Quantity Surveying - MSc

More about this course

Our School of the Built Environment is committed to developing you into a capable, work-ready graduate. We’ll ensure that you have the opportunity to cultivate the types of occupational skills that employers are looking for. In fact, our curriculum has been strategically embedded with career development skills to set you apart from the competition. On this course, you’ll get to grips with the design, planning, financing, and construction of places where humans live, work, travel and play.

If you value a varied and challenging role, where no two days are the same, then a career as a quantity surveyor or commercial manager would be perfect for you. One day, you could be reporting on project cost breakdowns to clients, another day could be dealing with legal matters or awarding packages of work. You could work on a variety of project types, from smaller scale specialist projects, through to nationally and globally significant infrastructure projects. What’s more, the projects you’ve worked on will make a vital contribution towards our low carbon future.

This course will provide you with the chance to engage with real industry professionals, from practising surveyors and commercial managers to project managers – not to mention, being able to receive expert advice from your course academics and practitioners. There will be chances for you to take part in exciting extra-curricular activities., including a range of internal and external online events, industry and professional body CPD events, and network opportunities that will be made available to students.
                                        
Our Holloway campus is located in London, meaning that you’ll have access to some of the most influentially renown projects, both nationally and internationally. This includes High Speed 2 and Thames Tideway. In addition, you’ll have access to some of the world’s biggest developers, industry professional bodies and contractors.

Through engaging in exciting site visits, fieldwork and guest talks, we’ll ensure that you’re at the forefront of this dynamic and forward-thinking industry.

Assessment

We’ve ensured that our assessment style advocates for accessibility, diversification, decolonisation and inclusion. This format has been designed to challenge ideas and aid your critical thinking, in addition to increasing self-awareness on matters around diversity, ethnicity, nationality and culture. We’ll look at the impact that these matters can have on the overall industry.

This assessment style is achieved in two ways:

• Case study analysis – you’ll look over case studies from around the world. This exercise will allow you to stay ahead of the curve through reflecting on the challenges that a quantity surveyor or commercial manager might face when working with different cultures, nationally and internationally.
• Project choice – you’ll have the chance to choose where around the world you’d prefer your project to be based. Not only will this allow for creativity but also, you’ll get to incorporate personal lived experiences into your project.

Essays, reports, portfolios, and presentations will make up the basis of your coursework. You’ll also be required to submit an individual research project or a work-based project. You will be graded for this piece of work.

Assessment for this MSc has been created in accordance with the University’s new tariff guidelines and policy.

Professional accreditation

We will be seeking accreditation for our Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management BSc from the Chartered Institute of Building and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, as soon as possible.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University’s standard entry requirements, you should have:

• A minimum of lower second-class honours degree (2:2) in any subject

Or

• Membership of a recognised professional body whose entry requirements are equivalent to graduate level, and some relevant practical experience

If you’re applying with non-standard qualifications and/or relevant experience you will be considered on an individual basis.

Assessment of your experience will confirm that you have achieved the necessary skills.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa (previously Tier 4) you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:

Applied Research Project (core, 60 credits)

This module currently runs:

• all year (September start) - Thursday morning

The module will provide students with the opportunity to undertake an in-depth study of a subject which is of personal and subject interest in the field of the built environment. Students may focus their research upon a topic or problem relevant to their current programme of study and based upon an academic subject of interest, their current work practice or recent work experience or placement. The submission will take the form of a dissertation.

Students are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and undertake rigorous and theoretically informed research. The module will develop the student’s understanding of the linkages between conceptual issues, subject area, and research methods.

The module will introduce students to research methods and strategies which are appropriate to their area of study. It will provide the student with experience in the planning and implementation of a research project and the subsequent writing up of research findings in a dissertation and encourage students to undertake critical thinking.

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Built Environment Economics and Finance (core, 20 credits)

This module examines the built environment sector, markets, and organisations at a local, national, and international level and the impact of government economic policy and globalisation on the sector. It examines the principles underlying the relationship between economic theory and the built environment sector. You will study how the sector makes effective use of resources and how, in the move towards decarbonising our economies, the environment can be afforded protection through embedding sustainable principles in our practice.

The relationship between business planning activities and corporate objectives will be explored to gain an understanding of the essential elements of a business plan and methods for financial benchmarking. Following on from this the module will explore accounting concepts and principles and you will gain an understanding of the format of management and company accounts and how they are prepared including balance sheets, profit, and loss and cashflow statements.

Throughout the module you will consider how we can leverage big data for businesses decision making in the built environment. With the abundance of available data and analytical tools, organisations recognise the importance of effectively using it to gain a competitive edge. Through utilising data analytics and data visualisation tools, you will develop solutions to scenario-based problems and present them effectively.

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Construction Design and Technology (core, 20 credits)

This module currently runs:

• spring semester - Monday morning
• autumn semester

The module aims to develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of the
design process and construction technologies. Professionals working in the built environment must have a comprehensive understanding and expertise in sustainable design and manufacturing processes, construction technology, building services, and the application and benefits of building information modelling.

This module introduces you to the various stages of the design, from strategic definition through to technical design. Alongside this it will examine various traditional and modern construction technologies, starting with residential and low-rise construction types before moving on to more complex commercial, industrial, and multi-storey construction typologies. Additionally, you will explore the incorporation of building services such as water, heating, drainage, energy, and data in a sustainable manner, minimizing the environmental impact of construction projects and building operation.

You will consider the impact of factors such as climate change, urbanization, carbon reduction targets, skill shortages, and material availability on the design and manufacturing processes, construction technologies and structural forms adopted by the built environment sector.

You will examine the role of government legislation and regulation in construction, including the significance of workforce safety and building occupant safety during the construction phase and building handover.

By the end of the module, you will have a solid understanding and appreciation of various construction technologies and building services and their contribution towards a sustainable built environment. Moreover, you will have developed valuable technical, research, and critical thinking skills, including a proficiency in interpreting construction information.

Completing this module will enable students to understand and evaluate the role and impact of design and construction technology in fostering a sustainable built environment.

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Managing Risk and Uncertainty (core, 20 credits)

This module currently runs:

• spring semester - Wednesday morning

The aim of this module is to provide the student with knowledge and understanding of risk and uncertainty theories and an appreciation of the differences between risks found on different project types.

Responding to today’s highly complex project landscapes, the module looks at risk management in a contemporary way, including complex projects which involve an unusual degree of uncertainty and unpredictability.

The module will introduce students to risk analysis techniques and how they can help the project team in making decisions under a highly dynamic project landscape. It will provide students with the tools to identify and assess risk and make informed decisions including how to manage risks within the context of a changing project environment. The module looks at “managing change” from the perspective of the risks involved.

By the end of the module students should be able to critically evaluate the following:

• The level of individual element and overall project risk
• Project complexity and risk
• Tools available to manage qualitative and quantitative project risks
• Appropriate means to manage risk
• The links between project change and risks

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Procurement and Contract Practice (core, 20 credits)

This module currently runs:

• autumn semester - Monday afternoon

The module aims to provide the student with a critical awareness of the processes behind successful procurement and contract management of a construction project. It aims to develop their knowledge and understanding of the legal and contractual context within which construction projects operate and the project context’s which influence the procurement strategy. The module will explain the fundamental concepts of procurement and contracting as well as examining the project procurement management knowledge area processes: plan procurements, conduct procurements, administer procurements, and close procurements. It also covers project outsourcing techniques and tools including soliciting, selecting, and managing subcontractors. It will examine the construction project procurement cycle and the statutory and legal frameworks which need to be accounted for. Particular attention will be given towards sustainable procurement and the influence of an organisation’s Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy on project finance and procurement.

The knowledge gained will enable the student to propose project contract and procurement strategies for planning, decision making and control.

By the end of the module students should be able to critically evaluate the following:

• the principles of contract law.
• the roles and responsibilities of the contract parties.
• contract selection and procurement routes.
• procurement strategies available for different project types
• the impact of governance on a project procurement strategy for public and private projects
• how a procurement method contributes to an organisation and/or projects ESG goals
• the use of digital tools to aid procurement
• standard form of contracts and their procurement terms.
• techniques to manage disputes towards resolution

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Quantity Surveying Practice (core, 20 credits)

This module will focus on the practice of quantity surveying and will draw upon the knowledge and understanding gained from other modules on the course. The aim of the module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of quantity surveying practice in the context of a complete construction project, from both client and contractor perspectives. The objective of the module is to develop the skills necessary to practice as a quantity surveyor in a consultancy or commercial management role.

You will evaluate the factors which affect design economics across the whole building lifecycle, including both capital and lifecycle costs. You will study how a quantity surveyor needs to be expert in cost planning and through doing so gain a detailed knowledge as to how cost planning during the design development stage of a project can assist with the financial control of a project. This will involve you studying aspects of practice which include the rules under which order of cost estimates and elemental cost plans are produced and how value engineering can be used to control project costs. You will gain an understanding of how construction works are quantified and costed, including the use of standard methods of measurement at different stages of the project and the production of pricing documents such as schedules of works and bills of quantities.

Moving on from the design stage you will consider how costs and cashflow can be effectively controlled during the construction phase of a project and appraise principles and practice of controlling and reporting costs on a construction project. You will study methods of cost reporting and forecasting and how to actively manage provisional sums and contingencies.

Throughout the module you will be required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role of the professional bodies, including their expectations regarding ethics, rules of conduct and professionalism. This will require you to demonstrate that you have an awareness of the importance of the principles and practice of client care in quantity surveying practice, and to evaluate the contributions of cultural diversity, gender equality, and intercultural issues to support ethically aware, collaborative professional practice.

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Sustainable Built Environments (core, 20 credits)

This module currently runs:

• spring semester - Monday afternoon

The module aims to develop a critical awareness of the background and drivers for sustainable development. It will explore the development of the sustainability agenda, different approaches to sustainable development and the key trends in society that affect, and are affected by, the built environment. It will consider how climate change, urbanisation and other factors are placing pressure on the built environment across the globe to deliver agile and appropriate responses to challenges such as accelerated climate change, extreme weather and societal change.

The knowledge gained will enable the student to understand the impact of the built environment sector on the sustainability agenda.

By the end of the module students should be able to critically evaluate the following:

• the background behind the sustainability in the built environment agenda
• drivers for change and appropriate responses
• the role of development in maintaining and sustaining the wider environment
• techniques that can be adopted to reduce our built environment operational energy demand
• the different types of infrastructure and their role in achieving sustainable built environments
• strategies to ensure energy security positioned within a low carbon energy mix

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Where this course can take you

As a quantity surveying and commercial management graduate, your in-the-know knowledge of the built environment sector, alongside the surveying skills gained, will be highly valuable to today’s employers, across a range of sectors.

Government bodies, both central and local, offer graduates employment opportunities within this area. A major source of employment also comes from the private sector.

Typical employers include:

• Major UK and international construction companies and consultancies
• Residential and commercial property developers
• Construction and civil engineering contractors
• Public sector organisations
• Specialist consultants, including engineering, cost consultants and environmental consultancy

Through this course, you will develop a range of skills that will be valued by employers within other sectors too, from project management and procurement, to finance and general management skills.

Who is this course for?

This course is the perfect conversion course for those who have a degree in a subject unrelated to construction and surveying. It’s also perfect for those who are already embarking on a career path within the industry and those who are completely new to the subject – regardless of your journey, London Met welcomes you.

All our students share a common aspiration, to become experts in their chosen field and contribute to the creation and maintenance of a usable, accessible and sustainable built environment.

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When to apply

You are advised to apply as early as possible as applications will only be considered if there are places available on the course.

To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.