BSc Building Surveying

Compulsory modules

Construction Science

Learn the fundamental concepts of construction science. You’ll examine the physical properties and mechanics of construction materials, and the physical principles of heat transfer, heat loss, fluid flow, light, sound, acoustics, and electricity. 

Information and Communication 

Learn the importance of information representation and communication in construction projects, and gain practical skills to support your studies. You’ll learn tools and methods to visually communicate project-related information, and apply current approaches to digital and building information modelling through hands-on work with relevant software applications. 

Construction Technology

Develop knowledge and understanding of the various materials, technologies and systems employed in the construction of low-rise buildings, with a particular focus on the associated decision-making processes. 

Introduction to Economics and Law 

Gain an understanding of the economic and financial context of the development and construction of built facilities. You’ll learn basic economic techniques related to the estimating and cost planning of a proposed project, including financial management from strategic definition and concept, through the design and production stage, to completion and occupancy. 

Empirical Studies and Site Engineering 

Learn the principles of construction engineering, experimental design, measurement and technical report writing. You’ll link this theoretical knowledge to physical applications, and learn to evaluate the strengths and limitations of knowledge that’s generated empirically. 

Introduction to Management and Projects  

Explore key management and strategy approaches, challenges that construction and engineering firms face in a dynamic global context, and the need for effective team performance and the upholding of professional standards of conduct. You’ll develop your collaborative and analytical skills through teamwork and problem-solving.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Management of Construction Projects 1

Develop your analytical skills by examining various aspects of construction project management. You’ll learn and assess existing management techniques, focusing on time, cost, quality, resources, risk, logistics and health and safety.  

Building Environment Systems and Technology 

Develop insight into the environmental design, technologies and environmental performance of complex buildings. You’ll also learn about key concepts related to building construction technologies and building passive and active environmental systems.  

Projects and Digitalisation 

Gain hands-on experience in project-based practice, and develop your understanding of different professional roles and practices through role-play. You’ll work in teams to propose sustainable design and construction solutions in response to client briefs, and get the opportunity to play the role of a surveying or construction professional. 

Construction Procurement and Contract Law 

Learn about the development of policies, strategies and procedures for the organisation and management of construction projects, and understand the role of contracts in the construction sector and the fundamentals of construction contract law. 

Introduction to Quantification and Computerised Taking Off 

Develop basic skills in the measurement and quantification of construction work. You’ll look at how these techniques are carried out using traditional and digital technologies. You’ll learn about the measurement of concrete framed structures for a simple residential building.

Building Pathology and Surveying Practice  

Develop a forensic understanding of the decay of buildings and the process of surveying buildings, as well as the role of professional bodies in the delivery of surveying advice. You’ll study the importance of professional guidance and frameworks in producing technical reports that consider sustainability, ethics, and accessibility in the built environment.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Commercial Surveying Practices and Advanced Building Pathology

Gain knowledge of the role of the commercial surveyor, and the identification, diagnosis and remedy of defects in commercial buildings.

Building Surveying Projects 

Develop the necessary skills to inspect existing commercial buildings, analyse construction technology, and recommend advice to resolve immediate defects as well as medium- and long-term cost advice for maintenance. 

Research Skills and Dissertation 

Develop your understanding of the research process, which is essential for preparing your dissertation. You’ll gain the key research skills required, develop your ideas, and prepare a dissertation proposal with the help of a member of the academic staff as your supervisor. 

Optional modules

Environmental Management and Assessment 

Gain an understanding of the issues of environmental management and assessment, from both conceptual and applied perspectives. Your learning will be focused on corporate environmental management, which includes drivers, tools, contrasting types and strategies, and environmental assessment, which includes economic assessment tools, environmental risk management and other current practices.

Sustainable Built Environments 

Understand the role, practice, and application of sustainability for built environment professionals. You’ll learn to apply the fundamentals of resource efficiency and relevant frameworks to debates and research-based learning. You'll also discuss the role of natural systems and processes in cities, and their effect on the sustainability of urban areas. You’ll develop your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the context of sustainability. 

Green Innovation in Construction

Develop your knowledge of the innovation strategies deployed by construction companies to respond to the target of becoming net zero by 2050. You’ll learn how environmental policies, company strategies and new sustainable technologies are closely interconnected through detailed case studies.

Historic Building Environment 

Learn about the built heritage of England; building conservation principles; legislation, procedures, policy and guidance relating to heritage assets; and the management of change affecting the historic built environment. You’ll gain experience through reading, project work and visits to buildings and areas of interest.

Management of Construction Projects 2 

Gain an understanding of project-based management within broader political and socio-economic contexts. You’ll acquire the knowledge and skills to consider how project-based organisations manage their projects in changing conditions such as geopolitical turbulence, globalisation and internationalisation. 

Business Organisation and Management 

Gain an understanding of the business principles and strategic management concepts used in the construction industry. You’ll learn through several case studies from the global construction market and discussions in interactive sessions. You’ll be equipped with a strategic management framework as well as methods to develop business models and formulate competitive strategies.

Digital Technology Use in Construction 

Learn about building information modelling (BIM) as a collaborative information management process supported and shaped by a range of digital tools. Examine the common considerations of interoperability, information exchanges and life cycle management. You’ll be exposed to some digital tools and technologies while learning about issues related to information management and planning the process for BIM-supported project delivery.

Human Resource and Health and Safety Management 

Gain an appreciation and understanding of the processes and practices of human resource management and their implementation in the UK construction industry. You’ll develop perspectives on workplace cultures, the critical role of health and safety management, and communication in construction. You’ll be equipped with knowledge of strategies for occupational health and safety worker engagement and meaningful consultation between managers and workers.

Inclusive Environments 

Examine issues relating to inclusion and accessibility for commercial buildings. Learn to recognise the diversity of disability and the obligations to provide access under existing legislation. You’ll be equipped with the knowledge to consider the benefits of implementing more than the legal minimum from both commercial and social perspectives.

Construction Contract Management 

Learn about aspects of construction law within the wider context of roles and contractual and statutory obligations. You’ll consider the interpretation and application of contracts in the construction sector and the fundamentals of contract dispute resolution methods. You’ll also develop knowledge of the statutory legal framework that construction professionals practise in, and demonstrate your knowledge of the interpretation of law. 

Construction Live Project 

Gain hands-on, authentic experience via a live two-week intensive construction project, supported by a team of academics and industry professionals. You’ll plan, schedule, cost, and finally build a scaled version of an iconic build or building.   

International Construction 

Explore the scale and size of the international construction markets and develop an understanding of how construction projects are financed, designed, engineered, procured, and delivered. You’ll examine the contrast between advanced industrial nations and low-income countries. 

Construction Year in Industry 

This module is a year-long placement. If you select this option, it will last for the entirety of your third year, after which you will return to complete Part Three of your degree. Gain professional experience of working in the construction industry and cultivate a reflective approach to practice. You’ll develop a range of career management and transferable skills, engage in professional development and your route to professional chartership, and consider your placement experience in the context of the wider construction industry. 

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.