Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
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Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (QSCM) is a course aimed at those wishing to enter the construction industry dealing with cost control, contracts and legal aspects at a professional level.

Course option

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

K240

Start date

September 2025


Course overview

This course covers construction cost estimating, including aspects of refurbishment and maintenance cost, procurement, quantification of elements using both traditional and electronic techniques, value management and contract/commercial issues. 

  • The course will use live, upcoming or recently completed projects to enable application of skills and knowledge learnt in an industry-specific and contextualised manner.
  • Our strong links with industry and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) means that course delivery is mapped to employment needs, helping to make the transition to employment easier upon successful graduation.
  • Course content aims to develop contemporary skills such as the use of digital software for quantification and cost management.
  • Research-led teaching aims to ensure you are at the forefront of knowledge when entering the industry as a graduate.
  • Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

  • A common first year makes it possible to transfer to our degree-level courses in Architectural Technology, Construction Project Management or Building Surveying in the second year if you wish, after successful completion of Year one (subject to meeting progression requirements).
  • Current collaborative links with universities in 20 countries around the world, giving you the chance for you to spend part of your studies abroad2.
  • Opportunity to gain additional professional qualifications (at no extra cost, subject to application) as well as your degree, upon successful completion – an Autodesk certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD) and chance to 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.
  • Our Simulation Centre allows us to provide you with not only the opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge and skills but also the chance to develop the ability to apply this knowledge to realistic industrial situations within a safe environment4.
  • Mock interviews for students preparing for job interviews, providing them with increased confidence and valuable experience in facing interview situations.
  • Site visits to provide hand-on experience of real construction sites, enhancing your knowledge and skills enabling you to apply what you have learnt in your studies.

Accreditation and professional recognition

The degree is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

The BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management degree at Coventry is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to start graduates along a recognised pathway to chartered membership. Accreditation is a continuous process with the current agreement in place until 20251.


Chartered Institute of Building logo

Chartered Institute of Building (CIBO)

The BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management degree at Coventry is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIBO). Accreditation is a continuous process with the current agreement in place until 20251.


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

Careers in the built environment

Read Dave Roberts's blog, Associate Head of School - Recruitment and Marketing, EEC School of Environment, he explains what types of careers are there 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).

Read Dave's blog

What you'll study

This course has a common first year.

The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first 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)
  • Real Estate and Property Management BSc (Hons)

In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and third years, to specialist modules in your chosen field. 

Modules

In your second year, you will continue to develop the skills and knowledge you’ve learnt. We do this by embedding the following four principles into the curriculum and developing your: 

  • technical skills – digital fluency, backed with the right academic knowledge
  • study skills – to be an adaptive, independent and proactive learner
  • professional skills – to have the behaviour and abilities to succeed in your career
  • global awareness – the beliefs and abilities to be a resilient, confident and motivated global citizen. 

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

The final year aims to bring you to the level to enter the world of work by consolidating your knowledge and skills from year one and two.

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.


How you'll learn

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 (at no extra cost, application required) and, if successful, will receive industry recognised Autodesk certification.

Then, in your second year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a Building Research Establishment Energy Assessment Method (BREEAM), which, on successful completion, enables you to become certified as an Accredited Graduate (BREEAM AG) (at no extra cost, application required). BREEAM 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.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional 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'll be digging deeper into topics, review what you've learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you'll spend more time in independent study.

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. The assessment methods may include:

  • essays
  • group work
  • presentations
  • reports
  • projects
  • coursework
  • exams
  • individual assignments.

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.


International experience opportunities

Construction is a global industry with the demand for building professionals overseas set to rise dramatically. The United Nations has identified nine countries, which will account for half the world’s population growth between now and 2050: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the US, Indonesia and Uganda.

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 potential future career as a construction manager.

During the course, you should have the option of participating in an international field trip2, which provides the opportunity to experience the built environment in other countries.

If you opt for a sandwich year, you can spend time studying abroad2; we currently have links with other Universities in Malaysia, Oman, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland and the Netherlands, which provide opportunities for student exchanges and student workshops and projects.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability, and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements, and are therefore not guaranteed2.

The course is developed with both industry and accrediting professional bodies needs in mind. This ensures that the graduates leaving this course are in demand and will have the necessary skills to not only secure their graduate position but also progress within their chosen sector quickly.

Dave Roberts, Course Director, Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management, quoted July 2022
Exterior view of the frank whittle building

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement What we're looking for
UCAS points 112
A level BBC
GCSE 5 GCSEs graded 4 / C or above to include English and Mathematics
BTEC DMM
IB Diploma 29 points
Access to HE The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit in Mathematics or Physical Science units. 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 offers and Fair Access Scheme

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme, you could automatically receive a contextual offer that may be up to 24 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Scheme.

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 no component lower than 5.5

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, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year
Not available
EU 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £9,250 per year with EU Support Bursary**
2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £19,850 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 of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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 above table 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 inflation.

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) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

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.

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).

Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Other additional costs

  • Mandatory international field trips: Typically between £200 and £400 per trip

*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.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

The £50m Engineering and Computing Building and new £25m Beatrice Shilling Building are designed to support hands-on learning. Our Sir John Laing Building also houses a variety of industry-standard labs and equipment. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

Two male students pouring materials into a machine.

Materials laboratory

Includes industrial standard timber and steel workshops, a concrete mixing area with three pan mixers, programmable environmental chambers, a range of ovens and curing tanks and various materials testing apparatus.

 

 

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.

 

 

Male student working on a computer

Computer suite/CAD facility

The study of digitised quantification requires an in-depth knowledge of relevant software such as CATO, CAD Measure, BIM Measure and Cost X, as well as a working understanding of CAD design software. Our computer facility has top-rated computer hardware to enable the practice of using these on projects.

Facilities are subject to availability. 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

On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:

  • economics of construction
  • the legal and regulatory framework within which buildings are constructed
  • procurement and contract administration procedures
  • current innovations relating to the construction of buildings
  • building technology and construction processes
  • management processes and systems associated with construction
  • building science with respect to materials, structure, services and internal environment
  • design processes used in construction
  • how quality is achieved in construction processes and products
  • health and safety in building design and construction.

On successful completion, you will 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.

Quantity surveyors and commercial managers play a pivotal role in the delivery of every construction projects; career prospects can exist wherever new projects are being contemplated, or where facilities are being refurbished, or where building work requires professional control. This is a global profession, so career prospects may be worldwide.

Where our graduates work

Our previous graduates have found employment in private practices, contracting organisations, commercial organisations and local/central government, regionally, nationally and internationally. They have gone on to work with companies such as Mace, Galliford Try, Balfour Beatty plc, Laing O’ Rourke, Barrett Homes, Watts Construction Ltd, and BAM Construct UK.

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