Quantity Surveying

You will be introduced to English Law and relevant statutory requirements for studying for vocational qualifications in the construction and property professions. The module also introduces you to the workings of the English legal system, to the law relating to contracts and to the regulatory framework affecting the use, management and development of land, in particular, planning, building control and the CDM regulations.

You will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to describe, explain, evaluate, compare and apply building construction techniques and materials used in typical low-rise, domestic type buildings, with a focus on contemporary construction techniques. You will develop a systematic understanding of the sustainable practices involved in building construction.

You will explore the role of the quantity surveyor in the contemporary construction industry. You will learn to quantify basic domestic building construction work, using industry measurement guidelines and principles. You will also learn to estimate and prepare bills for domestic building construction, understand the tendering processes and apply ICT to quantity surveying practice.

This project is an opportunity to develop investigation skills using case studies. You will develop an awareness of the key quantity surveying skills used in a real world/problem based scenario. The module will encourage you to develop self-discipline, personal planning/organisation and reflection, whilst also developing your communication and personal skills.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic economic concepts and principles of the economic environment in which the construction and property industry operates and knowledge of management theories in the construction context. You will be able to discuss the key role of the construction industry in the economy, current economic issues and management challenges in the construction and property context.

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the interactions between a building and its internal and external environments. You will learn about the principles involved in building heat transfer, occupant thermal comfort, illumination and acoustics. You will explore the need for mechanical and electrical engineering services in the building envelope and develop an understanding of typical building services systems technology.

You will develop a critical awareness and understanding of the construction process, at all stages, from inception to delivery. You will gain a practical understanding of the methods and techniques used in the planning and production stages of a construction project and competence in their application. This module will enable you to develop a comprehensive understanding of how effective planning and control of resources impacts on the control of a construction project and the supply chain. You will be able to understand and evaluate the concepts of risk and value and examine and apply techniques for their control and consider and review environmental impact, health & safety and other constraints on the construction process.

You will understand advanced measurement and quantification relating to construction work by using measurement guidelines and principles. Using relevant ICT, you will develop detailed knowledge of estimating and cost management methods for construction projects and understand valuation methods during the construction stages.

You will build a theoretical and practical understanding of how construction costs can be controlled at the pre-contract and post contract stages. You will also learn how alternative design solution can impact on life cycle costs and the methods used to establish costs.

This project is an opportunity to experience collaborative working in multi-disciplinary team. It will promote reflection on individual and team working and the nature of built environment projects. You will practice and further develop key skills required by a built environment professional. You will also develop written/oral communication, team working and inter-personal skills.

You will enhance your knowledge and skills to describe, explain, evaluate, compare and apply building construction techniques and materials used in typical medium to large span single storey buildings and multi-storey industrial/commercial buildings. You will develop an understanding of both historic and contemporary construction techniques for medium to large buildings. You will learn to identify and critically review alternative construction technologies, and make informed decisions and recommendations.

This module enables you to explore and differentiate the principal types of procurement systems and associated contracts used in the UK, you will also explore the fundamental procedures related to contract administration.

You will work in a disciplinary team in the context of a complex refurbishment, design and construction project based environment. The project will highlight the working skills required by quantity surveyors and the real world/problem based scenario they face. The experience will help you to develop a personal development plan based on your learning needs, career aspirations or professional requirements. You will develop a broad knowledge of the principles of civil engineering construction and the measurement capability in accordance with the civil engineering standard method of measurement (CESMM4).

You will gain advanced measurement and quantification skills relating to construction work by using industry measurement guidelines and principles. You will develop detailed knowledge of estimating and cost management methods for construction projects. The module will help you to understand valuation methods during construction, and the management of change throughout a project. You will learn to apply advanced ICT technologies used by construction industry professionals.

You will develop your knowledge of good research practice through the completion of a written research proposal and a research document. You will also develop data analysis skills through the collection and critical appraisal of different sources of data.

You will expand your knowledge of construction law, raise your commercial awareness and learn to consider risk management from a commercial perspective. You will explore the nature and causes of disputes between contracting parties and stakeholders in the construction industry, and the mechanisms for dispute avoidance and resolution.

You will understand and learn to differentiate the processes, tools and techniques used to evaluate risk and value management of construction and property activities. The module content will also encourage you to explore and explain how risk and value management techniques can optimise whole life cost solutions for construction and property activities.

You will develop comprehensive recognition of the principles of sustainable design and their application in the practice of construction. The module content aims to reinforce the relationship between sustainable design and construction processes.