MSc Building Surveying

Overview

Built for Surveying

Building surveying is a profession of two halves. On the one hand, it’s a specialist discipline in the built environment that requires in-depth knowledge and technical experience. On the other, it’s a diverse and versatile career path, with the opportunity to work on a wide range of different projects, from commercial and residential new builds to historic buildings and heritage sites.

UCEM’s fully online MSc Building Surveying is an industry-recognised qualification that can provide you with the theoretical and practical underpinning you need for a career as a Building Surveyor. In this growing and in-demand profession, you will have the opportunity to use your expertise in a variety of situations, from inspection and maintenance to consulting clients and conservation.

View programme brochure >

Reasons why degree is for you

Why study this degree?

Gain accreditation that can help you become a Chartered Surveyor

Pursue a career or specialise in a diverse and in-demand area of the sector

Develop the technical expertise and knowledge to work on a variety of construction projects

Learn from academics and lecturers with professional experience

About the programme

This flexible, internationally-recognised online programme will give you the fundamental knowledge you need for a career in building surveying. Your studies will cover the core technical disciplines of this profession, which, combined with the development of practical skills and an appreciation of the role in the context of the wider built environment, will make you a valuable contributor to a wide range of construction projects.

This conversion MSc Building Surveying programme enables graduates from disciplines unrelated to construction and real estate to obtain an RICS/CIOB/CABE/HKICM accredited degree, giving access to professional membership.

Course accreditations

Point 1

8 modules

Point 3

Modules worth 20 credits (except 40-credit project)

Point 6

RICS, CIOB, CABE and HKICM accredited

Point 5

Registered with the Hong Kong non-local courses registry
(NCR registration number: 252539)

Point 2

83% of graduates in work/further study after 15 months

Point 4

Spring and autumn start dates available

Point 4

Conversion programme providing access to professional membership

Structure

Modules you will study

You will study 8 modules across 2 years.

Autumn

Year 1

Project Management in the Built Environment

Explore the strategic and organisational challenges of project management, focusing on the management of construction projects. Develop the variance of skillsets and professional disciplines required to manage, plan, and control the safe and compliant delivery of built assets, in the context of key project drivers.

Construction Technology

Learn the principles of construction technology, including modern, innovative and traditional construction. Explore assessment methods and relevant codes and regulations within the framework of a sustainable and inclusive built environment.

Law for the Built Environment

Gain an introduction into English law, the legal system and the law making process, along with the law of contract and tort. Develop an understanding of legislation appropriate to the project such as planning, building regulations and health and safety legislation. Alternative dispute resolution is also covered.

Regulation and Fire Safety

Analyse the principles and practice of planning, building regulations and fire safety, developing your ability to examine their purpose and relevance and apply these to a range of scenarios. This module explores both domestic and international building standards.

Year 2

Building Pathology

Investigate building pathology in the context of professional practice, and develop your ability to recognise and remedy building defects in a range of scenarios. You will gain an understanding of the inspection, testing and monitoring techniques necessary to ensure the most appropriate diagnosis of building defects.

Building Maintenance and Management

Delve into building surveying practice, and enhance your ability to recognise, analyse and remedy building maintenance issues. Apply building surveying practice, maintenance and adaptation to different situations during building occupation.

Conservation and Adaptation of Buildings

Examine the wider context and technical issues regarding both the conservation and adaptation of existing buildings. This module covers the history of architecture, enabling the student to identify different ages and features and make informed decisions about the alteration and adaptation of buildings.

Postgraduate Project

Build your research skills within the context of the built environment with the opportunity to conduct a self-directed research project that reflects the culmination of your studies. The topics selected are expected to reflect the current and critical issues that concern the built environment.

Periodic review and revalidation

To make sure our programmes are always high quality and relevant for our students we review and update our programmes on a regular cycle. This is known as “periodic review and revalidation” and this year our Postgraduate programmes will be going through this process. Therefore, the programme information presented here may change.

Programme leader >

Academic profile >

Programme leader

Dr Karen clarke

BENG (Hons), PHD, CENG, MICE, MCIOB, C.BUILD, MCABE, ASSOCRICS, FGS, SFHEA

Dr Clarke is a Chartered Civil Engineer, Chartered Construction Manager and Chartered Building Engineer who has worked in Higher Education for the last twenty years. She was previously a Senior Lecturer at Kingston University teaching on Building Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering and Foundation Year in Engineering courses.

Introduction Webinar

Join lecturer Dr Karen Clarke in her programme introduction webinar. Here you can learn more about UCEM, online study and the course, and ask any questions you may have,

Lecturer Appointment

Ideal for those who have already attended the introduction webinar, this is a great opportunity to ask your specific questions to the lecturer one-to-one.

Online learning

The future of study

Flexible study

Balance your study, work and home commitments, all while working towards your career goals

e-Library access

Full access to a comprehensive and valuable e-library with a wealth of resources to support your studies

Interactive

Study using a diverse range of interactive, modern and dynamic learning resources

Expert-led

Learning activities that have been designed by UCEM tutors and subject matter experts

Stay connected

Learn alongside a diverse community of students from all over the world

Explore online learning >

Time commitment and study breakdown

Studying two modules per semester requires an expected time commitment of 15-20 hours per week. If you study only one module per semester, the weekly time commitment will be less, depending on the module’s credit size. Most modules are typically 20 credits.

Directed study time (%)

Self-directed study time (%)

Assessment study time (%)

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

SDGs

Sustainability

Fees

Financial information

Support

For your studies

Entry

Qualifications required

Students are required to be 18 years or over at the start of their programme.

Academic requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2) or equivalent

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus experience in a relevant field

A level 5 qualification as defined by the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) plus five years’ relevant experience

A professional qualification plus five years’ relevant experience

Successfully completed the UCEM Postgraduate Access programme at the first attempt (Autumn 2025 intake only)

English requirements

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification

Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
Grade 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5* or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).

Degrees and MScs taught and awarded in English can also be used as supporting evidence.

Further admissions information

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice: Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

If an applicant does not meet the standard entry requirements UCEM will consider the application on an individual basis. In these cases, the application will be assessed by the Programme Leader, who will give careful consideration to any professional and life experiences as well as any academic or vocational qualifications the applicant may hold.

International students

The academic level of international qualifications will be assessed using UK ENIC.

Hong Kong students

For Hong Kong students, the application may be assessed by the Dean of School (International) if standard entry requirements are not met. The applicant may be asked to provide a detailed personal statement and/or a reference or letter of support from an employer or mentor to support the application.

Contextualised admissions policy

UCEM is committed to widening participation in higher education and enabling students to achieve their full academic potential. We recognise that some students are more likely to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school/college than others, through no fault of their own. Our contextual offer scheme exists to provide fairness and equality of opportunity, by ensuring that adequate steps are taken to address differences between applicants, including differences in their experience of educational opportunities. It compliments and supports our existing Access and Participation Plan.

Read more about the UCEM Contextualised Admissions Policy.

Providing evidence

Evidence is required in the form of certificate or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.

Personal Learning records can be used as evidence of academic qualifications and these will be automatically checked in lieu of certificates or statements.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

SDGs

Sustainability

How does this course align?

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

UCEM is currently undergoing an evaluation of how SDGs relate to modules. This will be updated shortly.

Fees

Financial information

Course fees

Total programme fee (spring 2024/25): £10,600

£1,325 per module x 8 modules

(usually students undertake two modules per semester)

Total programme fee (2025/26): £11,000

£1,375 per module x 8 modules

(usually students undertake two modules per semester)

Sponsorship

Many employers will sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.

To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship page.

Bursary support

UCEM has a number of bursaries and scholarships available for a range of students.

You can find out more and apply on our financial support page.

Apprenticeship Route

This programme is also available as part of an apprenticeship, for those in relevant employment.

To find more information, head to our become an apprentice page.

Careers

Where can it take you?

Building Surveyors are involved in projects across every phase of the building lifecycle, meaning there’s no shortage of opportunities for professionals with the appropriate qualifications and experience. Whether you’re looking to launch a career in building surveying, want to transition into the profession or are seeking international opportunities, there are a wide range of different areas you can specialise in, including: