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BSc Building Surveying
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UCAS code
K230 -
A level offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2024/25 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2024/25 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
With BSc Building Surveying you will analyse building performance and material lifecycles to establish the cause and effect of building defects.
Why choose BSc Building Surveying at Reading?
We're one of the UK's top-ranking universities for teaching and research in the built environment:
- 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide, 2025
- 6th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024
- 98% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 97.75% of responders from the School of Construction Management and Engineering).
This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in building surveying. You will benefit from the Department's strong links with industry and the surveying profession.
Additionally, the degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building. (Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of courses accredited by CIOB and RICS satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS).
Flexible course options
As with all of our surveying and construction courses, the programme structure provides an opportunity to explore a range of construction-related disciplines prior to specialising in the final year. You will be able to transfer onto other courses, such as BSc Quantity Surveying or BSc Construction Management, at the end of your second year if you wish to do so. A particular emphasis is placed on transferable skills and University of Reading graduates are renowned for rapid progression to senior positions within professional firms.
Research with real-world applications
100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning) and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning). Many members of staff within the School are active in research and consultancy. This ensures that the course reflects not only the very best of current practice, but also the latest developments in areas such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and sustainability.
Your learning
Your first two years are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disciplines which underpin construction management and the surveying professions. This will include subjects such as economics, law, professional practice and building technology. Recurring themes throughout the course include the application of digital technologies, extending from working with hand-held tablets to the use of aerial drones for roof surveys. There is an especially strong focus on project work and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent projects have included a school in the Gambia and another in Malawi. Furthermore, we place a strong focus on employability and you will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals throughout the course.
You will also be encouraged to take up a placement over the summer between your second and final years, for which you will gain credits which contribute towards your degree. Additionally, there is an option to spend a year in industry, in the UK or abroad. (Placements and study abroad opportunities are subject to availability and eligibility guidelines).
The final year of the BSc Building Surveying course is designed to develop the technical and practical skills needed for the inspection and analysis of buildings. You will also complete a dissertation on a research topic of your choice and a building surveying project, in which you will survey a building in need of repair and refurbishment and will produce a viable recommendation of proposed work for a client. Additionally you can explore areas of interest through optional modules on subjects such as green innovation, historic built environments, construction contract law, and modern languages.
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students studying BSc Building Surveying said teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on BSc Building Surveying course).
Placements
Between your second and final year you can carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting a year or a shorter period. This experience not only provides you with an insight into industry, but is also a valuable opportunity to get to know a range of industry professionals.
Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and sometimes take place abroad in locations such as the USA, the Far East or the Caribbean. Firms offering places to our students in the past include Deloitte, Faithful and Gould, Lambert Smith Hampton, Rider Levett Bucknall, and Savills.
You will be given advice and support in finding the ideal placement, writing a CV and interview skills, by our dedicated placements officer (Placements and study abroad opportunities are subject to availability and eligibility guidelines).
Scholarships
As part of the cohort joining the BSc Building Surveying course in 2024, you will have the opportunity to secure an annual £1,000 scholarship for each of the three years of the undergraduate degree (subject to conditions).
For more information, please visit the School of Construction Management and Engineering's website.
Reading University Construction Society
The Reading University Construction Society (RUCS) is our social and cultural hub. It runs an exciting range of events where you’ll have opportunities to build professional relationships as well as friendships.
Leading employers and professional institutions attend many of the Society’s events to give talks and meet students, allowing you to increase your employability and knowledge as well as empowering you to build a personal network of contacts.
A number of industry leaders are corporate members of RUCS, including Turner & Townsend, Malcolm Hollis, and Alinea.
Overview
With BSc Building Surveying you will analyse building performance and material lifecycles to establish the cause and effect of building defects.
Why choose BSc Building Surveying at Reading?
We're one of the UK's top-ranking universities for teaching and research in the built environment:
- 3rd for Building in the Complete University Guide, 2025
- 6th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024
- 98% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, 97.75% of responders from the School of Construction Management and Engineering).
This course is designed to prepare you for a successful career in building surveying. You will benefit from the Department's strong links with industry and the surveying profession.
Additionally, the degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building. (Accreditation is reviewed periodically. Successful completion of courses accredited by CIOB and RICS satisfies the academic requirements for membership of CIOB and RICS).
Flexible course options
As with all of our surveying and construction courses, the programme structure provides an opportunity to explore a range of construction-related disciplines prior to specialising in the final year. You will be able to transfer onto other courses, such as BSc Quantity Surveying or BSc Construction Management, at the end of your second year if you wish to do so. A particular emphasis is placed on transferable skills and University of Reading graduates are renowned for rapid progression to senior positions within professional firms.
Research with real-world applications
100% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning) and 100% of our research impact has been classed outstanding or very considerable (REF 2021, combining 4* and 3* submissions – Architecture, Built Environment and Planning). Many members of staff within the School are active in research and consultancy. This ensures that the course reflects not only the very best of current practice, but also the latest developments in areas such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and sustainability.
Your learning
Your first two years are designed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the disciplines which underpin construction management and the surveying professions. This will include subjects such as economics, law, professional practice and building technology. Recurring themes throughout the course include the application of digital technologies, extending from working with hand-held tablets to the use of aerial drones for roof surveys. There is an especially strong focus on project work and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent projects have included a school in the Gambia and another in Malawi. Furthermore, we place a strong focus on employability and you will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals throughout the course.
You will also be encouraged to take up a placement over the summer between your second and final years, for which you will gain credits which contribute towards your degree. Additionally, there is an option to spend a year in industry, in the UK or abroad. (Placements and study abroad opportunities are subject to availability and eligibility guidelines).
The final year of the BSc Building Surveying course is designed to develop the technical and practical skills needed for the inspection and analysis of buildings. You will also complete a dissertation on a research topic of your choice and a building surveying project, in which you will survey a building in need of repair and refurbishment and will produce a viable recommendation of proposed work for a client. Additionally you can explore areas of interest through optional modules on subjects such as green innovation, historic built environments, construction contract law, and modern languages.
In the National Student Survey 2023, 100% of our students studying BSc Building Surveying said teaching staff were good or very good at explaining things (100% of respondents studying on BSc Building Surveying course).
Placements
Between your second and final year you can carry out a paid industrial training placement, lasting a year or a shorter period. This experience not only provides you with an insight into industry, but is also a valuable opportunity to get to know a range of industry professionals.
Placements can be located anywhere in the UK, and sometimes take place abroad in locations such as the USA, the Far East or the Caribbean. Firms offering places to our students in the past include Deloitte, Faithful and Gould, Lambert Smith Hampton, Rider Levett Bucknall, and Savills.
You will be given advice and support in finding the ideal placement, writing a CV and interview skills, by our dedicated placements officer (Placements and study abroad opportunities are subject to availability and eligibility guidelines).
Scholarships
As part of the cohort joining the BSc Building Surveying course in 2024, you will have the opportunity to secure an annual £1,000 scholarship for each of the three years of the undergraduate degree (subject to conditions).
For more information, please visit the School of Construction Management and Engineering's website.
Reading University Construction Society
The Reading University Construction Society (RUCS) is our social and cultural hub. It runs an exciting range of events where you’ll have opportunities to build professional relationships as well as friendships.
Leading employers and professional institutions attend many of the Society’s events to give talks and meet students, allowing you to increase your employability and knowledge as well as empowering you to build a personal network of contacts.
A number of industry leaders are corporate members of RUCS, including Turner & Townsend, Malcolm Hollis, and Alinea.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.
Typical offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
BTEC National Diploma
DDM
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| CE1CCS | Construction Science | DR Mehdi Shahrestani |
| CE1CCT | Construction Technology | PROF Tabarak Ballal |
| CE1CEL | Introduction to Economics and Law | DR Martin Green |
| CE1CIC2 | Information and Communication | DR Ruth Dowsett |
| CE1ESE | Empirical Studies and Site Engineering | DR Mate Janos Lorincz |
| CE1IMP | Introduction to Management and Projects | DR Amna Shibeika |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| CE2BPS | Building Pathology and Surveying Practice | MR Adrian Tagg |
| CE2CPD | Projects and Digitalisation | PROF Tabarak Ballal |
| CE2CTQ | Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off | MR Ekpo Ekpenyong |
| CE2EST | Building Environment Systems and Technology | DR Alba Fuertes Casals |
| CE2MCP | Management of Construction Projects 1 | DR Shabnam Kabiri |
| CE2PCL | Construction Procurement and Contract Law | DR Ariana Darvish |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| CE3CBP | Building Surveying Projects | MR Adrian Tagg |
| CE3RSD | Research Skills and Dissertation | DR Michael Peters |
| CE3SBP | Commercial Surveying Practices and Advanced Building Pathology | MR Adrian Tagg |
Optional modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| CE3BOM | Business Organisation and Management | PROFESSOR Irem Dikmen |
| CE3CE1 | Inclusive Environments | MR Adrian Tagg |
| CE3CHB | Historic Built Environment | MR Henry Russell |
| CE3CLP1 | Construction Live Project | DR Timothy Lees |
| CE3CM1 | Construction Contract Management | DR Ronan Champion |
| CE3CM2 | Management of Construction Projects 2 | PROF Martin Guy Sexton |
| CE3DCT | Digital Technology use in Construction | DR Dragana Nikolic |
| CE3EVA | Environmental Management and Assessment | PROF Jacopo Torriti |
| CE3GCO | Green Innovation in Construction | DR Shu-Ling Lu |
| CE3INT | International Construction | DR Ariana Darvish |
| CE3RHS | Human Resource and Health and Safety Management | DR Florence Phua |
| CE3SBE | Sustainable Built Environments | DR Eugene Mohareb |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
New international students: £27,650
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
After graduation you will be well-placed to move into either consultancy or contracting. The vast majority of our graduates move into careers in building surveying, although some choose to move into other roles within or related to construction such as quantity surveying, project management or estate management. Alternatively, you can choose to move on to postgraduate study.
Past BSc Building Surveying graduates at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as:
- AECOM
- Arcadis
- Baily Garner
- Cushman & Wakefield
- Hollis Global
- Mace
- Ridge and Partners LLP
- WSP.
(Based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes BSc Building Surveying responders).
Overall, 98% of graduates from Construction Management and Engineering are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation; of those in full-time employment, 97% are in graduate-level roles (Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22; includes first degree Construction Management and Engineering responders).
[1] Based on our analysis of HESA data © HESA 2023, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21; includes first degree Construction Management and Engineering responders