Building Surveying BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

On this course, you'll gain detailed knowledge of building maintenance, care, conservation and structure, reflecting the work of a building surveyor. You'll study the business and legal aspects of property and construction. You'll learn how to advise clients of legal and financial implications resulting from the condition of buildings.

You'll examine building designs, poor, good and/or sustainable. You'll use sketching and computer-aided design packages. You'll also examine reasons for constructions and buildings failing, which is a key knowledge base for chartered building surveyors.

A major group project and an independent research project will give you the opportunity to showcase your learning.

Apply for this course

Qualification	Attendance	UCAS code/apply	Year of entry
BSc(Hons)	3 years full time	K261	2021
BSc(Hons)	4 years full time including sandwich year	K230	2021
BSc(Hons)	5 years part time	Apply direct to the University	2021
Degree Apprenticeship	5 years part time	Apply direct to the University	2021

Location

Penrhyn Road

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2020 entry

If you are planning to join this course in September 2020, please view the information about changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Continuing students

Students who are continuing their studies with Kingston University in 2020/21 should refer to their Course Handbook for information about specific changes that have been, or may be, made to their course or modules being delivered in 2020/21. Course Handbooks are located within the Canvas course page.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

The course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Kingston is actively involved in assessment of professional competence (APC) and can help you in the process of qualifying as a chartered surveyor.
Through our strong links with industry, you'll have opportunities to go on overseas field trips and work on real projects.
You can choose a year's work placement. This will put invaluable experience on your CV and give your career a head start.

What you will study

You'll study the business and legal aspects of the property and construction industries. You'll learn how to advise clients of legal and financial implications resulting from the condition of buildings. Sustainable building design is also key to this course.

You'll also develop and practice skills for your future career, including: presenting yourself; working in teams; writing reports; debating current topics; applying IT to your discipline; and initiating and executing research projects.

Please 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.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3/4

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. You'll study the design process, the relationship of buildings to the environment and the need for design innovation and sustainability.

Core modules

Engineering Design and Professional Practice

30 credits

The principal aim of this module is to provide you with a flavour of what is involved in engineering design and to develop the good academic 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.

Some elements of the module are delivered as part of the personal tutor scheme (PTS). This assists your transition into Higher Education encouraging a sense of belonging within the Faculty and within your discipline. The PTS helps you to develop good academic habits and initiates effective team working within a project management and engineering design framework, as well as developing interpersonal skills in order to enhance your employability.

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, strain, etc. 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 (eg. walls, roofs, finishes and services). You will learn to undertake detailing/drawing of building elements and communicate this effectively in technical reports.

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 2 examines construction - how and why buildings fall apart. This is a key component of the knowledge base for chartered building surveyors. In the Building Maintenance and Management module you will learn how to keep buildings in use.

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 and a residential field trip to a European city.

Building Maintenance & Management

credits

The module aims to 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 also 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 students will take part in a short residential field trip and will undertake work which will be incorporated in module CE6101. The module is taught by lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Year 3 includes workshops and a residential study trip. 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

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 and a short residential study trip. Assessment is by major project and individual reflective essay.

Professional Practice in Context

30 credits

This module builds on the existing knowledge of the law and professional practice gained by students. It develops further the analytical and critical skills of students when encountering legal and professional practice problems. Knowledge of professional liability law is developed, together with other aspects of professional practice, ethical, legal and due diligence requirements. This module also ensures that students have developed a holistic understanding of sustainability as it applies to built environment professional practice.

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.

Individual Project

30 credits

This is a core module for level 6 Civil and Infrastructure Engineering students. The individual project is an opportunity to explore a subject of your own choice and to initiate, design and execute a small scale research project under supervision. The work in the project will draw upon material from all modules previously or currently taught and provide a culmination to your degree. Additionally, this allows you to develop and practice your research skills that will be invaluable for the future. You are encouraged to work independently, study a topic in depth, review previous work, collect, and interpret and analyse 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 to ensure that you are supported throughout the process. Assessment is by submission of an initial formative research statement and summative assessments comprise an interim report, an oral presentation and the completed project.

This module completes the undergraduate personal tutor scheme (PTS). The scheme assists you in your transition to level 6, supporting you in the achievement of your full academic potential. Furthermore the PTS encourages you to be proactive in planning your professional career and/or postgraduate study.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Degree apprenticeships

Kingston University is an active member of the Civil Engineering Design Degree Apprenticeship Group led and managed by Technical Apprenticeship Consortium. Currently this consortium includes a group of large multi-national consulting companies as well as contractors and local governmental bodies with a number of regional educational providers.

The prime function of this Consortium is to define a partnership model through which employers and universities can deliver successful apprenticeship degree programme which integrates Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).

Kingston University had a progression rate of 100% for the 2018/19 academic year!

Find out more about our degree apprenticeships

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2021

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

General Studies not accepted. Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma with grades DMM.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects grades A*-C including Mathematics and English Language (or comparable numeric score under the newly reformed GCSE grading).

A-level

112 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 level 3 Extended Diploma in any subjects

Access to HE Diploma

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

Degree apprenticeship route

Same detailed entry requirements as above. To include: five GCSEs at grade C/4 including English and Mathematics. Sponsorship from an approved employer within the industry.

Additional requirements

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

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.

Entry to Year 2:

This mode of entry requires exemption from Year 1 of the course. 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

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study

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 who will show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of teaching and learning

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1

Scheduled teaching: 314 hours
Guided independent study: 886 hours

Year 2

Scheduled teaching: 336 hours
Guided independent study: 864 hours

Year 3

Scheduled teaching: 294 hours
Guided independent study: 906 hours

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1

Coursework: 81%
Practical: 19%

Year 2

Coursework: 88%
Exams: 12%

Year 3

Coursework: 76%
Practical: 11%
Exams: 13%

Feedback summary

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

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students 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. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 15 students and lecture sizes are normally 15-105. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Becoming a chartered surveyor

To qualify as a chartered surveyor, you must:

gain a RICS-approved academic qualification, such as a degree from Kingston University; and
successfully complete structured training, which ends in an assessment of your competence to practice (APC).

We are actively involved in APC, including preparation courses, and several staff members are RICS assessors. This means that Kingston University can help you from the start of your undergraduate degree right through to your registration as a chartered surveyor.

RICS is the leading source of land, property, construction and related environmental knowledge. The organisation:

supports 120,000 members worldwide;
promotes best practice;
represents consumers' interests; and
provides impartial advice to society, businesses, governments and global organisations.

Who teaches this course?

The course is taught at the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing. 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 courses 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.

Dr Karen Clarke

Dr Gloria Ene

Mrs Fiona Firth

Dr Hsein Kew

Dr Eng L. Ofetotse

Dr Tina Papadopoulou Dipl.-Ing. PhD FRICS FCIOB MAPM MInstLM SFHEA

Dr Nnedinma Umeokafor

Facilities

The campus has grown around the original four-storey main building, which houses many of the important hubs of activity like the main student restaurant, the learning resources centre (LRC), and a host of teaching rooms and lecture theatres.

At the heart of the campus is the John Galsworthy building, a £20million teaching and learning facility. The six-storey complex brings together lecture theatres, flexible teaching space and information technology suites around a landscaped courtyard.

The £9.8million Eadweard Muybridge building also provides spacious specialist laboratories and teaching spaces.

Find out more about the Penrhyn Road campus in the virtual tour.

Library

The Penrhyn Road Library gives you access to a large collection of printed and electronic resources. There are drop-in PC areas, video and DVD facilities, satellite TV and a variety of study spaces zoned for different types of learning activity. The wireless network in the library means you can also work from your laptop or mobile device.

There's also a reading garden, which offers an oasis of calm when you want to get away from it all, plus a Learning Cafe where you can study over a cup of coffee and a snack. Help and information is on hand for students with disabilities or special learning needs.

Find out more about the Penrhyn Road Library in the virtual tour.

Course fees and funding

2021/22 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2021/22 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK students)	£9,250*
International	Year 1 (2021/22): £15,000 Year 2 (2022/23): £15,400 Year 3 (2023/24): £15,800

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2020/21 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK or EU), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2020/21 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK and EU students)	£9,250*
International	Year 1 (2020/21): £14,600 Year 2 (2021/22): £15,000 Year 3 (2022/23): £15,450

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home/EU tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students 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 course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Text books

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

Travel costs are not included but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses and halls of residence.

Lab equipment

For this course you will need to purchase a lab coat, hard hat and safety glasses at approximately £22. Students will also be required to purchase safety boots which cost a minimum of £27, a £10 voucher will be supplied by Kingston University to help cover this cost

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies for 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting in 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

After you graduate

You'll graduate ready to begin your career in building surveying – a varied and challenging profession with good starting salaries and opportunities for progression and travel.

Examples of recent graduate destinations

Types of jobs

Building control surveyor
Building surveyor
Architectural designer
BIM manager
Assistant quantity surveyor
Facilities management
Party wall surveyor
Operations analyst
Project manager
Quantity surveyor

Employers

Faithful & Gould
Turner & Townsend
Malcolm Hollis
Arcadis
Potter Raper Partnership
Atkins
Savills
Countrywide Surveyors
Osborne
NHBC
The Royal Household
Historic Royal Palaces
Allen Build Ltd.
Bartholomewes Property Management
Shaw and Co Chartered Surveyors
Dron & Wright
Loop Construction
Bromley Council
ENGIE
Eton College

Careers and recruitment advice

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing has a specialist employability team. It provides friendly and high-quality careers and recruitment guidance, including advice and sessions on job-seeking skills such as CV preparation, application forms and interview techniques. Specific advice is also available for international students about the UK job market and employers' expectations and requirements.

The team runs employer events throughout the year, including job fairs, key speakers from industry and interviews on campus. These events give you the opportunity to hear from, and network with, employers in an informal setting.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

placements;
working or studying abroad;
volunteering;
peer mentoring roles; and
internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10 per cent discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

What our students say

There is a good variety of subjects on the course. Although I enjoy most of the modules that I study, the highlight of the course for me is the Building Heritage module – I am currently undertaking my dissertation on this subject as I am passionately interested in historic buildings and sustainability.

In fact, I intend to go into this sector and possibly do a masters in building heritage or historic building conservation – you may see me here next year!

I was shocked, but really elated, when I received the letter telling me I had been awarded the CIOB scholarship. I heard about the Jubilee Fund through an email notification sent to all the students, advising them of the scholarship and telling them how to apply. I submitted my individual paper from the Research Journal in Context module. The paper was titled 'Does the law and regulation for dilapidated listed buildings support or contradict saving listed buildings?'

I think that all students studying quantity surveying and building surveying should apply for the CIOB Jubilee Scholarship as there is an excellent financial incentive as well as looking very good on the CV."

Kerri Bennett, Building Surveying BSc(Hons)

The course has helped me academically with my reading and report writing. My verbal and written communication skills have really shot through the roof. I would say that my knowledge base has tripled due to doing a lot of research for the coursework and understanding the subjects.

The highlight of the course so far for me was the second year field trip to Dublin. The trip was excellent and the opportunity to take part in the DTZ Challenge at their head office in London was a great activity – we actually won the top prize for the best presentation.

During my degree I have formed excellent relationships with both staff and students above and beyond what I expected, with some big-time support from the tutors. The best part of the course is the fact that you can be yourself – I think that you would be crazy not to attend Kingston University."

Adam Brown, Building Surveying BSc(Hons)

Accreditation

This course is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and carries full accreditation from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

The Chartered Institute of Building

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Links with business and industry

Our links with industry and professional bodies mean that your course reflects up-to-the-minute developments.

We make sure that you gain real experience of working for professional clients. Most surveying students undertake a year's work placement in industry, which contributes towards your professional training period.

Placement destinations have included:

DTZ;
Savills;
Franklin and Andrews;
Grosvenor Plc;
Jones Lang LaSalle;
Knight Frank;
London Borough of Wandsworth;
Montagu Evans;
WS Atkins; and
Lambert Smith Hampton.

You can also gain professional-style experience within the academic curriculum. You might take part in mock hearings and workshops, for example. In the second year you have the chance to go on an overseas residential field trip where you work on a real project. Previous destinations have included Amsterdam, Barcelona and Dublin.

Other examples of our links with industry include:

a pan-European business challenge - this competition for final-year real estate students involves working with peers from several different EU countries and travelling to places such as Warsaw, Bratislava, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Groningen.
private views of new developments in the City of London for first-year students - this is thanks to property management company CBRE. Executives from the company have also talked to students on issues such as letting, rents and services.

Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)

The award of CETL status has enabled us to develop a Centre for Sustainable Communities Achieved through Integrated Professional Education. You benefit from:

brilliant facilities, including a specialist learning resources centre and a debating chamber;
a developing alumni network, leading to improved placement and graduate career opportunities;
exciting opportunities for real projects and consultancy work;
links with other schools in the University, giving you an understanding of the role built environment professionals can play in developing sustainable communities; and
teaching informed by the latest research on sustainability.

Changes to courses for 2020/21 due to Covid-19

Changes detailed here are for students who will be starting the course in September 2020.

Course information (changes for 2020 entry)

Composition of the course

We do not anticipate making any changes to the composition of the course, i.e. number of modules or credits in a year, as a result of the pandemic.

In order to safeguard our students' health and safety and to minimise the risk of disruption to their studies, the University has postponed all Study Abroad programmes for outgoing students in the first teaching block of 2020/21. The University will review this decision before the second teaching block and will take into account relevant government advice at that time.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Modules

We do not anticipate making any changes to module titles and summaries or to the availability of modules as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed, e.g. re-sequencing those modules that can be delivered more effectively under the current restrictions with those which would be more difficult to deliver, such as practical modules and placements.

If the current pandemic situation continues into the next academic year and beyond, the University may be unable to offer suitable placements which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will provide students with appropriate alternative options and ensure that support will be available to them so that they are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2020 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a result of the pandemic. However, the range of accepted alternatives have increased as has the way in which we select students, which now includes virtual interviews and online portfolios.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a result of the pandemic. However, in response to the pandemic, we now accept a much broader list of English language exams for entry to the course; the level of these exams remain the same.

Teaching (changes for 2020 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

Due to the current pandemic the course's teaching and learning activities will be delivered through both online and on-campus methods (blended learning) in 2020/21. In order to provide all students with a comparable on-campus experience, the University has committed to ensuring that all courses provide at least 30% of their teaching and learning activities on-campus.

While physical distancing measures remain in place, you will receive your learning and teaching via a blend of on-campus and on-line activities. Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you will still be able to engage with your course in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, support will be available to consider what options are open to you.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the current pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced the University will aim to deliver the course fully online. This may require some additional changes being made to planned teaching and learning activities, including assessments. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised significantly, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered appropriately. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

In the event that the current social distancing restrictions are fully lifted and the University is able to resume normal delivery of teaching and learning activities, courses will assess whether it is in the students' interest to resume normal delivery. In some cases it may be better to continue and complete modules under the planned blended delivery mode.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours will not be made as a result of the pandemic. However, it is possible that some adjustments might be made at module level, e.g. a few more scheduled activities, in order to help ensure student engagement with blended learning.

Any changes made to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

'Scheduled teaching' includes teaching that is online either live or recorded / on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. up to December 2020) should be available by the end of August. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2021) will not be available until the autumn. 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 9pm. To accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing, we will need to maximise the time available for teaching. This means, we may have to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

On-campus teaching may involve smaller class sizes in line with social distance requirements.

Assessment (changes for 2020 entry)

Changes can be made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area. Due to the current restrictions in place, i.e. social distancing, it is anticipated that many formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be replaced with alternative assessments which can be completed online. These changes will be considered and approved through the University's processes to ensure that student assessments will be able to demonstrate they have achieved the expected learning outcomes. The approval process will also assess whether the change impacts the status of any professional body accreditation the course benefits from.

Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Staff (changes for 2020 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

As a result of the social distancing restrictions in place, on-campus teaching activities may need to be split into smaller groups which may require the support of teaching assistants and student mentors, who will be managed by experienced staff.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2020 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2020/21.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As a result of the blended delivery of courses in 2020/21, where a significant proportion of the teaching will be done online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities will be restricted due to social distancing requirements.

The University is considering how best to provide support to students who do not have access to suitable hardware and software requirements and access to the internet. Identifying students who require this type of support is an important milestone for the University in our journey to ensure equity of access while we continue to deliver our blended approach. Information about the support that will be available will be provided to students during the induction period.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2020/21. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2020/21.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2020 entry)

Placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead as planned. However, to ensure students are able to gain maximum value from these activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year, or to a different year when current restrictions have been lifted. We acknowledge that this year it may be more difficult for students to secure appropriate placements. In those situations, students will be guided and supported through the various options that will be available to them, including switching courses or interrupting their studies until a time when they can complete their placement.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through the University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered. Students will be advised of any changes that may become necessary and appropriate support will be available to guide them through the various options that may be available to them.

In the interest of the health and wellbeing of our students, the University will ensure that appropriate risk assessments are made before students are sent on a placement.

Courses which require placements or field trips to be completed in order to pass relevant modules will have contingency plans in place in the event that a placement or field trip cannot be completed due to another lockdown or more stringent social distancing measures.

Voluntary placements or field trips may be rescheduled, or, as a last resort, cancelled if it becomes difficult to deliver them and doing so is in the interest of the health and safety of our staff and students.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2020 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), as a result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students during the induction period.

Accreditation

During the pandemic, the University has been working closely with all its associated professional bodies to establish where flexibility/changes can be applied without undermining their professional standards. This will ensure that any changes made to courses which have professional, statutory or regulatory body (PSRB) accreditation do not negatively impact the accreditation status.

In the very exceptional circumstance that professional bodies do not agree with changes proposed, it may be necessary to defer relevant modules until those modules can be delivered as required. Students will be informed of this during the induction period and appropriately supported so that they can consider all options available to them.

Additional (changes for 2020 entry)

International students

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.

Students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities

The University will ensure students who are unable to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities are able to effectively engage with their studies remotely. For certain courses, an inability to attend on-campus learning and teaching activities may not be in the students' best interests, as it may impede their chances of succeeding in the course or lead to them receiving a poor learning experience. In such cases, students will be advised and guided through the various options available to them, such as deferring their studies until they can engage fully with the course.

Key information set

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