Building Surveying BSc (Hons)

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Building and Land Measurement
Year: 1

This module develops some of the professional skills of a surveyor working in the Built Environment. The theory and principles of measured building surveying and site surveying are established to provide the student with the skills required in a practice based environment. Practical skills in the measurement of building and land are developed.

Introduction to the Built Environment
Year: 1

The module presents a wide-ranging overview of the impact of public & private development, statutory legislation, procurement, building design and construction on UK industry and society. It presents the background to the development of professional and industry norms and also challenges a number of orthodoxies.
Module study includes a review of the roles and responsibilities of property and construction professionals in a complex sector, as well as the nature of professionalism in an era of climate emergency.

Technology & Services 1
Year: 1

This module provides a general introduction to construction technology with specific emphasis on the sustainable construction of small-scale, low-rise buildings.

The module also introduces the factors that affect and systems that control the internal environment of domestic buildings.

Law, Governance and Society
Year: 1

This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of governance and the legal framework in contemporary society. Students examine the interrelationship between governance actors, the legal system and social policy for advancing sustainable development and improving social, economic and environmental well-being.

Digital Construction and Communication
Year: 1

The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.

Materials and structures
Year: 1

This module will provide students with a basic understanding of fundamental material science and a comprehensive understanding of the composition, microstructure, and engineering behaviour of materials used in construction applications. The module will also allow students to identify and describe the form and function of various structural elements, to understand the requirements for strength, stability and performance of structures and structural materials and gives an introduction to the design of structural elements.

Year two
Construction Technology 2
Year: 2

The module enhances the understanding of functions, principles and sustainable methods in the design and construction of buildings, and develops greater awareness of the role of building technology and its interactive nature. Teaching methods include lectures supported by tutorials and case studies.

Building Design
Year: 2

This module covers introductory design of sub-structures, super-structures, and their elements made from; timber, steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, and aims to develop an awareness of the design and production imperatives involved in practical construction situations.

Professional Practice
Year: 2

This module introduces the student to the role of Chartered Building Surveyors in the Property Cycle, together with the RICS Regulatory framework therein associated. It introduces building survey principles for residential and commercial buildings. It also introduces the student to legal issues and procedures associated with property ownership, occupation and disposal.

Built and Environmental Conservation
Year: 2

This module highlights the challenges that exist within the construction industry regarding environmental conservation and illustrates how these challenges can be met. Emphasis is placed on developing student awareness of how traditional building and construction activities need to be altered to respond to the new emerging sustainability and natural resource use agendas facing surveyors.

Building Surveying Project 2
Year: 2

This module will develop the students understanding and experience in the procedural and practical requirements of Project Development. It will allow the students, working in teams, to manage client expectations, realise their role within a professional team and manage the practical and other responsibilities involved in group project work. Students will gain experience in the design, surveying, technical & legislative facets of non- domestic renovation projects. The module will also provide an opportune time for students to relate to their own employability skills within a Building Surveying context.

Hygrothermal Building Performance
Year: 2

Heat, air and moisture transport and storage in buildings has the potential to impact significantly on the design performance of buildings and durability of building fabric as well as the comfort and wellbeing of the building occupants. This module will establish how the impacts develop in buildings and how these impacts can be assessed and evaluated.

Property and Construction Law
Year: 2

This module will consider the fundamental principles and rules of the law of real property. Specifically, the module will consider: the distinction between real & personal property; co-ownership; leases & business tenancies; licenses & estoppel; trespass & control of access to land; adverse possession; private planning & freehold covenants; easements & incorporeal hereditaments and mortgages.

Factors associated with the form and selection of contract in procuring building work

associated with property will be detailed.

Year three
Professional Practice - Building Surveying
Year: 3

This module provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to gain structured and professional work experience, in a work-based learning environment, as part of their planned programme of study. This experience allows students to develop, refine and reflect on their key personal and professional skills. The placement should significantly support the development of the student's employability skills, preparation for final year and enhance their employability journey.

Year four
Building Performance and Regulation
Year: 4

This module investigates the performance requirements of buildings, including environmental impacts and the technology required to ensure that the requirements are met.

The influence of building regulations and construction codes on the achievement of performance requirements is evaluated.

Research and Dissertation
Year: 4

The Research and Dissertation module provides the opportunity to explore in-depth an area of particular significance relating to the course of study. Students are responsible for collating information necessary for the selection and execution of the dissertation. They are required to critically evaluate the practicality, availability of reference material and access to individuals or records. Clear aims and objectives must be established, together with the methods to be used to attain these objectives. The dissertation is a mechanism that underwrites and supports analytical and evaluation skills, logical thought, and the ability to communicate effectively in terms of verbal and written material.

Conversion and Adaptation
Year: 4

This module will provide the student with theoretical and practical knowledge of the processes involved in the conversion and adaptation of the built environment. Building visits and case study analysis will review design strategies in conversion and refurbishment, conservation and adaptation of buildings, integration of services, use of materials and construction detailing.

Building Surveying Project 3
Year: 4

This module provides an opportunity for the building surveying student to utilise skills, techniques, knowledge and information drawn from other modules of both the building surveying and quantity surveying programmes and to apply these in a structured manner to the investigation and resolution of work based scenarios and related problems.

Financial Management and Economics
Year: 4

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the procedures and techniques used in the financial control and management of construction projects. It also explores the synergy between the economy and the construction industry and the implications on critical decision making with relation to design and cost planning of construction projects. There is a key focus on value engineering of projects to achieve best value design facilitated with modern design thinking with regards to building occupation and the whole life value of the project.

Building Assessment
Year: 4

This module will provide students with the practical knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in building analysis, repair and conservation of existing buildings of all types.