Building Surveying BSc (Hons)

30 credits

This module introduces you to the national and international construction industry. You'll learn about its structure, key stakeholders, and societal impact. The importance of the construction industry will be analysed along with contextual factors that regulate and influence its operation. The role of important players in the construction sector will also be examined.

You will be introduced to basic economic theory and its application to the industry as well as the fundamentals of the management of organisations. Professional ethics and rules of conduct and other closely related competencies will also be considered in this module.

The module will be delivered in a series of lectures and small group sessions including seminars, tutorials, and workshop sessions. You will be assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams.

30 credits

This is a core technology module where you will explore alternative construction materials and technologies used for low-rise built facilities. You will learn about the impact of construction methods and materials on important issues, including building regulations, health, safety and welfare regulations, sustainability and the environment.

By the end of the module, you should have developed a fundamental knowledge of building types, and be able to interpret drawings, produce sketches and appreciate the reasons for the selection and use of different construction materials and service solutions.

15 credits

This module give you an overview of the modern English legal system, with a specific focus on key legislative and regulatory frameworks. It covers essential aspects of contract law and introduces elements of tort law relevant to the construction industry.

Additionally, you will explore regulations and statutory acts that are applicable in the UK construction sector. You will learn to employ appropriate legal methodologies to address scenario-based legal problems.

15 credits

You will be introduced to your course learning aims and will consider your learning targets from now until graduation. You'll take ownership of your personal academic journey through the development and application of academic skills aligned to Kingston's Graduate Attributes and your discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes.

You'll be tutored in a range of 'learning to learn' techniques. You'll be introduced to assessment for learning and the roles of feedback, reflection and feedforward as integrated parts of your learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in Kingston's Navigate Programme.

15 credits

This module explores People Management (Human Resource Management - HRM) and Organisations (Organisational Behaviour). You will develop knowledge, understanding and skills for the management of employees and organisations in the built environment – crucial for employee performance and for organisations to succeed.

This module reflects some of the socioeconomic aspects and other cultural characteristics of construction organisations. These could stem from recruitment and selection, leadership, employee motivation, team dynamics and organisational cultural shifts characteristic of evolutional change over time.

This module analyses the role of people resource and its management in the construction industry, along with contextual factors that regulate and influence the UK economy and beyond. It examines the roles of important players in the construction sector. Their processes will be examined in the context of the change management characteristics of the sector, to help achieve organisational objectives in a very complex, highly dynamic and exceptionally volatile global environment.

15 credits

Quantification of construction work is a core skill of the quantity surveyor. It underpins the procurement and cost management of construction projects.

This module introduces the principles of measurement of construction work. It focuses on the detailed quantification of simple buildings to offer an understanding of industry rules and conventions for measuring construction work and their application. You will learn to competently measure the building envelope of simple residential buildings.

The module is taught by lectures, tutorials and workshops in which you will take an active role. You will develop relevant graduate attributes that are highly sought after in the construction industry, such as teamworking, digital skills, problem-solving, communication and creativity.

15 credits

The module provides an in-depth understanding of digital technologies and construction-related information modelling in the built environment context. You will learn how digital construction has revolutionised the construction industry and how Building Information Modelling (BIM) and its closely related digital technologies are used as tools for the realisation of the Construction Industry 4.0.

The course covers various aspects of digital design, construction, and operation and maintenance, including the knowledge and use of tools related to BIM, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and geographic information system. You will learn about BIM software, collaboration techniques, and project delivery methods.

You will also develop digital skills and knowledge such as data management, quantification, project team collaboration and cost analysis.

15 credits

This module introduces you to procurement strategies for executing construction projects and the intricacies of contract administration. The course identifies the various procurement routes for different project circumstances. The module further extends your critical knowledge and understanding of the contract administration and financial management duties of the project manager.

Although there will be lectures, the teaching and learning emphasis will focus on developing your core knowledge and interpersonal skills using scenarios, workshops and a day field trip to an ongoing project in a major city in England. This will help increase your problem-solving competencies and communication skills development. The module will be assessed by coursework.

15 credits

This module provides insights into the construction of commercial and other buildings. The module will extend your knowledge and skills in construction technology and 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.

15 credits

This is a core module for all level 5 students on engineering programmes. Students will demonstrate a developing awareness of the skills required to operate as a professional in their subject area. This module will scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply. 

This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student’s knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects. 

The module is skills-rich, including the development of team-working, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategise and prioritise.  

A key element of this module will be the participation in an inter-disciplinary design thinking project. Students will contextualise their subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours as an interdisciplinary team member charged with developing a solution to a designated challenge. The teamwork project enables students to demonstrate their ability to explore and contextualise their subject specific knowledge and helps prepare them for their individual project in Level 6.

30 credits

This module helps you gain an understanding of material science properties and specification. You will be introduced to basics of building design and the development of the design process, from concept to tender documents.

In this module, you will develop proficiency in using a Building Information Modelling platform (Revit) to produce digital architectural 3D models as well as technical drawings for construction.

The module is taught by mix of lectures, computer labs and practical sessions and is typically assessed by a design project portfolio.

30 credits

This module provides you with a critical understanding of legal and regulatory compliance related to the built environment. You will study regulations relating to retrofit and maintenance decisions. You will develop knowledge of the strategic and practical aspects for effective and efficient management and maintenance of buildings.

On a broader level, the module will also consider how a building relates to its location, considering the social, economic and environmental consequences of retrofit solutions. You will also develop skills in building appraisal so you can evaluate a building's performance.

The module will cover the principles of setting up and managing maintenance and small improvements works, and monitoring and evaluating building performance from owner and occupier perspectives. It will consider legislative and financial considerations and the increasing importance of managing carbon and energy, as well as general aspects of property management related to works, health and safety, landlord and tenant relations, and all matters associated with the smooth running of properties.

The module is taught by lectures, tutorials, and workshops/seminars.

15 credits

You will demonstrate the ability to apply your professional skills in your chosen area, and gain a broad understanding of the business environment in which professional activities are undertaken. The module will develop the technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment, and prepare you for employment and entrepreneurship.

You will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where you will work as a team to develop a business idea. To do this you will need to interact with relevant stakeholders outside the University.

You will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the University and reflect on these interactions. This may include participation in co-curricular events such as subject-specific and career development events, and networking opportunities offered by subject-specific professional bodies. You'll leverage interactions with professionals in the development of your final year research project, and reflect on the co-benefits of these interactions.

15 credits

This module introduces you to project management processes and tools and provides an overview of the project manager's role and function at different stages of the project life cycle.

Standards of professional and ethical conduct will be explored. You'll consider the appraisal of options leading to the developing of a business case and feasibility report as well as pre-construction planning and site establishment.

You will attend a series of lectures and practical sessions and are expected to take an active role by applying your knowledge to practical scenarios. The module is assessed by a client report.

15 credits

The module provides an in-depth understanding of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Construction Information Management System (CIMS) in the construction industry. It covers various topics related to BIM and CIMS, including their application, benefits, challenges, and future developments.

The module will begin by recapping the fundamental concepts of BIM and CIMS, including the evolution of BIM and its importance in the construction industry. It will then delve into the different stages of BIM and CIMS, including modelling, collaboration, documentation, and analysis. The module will cover various software tools that are commonly used in BIM and CIMS, such as Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and BIM 360.

This module aims to enable you to apply and evaluate the key principles of BIM. You will undertake a collaborative interdisciplinary project to apply and develop your skills in a scenario-based group project.

Finally, the course will discuss the future trends and developments in BIM and CIMS, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Virtual Reality (VR) in construction.

15 credits

This module aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal aspects related to construction projects. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the legal framework governing the construction industry, particularly in contract administration and management.

This module enhances your analytical and critical thinking abilities when confronted with legal and professional practice challenges. It promotes a holistic comprehension of sustainability in the context of the built environment and provides an in-depth examination of construction disputes and the commonly employed methods of dispute resolution.

You will acquire practical techniques for effective time management, develop proficiency in locating, interpreting, using and referencing legal sources, and cultivate essential attributes valued by the construction industry, including collaboration, team building, critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, initiative and creativity.

30 credits

This module provides a critical understanding of inspection and building pathology. You will study the legislative and regulatory bodies for building control and explore the current applications to survey, evaluate and diagnose different building pathologies.

You will also study different building materials in order to provide professional advice regarding building defects, considering environmental, legislative and societal factors.

The module is taught through lectures, seminars, workshop discussions and site visits. It is assessed through coursework, which may include a report and exhibition and an open-book examination.

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.

15 credits

This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. 

At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.