Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc (Hons)

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).

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.

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.