Building Surveying MSc

15 credits

This module will provide you with broad expert knowledge in commercial construction technology, from pre-construction to post-construction phases, with a focus on sustainable construction and building services in the built environment. Sustainability, Building Regulations, and Construction Design and Management (CDM) regulations will also be highlighted to create inclusive environments in line with the demands of the construction industry.

The module enables you to develop skills in employing traditional and contemporary construction methods for commercial building designs, analysing the choice and use of different construction materials for building elements, interpreting and producing drawings/sketches of building structures and elements, as well as exploring appropriate building service solutions for sustainable development. You will have an extended vision of sustainability and construction management.

By the end of the module, you should have developed in-depth knowledge of building types, site investigation, substructure (foundations and basements), superstructure (framed structure, floors, ceilings, cladding, roofs), selection and use of different construction materials, building construction design in compliance with building regulations and relevant guidelines, drawing skills, and sustainable solutions of building services (thermal, moisture, lighting, acoustics, air quality, water supply, fire safety, and electricity).

15 credits

The module introduces you to the processes used to procure and manage construction projects. You will be provided with an overview of the construction industry and the role of the surveyor in key stages of the property life cycle. The fundamentals of professional and ethical conduct and principles of client care and inclusive communication and collaboration will be explored. The module will proceed to introduce you to procurement and tendering arrangements typically employed in the UK construction sector, enabling you to apply your knowledge to identify optimal solutions to suit the client's needs. Project management techniques and tools will also be covered, with emphasis placed on core functions relating to project planning, programming and control. Soft skills essential for successful project delivery will be considered. You will attend a series of lectures and practical sessions and be expected to take an active role by applying your knowledge to practical scenarios within these. The module is assessed by a client report.

15 credits

This module explores into the intricacies of contractual arrangements and administration within the context of the UK construction industry. Throughout this module, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of key concepts and principles, enabling you to navigate the legal landscape that governs construction projects and their appropriate approach to contract administration. This module offers a profound deliberation into various facets of legal obligations and contract administration in construction, including statutory and regulatory frameworks, standard contract forms, and the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in construction contracts. This module equips you with knowledge in cultivating analytical and critical approaches in applying the law of obligations and evidence, and skills essential for successful contract management, risk mitigation, conflict and dispute resolutions and compliance with statutory requirements; skills that are invaluable for built-environment professionals in the construction industry that fulfils key criteria as set by the relevant professional institutions in the UK. The module also accentuates the development of relevant graduate attributes highly sought after in the construction industry, such as collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, initiative and creativity.

15 credits

This module provides you with the knowledge and skills required for managing people and organisations in sustainable environments within the construction industry context. It introduces you to the basics of business planning and organising to achieve business goals and objectives.

In addition, the module encompasses the knowledge of accounting principles, standards and the knowledge and skills required for evaluating the financial standing and viability of organisations as a prerequisite for involvement in a project team.

People are an essential and critical resource for the success of any construction endeavour. The module will explore human resource and people management and how they affect and are affected by the construction process. You will learn the importance of understanding the person and how the construction process affects individuals' wellbeing and sense of belonging. The abilities to negotiate and resolve conflicts will be emphasised.

Managing information effectively within organisations and projects is critical for business success in the construction industry. This module further provides you with the knowledge and skills for managing general information and project information using computerised and collaborative digital tools and systems.

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. You will 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.

In addition, you will learn how digital construction has revolutionised the construction industry and how BIM and its closely-related digital technologies are used as tools for the realisation of the Construction Industry 4.0. The module will discuss the future trends and developments in BIM and CIMS, such as the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Virtual Reality (VR) in construction.

30 credits

This module will develop your working knowledge of materials and your capacity to produce appropriate specification of works accordingly.

You will develop a comprehensive grasp of critically analysing client requirements and subsequently crafting viable solutions that align with UK building regulations, approved documents, and standards, while considering broader societal factors.

You will gain a deep understanding of economic principles, equipping you with the ability to make informed and critical decisions when assessing the feasibility and viability of any proposed design options, taking into account a diverse range of economic factors.

The module also encompasses the knowledge in financial management which informs the strategic planning, controlling, and monitoring of financial resources for achieving the overall project goal in an efficient and effective manner. You will be introduced to the estimation method for measuring the quantity of materials, size of workforce and equipment required on site, as well as off-site manufactured components, needed to deliver a project.

In addition, this module enables you to understand the principles of computer aided design (current REVIT version) and allows you to gain proficiency in its use so that you will be prepared for entry into work as a trainee building surveyor. You will also gain an understanding of structures and the structural behaviour and properties of building materials. The module will also consider the practical implications on buildability of specifying materials and will also cover CDM (Construction Design and Management) and statutory approvals.

30 credits

The module aims to enable you to develop a deep understanding of building defects and pathology and to develop your ability to recognise the causes of obsolescence and dilapidations in buildings. You will consider the different types of decay which affect building materials and consider approaches to building management and options for effective maintenance. The module will also consider different approaches to building re-use and renewal and carbon reduction technologies which can be incorporated into a variety of building types.

60 credits

The overall aim of the module is to allow you to develop research skills and gain an appreciation of a subject area of your own choosing. In undertaking the work that is required you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing existing published literature and data and through the use of your own efforts apply one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions as a result of your research. The module allows you to study an area of interest in significant depth and allows you to demonstrate a clear understanding of what has been learnt through a variety of means; a literature review, a research proposal, an oral presentation and a substantial dissertation.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.