BSc Construction Management and Surveying

With BSc Construction Management and Surveying you will develop a thorough knowledge of technical and managerial issues within the construction sector and open up a wide range of alternative career paths.

This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in a management position within the construction sector. You will benefit from the Department’s strong links with industry and with the surveying professions. Additionally, the degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and by the Chartered Institute of Building. (Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of courses accredited by CIOB and RICS satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS.)

100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning) and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning).

As with all of our surveying and construction courses, the programme structure provides an opportunity to explore a range of construction-related disciplines prior to specialising in the final year. You will be able to transfer onto other programmes such as BSc Quantity Surveying at the end of your second year if you wish to do so. This programme will equip you with a broad knowledge of construction and surveying, and will prepare you for a wide range of roles. A particular emphasis is placed on transferable skills and University of Reading graduates are renowned for rapid progression to senior management positions in a variety of firms within the construction sector.

You will study in an internationally-renowned department with strong industry links and an outstanding employability rating. Many members of staff within the School are active in research and consultancy. This ensures that the course reflects not only the very best of current practice, but also the latest developments in areas such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and sustainability.

Your first two years are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disciplines which underpin construction management and the surveying professions. This will include subjects such as economics, law, and building technology. Recurring themes throughout the course include the application of digital technologies, sustainability and internationalisation. There is an especially strong focus on project work and on interdisciplinary collaboration. For example, during your second year, you may work with a real client to plan a live construction project overseas. Furthermore, we place a strong focus on employability and you will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals throughout the course.

You will also be encouraged to take up a placement over the summer between your second and final years, for which you will gain credits that contribute towards your degree. Additionally, there is the option to spend a year in industry, in the UK or abroad. (Placements and study abroad opportunities are subject to availability and eligibility guidelines.)

The final year of the BSc Construction Management and Surveying course introduces you to the latest thinking in management technology and provides the opportunity to specialise. You will also complete a dissertation on a research topic of your choice and a built environment project, in which you will prepare an environmental impact assessment for a building project. Additionally you can explore areas of interest through optional modules on subjects such as green innovation, historic built environments, construction contract law, and modern languages.

94% of students in the School of Construction Management and Engineering said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023).

Placements

Between your second and final year you can carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting a year or a shorter period. This experience not only provides you with an insight into industry, but is also a valuable opportunity to get to know a range of industry professionals.

Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and sometimes take place abroad in in locations such as the USA, the Far East or the Caribbean. Firms offering places to our students in the past include AECOM, Kier Group, MACE, Morgan Sindall, Taylor Woodrow, and Vinci.

You will be given advice and support in finding the ideal placement, writing a CV and interview skills, by our dedicated placements officer. (Placements and study abroad opportunities are subject to availability and eligibility guidelines.)

Scholarships

As part of the cohort joining the BSc Construction Management and Surveying course in 2024, you will have the opportunity to secure an annual £1,000 scholarship for each of the three years of the undergraduate degree (subject to conditions).

For more information, please visit the School of Construction Management and Engineering's website.

Overview

94% of students in the School of Construction Management and Engineering said our teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2023).

Placements

Scholarships

For more information, please visit the School of Construction Management and Engineering's website.

Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BBB

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall

BTEC National Diploma

DDM

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Compulsory modules

Construction Science

Learn the fundamental concepts of construction science. You’ll examine the physical properties and mechanics of construction materials, and the physical principles of heat transfer and heat loss, fluid flow, light, sound, acoustics, and electricity.

Information and Communication

Learn the importance of information representation and communication in the construction of building projects, and gain practical skills to support your studies. You’ll learn tools and methods to visually communicate project-related information, and current approaches to digital and building information modelling through hands-on work with relevant software applications.

Construction Technology

Develop knowledge and understanding of the various materials, technologies and systems employed in the construction of low-rise buildings, with a particular focus on the associated decision-making processes.

Introduction to Economics and Law

Gain an understanding of the economic and financial context of the development and construction of built facilities. You’ll learn basic economic techniques related to the estimating and cost planning of a proposed project, including financial management from strategic definition and concept, through the design and production stage, to completion and occupancy.

Empirical Studies and Site Engineering

Learn the principles of construction engineering methods, experimental design, measurement and technical report writing. You’ll link this theoretical knowledge to physical applications, and learn to evaluate the strengths and limitations of knowledge that’s generated empirically.

Introduction to Management and Projects

Explore key management and strategy approaches, challenges that construction and engineering firms face in a dynamic global context, and the need for effective team performance and the upholding of professional standards of conduct. You’ll develop your collaborative and analytical skills through teamwork and problem-solving.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Management of Construction Projects 1

Develop your analytical skills by examining various aspects of construction project management. You’ll learn and assess existing management techniques, focusing on time, cost, quality, resources, risk, logistics and health and safety.

Building Environment Systems and Technology

Develop insight into the environmental design, technologies and environmental performance of complex buildings. You’ll also learn about key concepts related to building construction technologies and building passive and active environmental systems.

Projects and Digitalisation

Gain hands-on experience in project-based practice, and develop your understanding of different professional roles and practices through role-play. You’ll work in teams to propose sustainable design and construction solutions in response to client briefs, and get the opportunity to play the role of a surveying or construction professional.

Construction Procurement and Contract Law

Learn about the development of policies, strategies and procedures for the organisation and management of construction projects. You'll gain an understanding of the role of contracts in the construction sector and the fundamentals of construction contract law.

Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off

Develop basic skills in the measurement and quantification of construction work. You’ll look at how these techniques are carried out using traditional and digital technologies. You’ll specifically learn about the measurement of concrete framed structures for a simple residential building.

Building Pathology and Surveying Practice

Develop a forensic understanding of the decay of buildings and the process of surveying buildings, as well as the role of professional bodies in the delivery of surveying advice. You’ll study the importance of professional guidance and frameworks in producing technical reports that consider sustainability, ethics, and accessibility in the built environment.

Compulsory modules

Research Skills and Dissertation

Develop your understanding of the research process, which is essential for preparing your dissertation. You’ll gain the key research skills required, develop your ideas and prepare a dissertation proposal with the help of a member of academic staff as your supervisor.

Students must also choose one of the following which will constitute their third (and final) compulsory module.

Management of Construction Projects 2

Gain the knowledge and skills to understand the management of project-based organisations and projects in complex institutional settings. You’ll examine how project-based organisations manage their projects in changing conditions such as geopolitical turbulence, globalisation and internationalisation.

Quantification and Costing: Buildings and Civil Works

Develop your quantification skills to an advanced level and further explore the costing aspect of building elements in commercial management practices. You’ll develop an understanding of the principles and practice of measuring building work, and apply them to more advanced forms of construction including aspects of civil works. You’ll obtain a critical understanding of measurement and documentation as key skills of the quantity surveyor.

Commercial Surveying Practices and Advanced Building Pathology

Gain knowledge of the role of the commercial surveyor, and the identification, diagnosis and remedy of defects to commercial buildings.

Built Environment Management Project

Apply your practical and professional competencies to a realistic, professional commission. As part of this work, you'll create a design and building sustainability strategy for a specified development project.

Optional modules

Construction Year in Industry

Gain professional experience of working in the construction industry and cultivate a reflective approach to practice. You’ll develop a range of career management and transferable skills, engage in professional development and your route to professional chartership, and consider your placement experience in the context of the wider construction industry.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £27,650

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

After graduation you will be well-placed to move into careers within consultancy and contracting. You could embark on a career within areas such as construction management, surveying, and project management. Alternatively, you can choose to move on to postgraduate study.

Overall, 94% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 100% are in graduate-level roles [1].

[1] Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes first degree Construction Management and Engineering responders.

BSc Construction Management and Surveying

Placements

Scholarships

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?