Building Surveying MSc
Subject and course type
- Construction and Surveying
- Postgraduate
If you are looking to further your existing building surveying qualification and gain entry into the construction industry, the Building Surveying MSc from Kingston University is ideal. This course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
You are reading:
Investigate the maintenance, repair, refurbishment and restoration of buildings
Develop professional skills and examine the multidisciplinary requirements specific to a career in building surveying.
On our Building Surveying MSc programme, your learning will reflect the developing sustainability agenda with which construction professionals must engage. You will learn via engaging and practice-focused teaching, supported by site visits and invited guest lectures from our industry liaisons and strong alumni network.
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest technology and industry-standard equipment, including:
- Extensive materials and structures for concrete, masonry, steel and timber
- Geotechnical and hydraulics testing facilities
- Surveying equipment, such as satellite global-positioning systems
Dedicated computer-aided design facilities include:
- A range of CAD/CAM packages, such as Ideas, SolidWorks and AutoCad
- Finite element analysis‚ computational fluid dynamics
- Virtual instrumentation
The masters allowed me to gain a career enhancing RICS-accredited qualification. An MSc opens doors and helps you stand out from the crowd in the job market.
Accreditations
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). Many of our graduates go on to qualify as Chartered Surveyors.
Why study Building Surveying MSc at Kingston
This course will provide you with the skills you will need as a building surveyor operating within the construction industry. It centres on the requirements of the UK-based building surveying profession as identified by the RICS. It also offers European and global perspectives, appropriate to the requirements of international consultancies.
You will develop professional skills and examine the multidisciplinary requirements specific to building surveying, such as building information modelling. In addition, you will gain knowledge of building materials, construction technology and pathology, legal and regulatory issues (such as party wall issues), the design of simple structures, and the preparation of schemes for the rehabilitation of buildings.
Through a final research project, you will be able to choose an area of specialisation. This can be an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion.
Throughout this, you will be supervised by a member of our research active academic staff. This ensures our staff are in touch with the latest industry thinking and bring best practice to your studies.
The research groups within the Sustainable Technology Research Centre cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Land use
- Building design and construction
- Recycling waste materials
- Efficient energy use and distribution
- Water resources (hydraulics)
- Monitoring using remote sensing
Course content
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
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.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Modules
Core modules
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 develop your working knowledge of materials and your capacity to produce appropriate specification of works accordingly.
You will develop a comprehensive grasp of critically analysing client requirements and subsequently crafting viable solutions that align with UK building regulations, approved documents, and standards, while considering broader societal factors.
You will gain a deep understanding of economic principles, equipping you with the ability to make informed and critical decisions when assessing the feasibility and viability of any proposed design options, taking into account a diverse range of economic factors.
The module also encompasses the knowledge in financial management which informs the strategic planning, controlling, and monitoring of financial resources for achieving the overall project goal in an efficient and effective manner. You will be introduced to the estimation method for measuring the quantity of materials, size of workforce and equipment required on site, as well as off-site manufactured components, needed to deliver a project.
In addition, this module enables you to understand the principles of computer aided design (current REVIT version) and allows you to gain proficiency in its use so that you will be prepared for entry into work as a trainee building surveyor. You 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.
30 credits
The module aims to enable you to develop a deep understanding of building defects and pathology and to develop your ability to recognise the causes of obsolescence and dilapidations in buildings. You will consider the different types of decay which affect building materials and consider approaches to building management and options for effective maintenance. The module will also consider different approaches to building re-use and renewal and carbon reduction technologies which can be incorporated into a variety of building types.
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.
Professional placement
Professional placement
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.
Careers opportunities
Progress to a Chartered Surveyor
Many of our graduates enter into the RICS Once they can satisfy the entry requirements,. They then go on to qualify as Chartered Surveyors.
The building surveyor is often referred to as a "Building Doctor" as the chartered building surveyor is often the first person called in should a building develop a fault or defect. This valuable work can span from exploring the cause of damp to building cracks, and includes suggesting remedies and supervising the subsequent on site work needed to achieve a cure.
We have graduates working within organisations as diverse as the Royal Palaces, housing associations and building surveying consultancy firms.
Careers and recruitment advice
The Faculty 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.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 19% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Type of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 78%; exams 20%; practical 8%
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation).
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of an intimate cohort of 20-40 students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
I gained a huge amount from the course and learnt a great deal. I was very impressed with the level of tuition and guidance given. All in all I had a fantastic year, and would not hesitate to recommend Kingston University.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £11,400 |
| Part Time | £6,270 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £17,600 |
| Part Time | £9,680 |
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| Full Time | £10,900 |
| Part Time | £5,995 |
| International | |
| Full Time | £16,900 |
| Part Time | £9,295 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Building Surveying MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat, hard hat and safety goggles at the start of the year. A £10 voucher will be supplied to help cover the cost of the safety boots when purchasing with our supplier Activity Work Wear. Safety boots can range between £25 and £100. You may also need to purchase equipment, such as safety gloves, when going on site visits. This may cost up to £50.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to interview, they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
