Building Surveying BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship

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Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

Why choose this programme?

Are you interested in building and considering a career as a chartered building surveyor? This programme will help you gain detailed knowledge of building maintenance, care and conservation.

You'll study the business, financial and legal aspects of property and construction and learn how to advise clients. You'll examine building design, the reasons for constructions and the reasons why buildings fail. For one day each week, you'll attend university rather than your place of employment. 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). Once you successfully complete the programme, you'll receive a BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying Consultancy (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 2024
2025
Main location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • Kingston University has developed this programme with input from leading employers mapping to the Level 6 Chartered Surveyor degree apprenticeship standard (ST0417).
  • Kingston is actively involved in Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and supports you in the process of qualifying as a chartered surveyor.
  • A work-based learning project module, supported by your employer, will combine your own surveying interests with those of your employer.
Reasons to choose Kingston University

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 this BSc (Hons) qualification 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. 

Please refer to the current list of modules and note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list as these could change before your year of entry.

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 principal 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 construction – how and why buildings fall apart. This is a key component of the knowledge base for chartered building surveyors.

Core modules

CAD and Building Science

30 credits

This module introduces you to computer-aided design (the current AutoCAD version) and provides opportunities to gain practice under guidance of CAD and REVIT in order that you may develop proficiency in its use. You will also gain an understanding of the fundamentals of structural behaviour of common building elements and a working knowledge of environmental science principles and material properties. The concept of BIM (Building Information Modelling) will also be introduced during this module. The module is taught by lectures and practical sessions and typically assessed by a design project of practical exercise and individual portfolio which must include structural calculations.

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.

Year 4 in the Building Maintenance and Management module you will learn how to keep buildings in use.

Core modules

Building Design and Application

credits

This module integrates knowledge and skills you have previously acquired in the complete suite of modules of this programme. The module provides the opportunity for the advanced practical application of building surveying knowledge and skills via the examination of a particular a typical practice scenario through to detailed proposals regarding a solution to that problem. The module is delivered by keynote lectures and workshops. Assessment is by major project and individual reflective essay.

Building Maintenance & Management

credits

The module will enable you to appreciate building design related to function and the regulation that controls design decisions. You will develop knowledge of the strategic and practical aspects involved with the effective and efficient management and maintenance of buildings. On a broader level, the module will also consider how a building relates to its location and it will consider the social, economic and environmental consequences of design. You will develop your skills of building appraisal so that you can diagnose building defects and their causes, including relating to design.

The module will cover the principles of setting up and managing maintenance and small improvements works and monitoring and evaluating building performance from both the owner and occupier perspective. It will consider both legislative and financial considerations and the increasing importance of managing carbon and energy as well as being provided with an introduction to the principles of refurbishment.

At the end of the module, you will take part in a short field trip and undertake work which will be incorporated in module CE6101. The module is taught by lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Your final year includes workshops. It culminates in a major group project, along with an independent research project. You will have the opportunity to combine and present all your learning from the course.

Core modules

The Existing Built Environment

30 credits

This module provides you with a critical understanding of heritage in the built environment. You will study the legislative and regulatory protection of heritage assets and explore the current debates surrounding such buildings including the potential and actual conflicts between competing interests. You will deepen their understanding of historic building materials in order that you can advise on appropriate conservation and repair, together with options for adaptation to new uses. The module is taught through lectures, seminars, workshop discussions and visits to heritage buildings and is assessed through case studies and coursework.

Professional Practice in Context

30 credits

This module builds on your existing knowledge of the law and professional practice. It further develops your analytical and critical skills when encountering legal and professional practice problems.

Knowledge of professional liability law is enhanced, along with an understanding of other aspects of professional practice, including ethical, legal and due diligence requirements.

This module also ensures that students develop 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

Typical offer

  • 112-128 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

A-level

  • 112-128 UCAS tariff points from at least two GCE A-levels
  • General studies and Native language at both A-level and AS-level not accepted in the tariff

BTEC level

  • BTEC Extended Diploma with grades DMM in any subject

Access to HE Diploma

  • Pass Access to HE Diploma in engineering, science, business and maths subjects

Also required

  • Five GCSE subjects grades A*-C including Mathematics and English Language (or comparable numeric score under the newly reformed GCSE grading)
  • Working in industry in a relevant job role
  • Sponsorship from an approved employer within the industry
  • Meeting all the requirements of the Education and Skills Funding Agency to undertake an apprenticeship as listed in the Apprenticeship Funding Rules

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course which has been passed with 112 UCAS points. 

Applications from those that have undertaken an Engineering foundation year will also be considered.

Direct entry to Year 2:

This mode of entry requires exemption from Year 1 of the programme. This is normally attained with a BTEC Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering or Construction or similar qualification with a minimum of five merits.

International

Higher and Degree Apprenticeship programmes are not suitable for international applicants without the Right to Work in England. Applicants must be employed and individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships. International applicants need to look at the details of each apprenticeship vacancy and contact the employer to check their eligibility criteria. Academically, students registering to the programme will need to meet the relevant entry criteria.

Additional requirements

Entry on to this programme does not require an interview, entrance test, audition or portfolio.

Teaching and assessment

The academic delivery on this BSc (Hons) qualification 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.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

ActivityHours
 Personal development workshops 106
 Lectures 349
Tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals 379
Laboratory (including computer laboratory) 136
Field work and site visits 92
Summative assessments 470
Work-based learning (approx.) 54
Workplace mentor meetings 148
Engagement in professional bodies led event 120

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this programme is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.

Assessment

Assessment
  • Coursework: 80%
  • Exams: 20%

Based on the Education and Skills Funding Agency funding rules your on-the-job training will also be assessed to ensure that it meets the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. You will also need to successfully complete an End-Point Assessment.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to learners within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 10 learners and lecture sizes are normally 10-105. However this can vary by module and academic year.

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 practice and research at the cutting edge of their discipline. This ensures that 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.

Programme fees and funding

Fees for this programme

This degree apprenticeship programme is funded through the Government's Apprenticeship Levy within the approved funding band.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which learners will need to consider when planning their studies.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Where a programme has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials, security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to, or be required to, buy your own copy of key textbooks.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses.

Printing

In the majority of cases coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees.

Travel

You may need to pay additional travel costs for placements. If you are an apprentice, you can apply for an apprenticeship oyster card.

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.

What does an End-Point Assessment (EPA) involve?

There is no common format for EPAs, as they vary between apprenticeships. All EPAs are developed from 'assessment plans', drawn up by the trailblazer group responsible for apprenticeship standard and subsequently approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).

An apprentice's EPA plan must detail the knowledge, skills and experience that they are expected to achieve as assessed by independent assessors. Employers have an important role in assessing competency and they have a key responsibility at the gateway in signing off the apprentice as ready to undertake EPA.

The EPA can be conducted either be awarding organisations, training providers like Kingston University, in case of integrated assessment, or End-Point Assessment Organisations (EPAOs). Without exception all should;

  • EPA must be conducted by an independent EPAO, which must be on the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations. EPAOs will employ independent assessors.
  • Ensure independence – the EPA should be an independent assessment of an apprentice's competence. The decision on whether an apprentice has passed their EPA and what their final grade should be, must be taken by someone who has no vested interest in this decision or relationship to the apprentice. This is to ensure that all apprentices are treated fairly and helps to maintain trust in the robustness of the EPA system.
  • Underpin their EPA services with independent quality assurance.
  • Have relevant occupational experience of the apprenticeship standard.
  • Meet at least twice annually, review programme content and delivery, consider feedback from apprentices, employers and academics, and report findings annually to the University – through established committee structure and to employers.

Who provides a non-integrated assessment?

Employers can choose any organisation listed on the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations (RoEPAO) against the apprenticeship standard being taken by their apprentice. RoEPAO lists organisations that have been assessed by the ESFA as being suitable to conduct independent EPA of apprentices. The employer can then inform Kingston University who will support the EPA process.

How is an integrated assessment different?

For apprenticeship that follow an integrated approach, the University delivering the apprenticeship will also be the EPAO and must be on the RoEPAO. Thus, integrated apprenticeships are where Kingston University provides both the scheduled teaching and the EPA. No independent assessor organisation is required – though the EPA must still deliver an impartial result – with assessors independent of the apprentice and their employer and, where possible, from a third-party organisation such as a professional body or another employer. If this is not possible, they may be sourced from within the same University but must be occupationally competent, meet any other conditions for assessors and not have been involved in the on-programme delivery.

For further details on EPA process for a particular apprenticeship programme please contact the relevant Apprenticeship Course Leader or Faculty Student/Degree Apprenticeship Officer. You can also get in touch with the Kingston University apprenticeships team via degreeapprenticeships@kingston.ac.uk or 020 8417 5492.

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

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.