Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

A hand on a laptop which sits on white papers

Develop industry-relevant skills to prepare for a career as a quantity surveyor, project manager or commercial manager within the construction, building, civil engineering or utilities sectors.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

UCAS codes

K240

Start date

September 2026

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

This course is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge used by quantity surveyors to manage the financial and legal aspects of building, civil engineering and utilities-based construction projects.

You’ll explore client and contractor processes such as cost planning, value engineering and project management. You’ll have the opportunity to develop essential soft skills, and digitally relevant, industry-specific skills related to financial and project control and learn about client and contractor processes. This prepares you to work effectively within a diverse, multidisciplinary and digitalised construction industry.

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

Learn how to work with firms worldwide to help ensure projects are financially viable and profitable.
Develop skills in digital tools, CAD, sustainability and key industry themes like ESG, MMC and BIM.⁴
Benefit from our strong industry links with companies of all sizes through industry-applied learning practices and the use of our Simulation Centre.⁴
Gain the skills needed to enter a diverse, fast-paced industry engaged in innovative and digitally led infrastructure and building projects.

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

Careers in the built environment

Read our blog and explore a variety of professional paths open to you in the built environment, from building surveying to construction project management and real estate.

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)
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

Commercial Project Management and Digital Planning – 30 credits

Gain advanced commercial management and digital planning skills essential for the successful delivery of complex construction projects.

Develop a comprehensive understanding of advanced planning methodologies, resource optimisation, digital tools, contractual frameworks and financial management principles, enabling you to effectively manage project feasibility, due diligence, and stakeholder relationships within a dynamic construction environment.

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

Digitised Quantification and Cost – 30 credits

This module covers aspects related to the quantification and costing of projects, utilising industry-standard software and other digitised processes. It examines the digitised quantification and financial assessment of various building components in line with the industry-standard New Rules of Measurement (NRM) and the Civil Engineering Standard Method of Measurement (CESMM). Gain proficiency in developing cost plans and activity schedules, equipping you with the analytical and practical skills necessary for cost management and financial decision-making.

Compulsory

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.

Modules

UK Work Placement– 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² 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

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² 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

Modules

Strategic Construction Project Management – 30 credits

Build your critical awareness and understanding of advanced construction project management, learning to drive change, achieve strategic aims and foster competitive advantage.

Enhance your application of tools and techniques through case studies, focusing on leadership skills, research, interpersonal abilities and self-awareness in construction simulations. Develop critical evaluation skills leading to project success, detailed corporate strategy development, and insolvency awareness and avoidance strategies.

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

Pre and Post Contract in Quantity Surveying – 30 credits

Enhance and apply your understanding of pre- and post-contract financial management of a range of built environment projects. Enhance your knowledge and skills to conduct quantification, tender evaluation, design economic feasibility evaluation, supply chain management, variation and valuation management and value engineering analysis.

The key aspect of this module is to develop and assess the skills needed to work in the global industry at all stages of a built environment project, whether in the building, civil engineering or utilities sectors. The industry skills of cash flow management, commercialisation, consultancy, cost value reconciliation (CVR), critical path analysis and environmental and social governance are transferable skills that can be applied to most projects around the world.

Compulsory

Complex Quantification in Quantity Surveying – 30 credits

Enhance your knowledge and skills of digital take-offs (quantification), Bills of Quantities production and use, and professional reporting. Cover key financial concepts like budgeting, forecasting and managing cash flows—everything you need to understand how money moves through a range of projects and businesses.

Learn financial account analysis techniques such as ratio analysis, investment appraisal and interpreting financial statements. Use tools like Earned Value Analysis, life cycle costing, and Value Engineering to help you make smarter, more strategic decisions.

Compulsory

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. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching 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’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned 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.

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 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.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation course. Upon successful completion this should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

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	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year	Not available
EU	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £9,535 per year with EU Support Bursary 2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £19,850 per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 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 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 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 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. 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 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. 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).

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.

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

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

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.

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.

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

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

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

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EESU084

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 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with 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 membershipsons

The majority 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 seek to 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. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

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 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.

⁴Facilities

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 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. 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.