Building Surveying BSc (Hons)

The aim of this module is to develop knowledge of advanced construction technology, which should in turn, enable you to understand, apply and critically evaluate the key principles of construction procedures. The emphasis will relate to the role of the construction industry in achieving the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on multi-storey and commercial framed structures. You'll study pre-construction activities, substructure and superstructure, as well as the impact of the design process and legislative influences on the layout and planning of buildings.

Moreover, renewable technologies, Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and passive design, will also be considered together with the impact of energy conservation and climate change. The module will consider the building services which are installed to provide a suitable internal environment including acoustic, thermal, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and natural and artificial lighting.

Compulsory

This module will introduce the general principles and concepts of law related to the built environment. In preparation for professional practice, our aim is to develop your ability to understand and apply legal principles to particular legal problems that may arise in the course of built environment activities. The module covers the English legal system, UK legislation and areas of English law relevant to built environment professionals. It includes an introduction to contract law, tort, and the relevant aspects of employment law, dispute resolution, building regulations, law of land and property, landlord and tenant law, planning law and construction health and safety legislation. The module is specifically useful to those intending to be involved in the processes of design or construction.

Compulsory

This module introduces you to the problems and challenges associated with adapting and converting buildings from one use to another, in a particular context. It should engage you in the critical debate about the conversion of existing structures versus building new ones. You will develop creative and practical skills as a key challenge in improving the sustainability of the built environment and driving change for users, clients and industry. The focus will be on the information required for the planning, designing and administration of a building adaptation project, in line with current industry practice.

Compulsory

The module is aimed at developing a deeper understanding the construction of residential low-rise dwellings, industrial and commercial buildings during the latter part of the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries, together with the likely defects which occur in such buildings. Defects relating to historical buildings will also be introduced for the building surveyor and property appraisers to appreciate the diversity of materials and construction within UK buildings.

This module brings together the practical and theoretical issues regarding the role of the building surveyor and property appraisers within the built environment. An important aspect of this will involve the further in-depth consideration of building pathology - the principles of building defects, their analysis and diagnosis, and their required remedial action.

Compulsory

In this module you will be encouraged to critically reflect on current architectural and built environment practices by considering the impact of today’s practice for the next century. You will explore past and current visions then analyse how they have fared, and what this means for future visions in the light of already predicted challenges. The focus will be on anticipating future scenarios and conceptualising solutions applied to a design brief in the broad cultural, environmental and technological context, of anticipated change and innovation. Areas which may be considered are low carbon construction, corporate social responsibility (CSR), new and proposed legislative changes, changes to contractual arrangements, productivity issues and internationalisation.

Compulsory

In this module, you will undertake a critical analysis of a specified location and an associated project that has been influenced by the UN's SDGs. Your analysis of the project will explore its impact, success or failure, alongside the possible solutions that will be fundamental to the positive future development of the location.

You will research, appraise, critique, develop and then communicate to a wider audience, the impact and implementation of the identified SDGs for the location/project. The focus of the review will be linked to your academic discipline within the built and natural environment, and draw upon prior learning from your previous cognate knowledge.

Compulsory

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

This module² provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

The aim of this module is to demonstrate your skills base through the continued development of critical, transferable study skills that are of practical benefit in the workplace and that promote and enable continued professional development. You will bring skills developed in other areas of the course into a practical project delivered as part of a group. The purpose of the project is to develop key learning skills and personal attributes that are required within the civil engineering, environmental engineering and built environment professions. These should prepare you for the professional workplace, demonstrating teamwork, project planning, critical and research evaluation, as well as technical and personal reflection.

Compulsory

The aim of the module is to develop your understanding and knowledge of the role of professional practitioners in the construction industry, and the process of contract administration used in the construction industry. The module will explore the detailed understanding of contractual provisions and administration mechanisms related to common forms of contract used in the UK. Furthermore, it also discusses professionals’ roles and responsibilities, risk and application of financial management, legal and insurance issues, and law related to running a business in the construction industry.

Compulsory

The aim of this module is to enable you to develop your research skills by conducting primary or secondary research focused on a specific problem relevant to your discipline. You should use different methods and research skills, gained over your previous years of study, to effectively communicate research novelties and ideas to the academic and non-academic communities. It will enable you to understand the importance of correct and critical analysis of all the factors involved in a problem, and develop your initiative as you pursue and execute the investigation, demonstrating originality and creativity.

Compulsory

This module aims to examine the nature of historic buildings and monuments and the varied motives for preserving them. The module will trace the history and theory of movements to preserve historic buildings and the conflicts that have frequently surrounded restoration campaigns. The module will cover controversial issues such as ‘skin deep preservation’ and the use of substitute materials. The issue of sustainability and the relationship of historic buildings to the townscape and landscape will be explored. There will also be a large focus on recording historic assets and what type of materials and methods were used in the original construction, and how these original materials and methods can be repaired

Compulsory

This module aims to enable you to appreciate the fundamental principles of the range of professional skills needed by a building surveyor in practice, using a project-based approach. The module will holistically combine aspects such as practical surveying skills, measurement of buildings and survey techniques, report writing to a professional standard providing preliminary guidance and advice, health and safety on site and environmental issues.

Compulsory

This module will build upon the preliminary skills and information provided in the previous 'Comprehensive Building Surveying Project' module and aims to enable you to apply the fundamental principles of the range of professional skills needed by a building surveyor in practice, using a project-based scenario approach. The module will holistically combine aspects such as practical surveying skills, measurement of buildings and survey techniques, report writing to a professional standard providing professional advice and guidance, detailed design solutions, budget costs estimates, sustainability, schedules of work and a project programme, resulting in the production of a professional Feasibility Study Report.

Compulsory