KA4027 - Professional Practice

What will I learn on this module?

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.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn this module through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical and I.T. based workshops, and presentations. Lectures will be used to reinforce and focus key issues, concepts, techniques, tools and topics, in effect acting as a framework for professional surveying practice. Seminars and workshops will get you engaged with practical activities related to lecture content. Lectures, seminars and workshops will be supported by elements of directed reading and tutor guided on-line activities via the University’s eLearning Portal (eLP)/ Blackboard. The subject matter lends itself to practical exercises and real life projects and you will therefore be able to apply the knowledge and skills obtained to the surveying practice. You will also be encouraged to conduct independent learning through self-study activities. The learning and teaching approaches adopted in this module will intend to commence the development of your ability to study independently and increase your capacity to be life-long learners.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will receive academic support on this module mainly via formative feedback provided by the tutors during the seminars and workshops. You will be encouraged to ask questions and to take part in discussions during the seminars and workshops allowing your tutors to provide formative feedback to you for the exercises carried out in these sessions. Your peers will also be encouraged to support you by taking part in the discussions. In addition, you will receive support through drop-in sessions and one to one meetings held outside of the designated teaching times. Further, the eLP/Blackboard offers remote access to a range of useful materials and aids for reinforcing your learning and also, virtual discussion boards to pose any questions related to the module. These virtual discussion boards allow your tutor to respond to the questions on the same discussion board facilitating your peers also to benefit from the discussions posted.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will be able to use building information modelling software as a way of digitally recording and describing existing buildings as per industry standards • MLO2: You will produce a response to a brief that requires application and integration of technical skills related to your chosen professional programme.

• MLO3:

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO3: You will demonstrate skills of modelling and using information, identifying solutions, demonstrating judgement and communicating findings.

• MLO4: You will develop teamwork, work planning and time management skills.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will develop an awareness of the professional ethics of your discipline and cultural values behind the future development of the built environment.

How will I be assessed?

Summative Assessment: Your knowledge and comprehension of this module will be assessed by two summative assessment components.

1. Presentation (50%): Working in groups, you will prepare BIM models for a specific building and present the models as a group. This assessment will develop skills in using industry standard building information modelling software and transferable skills in professional presentation. The groups will also be required to submit an electronic copy of the presentation via the eLP. This will assess MLO1, MLO3, MLO4 and MLO5.

2. Coursework (50%): Working on your own, you will prepare a 1500-word equivalent technical work based on the discipline-specific skills obtained such as communication of design information, quantity taking off and valuation. This will be an individual submission. This will assess MLO2, MLO3, and MLO5.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module aims to build your professional skills and knowledge in relation to your discipline. Central to this module is the development of skills in relation to how we represent buildings and related building information using building information modelling (BIM) and discipline-specific technical tasks. The module will help your understanding of the communication of buildings in a technology-rich environment and how to use the digital models and technical skills to fulfil the professional tasks of your surveying discipline. The module will allow you to work on a real life project scenario in preparation for the module assessment which is is based on BIM and discipline specific technical skills. The delivery of the module will be supported by elements of independent learning and online activities via the university’s eLearning Platform (eLP)/Blackboard. The knowledge and skills developed through this module will improve your technical surveying attributes alongside the inter-personal soft skills, significantly enhancing future employability.

Course info

UCAS Code K440

Credits 20

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

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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