MSc Quantity Surveying

Overview

Built for precision

Quantity surveyors are the financial and mathematical experts of the construction industry. Bridging the gap between design and construction, these professionals play an integral role in fulfilling the client’s vision and ensuring construction projects come in on time and within budget. Their experience is highly regarded throughout the sector, giving them scope to work on a variety of exciting projects and take their careers across the world.

UCEM’s fully online MSc Quantity Surveying programme is an industry-recognised qualification with accreditation from several key professional bodies in the built environment. From economics and law to contract administration and procurement, this degree will give you the combination of fundamental knowledge and practical skills you need to thrive in your career as a chartered surveyor.

View programme brochure >

Reasons why degree is for you

Why study this degree?

Gain accreditation that can help you obtain a professional membership

Develop a broad set of skills for a profession in high demand

Learn from academics and lecturers with professional experience

Prepare you for a career as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor

About this degree

Programme details

This flexible, internationally recognised online programme will equip you with the combination of industry knowledge and practical skills you need to launch or develop your career in the sector. In your studies, you’ll build on your knowledge of the theory behind quantity surveying, touching on aspects such as quantification and the legal system. As you progress, this knowledge will be complemented with an understanding of practical skills in areas like dispute resolution, contract management and the latest sustainable construction technologies.

This conversion MSc Quantity Surveying programme enables graduates from disciplines unrelated to construction and real estate to obtain an accredited degree.

Course accreditations

Point 1

8 modules

Point 3

Modules worth 20 credits (except 40-credit project)

Point 6

RICS, CIOB, CABE, CICES and HKICM accredited

Point 5

Registered with the Hong Kong non-local courses registry
(NCR registration number: 252542)

Point 2

95% 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.

Procurement and Tendering

This module examines the principles and applications of project procurement. It also develops your understanding of the effects of risk allocation on procurement choice and the impact this has on subsequent phases of the project cycle.

Building Economics

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aspects of a construction project, including an appreciation of what affects the cost of a building, and the methods used to manage and control costs at the pre-contract stage of the project.

Year 2

Contract Administration and Practice

Examine Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT), New Engineering Contract (NEC) and International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) Standard Forms of construction contracts to enable you to interpret and analyse the key provisions for effective control and management of a contract.

Quantification and Costing of Construction Work

Gain an understanding of the methods of quantification and costing used for tendering, with particular focus on the traditional measurement process and the production of a Bill of Quantities as part of the tendering process.

Post Contract Cost Control

Develop an understanding of the process essential for effective control and management of cost during the construction phase of a project. Using a case study, you will build an understanding of how costs and risks are managed, techniques for reporting, and how costs are reported to a professional standard.

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

Amanda Milambo

BSc MSc PGCAP FHEA

Amanda joined UCEM in April 2012 as a Tutor in Quantity Surveying and Programme Leader for the BSc Quantity Surveying. She is now an Academic Delivery Manager. In 2000, she graduated from the Copperbelt University in Zambia with a BSc in Quantity Surveying. Amanda also holds an MSc in Construction Project Management from Birmingham City University. In August 2020, she became UCEM’s second Staff Trustee. Prior to joining the College, Amanda gained extensive experience working as a quantity surveyor, mainly in the private sector. She has worked on housing, education and health care projects. She also has international experience, working on projects in both Zambia and Botswana.

Introduction Webinar

Join lecturer Amanda Milambo 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?

Quantity Surveyors are integral to the successful completion of all kinds of construction projects, meaning their expertise is in demand on an international scale. Through this programme’s comprehensive exploration of the profession, you’ll be exposed to various different opportunities and specialisms within quantity surveying, including: