Building 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Gain awareness and build knowledge about a range of building and structural designs.

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.

This module will cover:

• Cracking in buildings
• Dampness in buildings
• Deleterious materials
• Masonry decay
• Cladding failures

This project will provide you with an opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to enable them to perform in a role/discipline in the context of a team based project. It will promote reflection on individual and team working and the multi-disciplinary nature of built environment projects. You will practice and further develop both discipline based and generic key skills required by a built environment professional. It encourages self-reflection and enable you to further your personal development plan, that aligns the learning needs and career aspirations and the requirements of the business sector and the professional institutions. You will also further develop written/oral communication, team working and inter-personal skills.

This module further enhances your reporting and client advisory skills, allowing application (of the main legal principles studied) to a range of complex and in-depth problems.  You will also learn to apply relevant case law relating to property for a variety of scenarios, such as trespass, nuisance, party wall matters and a variety of legal issues that often arise in property transactions. This module will help to enhance your professional report writing skills, client care and diversity skills.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.