Quantity 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 enable you to develop the knowledge and ability to produce construction works estimates at various stages of work based on amount of information available at each stage and using methods appropriate for the purpose for which the estimate is required. The module focuses on approximate and detailed quantification and costing of buildings and engineering projects and aims to enable you to gain working knowledge of the principal methods of measurement and their application in quantifying and costing of such complex construction. The module will allow you to apply your developed construction technology background on the quantification of building and civil engineering works at all stages of the construction process. Upon completion, you should be able to competently carry out measurement and costing of complex structures at preliminary and later stages of the design and construction process. The module is taught by a series of lectures, tutorials and workshops in which you will be expected to take an active role. Quantification and costing of construction work are core skills of the quantity surveyor that underpin the procurement and financial management of construction projects. Therefore, this module will develop your measurement and costing skills through the understanding and application of standard industry rules and conventions in the subject area. The module also accentuates the development of relevant transferable skills and attributes highly sought after in the construction industry, such as, analytical, problem-solving, communication and digital skills.

30 credits

The module enables you to develop deep understanding of the principles of construction economics and explore applications of consultancy in the context of delivering corporate objectives. The module places emphasis on the relationship between building morphology and costs throughout the building life cycle and the control of costs from inception through design development. You will develop analytical knowledge of building price estimating, and cost planning and their application in the UK construction context. You will develop the ability to critically apply the use of techniques such as value management, whole-life costing, risk management, benchmarking, and carbon emission reporting in development appraisals as well as the application of standard IT packages in construction economics. The module finally aims to provide you with a stimulating experience involving fieldwork in which you can apply the knowledge that you have gained in this and other modules to a consultancy practice scenario. You will work in a team to innovate and think strategically to provide reasoned advice and complete solutions on a wide range of issues. The module is delivered through a series of lectures, tutorials and simulated role-play. Assessment is by two elements of coursework and an oral presentation.

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.