TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Building Surveying

Build expertise in the care, repair and conservation of buildings. With lectures, site visits and an optional paid placement, you’ll be ready for careers in building surveying, property management, project management and building regulation.

Our typical offer

104 UCAS points

Accredited professional pathway

Graduate on the preferred route to RICS, CIOB, and CABE chartered membership, boosting career prospects in building surveying and construction management.

Real-world projects and industry insight

Develop practical skills and professional confidence through live client projects, site visits and guidance from industry advisers – including the option to take a year-long paid work placement.

Cutting-edge facilities and software

Learn using industry-standard software and specialist labs, studios and digital tools to prepare for the technological demands of modern building surveying.
BSc (Hons) Building Surveying
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About

There’s a big focus on sustainability, which I love. We learn things about low energy building design and how to build in a more eco-friendly way. It makes it feel like we’re really doing something that matters.

Hear directly from Built Environment students about how helpful and experienced tutors are, what the facilities are like, how well the course prepares you for a career, and what it feels like to live in Plymouth.

This course is for you if...

you’re passionate about the care, conservation and restoration of buildings
Engineer in hard hat
you aspire to work in a professional, accredited role in the construction, property, or surveying sectors
Engineer with hard hat in front of laptop
you want hands-on experience in surveying, construction projects and building management
Engineer in hard hat holding document in front of building
you want to work on projects that impact real-world buildings and communities
Three individuals below a globe, depicting community

Details

 
 
 

Year 1

Your first year introduces the core principles of construction, management and building science. You’ll develop knowledge in economics, construction materials and building physics, while building digital skills in modelling and design. Through collaborative projects, you’ll take on professional roles in a simulated client brief, gaining teamwork, communication and time management skills. Site surveying, lab-based experiments and placement preparation provide a strong foundation for your future studies and career.
Built environment students doing quantity surveying on campus

Core modules

BLDG402
Principles of Economics and Management 20 credits

This module presents the fundamental economic and financial techniques used to critically analyse the cost of a project and its financial feasibility. The module also introduces the students to the communication and team management theories and techniques necessary to successfully complete construction projects.

100% Coursework

BLDG405
Built Environment Project 1 20 credits

This module encourages students to implement the knowledge in construction technologies as well as the team working, time management and graphical representation skills developed in the course. It involves designing a domestic building according to a realistic brief set by a client in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student assumes different roles, including building surveyor, construction manager, building services engineer, and architectural engineer.

100% Coursework

BLDG406
Fundamentals of Construction 20 credits

This module introduces students to the construction industry and the relationship between construction and the local, regional and global environment and presents the characteristics and requirements of the different professional disciplines involved in construction industry. It also provides students with fundamental knowledge, underlying concepts and principles in the areas of domestic building technology and the construction process, including domestic building services.

100% Coursework

BLDG407
Building Physics 20 credits

This module introduces students to building science and physics, necessary to appreciate how buildings perform. Laboratory-based sessions allow students to experience the measurement and assessment of building performance by practical experimentation with thermal comfort, daylighting, noise levels, and electricity consumption.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG409
Digital Built Environment 20 credits

This module provides students with the information, communication, graphical representation and digital modelling skills needed for the design, construction and management of building projects by means of a combination of lectures and practical on 2D, 3D and modelling tools.

100% Coursework

CIVL102
Construction Materials and Site Surveying 20 credits

This module offers a dynamic blend of theory and hands-on learning, giving students a solid understanding of essential construction materials and site surveying techniques. It explores the origins, properties, quality, and sustainability of a wide range of materials, while highlighting the vital role of accurately locating features on site.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

FAPY100
Stage 1 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll deepen your expertise in building surveying practice, learning how to diagnose building defects, conduct professional condition surveys and understand refurbishment and retrofitting processes. You’ll explore contract procedures, cost estimating and dispute resolution, while developing knowledge of building services engineering for larger projects. Collaborative design challenges and construction technology modules build your practical skills, while placement preparation supports your search for real-world industry experience in Year 3.
Building surveying and construction

Core modules

BLDG504
Building Surveying Principles and Practices 20 credits

This module aims to ensure the students acquire and practice knowledge and skills that are essential to core building surveying practice. The module will help students gain knowledge of building pathology and forensics, including diagnosis of common building defects in domestic scale buildings, causes of building deterioration, development of a professional condition survey, and health and safety practices in remediating building defects.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG506
Contract Procedures 20 credits

Construction projects normally involve a large number of individual companies due to the fragmented supply chain in the sector. This module allows students to appreciate the complexity associated with procurement and project contract administration. It provide students with a deeper understanding of cost estimating, project feasibility studies and dispute resolution in the construction industry. Students will also gain practical experience of using computer programs used for cost estimating.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG510
Property Development and Refurbishment 20 credits

This module will introduce you to the reuse and adaptation of existing buildings, as well as provide a detailed understanding of the technical, environmental and regulatory aspects associated with building refurbishment and the retrofitting process. The module will also provide you with an understanding of planning and development procedures for existing building projects.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG511
Building Services Engineering 20 credits

This module provides students with further knowledge, underlying concepts and principles in the areas of building science and building services technologies for large and non-domestic buildings.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

FAPY200
Stage 2 Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking a company placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (FAPY100) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

BLDG512
Construction Technology 20 credits

This module will expand the knowledge in building technology and processes gained in Year 1. Focusing on the design and construction of framed buildings, the module provides the student with a full understanding of current and innovative building technologies, materials and systems.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG515
Common Challenge: Built Environment 20 credits

This module encourages students to implement the knowledge in construction technologies as well as the team working, time management and graphical representation skills developed in the course. It involves designing a framed and complex building, or a specific building element contained in it, according to a realistic brief set by a client in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student assumes different construction roles.

100% Coursework

Optional placement year

In your third year, you will have the opportunity to undertake an optional year of professional paid training in an approved placement with a suitable company in the UK or abroad.
Construction building surveying placement

Core modules

FAPY602
Industry Placement

A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

Final year

Your final year brings together everything you’ve learned, preparing you for professional practice. You’ll develop advanced knowledge of sustainability and safety in construction and gain a detailed understanding of building and property law. Modules in professional surveying practice and project work enable you to apply your expertise to real-world commissions, while the research methods and dissertation project give you the opportunity to explore a specialist area of your choice. By graduation, you’ll be ready to enter the industry as a confident, skilled and ethically aware professional.
land surveying

Core modules

BLDG603
Sustainable and Safe Construction 20 credits

With the aim of achieving a more sustainable and safe construction industry in mind, this module provides students with in-depth understanding and critical awareness in sustainability and safety related issues related to the built environment. The module focuses on developing the skills to critically appraise and reduce the impact of buildings and construction on environmental, economic, social and health and safety aspects whilst meeting the needs of a sustainable built environment.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG604
Building and Property Law 20 credits

This module focuses on the complex legal environment faced by construction professionals. It provides the students with an understanding of key legal principles in negligence, nuisance, trespass and other torts as well as key concepts in property and construction law. It also examines obligations and liabilities in a construction and property context.

50% Remotely delivered assessments

48% Coursework

BLDG607
Building Surveying Professional Practice 20 credits

This module addresses a detailed appreciation of the core activities undertaken and managed by practising building surveyors, including diagnosis and remediation of complex building defects, facility management, and other professional services provided by building surveyors. The module focuses on embedding knowledge and understanding issues faced by modern professionals in delivering their services in a professional and ethical manner.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

BLDG609
Built Environment Project 3 20 credits

This is primarily a student led project module encouraging the integration of knowledge and skills developed on the programme. The module involves applied research and undertaking a realistic professional commission in a collaborative and multidisciplinary exercise, where each student is required to complete those tasks relevant to the specific discipline.

100% Coursework

BLDG612
Dissertation Project 20 credits

The dissertation project provides students with a vehicle to undertake in depth research in a subject of their choice. Students undertaking this module will have developed a research proposal that is based on a solid general knowledge of the discipline of construction in Semester 1. This module builds on this introduction to research methods and carries out the actual research.

100% Coursework

BLDG611
Research Methods in the Built Environment 20 credits

This module provides students with a solid basis to undertake in depth research in a subject of their choice. It requires students to develop a research proposal that is based on a solid general knowledge of their discipline in construction. For students progressing to BLDG612, this module provides students with an understanding of the research methods necessary to undertake a dissertation in a built environment related topic.

100% Coursework

 
 
 
 
 
 

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 
 
Building surveying and construction 

Shape the future of the built environment

Building surveyors are involved in construction projects across the entire lifecycle: from assessing land and existing structures, providing professional advice on demolition, conservation and restoration, to planning and monitoring construction and managing completed buildings. 
Study a wide range of topics including building pathology and forensics, diagnosis of common building defects, development of condition surveys, health and safety, sustainable practices in remediating defects, dilapidations, building maintenance management, feasibility studies, and property legal services.
Your learning is supported by industry-standard facilities, including a dedicated design studio, specialist laboratories for materials testing and immersive visualisation and Mac and PC suites equipped with professional software such as Revit, AutoCAD, MS Project and the BCIS database.
 
 
 

Real-world, relevant and expert-led

Undergraduate civil engineering students conducting a hands-on activity in the Brunel heavy structures laboratory W14
Multidisciplinary learning environment
Challenge and develop your team working skills by working with and learning alongside students across our vibrant community, which includes construction project managers, architectural engineers and quantity surveyors.
Construction, building and engineering professionals
Learn from leaders in their fields
Our staff come from both industry and research backgrounds. Industry professionals also play an active role in the course, participating in guest lectures, workshops and tutorials. Our built environment courses have been running for over 25 years.
Industry-led projects, quantity surveying, construction project management and architecture.
Industry-led group projects
Involving the refurbishment of existing, historic and listed buildings, as well as new-build, which will help you understand the surveyor’s role and client’s requirements while developing project management skills.
 
 
 

How you will be taught and assessed

  • You will be taught through lectures, design studio sessions, laboratory work, tutorials, seminars, workshops with industry professionals, practical sessions, guest lectures and site visits.
  • You will be assessed through a combination of individual and group coursework, reports, verbal presentations and exams.
  • You will develop and employ a wide range of skills, from preparing BIM models to developing detailed condition survey reports and feasibility studies and delivering convincing visual and verbal presentations.
Building surveying and construction students
 
 
 
 

Industry-relevant experience and opportunities

With close industry links, we're able to offer a course that is relevant and up-to-date with great career prospects.

Construction building surveying placement

Optional industry work placement
To enhance your degree experience and boost your future employability, you can choose to undertake a one-year paid industry work placement.

Building surveying and construction 

Your future career
Our graduates gain employment in surveying and project management consultancies, both in the private and public sector.

Olivia smith BSc Building Surveying student

Student experience
“I spent my placement year at Malcolm Hollis LLP in their Birmingham office... on the back of my year I was offered a job with their London Office!”

 
 
 
 

Learn from our expert staff

Our knowledgable, professional and highly relatable lecturers are here to support you. 
Professor Steve Goodhew Professor of Environmental Building and Discipline Leader


Professor of Environmental Building and Discipline Leader

Dr Joao Alencastro Lecturer in Built Environment


Lecturer in Built Environment

Dr Ricky Burke Lecturer in Architecture and the Built Environment


Lecturer in Architecture and the Built Environment

Show all
 
 
 
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Group of female members of cheerleading society
Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

 
 
 
 
 
Graduate ready to shape the future of the built environment with expertise in the care, repair and conservation of buildings. 
Through live projects, site visits and placement opportunities, you’ll gain valuable industry insight and the confidence to progress into surveying, management and regulatory roles. 
Accredited by RICS, CIOB, and CABE, this course provides a preferred pathway to chartered membership and international professional recognition.
  • ]

    100% of our building surveying graduates are in work or further study

  • >

    85% of building surveying graduates say teaching staff have supported their learning well

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
On Monday 20 October 2025, the UK Government announced its intention to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students in line with inflation from 2026 onwards.
Along with other universities in the UK, the University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee. Whilst the exact details have not currently been announced, it is expected that the increase will be in the region of £400, increasing the annual tuition fee to £9,935 for 2026, which will then be subject to automatic inflationary increases thereafter. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to further Government guidance and legislation. 
The University will give further details to both prospective and current students as soon as the Government has issued further information. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£17,600 per year
Optional placement year  completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year  completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,150 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

Apply

 
 

Flexible routes for construction professionals, partner college and international students

Building Surveying and Construction students
Flexible study options
Opportunities for construction professionals to study while continuing to work. Study flexibly one or two days per week by spreading one year’s study over two years and only paying for the credits taken.
female construction students.
Already have an FdSc, HND or HNC?
Every year, new students join us directly in the second year after completing their foundation degree or HNC/HND at one of our partner colleges or elsewhere. Previous qualifications or industry experience may also be taken into consideration.
Architectural engineering international student 
Routes for international students
We offer three routes: join us for the full degree; if you are already studying building surveying or a similar course, join us directly in our second or final year; or take part in a one-year exchange programme.
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
104 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
Mathematics and English Language grade C.

A levels
104 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM
If you hold a BTEC qualification, it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.

T level
Pass (C and above).

International Baccalaureate
26. Maths and English accepted within as GCSE equivalent.
  • Other combinations and non-A level qualifications also considered.
  • Second year entry possible with a good HNC/HND or equivalent.
  • Equivalent qualifications and industry experience can be considered.
Candidates concerned about meeting this offer are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
K232
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Assessment breakdown
65% coursework 35% exams
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com
    •  

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    104 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    K232
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Assessment breakdown
    65% coursework 35% exams
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC)offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
    Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
    Book your place
    Man sitting outside with surrounded by friends
     
     
     
    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.