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BSc Quantity Surveying

  • UCAS code
    K240
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2023/24 See 2022/23 entry
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

With BSc Quantity Surveying you will learn about the mechanisms that determine the cost and price of construction, and how projects can be completed on time, to specification and within budget.

This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in quantity surveying. You will benefit from the Department’s strong links with industry and with the surveying profession. 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.)

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 Building Surveying or BSc Construction Management, at the end of your second year if you wish to do so. A particular emphasis is placed on transferable skills and University of Reading graduates are renowned for rapid progression to senior positions within the construction industry, in consultancy and contracting firms.

100% of our research is of international standing^ and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable.† 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 knowledge will include subjects such as economics, law, industry practice and building technology. Recurring themes throughout the course include the application of digital technologies 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 which contribute towards your degree. Additionally, there is an 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 Quantity Surveying course is designed to you will develop your specialist knowledge of construction economics and contract law, with a particular focus on managing costs throughout the project life-cycle from early design through to building completion and beyond. You will also complete a dissertation on a research topic of your choice and a quantity surveying project, in which you will prepare a design cost plan for a project. Additionally you can explore areas of interest through optional modules on subjects such as human resource management, historic built environment, health and safety, and modern languages.

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 locations such as the USA, the Far East or the Caribbean. Firms offering places to our students in the past include major consultancies and contractors including AECOM, EC Harris, Faithful and Gould, Gardiner and Theobald, Laing O’Rourke, and Turner and Townsend.

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).

^ REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning 
† REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning 

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

New international students: £24,500

*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.

The vast majority of our graduates move into careers in quantity surveying, although some choose to move into other construction roles such as project management, construction management or cost consultancy. Alternatively, you can choose to move on to postgraduate study.

Overall, 98% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 98% are in graduate-level roles.[1]

[1] Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2022, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20; includes first degree Construction Management and Engineering responders.