Quantity Surveying BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship
Why choose this programme?
Are you interested in building and considering a career as a quantity surveyor? This programme is an ideal first step. It offers technical, economic, legal and managerial expertise.
You'll gain a business perspective of the construction industry and its relationship to the consultancy market, a sound knowledge of the construction and development process and techniques in financial and project management.
For one day a week, you'll be at university rather than your place of work. There will also be learning activities at your workplace.
This programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is applying to be accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). The course leads to a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying (Degree Apprenticeship) and a professional qualification through an End Point Assessment (EPA).
Further details are available on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education website.
| Attendance | Year of entry |
|---|---|
| 5 years part time | 2023 2024 |
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This programme has been developed with input from leading employers mapping to the Level 6 Chartered Surveyor apprenticeship standard (ST0417).
- The University is actively involved in Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and will support you in the process of qualifying as a chartered surveyor.
- This programme is based on Kingston University's longstanding accredited degree and accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
What you will study
As defined in 'English Apprenticeship: Our Vision 2020', published by the UK government in 2015, an apprenticeship is a job with a formal programme of training. This Degree Apprenticeship (DA) non-integrated programme is designed to provide the underpinning knowledge (K) identified by the approved apprenticeship standard (Chartered Surveyor Degree Standard Ref: ST0331).
For apprentices who wish to study Building Surveying to honours degree level (Level 6) through this five-year DA programme and aspire to achieve the professional status of Chartered Surveyor, their learning journey is set out so that they would gain the technical and theoretical knowledge up to the required level (Level 6).
The programme's content was also reviewed against the relevant DA standards ensuring that it delivers on set skills (S) and professional behaviours (B). This is captured by the mapping of the programme's modules to the sets of core/optional knowledge and skills as well as the set of professional behaviours. The academic delivery on the apprenticeship is offered through a 1-day a week release which will predominantly account for the required 20% off-the-job training.
Modules
On this programme, you will gain a good mix of theoretical, practical, academic, management and industrial-based skills.
Workshops for the programme
- RICS APC Essentials
- Library and Research Tools
- Ethics and Professional Practice Essentials
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- APC Portfolio Preparation
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Final year
Year 1 explores design. You'll examine what makes a building well or poorly designed. You'll use both sketching and computer-aided design packages.
Core modules
Engineering Design and Professional Practice
30 credits
The principle aim of this module is to provide students with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic practice and professional practice needed to attain professional status. The module introduces the key aspects involved in: planning a project from start to finish, design processes incorporating a sustainability agenda, building an awareness of the interactions across various disciplines, regulatory frameworks and Health and Safety procedures. The module develops good academic and professional practice by developing skills in self-reflection and recording professional development. The basic principles of measurement and manufacturing processes in a workshop and testing environment are also addressed in the module.
Structures, Materials and Construction Methods
30 credits
The module introduces you to the fundamentals of structural analysis and mechanical behaviour of a broad range of construction engineering materials. Structural elements such as trusses under equilibrium are studied and the external and internal parameters, such as force, moment, stress and strain, are defined and calculated. You will gain knowledge of the analysis of structural components and theoretical and numerical skills that are necessary to design real world structures. Materials testing methods will be used to determine the deformations and failures of the various construction engineering materials. A selection of materials for construction engineering applications, such as concrete, timber, metal, ceramics, polymer and composites, will be studied including their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. The module further introduces construction methods and building elements/features (e.g. walls, roofs, finishes and services). You will learn to undertake detailing/drawing of building elements and communicate this effectively in technical reports.
Year 2 you will study the relationship of buildings to the environment and the need for design innovation and sustainability.
Core modules
Applied Mathematics and Computing Applications
30 credits
The aim of the module is to provide a background in mathematics and equip you with the mathematical and computing skills essential for solving construction related problems. The module also introduces the use of computing methods in construction engineering for problem solving, visualization and data representation including cost modelling and risk analysis. The mathematics part comprises algebra, trigonometry and statistics.
Construction Management and Site Investigation
30 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of construction management and the analysis of various construction site types with reference to their ground conditions. In order to develop in you an appreciation of the importance of the construction industry, its role in the UK economy will be analysed along with contextual factors that regulate and influence its operation. The role of important players in the construction sector will be examined in the context of procurement and contractual arrangements. Students will develop knowledge of site set-up operations and management. Students will also be introduced to soil mechanics and be able to apply their understanding and knowledge of geotechnics in site surveys and investigations as well as analyse their impact on the construction of permanent structures on the site.
Year 3 examines more complex commercial structures. You'll be introduced to cost-planning technique and contract law. You'll study the pre-/post-contract financial and contract administration duties of the quantity surveyor.
Core modules
Commercial Construction Technology
30 credits
The module aims to extend your knowledge and skill in construction technology including services from the basic types of construction to framed and more complex commercial structures. By the end of the module you should have developed a critical knowledge of building types, be able to interpret drawings, produce sketches and appreciate the reasons for the selection and use of different construction materials and services solutions.
Contract Administration
30 credits
This module aims to assist you to build on their understanding of the English legal system and law of contract developed at Level 4. You will gain deep and broad knowledge of standard contract forms used in the UK construction industry and the legal duties and responsibilities of the parties involved in construction contracts. The module further extends your critical knowledge and understanding of the contract administration and financial management duties of the quantity surveyor. Although there will be some lectures, the teaching and learning emphasis will be placed on the student developing their core knowledge and associated interpersonal skills through the use of scenarios and workshops.
Design Economics and Cost Planning
30 credits
This module builds on your understanding of economic principles developed at Level 4 and aims to apply these into the context of property and construction investment. You will develop the skills of building price estimating, cost planning and contract pricing. Emphasis will be placed on cost planning techniques based on elemental analysis and the relationship between building morphology and costs. Topics will also include value management, lifecycle costing and risk quantification. Upon completion you will be able to apply the concepts and practice of construction pricing in real-life scenarios. The module also introduces you to academic writing and criticism related to their field of study providing an opportunity for them to develop both their reflective research and plan making skills. The module is taught by lectures and seminars in which you will be expected to take an active role. Assessment is through a practical exercise and an individual coursework in which you will undertake a literature review in order to produce a mock issue of a journal on a subject relevant to the module.
Year 4 has modules in project management and advanced measurement. This covers the project control and project team leadership.
Core modules
Advanced Measurement
30 credits
This module builds on your understanding of the basic principles of measurement developed at Level 4 (Year 1). It focuses on the detailed quantification and costing of commercial buildings and engineering projects and aims to enable you to gain working knowledge of the principal methods of measurement and your application in such complex construction works. Upon completion you should be able to carry out building measurement competently. The module is taught by a series of lectures. These will be supported by workshops and tutorials during which students will be expected to take an active part by applying to worked examples as formative work. Formal assessment comprises two practical exercises.
Project Management
30 credits
This module aims to help you explore the principles and theories of project management applied in the context of construction. It introduces you to project management standards and documentation and reviews the project manager's role throughout the project lifecycle. The module places emphasis on project planning and control techniques. It further considers a range of soft skills project managers need to possess to lead and manage project teams effectively. The module is taught by a series of lectures and workshops and you will be expected to take an active part in applying to worked examples within the workshop format. Assessment is by coursework and an examination.
Final year has a module in consultancy which covers the consultant-client relationship and organisational change management. The course culminates in a major group project, along with an independent research project. You'll have the chance to study, in depth, a relevant topic of your choice.
Core modules
Consultancy
30 credits
This module integrates knowledge and skills you acquired in the complete suite of modules of this programme. It enables you to develop a deeper understanding of cross subject synergies. The module provides the framework for advanced practical applications of quantity surveying knowledge and skills into consultancy practice scenarios. You will learn how to develop and implement a consultancy strategy and provide reasoned advice and complete solutions to clients on a wide range of issues. You will be expected to think strategically, innovate and develop your own skills awareness and development needs. The module is delivered by keynote lectures and workshops.
Professional Practice in Context
30 credits
This module builds on the existing knowledge of the law and professional practice gained by students. It develops further the analytical and critical skills of students when encountering legal and professional practice problems. Knowledge of professional liability law is developed, together with other aspects of professional practice, ethical, legal and due diligence requirements. This module also ensures that students have developed a holistic understanding of sustainability as it applies to built environment professional practice.
Individual Project
30 credits
The individual project is an opportunity to explore a subject of your own choice. You will initiate, design and execute a small-scale research project under supervision. Your project will draw upon material from all modules previously or currently taught and provide a culmination to your degree. This allows you to develop and practice your research skills that will be invaluable for the future.
You will work independently, studying a topic in depth, reviewing previous work, and collecting, interpreting and analysing information. This is also intended to develop your ability to communicate clearly and succinctly orally, graphically and in writing. In undertaking the work, you should demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing literature and in using one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions.
To support you, a series of workshops will be given along with individual one-to-one supervision. Assessment is by submission of an initial formative research statement and summative assessments comprising an interim report and the completed project.
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
The academic delivery on this apprenticeship is offered through a 1-day a week release which will predominantly account for the required 20% off-the-job training. It designed for those taking up building surveying-related apprenticeship employment with their employers. 30 credits at Level 6 will be delivered via a work-based learning module.
The remaining 330 credits will be taught via an intensive one-day a week education programme at Kingston University for each of the five years of the programme. The degree apprenticeship programme has been designed for those wishing to undertake a challenging programme which will enable them to study in depth many aspects of building surveying.
It is also designed so that the academic team working in partnership with the employer ensure that, in addition to the relevant practical experience gained through the job itself, a specific on-the-job training takes place to develop the technical and professional skills and behaviours much more fully and in line with standards. This is captured by a Stakeholder Commitments Matrix.
Who teaches this programme?
The programme is taught at the Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and the Environment. Faculty staff have a wide range of experience across research and industry and continue to practise and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures our programmes are current and industry informed ensuring you get the most relevant and up-to-date education possible.
Staff will use their experience and professional networks to hone your skills and shape you into the next generation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- extensive materials and structures facility for concrete, masonry, steel and timber;
- geotechnical and hydraulics testing facilities; and
- surveying equipment, such as satellite global-positioning systems.
Dedicated computer-aided design facilities include:
- a range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad;
- finite element analysis
- computational fluid dynamics; and
- virtual instrumentation.
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Each apprentice on an approved Apprenticeship Standard is required to take an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the programme. The EPA is delivered by an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) that is registered with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
The EPA is either integrated as part of the apprenticeship or completed after the course element. If an apprentice is completing the EPA after the course element, they must ensure they have successfully completed their learning, achieved the gateway requirements and finished uploading their evidence prior to taking the EPA.
Local Employer Group (LEG)
The LEG was established to monitor, support and enhance the delivery and operation of the programme. This includes management and periodically reviewing of work-based learning by this established local employer group with the aim of delivering an apprenticeship programme that is a high-quality satisfactory experience for all. Representatives of apprentices are invited to serve on the group. Terms of reference include:
In advance of each group meeting, the course administrator asks the apprentice representative to gather feedback from their fellow apprentices to be channelled through them at the meeting.
Information for employers
This is a Level 6 Non-integrated Apprenticeship. Apprentices will be required to complete a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) accredited BSc/BSc (Honours) and achieve the status of Chartered Surveyor in one of three distinct pathways, the one in relation to this apprenticeship programme being Building Surveying, which includes:
- Providing professional advice on buildings and construction, ranging from city office blocks and skyscrapers to home extensions.
- Undertaking detailed surveys of buildings, identifying defects and advising on repair, maintenance and restoration options.
The typical duration for this apprenticeship is 60-66 months but this will depend on the previous experience of the apprentice and access to opportunities to gain the full range of competence.
Next steps
Employees
If you are currently employed full-time and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please ask your employer to contact the Kingston University apprenticeship team.
Employers
If you are an employer interested in how apprenticeships can support your organisation and employees, please contact the apprenticeship team for further details.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
