Overview

BUILT FOR LIFE

A career in quantity surveying is both diverse and exciting – one where you could work all over the world, taking on new challenges right at the forefront of the built environment. You will have fantastic career prospects and the opportunity to learn a broad set of skills.

This is an industry-recognised qualification that provides you with the academic preparation you need for a career as a chartered surveyor. It is a fully supported online programme with great flexibility to earn while you learn, giving you the ability to study anywhere in the world.

About your programme

The details

This programme will give you an informed view of the key areas of knowledge required to develop your quantity surveying skills including cost management, contract practice and procedures, procurement and building economics. There is also a research project which will provide an in-depth assessment of a topic of your choice.

This programme is designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies. It provides a rigorous understanding of the principles and practice involved in quantity surveying. This conversion MSc Quantity Surveying programme enables graduates from disciplines unrelated to construction and real estate to obtain an accredited degree covering the core technical disciplines of the quantity surveying specialism and their role within the wider context of the built environment.

  • This postgraduate degree programme comprises eight modules including a project
  • Our programmes are flexible and can be started in either autumn or spring
  • You may be able to get apprenticeship funding through your employer to study this programme
  • All modules are worth 20 credits, except the project module which is worth 40 credits
  • Accredited by globally renowned professional bodies RICS, CIOB, CABE, HKICM and ICES
  • Registered with the Hong Kong Non-local Courses Registry (NCR registration number 252542)

The modules

You’ll study

If starting in Autumn 2024

If you require further information about programme content, please view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.

If starting in Spring 2025

If you require further information about programme content, please view the full programme specification which sets out aims, intended learning outcomes and assessment methods. Please note that modules are subject to change.

Sustainability

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the United Nation’s economic, social and environmental plan to achieve sustainable development. The SDG’s are central to this ambition, and must therefore be a critical part of built environment curriculums.

How does this course align?

This course has been designed with the UN SDG’s in mind. The following SDG’s are of particular significance for this module:

How you’ll learn

Study methods

Studying online means taking control of when and where you study so you can study at your own pace, no matter where you are in the world. It means being able to balance your home and work life with your education so you can earn while you learn.

When you study at UCEM, you’ll be using our state-of-the-art Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), a specialised resource which provides you with everything you need to keep on top of your studies and succeed.

You’ll be guided through your learning with weekly study schedules and course guides, which you can adapt to suit your needs, pace and lifestyle. Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone as you’ll be fully supported by tutors and a community of students throughout your journey.

The online learning experience

Your learning experience with UCEM will be fully supported through a range of activities on our VLE. You’ll also have access to UCEM’s valuable and comprehensive e-library service, providing you with a wealth of subject-specific materials to support you throughout your studies.

Your learning will be broken down into the following (on average):

Directed study time (30%)

Participating in webinars and online discussion forums

Watching videos and voice-over presentations

Undertaking exercises and quizzes linked to programme material

Self-directed study time (35%)

Reading text books and study papers to develop your subject knowledge

Assessment study time (35%)

Planning and writing coursework

Each 20-credit module equates to a total of 200 study hours broken down between directed online learning, self-directed learning and assessment.

The types of assessments used on this programme will include coursework (such as essays, reports, portfolios, reflections, problem or short questions or video presentations), computer-based assessments and computer-marked assessments (CMAs). The exact combinations of assessment will vary from module to module.

YOUR COMMITMENT

The expected time commitment for the standard route is around 15-20 hours per week (based upon studying two modules per six-month semester).

Support

How you’ll be supported during your studies

PROGRAMME LEADER

Amanda Milambo – BSc MSc PGCAP FHEA

While studying with UCEM, you’ll be fully supported on your programme by our friendly and informative academic and support teams who will be there to guide you from the moment you enrol until the day you graduate. They’ll assist you with your online learning experience, provide you with academic support and be there for you if you have any disability or wellbeing support needs.

Student Advice team

This team is your first point of contact as a student. They will support you in your studies and queries, ensuring you are put in touch with the right teams and services within UCEM.

Support tutors

This team will help you navigate the world of online learning and the VLE. Whether you need help with online learning or managing your workload, this team is here to support you all the way through your journey.

Academic support

Our academic staff are experts in their fields and are here to make your studies with UCEM stimulating and inspiring whilst offering vital support and guidance along the way.

Apprenticeship Outcomes Officers (AOO)*

This team will support you throughout your apprenticeship journey. They will provide you and your employer information, advice and guidance and monitor the progress made against the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.

*Only applicable for apprentices.

Module team

Your module leader is assisted by a team of module tutors to provide support via discussion forums and webinars.

Disability and wellbeing team

This friendly team is here to listen and provide expert guidance, support and assistance at any time throughout your studies.

Amanda Milambo

Amanda joined UCEM in April 2012 as a Tutor in Quantity Surveying and Programme Leader for the BSc Quantity Surveying. She is now an Academic Delivery Manager. In 2000, she graduated from the Copperbelt University in Zambia with a BSc in Quantity Surveying. Amanda also holds an MSc in Construction Project Management from Birmingham City University. In August 2020, she became UCEM’s second Staff Trustee.

Prior to joining the College, Amanda gained extensive experience working as a quantity surveyor, mainly in the private sector. She has worked on housing, education and health care projects. She also has international experience, working on projects in both Zambia and Botswana.

Podcast: Q&A with Amanda

Blog: My life in quantity surveying

I chose UCEM because the institution is one of the best online learning providers and has competitive programme fees. The supported online education model was amazingly well organised and prepared, and was more efficient than conventional teaching. The tutors are experienced and induce students to think more critically. What stood out for me was the prestige of the University College, the consistency of the teaching materials and the exposure to international trends and practice.”

Yashwant Tohooloo, MSc Quantity Surveying
Operations and Contracts Manager, Fairstone Construction Ltd, Mauritius

Entry requirements

and access options

Don’t meet the entry requirements listed below?

If you do not the meet the entry requirements but would like to be considered for this programme, please get in touch with our friendly admissions team. Your application may still be considered or an alternative programme offered. We also offer a Postgraduate Access Programme which helps those who don’t currently meet the entry requirements to progress onto their chosen degree on completion.

Providing evidence

Evidence is required in the form of a certificates or statements. You should send photocopies that have been verified by someone in a professional occupation.

Applications are assessed in accordance with the UCEM Code of Practice on Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning.

Standard Entry

Academic requirement

A Bachelor’s degree with honours at lower second standard (2:2) or equivalent

English language requirement

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification
  • Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
  • 88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
  • Grade 4 (or C) or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
  • HKDSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education) Grade 3, or HKALE (Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination – Advanced Level & Advanced Supplementary Level) Grade E, or HKCEE (Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination) Grade 3-5* or Grade A-D (Syllabus B only).

* Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in the English medium can be considered for entry in the absence of the qualifications detailed above.

Alternative entry

Academic requirement

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent plus experience in a relevant field

Or

A level 5 qualification as defined by the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) plus five years’ relevant experience

Or

A professional qualification plus five years’ relevant experience

English language requirement

All UCEM programmes are taught and assessed in English. In addition to the programme entry requirements listed above, all applicants will therefore be required to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the language before being admitted to a programme.

You should have:

  • GCSE Grade 4 (or C) or above in English Language or English Literature or an equivalent qualification
  • Grade 6.0 or above, with at least 6.0 in the reading and writing modules, in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test administered by the British Council
  • 88 or above in the internet option, 230 or above in the computer-based option or 570 or above in the paper-based option of the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test
  • Grade C or above in English (Language or Literature) at A/S Level
  • A cognate sub-degree (Level 5) qualification taught and assessed in English from the University of Hong Kong or City University of Hong Kong

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree that has been taught and examined in English can be considered for entry in the absence of the English language qualifications detailed above.

Fees and funding

Financial options

2024/25 academic year

£1,325 per module x 8 modules (usually students undertake 2 modules per semester).

Total programme fee £10,600

You can find out more on our payment options page.

You may be eligible for funding for your studies. This programme is designated for Student Finance, and students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may apply for a Postgraduate Loan. Eligible students can apply for funding each academic year. The loan is then paid in three instalments throughout the academic year. It is also registered with the Skills Funding Agency for Professional and Career Development Loans. You can find out more on our student finance page.

Your programme fees are fixed for the duration of your studies. This means that the fee you pay per module will not increase from one year to the next, as long as you remain registered on the same programme. All learning resources required for successful completion of each module are provided as part of your fee. The core reading resources within each module and additional reference material and supplementary resources to support your studies will be provided via the specific VLE module pages and within the e-library.

Alternative options

Sponsorship

Many employers will sponsor their employees on their degree as it will benefit them to have your knowledge within their business.

To find out more information, head to our employer sponsorship webpage.

Apprenticeship route

This programme is also available as part of an apprenticeship, for those in relevant employment. To find more information, head to our become an apprentice webpage.

Bursaries

Need a helping hand with your fees?

Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme

UCEM will fund up to 50% of the UCEM postgraduate programme fee for a limited number of new students who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability and financial need.

You can find out more and apply for the Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme on our financial support page.

Your career

Unlock your potential

This programme equips you with the essential subject knowledge and postgraduate skills and expertise to enable you to work within the quantity surveying areas of practice in the built environment. The opportunities available are extensive and include diverse career specialisms for students to pursue after completing this programme. Our students and graduates typically find employment in private and public sector firms, contracting companies and developers. You’ll also have extensive opportunities to work in an international environment.

YOUR CAREER AT A GLANCE:

  • Quantity surveying
  • Cost consultancy
  • Project management
  • Contract administration
  • Contractor surveying
  • Commercial management of construction
  • Facilities management

This programme is designed to align your skills to the educational requirements of the industry’s professional bodies and allows entry to:

You can find out more about your potential with our careers service.

Graduate

This postgraduate programme offers a fantastic array of opportunities across the built environment and beyond

Ethical

You’ll also have UCEM career support for the three years after graduating so you can have confidence in taking the next steps in your exciting career

“The programme is a conversion course. You only need, as a minimum, a level 5 qualification such as an HND and five years’ relevant experience to apply. You can come on to the programme with a low-level qualification with relevant experience and end up working as a full member of the RICS and CIOB in a well-paid job in an interesting profession.”

Amanda Milambo
Programme Leader, MSc Quantity Surveying

Application process

It’s time to apply

Autumn 2024

Apply by 12 August 2024 to start on 30 September 2024