What you will study
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.. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
Year 1
Year 1 explores the legal, technical and economic context in which construction professionals work. There are modules in sustainable design and development and construction technology. These will prepare you for measurement - one of the core technical skills of a quantity surveyor.
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
Year 2 examines more complex commercial structures. You'll be introduced to cost-planning technique and contract law. You'll study the pre/post-contract financial and contract administration duties of the quantity surveyor.
Core modules
Advanced Measurement
30 credits
This module builds on your understanding of the basic principles of measurement developed at Level 4 (Year 1). It focuses on the detailed quantification and costing of commercial buildings and engineering projects and aims to enable you to gain working knowledge of the principal methods of measurement and your application in such complex construction works. Upon completion you should be able to carry out building measurement competently. The module is taught by a series of lectures. These will be supported by workshops and tutorials during which students will be expected to take an active part by applying to worked examples as formative work. Formal assessment comprises two practical exercises.
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.
Design Economics and Cost Planning
30 credits
This module builds on your understanding of economic principles developed at Level 4 and aims to apply these into the context of property and construction investment. You will develop the skills of building price estimating, cost planning and contract pricing. Emphasis will be placed on cost planning techniques based on elemental analysis and the relationship between building morphology and costs. Topics will also include value management, lifecycle costing and risk quantification. Upon completion you will be able to apply the concepts and practice of construction pricing in real-life scenarios. The module also introduces you to academic writing and criticism related to their field of study providing an opportunity for them to develop both their reflective research and plan making skills. The module is taught by lectures and seminars in which you will be expected to take an active role. Assessment is through a practical exercise and an individual coursework in which you will undertake a literature review in order to produce a mock issue of a journal on a subject relevant to the module.
Final year
Final year has modules in consultancy and project management. These cover the consultant-client relationship, organisational change management, project control and project team leadership. The course culminates in a major group project, along with an independent research project. You'll have the chance to study, in depth, a relevant topic of your choice.
On this course, you'll also develop career-boosting skills such as:
- presenting yourself;
- working in teams;
- writing reports;
- debating current topics;
- using IT; and
- initiating and executing research projects.
Core modules
Consultancy
30 credits
This module integrates knowledge and skills you acquired in the complete suite of modules of this programme. It enables you to develop a deeper understanding of cross subject synergies. The module provides the framework for advanced practical applications of quantity surveying knowledge and skills into consultancy practice scenarios. You will learn how to develop and implement a consultancy strategy and provide reasoned advice and complete solutions to clients on a wide range of issues. You will be expected to think strategically, innovate and develop your own skills awareness and development needs. The module is delivered by keynote lectures and workshops. Assessment is by coursework including a brief based on a short residential field trip.
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.
Project Management
30 credits
This module aims to help you explore the principles and theories of project management applied in the context of construction. It introduces you to project management standards and documentation and reviews the project manager's role throughout the project lifecycle. The module places emphasis on project planning and control techniques. It further considers a range of soft skills project managers need to posses to lead and manage project teams effectively. The module is taught by a series of lectures and workshops and you will be expected to take an active part in applying to worked examples within the workshop format. Assessment is by coursework and an examination.
Individual Project
30 credits
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.
