What you will study
You will gain knowledge of building materials, construction technology and pathology; specialist legal and regulatory issues (such as party wall issues); the design of simple structures; and the preparation of schemes for the rehabilitation of buildings. The course focuses on the core competencies of the building surveyor operating within the construction industry. It takes into account the developing sustainability agenda with which construction professionals must increasingly engage, together with multidisciplinary requirements specific to building surveying (such as building information modelling). While centred around the discipline requirements necessary for the UK-based building surveying professional (as identified by the RICS), the course also contains European and global perspectives
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Modules
Core modules
Building Appraisal Maintenance and Renewal
30 credits
The module aims to enable students to develop a deep understanding of building defects and pathology and to develop their ability to recognise the causes of obsolescence and dilapidations in buildings. Students will consider the different types of decay which affect building materials and looks at approaches to building management and options for effective maintenance. The module will also consider different approaches to building re-use and renewal and to carbon reduction technologies which can be incorporated into a variety of building types. The module incorporates a European Field Trip, an essential part of which is to consider the built environment in a wider context and differing approaches to building maintenance and renewal.
The module is taught by a series of lectures and tutorials and students will be expected to take an active part in classes where they will apply worked examples within the tutorial format. Assessment will comprise two individual and one group courseworks.
Law and Practice for the Built Environment
30 credits
The module aims to enable students to develop deep understanding and critical knowledge of the development process and the roles of key parties in procurement and contractual arrangements as they apply primarily in the UK construction industry. Within this context students will develop a critical knowledge of the Statutes and Regulatory frameworks which apply to UK property in terms of design, defects, development and heritage. Students will develop the ability to apply their knowledge to worked examples identifying the most appropriate building and procurement solution to suit the client's needs. In addition, students will gain deep and broad knowledge of standard contract forms used in the UK and the legal duties and responsibilities of the parties involved in construction contracts. Upon completion of the module, students will also have critical knowledge and understanding of the pre/post-contract administration duties and practices of the building surveyor. The module is taught by a series of lectures and tutorials and students will be expected to take an active part in classes, and apply worked examples within the tutorial format. Assessment will comprise two courseworks and a written examination.
Sustainable Construction: Technology and Practice
30 credits
This module aims to enable students to gain an in-depth working knowledge of commercial construction technology and to explore theories and applications of project management principles to the construction of process. The subjects will explore the regulatory and procedural matters relating to sustainable construction of low and high rise buildings together with and understanding of project management methodologies, frameworks taking due account of risk and value management considerations. In particular the module introduces students to the role of sustainability considerations in building design and building use thereby enabling them to identify and formulate appropriate strategies and procedures for the use of sustainable construction technologies. Delivery is by a series of lectures, seminars and workshops. The module is assessed by two courseworks and a written examination.
Specification: Design and Analysis
30 credits
This module aims to develop the students' working knowledge of materials and their capacity to produce appropriate specification of works accordingly. In addition the module enables students to understand the principles of Building Information Modelling (current Revit version) and allows them to gain proficiency in its use such that they will be prepared for entry into work as a trainee building surveyor. Students 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. Assessment will comprise two practically - orientated courseworks and a written examination.
Research Principles and Application
30 credits
This module aims to provide you with a sound grounding in research principles and methodologies that are commonly applied within the built environment. Throughout a series of lectures and seminars, supported by tutorials you are encouraged and enabled to develop their critical reasoning powers and to gain practice in researching ideas and knowledge and in the design of relevant research instruments.
Research Project/dissertation
30 credits
This final module provides you with the opportunity to design and execute an original research ‘capstone' project related to your own discipline specific interests, which synthesises their learning. You will develop a theoretically informed body of work that integrates both theory and practice. It may take the form of a dissertation, practice project, or experiment-based project. Following submission you will present your findings at a Masters Students Event.
Dissertation
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 the 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.
