Building Surveying BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Students working in the structures laboratory

Build technical, analytical and management skills relevant to surveying, renovation and sustainable construction with this industry-informed course.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

K230

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

Combine technical expertise, sustainability and innovation while gaining hands-on experience with industry-standard technology. Work on real-world projects and develop skills relevant to construction, property development and heritage conservation.

Get practical experience through live projects, site visits and collaboration.²
Develop expertise in using VR, drones, thermal imaging and building information modelling (BIM) to assess and manage buildings effectively.
Learn to implement energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions, heritage conservation and modern construction techniques to shape the future of sustainable urban development.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Hands-on experience with advanced technology: gain practical skills using industry-standard equipment such as VR, 3D scanners, thermal imaging cameras and drones, ensuring readiness for modern surveying challenges.⁴
Sustainability and smart cities: learn how to apply energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions, protect cultural heritage and use modern construction techniques to help shape a more sustainable future for our cities.
Multidisciplinary learning environment: a common first year allows you to collaborate with students from related disciplines, broadening your knowledge and fostering a holistic understanding of the construction and property sectors.
Global perspective and opportunities: get the chance to participate in study abroad programmes, enriching your educational experience and global outlook.

Joint 3rd

for Graduate Outcomes in Building

The Complete University Guide 2026

Accreditation and professional recognition

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

This course is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) up to and including the September 2028 intakes.

Two construction workers looking at a project plan looking a building under construction

Careers in the built environment

Associate Head for School of the Environment, Dave Roberts, explains what types of careers are available in the built environment and the different courses we offer including, Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons), Building Surveying BSc (Hons), Real Estate and Property Management BSc (Hons) and Construction Project Management BSc (Hons).

What you'll study

Your first year is shared with students from closely related courses. This approach allows you to learn alongside other disciplines, broaden your perspective and develop strong collaboration skills from the very start.

The common first year also offers flexibility. If you discover a stronger interest in another subject area, you may have the opportunity to transfer to a related course at the end of the year, subject to meeting progression requirements.

Common first year courses:

Architectural Technology BSc (Hons) / Architectural Design and Technology MSci
Building Surveying BSc (Hons)
Construction Project Management BSc (Hons)
Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)
Real Estate and Property Management BSc (Hons)

Modules

Construction Technology, Materials and Building Sciences – 30 credits

This module fosters a comprehensive understanding of the processes, technologies and materials used in the design and construction of the built environment, integrating the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Learn to interpret regulations, prepare detailed specifications, and analyse design details, drawings and material properties through practical application. Cover different projects and aspects of the build process, such as sub- and superstructure, services and finishes.

Emphasis will be placed on advising on sustainable technology and material solutions, leveraging detailed model-making to visualise and refine designs. Evaluate design impacts on cost and programme, collaborating with academic staff to develop SDG-aligned project solutions and contributing effectively to a sustainable built environment.

Compulsory

Project Management and Economics – 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with a foundational understanding of project management principles and construction economics, specifically within the context of the built environment.

Explore the core concepts of project planning, execution, and control, alongside the economic factors that influence construction projects. Learn the importance of safe working environments and practices, and how they relate to project management and economic considerations, whilst also providing a foundation in site layout and logistics.

Compulsory

Surveying, Design and Digital Applications – 30 credits

This module aims to provide you with a solid foundation in land and building surveying principles and the use of digital tools. Develop practical skills in interpreting drawings, applying land and building surveying theoretical and practical techniques, and creating 2D and 3D models using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and SketchUp.⁴

Learn to collect, process and analyse surveying data through case studies and practical application, while critically evaluating their relevance to your field. The module also highlights the importance of ethical data management, emphasising professional responsibility.

Compulsory

Professional Built Environment Practice – 30 credits

Learn the essential knowledge and skills required by various construction professionals, both in the UK and globally. The module emphasises the roles of different professionals within the construction industry, highlighting how their specific responsibilities contribute to the overarching success of a building project.

Explore the interconnectedness of design, surveying, project management, cost management, site management and building services engineering, with a particular focus on real-world applications and sustainability.

Learn key skills such as design development, computer-aided design (CAD), measurement, condition surveys, site management and cost development. You will practice these skills to help you gain a deeper understanding of how professional construction roles interact within a project team to achieve global sustainability targets.

Compulsory

Modules

Building Adaptation and Reuse – 30 credits

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt and repurpose existing buildings for new uses. Learn to analyse and redesign existing structures, considering factors such as structural integrity, service adaptation, and compliance with current building regulations.

The module emphasises the importance of conservation, sustainable practices and the commercial benefits of building adaptation. Key topics include planning process for change of use, structural assessments, adaptation of existing services, health and safety concerns, measurement and design. Elements of Building Information Modelling (BIM) are integrated into the module, highlighting the commercial benefits of adaptation.

Compulsory

Law for Built Environment Professionals – 30 credits

Explore the fundamental legal principles and concepts relevant to the built environment, preparing you for professional practice. Develop the skill to analyse and apply legal principles to real-world challenges encountered in construction and related fields.

Learn key aspects of the English legal system, UK legislation and areas of law essential for built environment professionals while also being able to apply principles globally. The module covers contract law, tort law, health and safety regulations, dispute resolution mechanisms and statutory frameworks relevant to the construction industry. Learn how to identify legal risks, make informed decisions and effectively navigate legal issues from project planning to completion.

Compulsory

Advanced Construction Technology and Systems – 30 credits

Expand and further develop your knowledge and skills concerning technologies and processes in the sustainable built environment. Evaluate pre-construction activities, substructure/superstructure, services, finishes, renewable technologies, modern methods of construction (MMC), Passivhaus systems and energy conservation processes in a wide range of built environment projects.

Compulsory

Building Pathology and Defects Diagnosis – 30 credits

Develop an understanding of the problems and defects that occur within residential low-rise dwellings, industrial and commercial buildings during the latter part of the 19th and the 20th Centuries. This will include in-depth consideration of building pathology, the principles of building defects, their analysis and diagnosis and the required remedial action.

Explore defects in historical buildings to appreciate the diversity of materials and construction techniques. This module brings together practical and theoretical issues regarding the role of the building surveyor and property surveyor/manager within the built environment.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real-world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Architectural History and Heritage Conservation – 30 credits

Expand your understanding of architectural history and the importance of heritage conservation. Learn the evolution of architectural styles, examining the distinctive features of significant architectural periods and the contributions of key architects.

Assess the cultural, historical, political, social and economic influences, alongside the technological advancements that have shaped architectural development over time. Delve into vernacular and traditional architecture, analysing their adaptation to local conditions and their impact on contemporary sustainable design. A strong emphasis is placed on heritage conservation, including principles, approaches and international frameworks.

Learn the complexities of adaptive reuse in preserving historic buildings and assess national and international policies on historic preservation. Legal and planning considerations for managing heritage sites will also be examined, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in safeguarding architectural heritage.

Compulsory

Corporate and Commercial Asset Management – 30 credits

Commercial real estate management encompasses an array of services, ranging from appraisal, valuation, and investment to agency work, building consultancy, sustainability, and health and safety. These services are delivered to a wide variety of clients and real estate portfolios, while also developing higher-level sustainable corporate strategies and decision-making regarding real estate portfolio management.

Learn the skills to analyse and synthesise how corporate and commercial developers and investors align and leverage their financial, physical and operational real estate assets and investment opportunities.

Compulsory

Applied Building Surveying – 30 credits

Learn the fundamental principles of the range of professional skills needed by a building surveyor in practice.

The module combines practical and holistic aspects of building measurement, report writing to a professional standard, environmental issues, feasibility studies and practical surveying skills.

Module content covers measured surveys and effective site survey procedures for a variety of uses. Get hands-on with Computer Aided Design⁴ to produce existing and proposed floor plans, elevations and section drawings, learning how to prepare professional property reports and present information and advice to a client. Develop the knowledge and skills needed to produce professional standard drawings, scheme proposals, contract advice, costing advice and a programme timetable.

Compulsory

Undergraduate Research Project – 30 credits

Develop your research and investigative skills by scoping, designing and conducting an independent research dissertation under the supervision of academic staff experienced in the field.

Module content aims to improve your understanding of problem identification, reviewing literature and research design, and the development and implementation of appropriate methods. You will be supported to conduct research independently and to plan, manage, and conduct research within an appropriate context.

This includes the development of an understanding of:

research design and methodology
ethical considerations of research
health and safety concerns (including, where appropriate, risk assessments)
research methods for technical, scientific and social science investigations
project management
data collection, interpretation and analysis
report writing.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

We strive to provide you with as much real-life experience as possible and are fortunate that the city of Coventry has such a rich medieval history, offering excellent examples of many period buildings within walking distance of the university’s main campus.

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.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

coursework
reports
projects
phase tests
group work
presentations
laboratories
posters.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall (with at least 5.5 in each component area).

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Not got the required grades? We offer this degree with an integrated foundation year.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £20,800 per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2028/29 will pay £1,575 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,900 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the table above for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits 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 is expected to be in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI), a UK measure of inflation that tracks changes in the cost of living.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement or study abroad year, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2028/29. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above RPI.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad) which may include costs of travel, accommodation, equipment or uniform required for the placement and any visa-related costs.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

Your studies will be centred in high-specification learning environments that benefit from extensive social learning facilities, well-appointed laboratories, industry-standard equipment, lecturing facilities and classrooms, facilitating our innovative teaching methods across a diverse suite of courses.

Students working in front of a virtual wall.

Simulation Centre

Our interactive training centre includes a ‘virtual’ construction site with fully equipped site cabins and an observation deck. Here, you can take part in role-play exercises to prepare you for a range of situations in the workplace.

Female student working in structures lab with male student looking on.

Structures laboratory

The wood workshop, eight test frames and our industry-standard Instron universal test machines are ready for you to bring your theoretical learning to life. Additionally, the strong floor area features framing and ancillary measurement devices.

Two male students pouring materials into a machine.

Concrete and materials laboratory

Gain an in-depth understanding of material science in this extensive lab setup. Get hands-on experience using dedicated equipment for testing and analysing materials — the same equipment you’ll see in the world of work.

Facilities are subject to availability⁴. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Building 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 and it is now one of the broadest areas of surveying practice, taking in projects from a domestic extension to a major retail development. Building surveyors offer advice on many aspects of design and construction, including maintenance, repair, refurbishment and restoration of proposed and existing buildings.

They offer quality assessments and report on defects in, or ways of improving, all kinds of buildings. As well as finding structural faults, building surveyors recommend solutions. They can advise on the feasibility of a building project, how much it might cost to carry out, or how suitable a building could be for a particular purpose.

Where our graduates work

Our graduates from similar courses have found employment in private practices, commercial organisations and local/central government, regionally, nationally and internationally. They work with companies such as Mace, Galliford Try, Balfour Beatty Plc, Lain O’ Rourke, Barrett Home Ltd, Watts Construction Ltd and BAM Construction.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Further study

Subject to meeting all the progression requirements, you could choose to continue your studies at Coventry University with the Construction Project and Cost Management MSc, Construction Management with BIM MSc or Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc.

You may be entitled to an alumni discount on your fees if you decide to extend your time with us by progressing from undergraduate to postgraduate study

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

You can now register and start your application in your UCAS Hub. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EESU086

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the 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 is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

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 current 2025/26 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. 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 applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.