities and the basic skills of the surveying and construction professions in different stages of the development and construction process with introductions to the key functions, professional practice techniques and concepts that are commonly deployed within the built environment such as property valuation, cost estimating and property procurement methods.
More informationKA4015 -
Construction Technology (Core,20 Credits)
This module seeks to provide you with a fundamental understanding of how construction and structural technologies can be employed to address key principles of building, and to satisfy performance and regulatory requirements. You will also be introduced to the aesthetic, environmental, economic and legislative factors that influence the choice of technologies in the construction industry. In particular, you will develop an understanding of the following aspects of technologies for small-scale buildings:
- the construction team and their specific roles in technological decisions
- structural principles
- foundations and groundworks
- principles of enclosure
- principles of environmental control
- building envelope as a climatic modifier
- daylight and lighting need; room conditions and sound transfer
- air transfer mechanisms
- alternative sources of energy
-principles of heat loss
- material properties and choices
- external wall construction methods
- internal walls floors and stairs
- fixtures, fittings and furniture
- principles of sustainability and the impact of construction on the built and natural environments
- health and safety in the construction and use of buildings
- building regulations and associated legislation
- communications and graphical standards in construction technology
KA4016 -
Law for Surveyors (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn about the key areas of law, which are relevant to the surveying profession, and also start to develop professional skills. Topics include:
• Introduction to the English Legal System and how the law affects the work of surveyors
• Sources of law, reviewing a case, interpreting legislation, legal research and problem solving techniques
• Contract Law
• Land law; land ownership, land registration, public and private rights affecting land and adverse possession.
• The sale of land; overview of the conveyancing process, different methods of sale including auctions and tenders.
• Tort : Negligence, Professional Negligence, Occupiers' liability, nuisance and Trespass.
• Landlord and Tenant Law; reading a lease, key lease obligations and remedies for breach of covenant.
KA4026 -
Property Surveying (Core,20 Credits)
This module is designed as part of a package of first year modules to provide you with the key skills and knowledge to embark on a programme of study leading to professional qualification as a chartered surveyor. The module will draw on and supplement the module on Construction Technology.
The module will be introduced by exercises to identify the characteristics of property matching them to occupier demands. You will learn and experience land and building surveying and measurement, instructed in the use of surveying equipment and be able to apply these techniques in real building surveys. In addition you will learn how to analyse building defects and specify and supervise their remediation, in the context of the contractual obligations imposed in property purchase and leasing transactions.
It is essential that the property professions make a contribution in combating climate change and as such you will be taught a range of low carbon design and construction philosophies and the application of renewable energy technologies. Property refurbishment and enhancement can also make a substantial contribution to minimising the environmental impact of property occupation, you will apply the techniques taught to the refurbishment of a range properties.
KA4027 -
Professional Practice (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn how to use BIM software as a way of recording and communicating proposed and existing buildings and develop practical and technical surveying skills in extracting and/or communicating buildings and assets. You will learn how to work as part of a team to produce solutions to a project related problem/ scenario, to work to tight deadlines and presentation skills for surveyors. You will be able to assess your own and others’ role, responsibilities and contribution in completing a task.
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired form part of the broader contextual framework for the study of your discipline specific programme. The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. The academic content and skills development within the module are aimed at developing you both in terms of your current and future career aspirations.
KA5041 -
Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
KA5003 -
Advanced Construction Technology (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn the principles and practical application of building technology used for design and construction of complex and multi-storey buildings. This will include advanced construction techniques and materials that emphasise the repetitive nature of large-scale construction projects, associated aesthetics and building user-related considerations.
You will learn how to work both individually and as part of a team to produce technical reports for real building projects. On completion of the module, your improved ability to link theory, with appraisal and evaluation will serve to enhance your future employability.
KA5010 -
Construction Law (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn to apply basic principles of the English Law to the administration of construction contracts, the day to day control of contractual procedures and the recognition and avoidance/resolution of disputes should they arise.. The module includes a study of the relevant legislation and case law relating to express provisions of the most common Standard Forms of Construction Contract. You will also study the detailed workings of various aspects of construction dispute resolution, including Adjudication, Arbitration, Mediation and Litigation.
Key topics include;
• Comparison of Standard Forms
• Letters of Intent
• Retention of Title
• Payment Issues
• Occupiers Liability
• • Legal Issues and BIM• Dispute avoidance and resolution
• The role of a surveyor as an Expert
• Professional Liability and Ethics
KA5012 -
Construction Economics (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn the consultant Quantity Surveyor’s role in the development process. You will learn preparation of cost estimates using preliminary estimating techniques, order of cost estimate and cost plan. Further, you will explore how to conduct cost checking integration of contemporary software packages compatible with BIM technology and tools. Moreover, you will discover programming of construction work, management of risk in programming of work and modern software packages in construction programming.
You will study a range of topics in this module:
• Preliminary Estimating
• Order of Cost Estimating
• Cost Planning
• Cost Modelling
• Building Morphology
• Building Information Modelling and 5D BIM
• Risk Management (Programming)
• Programming of Construction Work
KA5013 -
Measurement (Core,20 Credits)
You will develop core skills and understanding of the quantification of complex construction works and of building services and the relationship that these skills have with the establishment of cost models. You will be supported with worked and practice examples of measurement work and the application of the New Rules of Measurement. You will also develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data and communication skills using accepted industry terminology. Topics will include:
• Basic measurement technique [recapitulation] involving the introduction of computerised measurement software
• The information structure of the New Rules of Measurement
• Complex substructures
• Framed structures
• Drainage
• Building services cost modelling
KA5032 -
Contract Administration and Procedure (Core,20 Credits)
The aim of this module is to build upon and ultimately practice the QS skills introduced to you at level 4. The common theme of the module will be to develop an understanding of the consultant’s (Quantity Surveyor) role in managing or administering the contract between the client (employer) and the contractor on construction projects. You will be able to undertake (i) pre-contract activities including deciding on the type of procurement route and building contract and examination of priced tender documents and selection of contractors/consultants; and (ii) both agency and decision-making functions following commencement of a construction project. You will be able to apply and develop skills through a range of seminar activities and online tasks which will provide verbal and written formative feedback in preparation for summative assessments. You will learn to carry out a range of standard contract administrative procedures. The summative assessment will comprise a coursework at the end of the semester.
More informationKA5040 -
Business and Professional Development (Core,20 Credits)
This module will teach you about the surveying profession, the governing bodies and give you an understanding of the skill set required to succeed within the profession to allow you to consider the direction of your future career. You will learn how to develop your professional CV and how to conduct yourself within an employment interview through a mock interview. You will also look at the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence in order to understand the process to become a Chartered Surveyor to be able to start planning a learning strategy.
More informationKA5041 -
Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
KA5044 -
Work Placement Year (Optional,120 Credits)
This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment to provide you with the option to take a one year work placement as part of your programme.
You will be able to apply and evaluate placement experience to develop and enhance appropriate areas of your knowledge and understanding, your intellectual and professional skills, and your personal value attributes, relevant to your programme of study, as well as to accreditation bodies (e.g RICS, CIOB, RIBA) within appropriate working environments. Due to its overall positive impact on employability, degree classification and graduate starting salaries, the University strongly encourages you to pursue a work placement as part of your degree programme.
This module is a Pass/Fail module so does not contribute to the classification of your degree. When taken and passed, however, the Placement Year is recognised both in your transcript as a 120 credit Work Placement Module and on your degree certificate.
Your placement period will normally be full-time and must total a minimum of 40 weeks. This may comprise more than one placement, where appropriate.
KA5045 -
Study abroad year (Optional,120 Credits)
This module is designed for all standard full-time undergraduate programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Environment and provides you with the option to study abroad for one full year as part of your programme.
This is a 120 credit module which is available between Levels 5 and 6. You will undertake a year of study abroad at an approved partner University where you will have access to modules from your discipline, but taught in a different learning culture. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your overall experience of learning. The structure of study will be dependent on the partner and will be recorded for an individual student on the learning agreement signed by the host University, the student, and the home University (Northumbria).
Your study abroad year will be assessed on a pass/fail basis. It will not count towards your final degree classification but, it is recognised in your transcript as a 120 credit Study Abroad module and on your degree certificate in the format – “Degree title (with Study Abroad Year)”.
KA5041 -
Academic Language Skills for Architecture and Built Environment (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.
The topics you will cover on the module include:
• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.
KA6004 -
Advanced Construction Economics (Core,20 Credits)
You will learn how to apply economic theory and concepts in evaluating large scale public, private and commercial sector development and construction projects. The module will build upon your knowledge on basic economic concepts learned at level 4 and project economic evaluation and estimating knowledge acquired at level 5.
You will study a range of topics that will enable you to achieve this:
• Economic theory and concepts applicable to property development
• Development appraisal of private sector development projects,
• Economic evaluations of large scale development projects such as infrastructure using Cost Benefit Analysis,
• Evaluating commercial development project on a cradle to grave basis using Whole Life Costing concepts.
• Application of the whole life concept in private sector led investment projects and concept of Public Private Partnerships and latest developments in private financing of large scale development projects.
• Sustainability as a universally accepted fundamental concept is evaluated in large scale development projects applying the concepts of Economic Sustainability & Carbon Management, and Building Resilience in the construction projects.
• Role of ICT and e-Business enabling technologies in the construction industry and its application in economic evaluation techniques and development of the commercial viability of construction firms.
On completion of this module the knowledge and understanding acquired forms part of the broader contextual framework for the study of quantity surveying.
You will develop, throughout this module, academic and professional skills relating to the use and evaluation of data; effective communication; self-direction and personal responsibility; and the role of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility within businesses.
KA6005 -
Advanced Measurement (Core,20 Credits)
You will be introduced to advanced concepts in the quantification of building and civil engineering works and the development of detailed cost models. You will be provided with worked and practice-based examples of measurement work and the application of building and civil engineering rules of measurement. You will also develop throughout this module numeracy skills relating to the use and evaluation of data and communication skills using accepted industry terminology. Example topics include:
• Basic measurement technique [recapitulation]
• The information structures of NRM2 and CESMM4
• Earthworks
• In situ concrete works
• Piling works
• Pipework
KA6032 -
Surveying Dissertation (Core,40 Credits)
This module is designed to support you in independently pursuing an original piece of research on a built environment topic of your own choice and aims to provide you with an opportunity to design and conduct a substantive piece of investigative work that is directly related to your programme of study. You will draw upon and develop your independent research skills to answer a research question or test a hypothesis of your choosing. You will assemble and review relevant scholarly literature and data and to present a cogent, reasoned and objective critique of published scholarly work on your chosen topic, in order to define a precisely focus for your research.
You will develop expertise to achieve the following:
• identify an appropriate research topic
• critically review relevant academic literature;
• formulate research questions/hypotheses and appropriate methods of inquiry;
• collect your own data and/or using existing datasets and literature
• analyse and interpret your results using appropriate quantitative, statistical and/or qualitative techniques,
• relate your findings to existing and up-to-date literature and theory;
• objectively appraise the ethical considerations of conducting research; and
• independently manage and implement your own research project.
KA6034 -
Project Management (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn the concept of construction projects and related activity within the changing nature of the construction industry and Quantity Surveying. You will explore how the processes of the industry are managed within constraints imposed by the environment. In particular, core industry concepts which key to professional development and employability will be explored to provide with sound preparation for career development. Further, you will explore management of project using contemporary software packages compatible with BIM technology and tools.
You will study a range of topics in this module:
• Project Risk Management
• Value Engineering and Management
• Offsite Manufacturing
• Lean Construction
• Management of Project Using BIM
• Supply Chain Management
• Collaborative Working in Construction
• Health and Safety
• Soft Landings
• Facilities Management
KA6041 -
Contractual and Financial Management (Core,20 Credits)
In this module you will learn a range of key issues related to the strategic management of both contracting and consultancy organisations. You will also explore the requirement for consultants and commercial quantity surveyors to comply with basic accountancy processes and understand key issues such as cash flow and sources of finance. You will develop an understanding of the Quantity Surveyor’s role in the administration of a construction business from the contractor’s or commercial manager’s perspective. You will develop the ability to formulate tender estimates as well as understanding the processes inherent in managing construction business operations.
You will study a range of topics in this module:
• Corporate Strategy
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Estimating for Tendering
• Accounts including sources of finance and cash flow
• Budgeting (Organisation wide)
• Enterprise Risk
• Benchmarking
• Cost Value Reconciliation
• Quality Planning and Management
• Earned Value Management
• Delays and Delay Analysis
• Construction Claims Management
To start your application, simply select the month you would like to start your course.
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