Quantity Surveying - BSc (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.
Want a career in the construction industry? Study our BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree course at Birmingham City University. We are an RICS approved Partnership Centre, so you can be confident that we’ll prepare you for a flourishing career....
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Available with Professional Placement year
Open to International Students
Overview
Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and is a great area for students to be in if you want to be in the built environment because there's redevelopment going on all around you and there's also a strong possibility that you could be working on these projects in the future. I've had a really good experience at BCU so far. We get to go on quite a lot of site visits. One of the biggest ones we've been on so far was the housing development by Taylor Wimpey, and we also had for our first assignment Taylor Wimpey's, managing director of the West Midlands, assessed one of our presentations. Support from lecturers is really, really good that always there, they're always there to reply to your emails no matter what the query is. They've all had real life experience, academic and industry wise, that we can learn from. One of the things that I'm most passionate about the built environment is the possibility of working on the creation of the built environment that we live in. I wanted a change of career. I wanted to do something that's a bit more impactful and something that can help the community. So I think the built environment was a perfect way to go about the student experience has been amazing, to be honest. The lecturers and the students actually have been very welcoming. There's definitely something for every person to get involved in. The Careers+ and Employability team and the support that I got from them with regards to updating my CV, get my professional network set up on LinkedIn, which has been excellent. So I was lucky enough to secure a placement with Atkins. After my placement year, I was actually offered the graduate role, which was fantastic because it meant that I've got something secured and now go back into industry and into a company that I really enjoyed working with.
It's only four years for me to change my career and really step into a brand new industry. And I'm really thankful for BCU for supporting me through this journey. There's always been something about buildings that has interest in me, kind of curious and how they're put together and what kind of technology goes into that. Coming to university, I knew that I wanted to go to Engineering or Architecture and seeing those courses in depth, I kind of knew to myself that it wasn't correct for me. So then I came across Architectural Technology and I found out it just answered both of those questions I had then, which was wanted to go to. So BCU offers a wide range of facilities. It provides a lot of equipment such as VR headsets, laptops that students can borrow whenever they need to, and industry level software such as AutoCAD and Revit to really useful to us as being used as currency in our industry and will continue to be used throughout the years to come. Being able to go outside of the classroom and use industry level equipment really helps us as students get a vision of what it's like in practice. I've really enjoyed my time studying at BCU and I can't wait to what the future holds.
Want a career in the construction industry? Study our BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying degree course at Birmingham City University. We are an RICS approved Partnership Centre, so you can be confident that we’ll prepare you for a flourishing career.
With our quantity surveyor training, you will work collaboratively with tutors, practitioners, theorists and designers who will equip you with everything you need to help shape the future of the built environment.
What's covered in this course?
Today’s construction industry is facing the challenges of globalisation, demanding clients and a complex regulatory frameworks. Also the growing importance of technology and integrated delivery plays an increasingly important role in the industry.
This surveying degree will give you the skills to deal with these challenges and more. With innovation at the core of the programme, you will learn through creative problem solving and working with our industrial partners. You’ll also develop the intellectual and practical competencies required by professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
You’ll leave with a broad knowledge of the legal, technical, managerial, economic, social and environmental aspects of construction projects, and able to confidently manage both commercial and civil engineering projects.
This course is taught by experienced staff with a wealth of industry experience as well as staff with extensive research background who are aware of the state of the art developments in the construction industry. A flexible approach to delivery allows construction professionals to study alongside their professional role.
You'll gain expertise in cost management, procurement and quantification skills. You’ll also develop expertise in risk management, costing techniques, design economics, buildability, procurement and the ability to add value. You’ll also learn how to work effectively with a range of people from different construction disciplines.
Our partnership with our professional bodies ensures our course has the best industry links.
Professional Placement Year
This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.
If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.
Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
“The energy of the campus was always vibrant and with the close proximity and close relationship between the various construction disciplines, there was a competitive edge that provided a healthy environment to studying.” James Funge
Why Choose Us?
- Accredited course - Fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). We are a RICS approved Partnership Centre.
- Strong industry links - Our link with employers such as Willmott Dixon, BAM, T&T, Arcadis, Mott MacDonald, AECOM and Morgan Sindall allow you to apply what you learn in a practical context through placement opportunities. You’ll also have the chance to work on live projects.
- Study at the heart of Birmingham’s regeneration - It’s an exciting time to study in Birmingham. The city's 'Our Future City Plan', a 20-year vision covering every aspect of the built environment, is creating a wealth of opportunities for those with built environment qualifications.
- Access to international competitions - Apply your skills to real-life projects in competitions such as the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Design and Build competition. Our students have an impressive track record and have travelled to locations across the world to take part, including Dallas, Texas.
- State-of-the-art facilities – You'll be studying at Millennium Point, with access to £6.5 million facilities. Benefit from high quality equipment and regular site visits which give you a close-up view of professional practice and an industry perspective on your studies.
- We are an Autodesk Training Centre (ATC) - This national and international recognition will give you access to on-campus training by certified Autodesk instructors, providing you with digital skills that will be highly sought after by employers. Autodesk applications play an important part in supporting the digital transformation of Architecture, Engineering and Construction.
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 24 November 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
Part-time study
The part-time route on this course is available for advanced entry, from year 3 onwards. If you already hold – or are working towards – an HNC or HND in a related subject, you may be eligible to study this course part-time. To find out more, visit our part-time study webpages.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*
The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
- Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
- Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
- Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
- School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
- Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Worried about Personal Statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.
Course in Depth
First Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
This module explores how key ‘actors’, including professional bodies, landowners, developers, investors, politicians, members of the public, and the state, etc. influence the development of the built and natural environment.
Broader forces also influence development processes. This module therefore encourages you to explore how Politics, Economy, Society, Technology, Law and the Environment (PESTLE) all shape the built and natural environment. This module also offers an opportunity not only to look at past and current trends, but potential future trends that influence development, including significant issues such as governance, resource availability and climate change; and a chance to learn how development processes occur at different spatial scales and contexts.
This module introduces, for all of the built environment professions, a range of concepts relating to the technology of construction. It provides you with an understanding of modern and sustainable methods of construction. We use the example of low rise residential construction as it is relatively straightforward and allows us to introduce and explore these issues appropriately.
In particular, you will be introduced to everyday materials, construction methods, building services Building Regulation and Health, Safety and Welfare legislation. You will gain an insight into the properties of materials and the basic scientific principles that apply to them. The module will focus on construction materials in general and how they can be used in creating a construction element and/or component (e.g. a floor, an external wall, a roof). You will develop the ability to identify, describe and visualise these materials in terms of types, dimension, size and weight.
This module is delivered to all of the undergraduate programmes in the built environment disciplines and provides you with the basic legal concepts and principles you will need throughout your professional career.
Digital construction is an integral component of contemporary design, development and maintenance of modern residential development. Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology is at the forefront of the progressive movement towards total digitalisation of the built environment.
Against this backdrop, this module aims to provide a foundation for you to successfully execute the BIM process, facilitate its adoption and achieve interdisciplinary integration on a single project that simulates a residential project.
The fast pace of development in the built environment has led to improvements in the design and management of projects in the built environment with the use of modern technologies, processes and techniques for delivering value for money on project. The successful introduction of new technologies or procedures into the built environment context is critical for the improvement of the industry. For the built environment professionals of the future, this means the need to master modern and innovative technologies and techniques for designing and building faster, using more sustainable materials and methods, and within reasonable cost.
In this module you will be introduced you to the core Quantity Surveying skill of quantification and cost.
This introductory module provides you with an understanding of the procedures for costing, via the development of the skills of measurement and interpretation of construction drawings.
You will apply the measurement principles, Industry standard descriptions and develop specifications to enable you to prepare and manage cost estimates.
This module will feed forward into your level 5 and 6 measurement and cost modules.
Second Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
In this module you will cover core areas required in designing and setting up a contract. It is designed to give you an understanding of the procurement process and how it can deliver on a range of benefits to clients, contractors and other stakeholders involved with the development process.
During the module, you are required to develop your knowledge on issues that affect the choice of a procurement strategy by evaluating various projects and the best management and procurement approaches to be adopted. You will also learn about how the choice of procurement strategy will impact on time, cost, viability, quality and sustainability issues. Current issues influencing procurement, such as international markets, legislation and sustainable procurement, will also be covered.
This module is pivotal in the curriculum as the ability to understand the process and techniques appropriate in cost planning in accordance with professional codes of practice and the RICS core competences is a principal role of the QS.
As cost managers within the construction industry, you will need to demonstrate the ability to achieve a depth of understanding of how construction projects are cost managed at design stage and valued through the use of internal and external sources of information and cost data. This allows development of technical skills to a level, which will enable in depth knowledge of how the cost estimating and cost planning structure of projects can be applied to cost advice for both new build and refurbishment works.
This module will explore the wider implications of the key factors which affect the selection of both traditional and new building methods and materials used in the construction of new build commercial and industrial buildings and introduce environmental and mechanical services systems which need to be installed in these buildings.
In particular you will gain an insight into the operational complexities involved in the construction of large-scale commercial and industrial buildings to ensure that projects are delivered in time and on budget to meet the required standard of quality.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is an intelligent 3D model-based process that provides built environment professionals with the insight and tools to help plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. In this module, you will be encouraged to explore the potential of BIM in helping to understand the social, economic and environmental benefits associated with co-ordinated infrastructure and complex structure development.
You will be given a real construction project in which you will become increasingly aware of your own impact on the environment and communities we work within. Through group work, reporting writing and presentations you will develop the self-confidence to critically reflect upon your own leadership and problem solving skills via an integrated project delivery.
This module aims to facilitate both knowledge and professional practices involved in commercial management at an undergraduate level.
The module acts as a major platform for both the quantity surveying and construction management professions in preparing you for level 6.
This module will broaden your knowledge on different costs involved in a construction project. It encompasses cost considerations from early feasibility, final account stage, to life cycle costs. Through the module, you will also be looking into different requirements, intellectual and ethical considerations included in throughout the process.
This module will further develop your core Quantity Surveying skills of quantification and cost.
During the module you will measure steel structural frames and In situ concrete construction.
You will apply the measurement principles, Industry standard descriptions and develop specifications to enable you to prepare and manage cost estimates for more complex work and drawings.
This module directly relates to earlier work in your previous studies and will feed forward into your level 6 modules.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours Quantity Surveying with Professional Placement Year, you must successfully complete all of the modules listed as well as the following Level 5 module:
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing,20-weekProfessional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Final Year
In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
Further deepening your knowledge and understanding of contract law and procurement, this module will provide you with the hands on experience of designing and executing a contract, which is a core requirement of you, as a construction professional.
This module will introduce you to the various forms of contracts and the responsibilities of the people involved in executing a contract.
We will pay particular attention to roles of the key people and clauses in FIDIC, JCT and NEC3 contracts. Issues such as clauses on the provisions for extension of time, managing change, and resolution of disputes arising in the execution of contracts will be covered.
This module is the final module in helping to develop your core Quantity Surveying skills of quantification and cost.
This module will test your ability to understand the management procedures and techniques appropriate in pricing a tender document in accordance with the RICS/CIOB. You will be required to work as managers gaining an in-depth understanding of how design and construction projects are tendered and valued through the use of internal and external sources of information.
You will develop technical skills which will enable in-depth knowledge of how pricing structure of projects can be applied to cost control by tendering companies.
It is expected that you will develop your own method of working and approach to the project challenges, enabling you to think creativity and developing self – confidence in your professional judgement.
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.
This module will provide you a critical perspective on the nature, and a number of essential aspects of construction projects together with the approaches and techniques to manage them.
The module will establish construction projects as an organisational entity, and highlight the two main approaches to the management of projects. The first one is the functional management approach which is largely based on structured techniques and methods, and the second one is the organisational management approach which sees management as an ongoing social and organisational process. You will be introduced to both approaches, and shown how to use them in a balanced way for the successful management of construction projects. While the organisational management approach to project management will provide you the intellectual skills that you need for project management, the functional management approach will equip you with the technical skills.
This module will focus on extending and providing appropriate evidence of your professional skills and development. Within an applied socially responsive framework, you will examine a range of issues related to the client, the site, planning, financial/development appraisal, design technology, legal and regulatory, health and safety etc. These will be covered in conjunction with other professional courses or your own discipline as appropriate, given that all built environment professions and recent reports such as the Farrell Review place increasing stress on interdisciplinary understanding and working.
Download course specification
Download nowVarious assessment methods will be used in this programme to address the different needs of individual modules, including exam, essay, portfolio, individual/group presentation, and dissertation. Written and/or oral feedback and feedforward will be provided through Moodle, email, and group/1-2-1 tutorial.
A personal tutor and dissertation supervisor will be assigned to each student for tailored support. You will also be able to access other support at university, faculty, school and programme level (e.g. BCU library, student support tutor, Centre for Academic Success, EDS, SAP and Graduate+).
Trips and visits
You will take part in visits to construction sites to put theories into context and gain valuable insight.
There are also walking tours around Birmingham itself to take in the city’s own diverse architecture.
International Opportunities
You’ll have the opportunity to study in the USA. Our exchange programme with Auburn University in Alabama gives you access to the latest industry advances, including Building Information Modelling – skills that UK employers are crying out for.
This course is accredited by the following organisations:
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
RICS is the world's leading professional body for setting standards in the surveying industry.
It has members all around the globe delivering knowledge and serving the public interest at a local level. In their work, they draw on RICS' ever-growing range of globally applicable and regionally specific standards and guidance.
Accreditations shall be renewed in accordance with the accreditor’s standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
The Chartered Institute of Building is at the heart of a management career in construction. Its focus is on those entering and already in a management career in construction, by delivering qualifications and certifications that meet the needs of a changing industry. It works with members, employers, academia and governments across the globe to drive forward the science, practice and importance of management in construction.
Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
This course is accredited by Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
The course gives you a thorough understanding of the construction technology relating to a wide range of building and civil engineering projects.
You’ll also understand the time, cost and quality implications associated with project procurement, as well as the relevant legislation relating to industry.
As a student you will get access to the latest GIS, BIM and CAD software and surveying equipment, allowing you to hone the professional skills any construction employer would value.
You’ll be a strong project manager and confident with business management systems. These skills are highly valued by employers.
The opportunities with companies such as Birmingham-based Willmott Dixon, a leading independent construction and property company, have increased confidence, ability and skills.
You’ll also develop a range of transferable skills such as how to communicate ideas and solve problems, as well as developing negotiation and planning skills and meeting deadlines. And thanks to the unique nature of the course, you’ll learn how to work effectively and efficiently either on your own or as part of a team.
Placements
The delivery of the course is complemented by a range of visits to construction sites where you will be able to appreciate theory in context.
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Gleeds
- Interserve
- John Murray and Sons Ltd
-
BAM
-
Willmott Dixon
-
Network Rail
-
Highways England
And in jobs such as:
- Graduate Quantity Surveyor
- Assistant Commercial Manager
- Quantity Surveyor
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
The facility our students value most is not actually on campus, but is the location of the campus in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside opposite the new High Speed 2 station construction, and minutes from dozens of fascinating live projects within the city centre.
Birmingham as it changes constantly on our doorstep really is our ‘living lab’. By simply looking out the window of our classrooms you’ll be able to witness live projects as they’re happening around us. You’ll constantly be inspired by dozens of fascinating case studies just from walking from the station to the campus.
The facilities on offer to our students reflect the work environment you will enter as you start your career. Learn more about what we have to offer below.
Our staff
Dr Saeed Talebi
College of Built Environment Academic Lead for Teaching Excellence and the Student Experience
Dr Saeed Talebi is a Senior Lecturer at the College of Built Environment, Course Leader for Quantity Surveying and College of Built Environment Academic Lead for Teaching Excellence and the Student Experience at Birmingham City University. He also holds the distinguished title of Visiting Fellow at the School of Engineering, Design and Built...
More about SaeedAngela Kilby
Senior Lecturer
Angela is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Engineering and the Built Environment. Subcontracting QS with experience in final account settlement and onsite measurement.
More about AngelaDr Emmanuel Aboagye-Nimo
Senior Lecturer in Construction Management
Emmanuel Aboagye-Nimo is a Chartered Construction Manager (MCIOB) and a Senior Lecturer in Construction Management. He teaches on a range of Built Environment modules and supervises researchers of various levels from undergraduate to doctoral projects.
More about EmmanuelDr John J. Posillico
Senior Lecturer in Construction Management
Whilst working in the Construction Management industry, Dr Posillico has been accountable for financial, schedule, quality and project management, as well as the owner’s representation services on numerous projects across North America. Dr Posillico’s work experience has ranged from the construction of academic / full-service healthcare facilities,...
More about John J.