Environmental Science and Services
Building Surveying (Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship)
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Part-time
Five year
September 2024
In a nutshell
Building Surveyors look at building pathology, focusing on refurbishment, reuse, development, restoration, repair, and conservation. With our Building Surveying degree course, you can develop a knowledge base and skillset that can lead to exciting global opportunities across many industries in the the built environment sector.
Career-focused curriculum
Covering a broad range of key industry areas, the course curriculum explores a series economic, legal, technical design and management modules. You’ll learn about the construction industry and its legal and regulatory framework, and explore the relationship between a building and its internal and external environments. You’ll recognise how to diagnose problems with existing buildings and be aware of conservation and regeneration.
Accredited, engaging learning
We've shaped the learning experience so that you gain relevant knowledge and technical skills, but also transferable career skills that are highly-sought by industry. We're proud that our Building Surveying degree course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Incredible study location
We're excited to offer you a campus-based university experience, minutes from buzzing central Manchester. Our location and industry connections give you great access to one of the UK's largest property and construction markets.
You will:
- Build knowledge and skills to describe, explain, evaluate, and apply building construction techniques
- Learn to identify and use appropriate strategies and technologies applicable to building surveying practice
- Develop an understanding of the interactions between a building and its internal and external environments
- Gain the ability to identify symptoms and diagnose defects found in a diverse range of building types
- Understand urban regeneration so you can participate in future sustainable regeneration initiatives
Course accreditations

This is for you if...
You have a passion for developing, advancing and shaping the future of the built environment
You're keen to develop technical and professional skills in a recognised role
You're interested in urban regeneration and building development, repair and restoration
All about the course
Course content
Delivered over five years, our BSc (Hons) Building Surveying Degree Apprenticeship course blends theoretical knowledge with applied professional skills and competencies.
During your studies, you will experience academic seminars and tutorials to build your knowledge. You will also experience project work with other built environment students, mirroring the collaborative approach of modern property and construction industries.
You will build your knowledge over progressive levels of study. The initial level four is designed to help you build a solid platform of knowledge that will then support your advanced studies at levels five and six.
Course content is delivered in modular 20-credit blocks to reach at total 360-credit BSc award. Modules are spread across five years of study.
How does a degree apprenticeship work?
The degree apprenticeship route will enable you to work and study for your degree. Your employer and/or the government will pay your tuition fees for your apprenticeship course.
There are two distinct components to the degree apprenticeship – the academic degree programme and the work-based assessment. The University – as lead provider – is responsible for delivering your degree programme. Your employer is responsible for delivering the work-based assessment components.
We will work with your employer to:
- Assure that knowledge you gain on the degree apprenticeship can be successfully applied in the workplace
- Ensure that you can evidence the standards and practices required to meet the professional competencies contained in the apprenticeship standard
We will create an annual programme timetable, which will include your lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will receive your timetable once you registered as a student.
As part of this course, you will work towards your Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) in order to be in a position to move onto the RICS Panel Exam following completion of the academic degree course. To do this, your employer must be able to support you – this is a requirement of the apprenticeship.
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.
Introduction to Law and Regulatory Frameworks
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.
Economics and Management
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.
New
Surveying Practice
This module covers the basic principles and computer software that you will need to understand to enter into a career in the property industry. You will become familiar with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and begin to understand what your preferred pathway into chartership will be.
The module will also help to enhance your academic writing, and you will learn how to undertake referencing at degree level. You will also become conversant in the mandatory competency requirements of the RICS.
New
Building Construction and Defects
This module aims to provide you with the ability to understand how buildings are constructed and what defects are common given the method of construction. You will also understand how this affects the value of the property. Within this module, you will have the opportunity to develop building construction and pathology knowledge and develop the ability to undertake critical analysis, self-reflection and personal development.
New
Introduction to Valuation
This module introduces you to the 5 conventional methods of valuation and how to apply the correct method to various types of property. You will become familiar with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ “Red Book” and follow the relevant guidance laid out to allow you to competently complete formal valuation reports for residential property. This module will help to enhance your professional report writing skills and teach you the mathematics behind property valuation, as well as becoming familiar with the property market and the factors that instigate change.
Building Pathology
This module will cover:
- Cracking in buildings
- Dampness in buildings
- Deleterious materials
- Masonry decay
- Cladding failures
Technology 2
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.
Procurement and Administration
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.
Building Design Studies
Gain awareness and build knowledge about a range of building and structural designs.
Property and Commercial Lease Law and Practice
Through this module you will further develop relevant legal skills and knowledge for students studying for vocational qualifications in the construction and property professions. The module will introduce you to aspects of the Law of Tort, Land Law and the Law of Landlord & Tenant which are directly relevant to the use, management and development of land, and to your future professional roles.
Multi-Disciplinary Project
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.
Building Surveying Practice 2
You will further develop a working knowledge of identifying symptoms and diagnosing defects in existing buildings. You will learn to understand and appraise different types of survey, their applicability to different situations and the problems of accuracy and consistency. You will become conversant with issues that will become important to the early practice life of a building surveyor.
Building Surveying Project
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 building 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 e.g. RICS.
Property Studies
You will acquire an appreciation, understanding and working knowledge of the principles of professional practice activities in relation to a range of surveys used in the commercial market. You will develop advanced knowledge of the legal framework covering Dilapidations, Party Walls and Commercial Surveys with particular reference to professional liability when acting on behalf of the client and discharging obligations.
Conservation of the Historic Environment
You will develop a recognition and critical evaluation of the principles and practices associated with the conservation of the historic environment in the UK. The knowledge you will develop will enable you to prepare for when dealing with listed buildings in future practice and you will become conversant with common documentation used within building surveying practice.
Introduction to Urban Regeneration
On this module you will create an awareness of key professional roles with the built environment sector and the responsibilities associated with the differing roles. It will provide you with an opportunity for investigative work to be undertaken via a case study or series of case studies to explore the nature of the built environment professions. You will develop an awareness of the key professional skills required by the differing identified discipline areas. It will also promote the on-going development of oral/written communication, team working and inter-personal skills.
Discipline Research Project
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.
Please note that it may not be possible to deliver the full list of options every year as this will depend on factors such as how many students choose a particular option. Exact modules may also vary in order to keep content current. When accepting your offer of a place to study on this programme, you should be aware that not all optional modules will be running each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you are able to undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Rising to the challenge of a changing world, our degree courses are designed to shape the next generation of urbanists, scientists, engineers and industry leaders.
Driven by industry and delivered by supportive programme teams, you can develop the knowledge and skills to become unstoppable in your career.
Facilities
Our carefully-designed study and seminar spaces provide an inspiring environment to develop ideas, work collaboratively and share best practice. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities, including the library, the learning zone and computer laboratories.
Salford is also home to Energy House – the only fully climate-controlled research facility of its kind in the world. This full-sized, two-bedroom terraced house lives inside a sensor-packed environmental chamber that can replicate almost any weather conditions.
What you need to know
APPLICANT PROFILE
In addition to our academic entry requirements, we also look for certain characteristics in each student. Possessing these characteristics will not only help you to fulfil your potential at university, but it is also an essential requisite for a successful career in the built environment.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.
Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
To apply for a degree apprenticeship, you will need to be currently in full-time employment (minimum 30 hours a week), spending at least 50% of your time in England. If you are not in employment, you can search for employers participating in the degree apprenticeship scheme using the UK Government's national apprenticeship website.
DELIVERY
The programme is delivered on a part-time, day-release basis over five year period, subject to agreement by the employer and us.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Please be aware of the application deadline below. If an application hasn’t been received by this date, consideration will be given for the next available intake.
September 2024 Intake – The application deadline is July 2024
GCSE
English Language and Mathematics at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent). You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below
UCAS tariff points
104 points
GCE A level
BCC
BTEC National Diploma
National Diploma MMM
BTEC Higher National Diploma
Pass in a related subject for entry to level 5. Related subjects include Architecture, Construction, Civil Engineering, Building Studies, Estate Management
Foundation Degree
Pass in a related subject for entry to level 5. Related subjects include Architecture, Construction, Civil Engineering, Building Studies, Estate Management
Other Qualification
Degree in cognate subject for level 5 entry
Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
We positively welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we receive your application, we'll assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.
There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.
To be considered for the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme you must have already achieved or be working towards GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 (or equivalent).
Please contact Admissions for further information.
How much?
The cost of the full degree apprenticeship programme is £27,000. The cost of the apprenticeship will be covered by your employer and/or the government. You will need to cover the cost of any study materials plus travel to and from campus if required.
Apprenticeship Funding
The apprenticeship levy was introduced in April 2017 and requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill of over £3 million each year to invest in apprenticeships.
The funding policy supports the changes to the way apprenticeships in England are paid for, underpinned by the apprenticeship levy of 0.5% of the annual pay bill for companies paying over £3 million per year.
There is also a co-investment model for companies who will not be paying into the levy. The government will cover 95% of the cost of the apprenticeship and the employer will only have to contribute the remaining 5%. Once payments have been declared to HMRC, employers will now have access to a digital apprenticeship account from which they will be able to access funding to pay for apprenticeship training.
The maximum amount of money allocated to each standard falls into one of 15 funding bands, ranging from £1,500 to £27,000. The Chartered Surveyor standard has been allocated the following funding band:
Funding band: 15
Funding band maximum: £27,000
Find out more about Apprenticeship funding
Additional costs
You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.
All set? Let's apply
Not in Employment
To apply for an apprenticeship, you must first be employed with a company willing to enrol you on the apprenticeship programme.
The government national apprenticeship website has further information on this. The website also advertises vacancies for apprentices.
Unfortunately, the University does not hold details of employer vacancies.
In Employment
Speak with the apprentice lead in your organisation in the first instance as they will provide the funding and will make initial contact with the Apprenticeship Services Unit. Your employer will need to confirm that they'll fund and support your enrolment with the University.
If you are currently in employment with a company that is willing to support you through an apprenticeship, then they will need to contact us in the first instance to express their interest in the apprenticeship programme and this will trigger the application process.
For general apprenticeship enquiries email apprenticeships@salford.ac.uk phone: +44 (0)161 295 3063 or complete the contact us form