Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management

Year 1

Introduction of basic concepts of construction and the built environment.

Your first year introduces you to basic concepts of construction, construction professions, building technology, digital skills and collaborative working. You will learn how buildings are constructed and how the role of the Quantity Surveyor role influences this process.

Year 2

Introduction to the essential skills of quantity surveying and development of construction knowledge.

You will develop your knowledge of construction then apply that knowledge within the context of the quantity surveying role. You will learnhowto produce various levels of cost plans, measure buildings based on drawings and familiarise yourself with construction law and sustainable construction practices.

Year3

Application of learning in more complex quantity surveying practice.

Opportunity to enter the workplace in Term2 via the Industrial Placement. The learning in Term1 allows you to apply your knowledge to more complex scenarios and is designed to prepare you for entry into the workplace. You will learn about contract administration, procurement, estimating and the measurement of framed buildings

Year 4

Introduction of more strategic concepts of the commercial management of construction projects.

The final year of study allows you to apply your learning in the context of the strategic role of the Commercial Manager forconstruction and infrastructure projects. You will learn about financial control of projects alongside undertaking project work and a dissertation on a topic of your choice.

Learning Methods

Your learning is tutor guided but student centred and is a collaborative process. You will learn through undertaking tasks and projects then reflecting, thus constructing your knowledge. This will ensure that you are prepared to make the transition into the workplace. This is facilitated through the use of project-based learning, tutorials, workshops, lectures and private study. The tasks and projects are often based on real life scenarios brought to the course from staff who have professional experience or from visiting professionals.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Seminars - 30-40 students per group, 2 hours per term
• Project Supervision - 20 students per group, 3-6 hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - 20 students per group, 4 hours per week
• Independent Study - 20 students per group, 10 hours per week
• External Visits - 20 students per group, 3 hours per term

How long is a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management course?

The Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management course can be successfully completed in 4 years.

Independent Study

We encourage students to develop an independent learning ethos. This is an important skill to take into professional life as employers regularly seek graduates who possess a strong work ethic and a willingness to continue to learn.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The course is delivered by a range of staff who have professional or academic qualifications. We have a small team of Surveying staff who deliver the core modules. This is augmented with staff from across the school who are qualified architects, engineers and architectural technologists. We are also very fortunate to receive regular input from practicing professionals who provide “real” and current scenarios for students to apply their knowledge to.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 3 written exams, typically for 2 hours
• 2 reports
• 4 project outputs
• 2 group critiques

Year 2​

• 4 reports
• 3 project outputs
• 1 oral assessment

Year 3​

• 2 reports
• 2 project outputs
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 group critique

Year 4​

• 2 reports
• 1 dissertation
• 3 project outputs
• 3 oral assessments

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

You are provided the opportunity and encouraged to undertake a termof Industrial Placement in Term2 of Year 3. This lasts for a minimum of 600 hours but can be extended at the employer’s discretion.

The placement is usually paid and students can find employment with employers in any field of construction or property. Previous employers have included WM Donald, Babcock International, BAMNuttall, McLeod and Aitken, Aberdeen City Council, Robertson’s Construction.

Placements are extremely valuable to students and the employment often extends through final year and can convert into a graduate position on completion of the course.

You are expected to source your own placement positions, with the support of the course team who have very close relationships with numerous employers. The University will also provide valuable support in how to source employers and how to discuss potential positions with them.

Placements at RGU

Job Prospects

Is Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management a good career?

Graduates from this course will be able to progress their career both nationally and internationally. Career prospects extend beyond Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management. You will have the ability to pursue careers in Project Management, Contract Administration, Dispute Resolution, Procurement, Property Development and so on.

Opportunities for construction graduates/ professionals are on a global scale and we have alumni working in the USA, New Zealand, Australia as well as all over the UK.