Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: 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 features

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

KQDF

Start date

May 2026
June 2026
September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027


Course overview

Please make sure you select the correct intake when applying

Foundation year

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..

Degree

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.

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 2026

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

  • Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.
  • Provides a grounding in key areas of business and management.

Degree

  • 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.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited course logo

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.


Chartered Institute of Building logo

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

This course is accredited1 by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) for intakes up to and including 2029, having been judged to meet the CIOB Education Framework. Graduates of this course will be eligible for full academic exemption when applying for Chartered Membership (MCIOB) without the requirement for an Individual Assessment. To achieve Chartered status, applicants must also demonstrate three to five years of relevant professional experience and meet the CIOB’s membership requirements. Additional application processes and fees may apply. CIOB sets requirements, which are subject to change. Please check the CIOB website for full details and the most up-to-date information.


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

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.

Modules

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study.

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

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.


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

The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include:

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

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.

The course has been designed to provide a combination of the teaching and learning methods, with focus on incorporating active, social, applied, and inclusive approaches, utilising common techniques and emphasising real-life applications:

  • Teaching and Learning Philosophy: Core pedagogy is delivered through lectures and active participation including problem solving and collaborative work like group presentations and projects. Most modules lend themselves to this practice especially with the Core assessments followed by detailed research and report submissions. Experiential learning is fostered through real life projects and presenting factual appraisals including financial outlay and legal explorations to investors and developers.
  • Specific Methods and Techniques: A diverse range of techniques are employed to successfully disseminate the theory, concepts and practice. These may as appropriate, include seminars, site visits, small group or individual tutorials, group/individual presentations, digital simulations using Argus or Costar software, business plans and reports. Key to success is ensured through the continuous use of the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE) – where all necessary information is published.
  • Emphasis on Real-Life Applications: Real-Life application is the key selling point of this course at Coventry University. There is a strong emphasis on applying the knowledge gained on real-life projects and scenarios including presentations and interaction with investors and developers. The scenario/real-life learning is further strengthened through the use of industry level software and project simulations.
  • Assessment: A variety of assessment methods would be used, including coursework, presentations, group projects, and potentially practical assessments (e.g., software proficiency). Emphasis on assessing not just technical knowledge but also critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
  • Inclusivity: The course would incorporate when needed inclusive teaching practices, such as providing diverse learning materials, offering flexible assessment options, and creating a supportive learning environment for all students.

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.

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:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

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.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?


Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £5,760 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,790 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** 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. As an indication, 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. 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 inflation.

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.

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.

Applies to degree only:

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).

Foundation year funding

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*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.

**This degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.


Facilities

Our foundation years are taught at CU Coventry’s Mile Lane building, a short walk from the city centre. You’re part of the university from day one, so during your foundation year you’ll have access to the wider facilities at Coventry University. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you'll transfer over to studying your chosen degree at Coventry University, where you'll be taught on campus in the relevant academic buildings.

Located on our Mile Lane campus, you will have access to our Library and Learning Services (LLS), fully equipped seminar rooms and IT suites4. You can also take advantage of reading rights in Coventry University’s Lanchester Library, make use of sport centre facilities and receive full membership to Your Students' Union.

Two students walking outside with the CU Coventry building behind them.

Mile Lane

The campus is home to an on-site library with bookable one-to-one academic writing service and library support sessions, fully equipped seminar rooms, open-access study areas, a café and an IT suite. Our labs contain industry-standard equipment so that you learn using the same equipment as many industry professionals.

A student working in a booth in The Hub.

The Hub

At The Hub you'll find the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Students’ Union and Square One (which provides entertainment from quiz nights to live music), the Spirituality and Faith Centre, Tank Studio, Careers Office and a fantastic food court.

External view of the Lanchester Library.

Lanchester Library

Coventry University’s Lanchester Library is usually open 364 days a year, and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops.

 

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.

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 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

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.

Two students sat at a desk working on a laptop

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

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

You may also like


Discover Uni stats