Overview
Strong growth in private housing, commercial and industrial sectors has led to a national shortage of quantity surveyors, who play a critical role throughout the construction process advising on costs, quality, sustainability and client needs.
The UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (UKDBIS) claims the construction industry is facing its greatest skills crisis since 1998, while the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor suggests shortages have hit their highest ever level – with 54% of firms reporting insufficient numbers to meet the needs of the current rise in construction works.
Responding to these skills shortages, this degree aims to prepare you for a career as a quantity surveyor or commercial manager. It is accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the world's leading professional body for qualifications and standards in land, property, infrastructure and construction.
Ranked as the 4th best university in the country for ‘Building and town and country management’ in the Guardian University Guide 2020, Coventry has been educating building professionals for over half a century, keeping in step with the changing needs of technological advancement and the growing importance of its social and environmental responsibilities.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedTeaching Excellence
Taught by lecturers who are experts in their fieldCourse essentials
A degree which offers you more, at no extra costAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
The Chartered Institute of Building
An accredited course leading to membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
BREEAM
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
An accredited course leading to membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Additional costs may apply. Please check with the membership body for details.
What our students say...
The course is closely aligned with industry practice and it explores quantity surveying and commercial management issues in a great depth; the staff are chartered Quantity Surveyors and they are keen to support students. These attributes makes the whole learning process interest, enjoyable and worthwhile.
Course information
With feedback from our industry partners, the course content has evolved over many years and will continue to be updated to reflect the changing structure of the construction industry, so that we can help equip you with the skills and expertise needed to meet future challenges, as well as take advantage of current thinking and best practice.
100%
of students are satisfied with the quality of the course
NSS, 2018
Course specification
Download PDF
Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Our Building and Town and Country Management courses are ranked 4th by Guardian University Guide 2020.
In more detail...
Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (QSCM) is a multidisciplinary subject involved in all aspects of construction, civil engineering works, the real estate and property business. Activities include procurement advice, commercial guidance, measurement of construction items, resource assessments, valuations, costing/estimating, value management, value engineering, contract administration/management, project management and other post construction management decisions.
With excellent prospects and attractive salaries, quantity surveying offers a rewarding and challenging career where no two days are ever likely to be the same. You could find yourself involved in all aspects of construction from feasibility and detailed design right through to construction and operation. A diverse portfolio of projects might range from property developments, including residential, commercial, industrial and retail, to major infrastructure projects, such as motorways, railways and airports.
This professionally accredited course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to give expert advice on the effective management of finance and costs throughout the building lifecycle. You will have the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of quantification and costing of construction works, financial control and reporting, risk management, design economics and cost planning.
You will be taught by staff with academic and professional experience in quantity surveying, architectural practice, civil engineering and the construction industry, having worked in a variety of professional roles such as building surveying, quantity surveying, construction management, architectural technology and a wide range of professional organisations. We also have a strong portfolio of industry-related research, particularly in the areas of low carbon building technology, sustainable construction materials and engineering education, which ensures you stay abreast of new technologies and emerging issues. Many of our teaching team are active researchers and consultants to RICS.
Teaching is highly practical; throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to draw on real-life case studies and participate in integrated project work, where theory is put into practice as soon as it is learned. For example, performing a real quantity survey in a commercial role for a client and presenting your findings to their asset management team.
You will also have opportunities to apply for industrial placements with a range of local and regional companies where you can exercise your technical skills in a professional environment. In the past, students have found roles as training and graduate quantity surveyors for major construction companies such as Barratt Home Limited, Balfour Beatty Plc, Laing O'Rourke and National Grid, for instance.
- Ranked 4th in the UK for ‘Building and town and country management’ by the Guardian University Guide 2020.
- Apply for a full year work placement which can count towards your professional Chartered status.
- Strong levels of student satisfaction – 90% overall in the latest National Student Survey (NSS) 2016.
- Excellent employability prospects – 100% of our graduates were in work or continuing their studies after six months (DLHE 2014/15).
- A common first year makes it possible to transfer to our degrees in Architectural Technology, Construction Management or Building Surveying in the second year if you wish.
- Collaborative links with universities in 20 countries around the world, giving you the chance for you to spend part of your studies abroad (subject to availability and additional costs).
- Full accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), which is a requirement on the path towards membership of the RICS.
- Opportunity to gain additional professional qualifications as well as your degree – an Autodesk certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and undergo a Building Research Establishment Energy Assessment Method (BREEAM) to become an Accredited Graduate (BREEAM AG).
- Study on shared modules alongside students on a wide range of other professional disciplines, such as, construction management, architectural technology, building surveying, building services engineering and civil engineering, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of today’s construction industry.
Expert visiting lecture series, which has previously featured a professional commercial manager, senior quantity surveyors, contract managers who delivered sessions in various modules.
Your main study themes are:
- Quantity surveying practice: You will first be introduced to fundamental construction economics, principles of measurement and simple building measurement. As the course progresses, we will explore the basic concepts, theories and principles relevant to quantity surveying, placing an emphasis on post-contract practices and procedures. We will also consider the measurement of construction works and the preparation of pre-tender documentation, including schedule of works, approximate quantities and bill of quantities.
- Construction technology: You will have the chance to develop an understanding of various aspects of the design and construction of sustainable and comfortable buildings, by incorporating the most appropriate construction technology and building materials. We will consider the design, construction and environmental performances of low-rise buildings, multi-storey and commercial framed structures, within the context of legislative influences on the layout and planning of buildings and the impact of energy conservation and climate change. We will also explore the range of building services which are installed to provide a suitable internal environment including acoustic, thermal, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Design studies: Develops your skills in creating, refining and presenting construction documents in various drawn formats, embedding the arithmetic associated with scale and printed output of construction drawings. Through practical, activity-led studio and location based tutorial sessions, you will develop measuring and sketching skills and use this recorded information as a basis for creating a series of construction documents, using a variety of industry standard 2D and 3D software packages. The produced construction documents will aim to follow the industry standard drawing conventions on scale and notation and will form the basis for 3D model making.
This course can be studied full-time over three or four years with a sandwich year being taken between the second and third years of study. The programme may be followed part-time by attending up to five modules each year as scheduled for full-time students. You can start in September.
With a focus on your future employability, you will have several opportunities to accelerate your professional development. In your first year, you have the option to undertake a Computer Aided Design (CAD) assessment and, if successful, will receive industry recognised Autodesk certification. Then, in Year Two, you will undertake a Building Research Establishment Energy Assessment Method (BREEAM), which enables you to become certified as an Accredited Graduate (BREEAM AG). BREAM is widely acknowledged as the leading environmental assessment method – which sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation. It has become one of the most comprehensive and widely recognised measures of environmental performance.
The course is taught using lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratories, workshop and studio sessions, supervised by academic and technical support staff. In addition, whenever possible your personal tutor will review and discuss your progress with you and will be available for advice. We try to provide you with as much real-life experience as possible and are fortunate that Coventry has such a rich medieval history, offering excellent examples of many period buildings within walking distance of the University’s main campus.
In the second year, you will be expected to undertake a professional quantity surveying practice with construction contractors, and consultants; where you will be required to undertake quantity survey and commercial management practice and preparation of professional reports. You will then present to the company’s senior management team at their offices, much the same as you would on a regular basis once you start working as a professional quantity surveyor.
The highly practical nature of the course enables you to work with staff and students on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups. This means that while you learn the technical content of your degree, these projects develop the professional skills required including: problem analysis and design; project, task and time management; risk assessment; team work and leadership; technical report and bench assessment; troubleshooting and more.
A number of staff who teach on the course are Chartered Quantity Surveyors and Chartered Builders, who can provide help and guidance in relation to the process of becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), specifically in relation to your post-degree assessment of professional competence, which comprises a written submission and professional interview carried out by the RICS regional training advisor.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include formal examinations, practical or project work, coursework, essays, group work and presentations, posters etc.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes. Assessments may include exams, individual assignments or group work elements.
On successful completion, you should have knowledge of:
- Building technology and construction processes.
- Management processes and systems associated with construction.
- Building science with respect to materials, structure, services and internal environment.
- The legal and regulatory framework within which buildings are constructed.
- Economics of construction.
- Design processes used in construction.
- Current innovations relating to the construction of buildings.
- Procurement and contract administration procedures.
- How quality is achieved in construction processes and products.
- Health and safety in building design and construction.
On successful completion, you should be able to:
- Analyse, interpolate and present information.
- Analyse and solve construction problems of a technical and managerial nature.
- Analyse data and information sources in construction.
- Develop price estimates and cost budgets.
- Analyse financial information and cost budgets.
- Undertake procedures associated with project management.
- Prepare pre-contractual documentation.
- Prepare valuations and claims.
- Assess stage payments.
In a typical week, you will have up to 20 ‘contact’ hours of teaching. This generally breaks down as follows:
- Personal tutorial/small group teaching: 6 hours of practical classes, tutorials and project work (or later, individual project supervision) each week.
- Medium group teaching: 6 hours of tutorials, CAD or drawing studio each week.
- Large group teaching: 8 hours of lectures each week.
In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further 20 hours of self-directed study each week, eg. Revising, using guided handouts, online activities etc.
The content of the course continuously refers to the international context in which construction takes place, which gives an international perspective to your studies and future career as a building surveyor. Students will draw examples for many different parts of the world in order to compare and contrast some of the UK based theory that they will cover whilst on the course and within other modules, such as commercial management quantity surveying practice.
In the second year, we endeavour to organise an international fieldtrip to provide you with an opportunity to experience the built environment in another country. In the last four years, students have travelled to Malta where they were required to commercial management and quantity surveying practice.
Alternatively, you have the option of extending your degree by taking a sandwich year studying abroad; we will endeavour to provide support in finding a suitable placement and currently have student exchange opportunities with Universities in Canada and USA.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2016/17, we were able to provide a total of 3,482 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
1st for
international experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA 2016/17)
3,482
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2016/17
21,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our students say...
Entry Requirements
Unconditional offers
We want to recruit the best students to Coventry and having assessed applicants' past, current and predicted performance and commitment to the course we feel that it is appropriate to reward consistently high-achieving students with an unconditional offer from Coventry University. It is a commitment from us with regard to an applicants’ potential as an excellent undergraduate and we hope that this will encourage such applicants to join the Coventry community. Personal statements and references will also be taken into account and, for some degree courses, an interview will form part of the assessment. The criteria for unconditional offers will vary across the University as entry requirements for specific courses differ and not all degree courses will be taking part in the Scheme.
We will consider other qualifications for a pre-result unconditional offer providing that you have an appropriate proven performance at GCSE (or equivalent) level and predicted grades in line with grades that we expect to see at A-level. Other qualifications that we may consider for a pre-result unconditional offer include: The International Baccalaureate Diploma, BTEC Level 3 qualifications, Cambridge Pre-U and combinations of qualifications (e.g. BTECS plus A-levels).
An unconditional offer is what it says it is. So, if you don’t meet your predictions then your place at Coventry is still guaranteed. However, we would hope and expect that you continue to work hard to make the most of your potential and be best prepared to study at university level.
We can’t but our experience over the years has shown us that students with a track record of high grades and excellent predictions are very likely to achieve those grades. Our assessment takes into account all elements of your application to allow us to take a holistic view of your potential. There is also the opportunity to apply to one of the Coventry University Scholarships if you achieve the required grades so there is a financial incentive to aim high. Unconditional offers are only made to individuals who have demonstrated their commitment so we believe their focus and determination is unlikely to waver in the final stages of their qualifications.
No, the unconditional offer is only available to those who will take up their place in 2019.
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What our students say...
The course is closely aligned with industry practice and it explores quantity surveying and commercial management issues in a great depth; the staff are chartered Quantity Surveyors and they are keen to support students. These attributes makes the whole learning process interest, enjoyable and worthwhile.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
For more information, please visit our Finance pages.
Course essentials at no extra cost
We're committed to communicating study costs clearly to make sure you're not faced with having to make any unexpected payments.
This is why our ‘Flying Start’ package provides you with a few course essentials. Your full-time fee for an undergraduate degree will cover the following:
UK field trips
Any mandatory site visits and trips within the United Kingdom.Key material
This can include core textbooks, software and equipment.Laser prints
1,000 A4 sides of black and white laser printing credits per year.Optional year
Pay no tuition fees for optional work placements or study abroad trips.The following are additional costs not included in the fees:
- Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip
- Warm waterproof clothing for site visits: £150
EU student fees
EU nationals and their family members starting in the 2019/20 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our students say...
The course is closely aligned with industry practice and it explores quantity surveying and commercial management issues in a great depth; the staff are chartered Quantity Surveyors and they are keen to support students. These attributes makes the whole learning process interest, enjoyable and worthwhile.
Career prospects
Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers play a pivotal role in the delivery of every construction project; career prospects can exist wherever new projects are being contemplated, or where facility are being refurbished or where building work requires professional control. With a shortage of suitably skilled individuals, employment prospects are excellent.
With its practical focus, the course is intended to prepare you to enter professional roles on graduation and you have the option to gain work experience by spending a year on professional placement. Our award-winning Faculty careers service, EEC Futures, which won the ‘Best Placement Service in the UK’ award at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards in 2015 and 2016, will help you find a suitable appointment. We also have direct placement agreements with National Grid UK and United Utility Plc, as well as fieldtrip opportunities.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
100%
of our graduates are in work or further study six months after the course
DLHE 2014/15
Where our graduates work
Our graduates have found employment in private practices, contracting organisations, commercial organisations and local/central government, regionally, nationally and internationally. They work with companies such as Balfour Beatty plc, Lain O’ Rourke, Barrett Home Ltd, Watts Construction Ltd, and BAM Construction.
Our graduates earn an average salary of £25,000 six months after the course (DLHE 2014/15)
What our alumni say
I particularly enjoyed the course because of its international link, fieldtrips and passionate professional staff. Moreover, the taught subjects are consistent with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) professional competent guidelines.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the 19/20 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.
The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase for UK and EU Students is expected to be in line with inflation. For international students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
