Undergraduate BSc (Hons)

Building Surveying

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Attendance

Full-time

With placement

Course

Three year

Four year

Next enrolment

September 2023

Introduction

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.

A gateway to professional status, our Building Surveying degree course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Association of Building engineers (CABE) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Studying an accredited course ensures that the knowledge and skills you develop will meet the highest industry standards.

Covering a broad range of key industry areas, you will 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.

Start your study journey

Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying Building Surveying, explore our facilities and meet the course team

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
Placement

options available

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
The Chartered Association of Building Engineers
Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) logo

This is for you if...

1.

You have a passion for developing, advancing and shaping the future of the built environment

2.

You're keen to develop technical and professional skills in a recognised role

3.

You're interested in urban regeneration and building development, repair and restoration

Course details

All about the course

Manchester Skyline

Course Delivery

Delivered over three years full-time, our BSc Building Surveying course combines theoretical knowledge with the application of professional skills and competencies. You will learn through a blend of academic study and project work, mirroring the multidisciplinary, team-based approaches used by the construction industry.

In year one, you will build a strong foundation of knowledge, with essential modules covering regulation, economics, management, surveying and design, as you progress into year two, you’ll focus on specific topics and start your industry placement. By the final year, you’ll explore advanced modules and complete a research dissertation.

Learn more about the course modules in the section below.

Learning Experience

Located at the heart of the largest property and construction market outside of London, Salford is a great choice for building surveying. Drawing on our strong links with the construction industry and professional bodies, you will experience site visits, guest speakers and placements. Working with ex-practitioner tutors, you will develop your surveying skills by working on live local projects with real clients and local surveying practices.

In year one, you will study the Building Surveying Practise 1 module so that you can solve discipline related tasks as well as ethical codes of behaviour appropriate to built environment practice.

Along with our series of theoretical modules, you’ll learn from external guest lectures, collaborate with students from related courses and experience group projects that will build your confidence and desirable skills for real-world construction careers.

Industry Placement

On this course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you will be responsible for securing your placement, our tutors will support you in finding a role, and monitor your progress throughout.

Industry placements are an excellent way to enhance your CV, gain hands-on work experience and build industry connections. We often find that placement students achieve higher final year grades.

Year one

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.

Environmental Science and Services

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.

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.

Year two

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.

Building Design Studies

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

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 Pathology

This module will cover:

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

Multidisciplinary Project

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.

Property Law

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.

Year three

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.

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.

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.

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.

What will I be doing?

TEACHING

You will develop your knowledge and skills through a blend of theoretical, collaborative and practical methods:

  • Studio projects
  • Projects with other built environment students
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
  • Directed study
  • One-to-one tutorials (by appointment)
  • Guest lecturers and visits to construction sites, completed buildings, historic structures etc.

ASSESSMENT

You will be assessed through a combination of exams, projects and coursework:

  • Design projects
  • Essays
  • Case study analysis
  • Precedent studies
  • Examinations

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

As a building surveying student, you will learn in our carefully-designed study spaces that provide an inspiring environment to develop ideas, work collaboratively and share best practice.

 

Industry collaboration and research

When you start this degree with Salford, you are also joining a community making a difference in industry, our local region and in our wider society.

Many of our academics and technicians who support your course also deliver collaborative, interdisciplinary, high-impact work in a range of local and global built environment issues and challenges.

Discover how you are part of something bigger.

Employment and stats

What about after uni?

Engineer

EMPLOYMENT

We have designed the course to help you to develop a range of technical and professional skills which will make you highly-employable. Along with gaining a solid understanding of the built environment, you will build communication and presentation skills, develop your collaborative techniques and acquire project management skills.

As a building surveying graduate, you will be well-equipped to pursue roles in a variety of areas including: the design of new buildings, the specification and supervision of construction work, refurbishments alterations and extensions, acquisition and condition surveying and building defect diagnostics.

Our building surveying graduates have secured roles working with a number of regional and national organisations including: B&Q, Darwen Borough Council, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, EG Group, JN Bentley Ltd, Manchester City Council, National Grid, Network Rail, Property Tectonics Ltd, and STMC Building Control Ltd.

Charlotte France, a Salford Building Surveying alumna who graduated less than 10 years ago, is weeks away from achieving a milestone moment in her career that has seen her manage the construction of our new £65 million building in the heart of main campus. Read Charlotte's story.

FURTHER STUDY

You might find you want to learn more about the built environment. Building on our expertise, we offer a range of specialised postgraduate courses that can help you take your knowledge and career opportunities even further. Salford graduates and alumni will also receive a substantial fees discount.

Construction Law and Practice (MSc)

Construction Management (MSc)

Project Management in Construction (MSc)

A taste of what you could become

A building surveyor

An urbanist

A project manager

A construction contractor

And more...

Requirements

What you need to know

APPLICANT PROFILE

In addition to our academic entry requirements, we also look for applicants who enjoy teamworking, have good communication skills and show initiative. Possessing these characteristics will not only help you to fulfil your potential at university, but will also be essential for a successful career working in the built environment.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.

If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

Standard entry requirements

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

A Levels

104 points

BTEC 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 

Scottish Highers

104 points from Higher Level

Irish Leaving

104 points from Higher Level

European Baccalaureate

Please contact Admissions for further information

International Baccalaureate

28 points

Access to HE

104 points

Other Qualifications

Degree in cognate subject for level 5 entry

International students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

Alternative entry requirements

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?

Type of study Year Fees
Full-time home 2023/24 £9,250per year
Full-time international 2023/24 £16,380per year
Full-time home 2024/25 £9,250per year
Full-time international 2024/25 £17,040per year

Additional costs

You should consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

International student scholarships

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships. 

Learn more about our latest international scholarships.

Apply now

All set? Let's apply

Enrolment dates

September 2023

September 2024

UCAS information

Course ID K230

Institution S03